SYPartners

Forget the big splash, make ripples. This is my key takeaway from one of my conversations with Kendra Cooke about innovation. She says, “Instead of one big ripple from a big rock, think of it as a series of stones being thrown for continuous change.” We all dream of coming up with the "big rock" innovation that disrupts the entire industry. But looking at innovation as small stones with big ripples makes this perspective feels more effective because it positions us for the long game. This perspective emphasizes the importance of consistent, incremental improvements over a singular, groundbreaking event. Momentum > monolith. Throwing smaller stones allows for continuous testing, iteration, and refinement, building momentum towards a larger goal. It makes space for grace. We must also remember that markets are becoming more dynamic. Fast-changing. A steady stream of innovations allows you to adapt to changing needs and stay ahead of the curve. It’s growing with resilience and the flexibility to pivot as necessary. How does this perspective impact the people we work with? Small, ongoing changes creates a culture of experimentation and collaboration within your teams, unlocking creativity and buy-in. It will involve regular brainstorming sessions, enabling cross-departmental collaboration, and implementation of agile methodologies. Leaders who embrace this approach demonstrate foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong growth and learning through calculated risks. They show that they value ongoing progress and are committed to creating an environment where innovation is not just a one-time event but a perpetual motion. Are you ready to make waves? Share your thoughts and experiences. Let's discuss how small, consistent changes can lead to big transformations. And stay tuned for the release of The LEAP Guide, packed with insights and frameworks to help you navigate the exciting world of continuous innovation.  (c) Image from The Ripple Effect exhibition in Liepaja #Innovation #Improvement #Leadership

Excited to share news about changes in the leadership of the Data & Trust Alliance. But first a bit of the back story... More than four years ago, Kenneth I. Chenault, Sam Palmisano and a small group of CEOs of leading companies anticipated the arrival of AI. They realized that business had to get it right -- both to unlock AI's value for business and society and to do so in ways that earn trust with all stakeholders. And they knew this could only be achieved through action -- through actual business practice, not pledges and white papers. That's how the Data & Trust Alliance formed in 2020 and this singular mission continues to guide our work. Today our 29 members include some of the most influential leaders in business across all industries, including American Express, AT&T, CVS Health, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Mastercard, Nike, Pfizer, Salesforce, UPS, Walmart and Warby Parker. The Alliance created the first algorithmic safeguards for use by HR functions to guide AI-supported workforce decisions, the first "new diligence" criteria for M&A teams to assess the value and risks of data- and AI-centric companies, and most recently the first cross-industry standards for data provenance, which are vital for AI trustworthiness. Today, we announced that Saira Jesani is succeeding me as Executive Director; I will become Executive Chairman. Saira has led all of the Alliance's projects over the past four years. She is thoughtful and tireless, collaborative and passionate about our mission. Under her leadership, the Alliance will only intensify and broaden the impact of its work, which is needed more than ever. Details about Saira and her background can be found in this article. https://lnkd.in/eXSUhw_k #responsibleAI #AI #genAI

Recently, The Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program (EEP) and SYPartners joined forces to create a guide on Building #Coalitions. In the #climate space, the need for concerted and collaborative action has never been more apparent. While individual efforts are valuable, true potential for change lies in collective action toward a common goal: safeguarding our planet for #futuregenerations. Read more on our blog post: https://lnkd.in/e3YvqYqx

We all want to be more creative. But, we also need to be efficient. Our jobs (and capitalism) incentivize us for productivity. Our brains can default to the easiest path to an easy outcome. True creativity requires an open mind, risk-taking, and the possibility of failure, all of which can contradict our instincts and the momentum of productivity. If strategy is the oxygen for business, discovery is the oxygen for creativity. To truly innovate and create anew, we need both. What do we do?