The Innovation Show

Why does corporate innovation fail so often — even with talented teams and strong ideas? In this episode of The Innovation Show with Aidan McCullen, intrapreneur and innovation veteran Chuck House returns to explain why innovation dies when projects, programs, and strategy aren't clearly connected — and why executives often misjudge innovation timelines because they're optimizing established businesses.
Chuck breaks down the 4 intrapreneur traits (curiosity, perspective, resilience, and comfort with data) and the overlooked career skill that makes or breaks intrapreneurs: managing down AND managing up. Learn how to build team trust, navigate organizational politics, make "invisible work" visible, and persuade decision-makers to keep the right bets alive.
He also challenges traditional project review approaches (IRR, cost/schedule targets, early sales projections) and introduces his practical alignment tool: the Return Map — a living, cross-functional view that integrates investment, revenue, and profit over time, assigns accountability across functions, and forces iterative re-forecasting as reality changes (slips, market windows, manufacturing costs, and sales forecasts).
In this episode
Why innovation feels like "snakes and ladders" inside large organisations

Steve Jobs as a blueprint: iPod → iTunes → iPhone as a strategic cycle

Managing up: credibility, trust, and navigating corporate politics

Why HQ metrics can kill risky projects too early

Brunnergrams vs strategy: what engineering tracking misses

How Return Maps improve alignment, accountability, and forecasting

Teaser: a future conversation with Kodak digital camera inventor Steve Sasson

Sponsor: Kyndryl

This week's guest is David Rogers, Columbia Business School professor and author of Digital Transformation Playbook.
We discuss digital transformation strategy, AI in business, disruptive innovation, platform business models, network effects, and leadership in the age of AI.
If you're navigating digital transformation or AI strategy, this episode is essential listening.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:35 Meet the Digital Transformation Expert
01:38 Impact of the Digital Transformation Playbook
05:40 Evolution of Digital Transformation
07:24 The Role of AI in Digital Transformation
09:21 Frameworks and Theories of Disruption
09:38 The Story of Encyclopedia Britannica
16:59 Understanding Business Disruption
24:44 Disruptive Business Model Map
33:12 Understanding Network Effects
34:41 Same Side vs. Cross Side Network Effects
38:01 The Challenge of Competition in Platform Businesses
42:21 The Importance of Platform Business Models
46:13 Four Types of Platform Businesses
49:19 Platform Business Model Map
54:28 Value Train Analysis
01:02:22 The Evolution of Digital Transformation
 
Find David:
https://davidrogers.digital/about/

In this episode, we explore the strategic brilliance of Taylor Swift with Kevin Evers, author of There's Nothing Like This. From genre-shifting reinventions to billion-dollar tours, Taylor's evolution isn't just musical—it's a masterclass in brand, resilience, and audience engagement.
🎯 We cover:
The pivot from country to global pop dominance
How Taylor handled public backlash & the Kanye/Kardashian controversy
Her savvy response to the streaming revolution
Ownership battles over her masters and how it reshaped the industry
Building the Eras Tour as a pinnacle of fan-first strategy
What businesses can learn from Taylor's "anti-fragile" mindset
Whether you're a fan, a founder, or fascinated by the music business, this is a powerful look at how strategy meets stardom.
🔗 Learn more about Kevin's book: nothinglikethisbook.com
🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to support the show!
https://thethursdaythought.substack.com

In this episode, Aidan McCullen welcomes Kevin Evers, editor at Harvard Business Review Press and author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift. Together, they explore how Taylor Swift built not just a music career—but a global business empire.
From fearless reinvention and blue ocean strategy to her mastery of fan engagement and brand evolution, Taylor Swift's rise is a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and vision. Learn how her career mirrors the strategic moves of top businesses, and what leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators can take away from her story.
Tune in for:
The psychology and strategy behind Swift's career decisions
How she shaped fan culture and digital engagement
Lessons in brand authenticity, creative growth, and leadership
What businesses can learn from Swift's reinvention and market disruption
Whether you're a Swiftie, strategist, or business leader, this episode offers sharp insights into how to turn art into lasting impact.
Find Kevin: https://www.nothinglikethisbook.com

📘 Guest: Joel Schwartzberg, author of Get to the Point & The Language of Leadership
In this episode, we cut through the noise and get straight to the point—literally. Communication expert and author Joel Schwartzberg returns to discuss the art and science of clarity in communication. Whether you're a leader, innovator, speaker, or simply want to stop rambling and start resonating, this episode is packed with practical, game-changing advice.
We explore:
Why having a clear point is the cornerstone of influence

How to sharpen your message with Joel's "I believe" and "XY" tests

The power of pausing, volume, and emotional contagion in speech

How to handle interruptions with grace and still deliver your message

Real-life analysis of effective speeches (including a powerful moment from Demi Moore)

The role of AI in crafting and questioning your communication

Sticking the landing: how to end your message with lasting impact

💡 If you've ever struggled to communicate a big idea or felt your message wasn't landing—this episode is your ultimate toolkit.
🔗 Show Notes & Resources:
Joel's website: joelschwartzberg.net

Book: Get to the Point (Updated 10-Year Anniversary Edition)

Sponsored by: Kyndryl.com

Innovation Show https://thethursdaythought.substack.com