Stop Thinking Disruptively, Start Thinking Pragmatically
As published in
There seems to be a popular opinion that disruption is always a good thing and always necessary, but neither notion is true.
First, disruption must be considered in relation to the context in which you operate; what may seem disruptive to one company or industry may not be as critical to another.
Second, relying on “disruption” as a strategy or plan immediately creates a mindset based on the assumption that what every company needs, and what every team member needs to produce, is that magical billion-dollar idea that alters the foundation of everything we know about a business, concept, or approach—a cataclysmic burst of creativity that rocks the world. The fact remains, however, that these events are rare. Instead, when disruptive changes occur, they are usually the result of a long chain of events.
When leaders are on the hunt for billion-dollar ideas, the concept of moonshots takes precedence over small, measurable milestones. In the process, teams often lose touch with reality, focus on the high-tech flavor of the month, miss out on opportunities to innovate, and, in the end, fail.
As a leader, you need to focus on a clear vision, pragmatic strategy, and execution in small, measurable milestones. Rather than thinking and innovating disruptively, think about disruption, and understand how innovation can help create opportunities from the changes taking place around you. Don’t start big; start small. Measurable execution over time creates experience, credibility, and true innovation.
Summary
Be pragmatic; not all innovations need to be “disruptive.” Your goal as a leader is to create a culture that understands and recognizes disruption, while focusing on a balanced strategy through reasonable goals and execution in small, measurable milestones.
Tips
- Instead of “thinking disruptively” think pragmatically.
- Work with disruption to find new opportunities to create value and solve problems.
- Execute on strategy in small, measurable milestones.
- Build on past successes and failures through a steady, incremental approach.
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What Alex Can Do For You
Developed and led AI and Innovation strategy for multiple Fortune 100 companies, driving double-digit revenue growth.
Over 20 years of hands-on experience driving transformative business and technology solutions for global brands like Dell, Amgen, IBM, Pfizer, and Cisco.
Recognized by Forbes as “One of the World’s Top Experts on Innovation” and named a “Top AI Keynote Speaker to Watch.”
Frequent contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, sharing actionable insights on AI strategy, the future of work, and innovation.
What sets Alex apart from other top AI speakers and innovation experts?
With AI and innovation elevated to buzzwords, there are plenty of speakers in this space. While many offer insightful keynotes, few can bring the depth of understanding, hands-on experience, and diverse viewpoints that Alex can. Alex doesn’t just talk about AI and innovation. He’s led it at Dell, Pfizer, and Cisco. He’s sat across from C-Suite execs to build global innovation plans. And he’s resonated with audiences at Google, AWS, Disney, Coca Cola, and dozens of other companies with keynotes tailored to their unique AI opportunities. A frequent contributor to Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, Alex has been identified as a Top AI Voice on LinkedIn. He is also the author of a Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Fearless Innovation. Alex’s style is personable, approachable, and human. It’s never caught up in techspeak, or jargon so he resonates with any audience. Learn more about what sets Alex apart. Get in touch.
How does Alex customize keynotes and workshops?
No two organizations’ AI or innovation opportunities, or challenges, are the same. So canned keynotes or one-size-fits-all workshops just won’t do. Instead, Alex uses AI and data to tailor his engagements with available pre-event surveys. Analyzing responses, Alex customizes his content to address key needs and pain points, ensuring his message is meaningful. Speaking with leadership and other event stakeholders, Alex further customizes the content to ensure resonance and relevance, engaging audiences. Add it all up and you have keynotes and workshops that feel like they’ve been created for you—because they were. Learn more about Alex’s methodology. Get in touch.
What events and audiences are right for Alex?
With so much experience leading large-scale innovation initiatives, Alex is able to reach and resonate with any audience, no matter their knowledge level, industry, culture, or department. Captivating audiences from a live stage, or a virtual event, Alex is a fixture at C-Suite summits, innovation conferences, policy talks, offsites, and employee all hands meetings, plus governmental and academia events. An audience looking for fresh perspectives, real solutions, and custom content will find Alex’s keynotes engaging and actionable with ideas they can start applying right away. Curious about Alex’s recommendations for your event? Get in touch.
What companies and organizations have worked with Alex?
Alex’s roster of past clients, keynote engagements, and employers reads like a Wikipedia entry of the world’s most innovative, respected organizations. Disney, Coca Cola, ISO, AWS, Google, LEGO, CAT, IBM, Cisco, Dell, and dozens of other organizations have benefited from Alex’s keynotes, workshops, and strategic advisory services. As the former Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, leader of global Innovation Centers and Smart City programs in 7 countries, and creator of innovation tracks for 3 Olympics, Alex’s real-world experience magnifies his impact upon any organization he partners with. Additionally, Alex has worked hands-on with governments, industry groups,startups and scaleups, plus large academic institutions, like the University of Delaware and The University of California, impacting 300,000+ students and thousands of faculty.
What topics does Alex Goryachev cover in keynotes and workshops?
While every keynote or workshop is customized to an event or audience, Alex is often requested by clients to bring a fresh perspective and real-world expertise on topics, including: AI’s impact on work and education Innovation in the age of AI Building buy-in and reducing hesitancy towards AI Policy and ethics related to AI C-Suite and leadership insights on AI Employee engagement in innovation The impact of AI on society Use cases, solutions, and strategies for AI and innovation Innovation culture and proven frameworks Reskilling and workforce preparedness Education and academia policy Government AI policy and legislation For additional topic ideas and recommendations for your event, get in touch.
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