Challenging the Model: Innovation, Disruption, and Taking Back Control

We recently released the premiere episode of our podcast, ‘Challenging the Model: Where Academic Thinking Meets Real World Leadership.’

Filmed in Harvard and hosted by Aidan McCullen, the episode features a discussion between Harvard Business Professor Linda Hill, author Scott D. Anthony, and Origina’s very own Tomás O’Leary. Their conversation was packed with insights on innovation and leadership in an era of disruption.

Defined By Disruption

The current technology landscape is defined by constant change. As Scott puts it, “We are in a moment right now where there is non-stop disruption, where everybody is feeling it.” However, many organizations still cling to traditional methods and outdated ideas about innovation, leadership, and identity. In a time of disruption, this can prove fatal.

The current thinking is that the new era will belong to leaders and organizations who remain curious, innovative, and willing to challenge and overcome barriers, including those within their own organizations. During the discussion, Scott describes unstated fears in many businesses “If you change, you invalidate your entire identity.” However, change is right at the heart of the organizations that continue to thrive in times of disruption.

Real Innovation

One of the major issues holding many businesses back currently is, as Tomás describes it, “a view in technology that the only innovation is something new.” Ironically, this thinking is increasingly dated. New platforms, systems, and tools are represented as being inherently innovative. However, organizations need to interrogate exactly what they are delivering. What is presented as digital transformation is often “just churn.” Linda says it best when she describes true innovation as “…anything that is new and useful to the organization.” In other words, it doesn’t need to be flashy; it just needs to add real value.

Origina has always considered innovation an essential part of creating value for our customers. It means eliminating dependency on vendors and giving customers back control of their technology roadmaps. It means preventing forced migrations and resource-intensive upgrades that add little or no real value. This, in turn, provides our customers with a stronger platform for their own innovation.

New Thinking

In the big strategic discussions, “…there’s nobody new being brought in.” Decisions based on the same perspectives and assumptions will naturally tend towards maintaining the status quo. There may be adjustments to strategies and processes, but there won’t be truly innovative, challenging, or disruptive thinking.

Decision-making processes must be open and diverse to produce new ideas. Linda argues that business strategies should incorporate “…a competition of ideas.” This requires business leaders to be brave enough to embrace change and new thinking from all areas of their business. Scott adds that business leaders need to “be more curious.”

The truth is– innovation doesn’t always need to be a new technology, service, or product. According the Tomás, at Origina the most innovative thing going on is “the way we’re treating our customers.” This means understanding their challenges, supporting their strategic decisions, and empowering them to move forward on their own terms. Innovation is first and foremost about people.

Restoring the Balance of Power

Tomás points to a profound shift in the balance of power within the world of technology. “The power is increasingly going to the supply chain.” This has created a scenario where, as he puts it, “…you can’t buy technology anymore. You can only rent it.” As well as leading to spiralling costs and wasted resources, this creates vendor lock-in and undermines an organization’s ability to chart its own path. Tomás’ warning rings increasingly true today “You need to look inside to where you’re ceding control of the direction of your company.”

However, he believes that a sea change is coming: “People don’t like what they are seeing.” There is currently a “grassroots movement” among customers who want to take back power. They are tired of unnecessary churn, reduced control, and increasing costs. Origina helps customers take back control of their roadmaps, avoid forced migrations, and get full value from the investments that they have already made. Organizations are increasingly resistant to ceding control, and increasingly aware that there are alternatives. Innovation can take many forms, and Origina is at the forefront of pushing that thinking. As Tomás puts it “Life is much more interesting if you blend the old with the new.”

For more insights on innovation, leadership, and taking back control of your technology roadmap, check out the full episode here:

 Looking to free up more of your IT budget for innovation? Talk to Origina today.