Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Curious & Cuirky

n these fascinating round-table webinars, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business-related topics in talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. This month we explore how small signals turn into big shifts: 1. 🌭 How a hot dog built an empire: Why Costco’s smallest promise became its strongest strategy. 2. 💊 Why male birth control might actually work this time. 3. 🐟 Blockchain + Tuna = A better world 4. 📘 Creative ways to build resilience beyond the usual playbook. Different industries. Unexpected connections. One common thread: strategy lives in the promises we make. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious.

Curious & Cuirky, crafted by Caltech CTME, is an engaging monthly live webcast series bringing curious thought leaders from Caltech Executive Education together to share fresh insights on the hottest and most innovative news in business, culture, technology, enterprise, and creative expression. In these fascinating round-table webinars, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business-related topics in lightning talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious. You'll walk away with unique perspectives that stimulate your creativity! Here's what we'll be talking about... Nothing Day National Nothing Day In 1972, journalist Harold Pullman Coffin created National Nothing Day, a “non-event” observed every January 16th by “doing nothing.” Turns out, unless you’re contemplating black holes or a Seinfeld episode, thinking about nothing is hard. Let’s consider five somethings for nothing. January 2026 What Was That Again? From Ozempic to Cancer-Detecting Dogs: Why Smart Companies Still Get Signals Wrong Using examples ranging from Ozempic’s impact on restaurants, to Barnes & Noble’s response to Amazon, we'll show you the difference between strategic success and overreaction. Jan 2026 Leading Like You're Five How do curiosity, honesty, and play build better leaders? Instead of demanding answers, curious leaders ask questions; instead of pretending to know, they admit uncertainty; and instead of rigid processes, they encourage playful experimentation, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, learn, and innovate.

Curious & Cuirky, crafted by Caltech CTME, is an engaging monthly live webcast series bringing curious thought leaders from Caltech Executive Education together to share fresh insights on the hottest and most innovative news in business, culture, technology, enterprise, and creative expression. In these fascinating round-table webinars, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business-related topics in lightning talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious. You'll walk away with unique perspectives that stimulate your creativity! Here's what we'll be talking about... Time Mag 2025 Inventions Best Inventions of 2025! Time Magazine’s 100 Best Inventions! Let's imagine what might have inspired some of 2025's most innovative inventions including: How to help cows burp less, wishing for a pacemaker you can inject into babies that also happens to be smaller than a grain of rice! Curious? Let’s get inventing! Netflix Paramount Comcast High Stakes 'War Game' The unfolding battle among Netflix, Warner Bros., and Paramount is a real-time strategy playing out on the global media stage. We'll break down this ‘War Game’ in action—and what it teaches organizations about navigating disruption and simulating strategic options using AI and War Gaming techniques. DoJ Security Transportation Transportation of Evidence Within the Department of Justice (DoJ) is a specialized logistics niche where security, compliance, and precision take precedence over speed or cost. We'll explore the critical role of chain of custody, tamper-proof packaging, and secure supply chains in preserving evidentiary integrity.

Curious & Quirky unpacks innovation and gives you a fresh take on what leaders and teams get right...mostly. Our webcast series unites provocative thought leaders from Caltech Executive Education as they share fresh insights on the hottest happenings in the technology-driven business to get to the big why—examining thought processes, choices, and implications. In our November 21 livestream webcast we discuss a wide range of compelling topics in business, culture, current events, science, and technology. See how to converge ideas with practical approaches.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Leadership Welcome to the Making AI Possible Podcast—your monthly deep dive into the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and how they’re shaping the world around us. Produced at Caltech in Pasadena, California, this series features in-depth conversations with the people driving AI innovation forward. This podcast series features the latest AI advancements with some of the brightest minds in the field, such as groundbreaking research from AI industry leaders, labs here on campus, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which Caltech manages for NASA. In our October 7 session of Making AI Possible, Director of AI Programs, Nicholas Beaudoin, sits down with Dr. Crystal Dilworth, Caltech PhD, global science communicator, and host of the 100+ year Watson Lecture series, about the evolving intersection of science communication and artificial intelligence. They discuss what AI can and cannot solve in bridging the gap between research and leadership, share stories of AI as both a personal collaborator and a team thought partner, and explore how AI systems carry cultural assumptions into the workplace and beyond. From training scientists to lead in entrepreneurial spaces, to weighing whether enterprise AI choices reflect or reshape organizational values, this conversation challenges us to consider how the tools we deploy shape the future we want to build. Dr. Crystal Dilworth, AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador for STEM, is an international voice for science, strategic communicator, and non-profit board member. She received her PhD from the Caltech division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in 2014 and for the last decade has worked as a science communicator, television correspondent, and start-up advisor. She is host of the historic Watson Lectures series at Caltech, and can also be found on networks including Voice of America, Al Jazeera, and CBS. Off-screen, Dr. Dilworth works closely with academic groups and early stage start-ups, training faculty and founders in public speaking, leadership communication, and storytelling. She is an advisor for the AI working group of the Future Talent Council, helping build best practices for AI integration into higher ed and executive leadership environments, and the start-up software company Instill.ai, building the world's first AI powered "culture operating system". ♦ As Caltech CTME's Affiliate Director of AI Programs, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations

Curious & Cuirky, crafted by Caltech, is an engaging monthly Zoom series bringing curious thought leaders from Caltech Executive Education together to share fresh insights on the hottest and most innovative news in the business world. In these fascinating round-table webinars, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business topics in lightning talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious. You'll walk away with a unique perspective on how to manage business challenges and stimulate your creativity. You won't want to miss it! Here's what we'll be talking about... Relax and unwind Relaaaax! August 15th is National Relaxation Day. In Bryan Mattimore’s new book, Genius at Your Side, Solving Everyday Problems with Help from History’s Greats, our great coach, Walt Whitman, gives us advice on how to stop rushing through life: "loafe at ease, observing a spear of summer grass." Harley Davidson motorcycle Born to Be Wild From Tattoos to Turnaround: Harley-Davidson was once the ultimate symbol of brand devotion—customers even tattooed their logo on their bodies! But the brand has drifted from its core identity, illustrating the cost of losing strategic focus and customer alignment. Supply Chain Management Getting it Right McMurdo Station is America’s Antarctic research station located on the southern tip of Ross Island. Its remote location and harsh climate demand exceptional supply chain management. Global supply chains that cannot fail may learn valuable lessons from this science outpost.

Curious & Cuirky, crafted by Caltech, is an engaging monthly Zoom series bringing curious thought leaders from Caltech Executive Education together to share fresh insights on the hottest and most innovative news in the business world.

In these fascinating round-table webinars, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business topics in lightning talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious. You'll walk away with a unique perspective on how to manage business challenges and stimulate your creativity. You won't want to miss it!

Here's what we'll be talking about...

Open Sesame

The Gate Was There for a Reason

We delve into lessons in career growth, discipline, and dad wisdom—honoring the long path and those who taught us to walk it.

 

AI Technology Fog

In today’s AI gold rush, it’s easy to lose sight of strategy in the stampede for tools. We'll explore how history’s tech missteps offer the clarity we need to navigate in today’s AI-driven fog.

 

Tariff Lessons

Perhaps historical tariff lessons can clarify some of the predicted consequences and eventual outcomes of today's tariff climate. Are you ready to sleep more soundly?

One Product, Many Jobs

In today’s economy, the most profitable growth isn’t coming from more customers—it’s coming from doing more for the ones you already have. We’ll explore the rising trend of multi-functional B2B solutions, why they're newsworthy now, and how to unlock hidden value by building your product to do more for your customers.

 

Learning from Misfits

The Wild, the Wise, and the Wonderfully Stubborn: Leadership Lessons from Fiction’s Misfits: What do a gardener, a delusional knight, a small-town lawyer, and a witty heroine have in common? With a mixed bag of unique challenges and misfortunes, they know more about leadership than most business books combined.

 

Whatcha Gonna Ask?

Your partner in question...

Dr. W. Edwards Deming, business theorist, economist, and the father of quality management, said, “If you don't know how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.” Curious how you can get better at “asking the right question?” Let’s ask AI for some help…and invent a new game in the process!

In this 45-minute session, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business topics in lightning talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious. You'll walk away with a unique perspective on how to manage business challenges and stimulate your creativity. You won't want to miss it!

Here's What We'll Be Talking About

Seeing into the future: The Power to Predict: How AI is Changing B2B Sales and Customer Strategy

What if you could anticipate customer needs, predict deal success, prepare for future trends, and stop churn before it happens? AI-powered predictive analytics is transforming B2B sales, turning guesswork into precision decision-making—and giving companies a powerful edge.

Tariff uncertainty: Tariff Turmoil

The once-steady foundation of value-based versus cost-based pricing strategy is starting to crumble in real-time as businesses struggle with immediate cost increases having little to do with the value of their product. Adjusting to this situation presents a challenge: how to you price strategically when tariffs increase your costs, but not your value?

Curious & Cuirky

Ready, Set ... GO!

"If you need a playbook, you're already too late." Resilient teams act in the face of unprecedented uncertainty. Fragile ones wait for instructions. Resilient teams improvise and adapt to changing circumstances while a fragile team becomes reliant on pre-determined plans and instructions. Which team are you leading? We'll talk about ramping up your teams.

In this 45-minute session, our education experts present emerging ideas on compelling business topics in lightning talks of 5-10 minutes each. Then in an open discussion, they expand on their topics, inviting questions from attendees. Always interesting, always "cuirky" and curious. You'll walk away with a unique perspective on how to manage business challenges and stimulate your creativity. You won't want to miss it! Here's What We'll Be Talking About Seeing into the future Seeing the Future The Power to Predict: How AI is Changing B2B Sales and Customer Strategy What if you could anticipate customer needs, predict deal success, prepare for future trends, and stop churn before it happens? AI-powered predictive analytics is transforming B2B sales, turning guesswork into precision decision-making—and giving companies a powerful edge. Listen up Lending Your Ear Introducing a new book from Bryan Mattimore: "The Surprising Benefits of Saying Less and Achieving More." Chapters include: Silence as a Leadership Skill, Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and the Art of the Strategic Pause, and Parenting with Silence! Curious? Let's find out what "silence strategies" you might adopt for greater success in your work and personal life! Unbreakable Leadership Mental Resilience The Art of Unbreakable Leadership. People regularly deal with critical decisions, debilitating setbacks, and high pressure environments. What separates someone who thrives in the face of adversity from those who crumble? It's mental resilience—the ability to train yourself to be brutally honest with yourself, to strengthen your mind and push yourself beyond your limits.

Episode Summary

In this episode we discuss:

 

• An Innovative Way to Retain Top Talent

How can organizations bring a future-focused, innovative mindset to their recruiting and retention efforts? One answer may be using a new ideation technique created to invent "jobs that don't yet exist."

 

• Election Campaigns & B2B Marketers

What can B2B marketers learn from election campaigns? By examining both successes and failures in political marketing, we'll uncover actionable insights that can transform how companies engage with their markets.

 

• "Winning Isn’t for Everyone…"

Does Nike’s ad for the Olympics, "Winning Isn’t For Everyone… Am I a Bad Person?" foster an internal culture where winning is defined as “lack of compassion, respect, empathy and an obsession with power”?

 

In this episode we discuss:
 

 

*Why (and how) is gamification being increasingly used in B2B marketing and sales?

*Innovating the Olympics! There are 390 medal events at the Paris Olympics. Could we make it an even 400 at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028? And if so, what are some criteria we might consider for creating – and including – a future event? Curious? Let’s imagine together what might be to come!  

 

*Managing Remote Workers - Are Productivity Tracking Tools the Answer?

*The world’s biggest 2-week sporting event is ready to kick-off on July 26 – the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. More than 10,500 elite athletes from around the globe will compete for the gold at 17 competition sites. You think this is an easy program to organize? Think again. From construction to logistics, sponsoring an Olympics is the LARGEST logistics challenge known to man. Listen to the complexities and magnitude of logistics requirements here.

 

Moderator: Tom Spitale

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this episode we discuss:
 

 

*What’s Love Got To Do With It?  How Microsoft is using the principles of B2B storytelling to connect emotionally with business buyers of their Artificial Intelligence offerings - and how you can take a page out of their book.  

*Raising AI to the Third Power: AI & AI (Acquisition Integration) & AI (Acquisition Innovation) . In the news: Conoco Phillips announced it’s acquiring Marathon Oil for $22.5 billion. Becton Dickinson is acquiring Edwards Critical Care Product group for $4.2 billion. WM (Waste Management) is acquiring Stericycle (medical waste services) for $7.2 billion. And Uber Eats is acquiring Foodpanda for $950 million. Yes, lots going on these days in M & A.

 

*Now the hard work begins for these companies to successfully integrate – and realize the potential synergies – of their new acquisitions. What are some best practices in acquisition integration? And can AI help the acquirer be more creative in identifying and exploiting unforeseen innovation opportunities in its newly-acquired company? Let’s find out!  

 

*New AI technology aimed at improving job hiring hasn’t worked … What needs to change?

 

*When Protecting Manufacturing, IP Becomes a Sovereign Strategy… Taiwan produces around 90% of the world's most advanced chips. Netherlands-based ASML Holding NV and Taiwan-based TSMC have created remote means to disable critical equipment needed to manufacture semiconductors.

ASML makes Extreme Ultraviolet machines and is the ONLY manufacturer in the world, selling at >$200 million each. Netherlands law prohibits ASML from selling these machines to Chinese companies. It is Europe’s most valued tech stock with a valuation double that of Intel… about $370 billion.

But China, working with Huawei, has cobbled together proxy machines that can perform, albeit inefficiently, the same processes. TSMC Chairman Mark Liu hinted in a September interview with CNN that any invader of Taiwan would find his company’s chip making machines out of order. “Nobody can control TSMC by force,” Liu said. “If there is a military invasion, we will render TSMC’s factory non-operable.”
If this happens, expect MASSIVE shortages of semiconductors. Smart customers will dramatically increase their safety stocks and order at least a year’s supply of devices NOW.

 

Moderator: Tom Spitale

Producer: Tracylynne Williams  

In this episode we discuss:

 

*Do you own a pair of ON running shoes, even if you’re not a runner?
If you are launching a new product - what can ON teach us about disrupting a market using the Magnetic Effect of Focus?

 

*“Intelligent failing” is a critical success factor in any successful innovation initiative. But what about “unintelligent failing”… as we’ve seen recently at Boeing? Let’s take a deeper look at these different kinds of “failure,” and see how “question-storming” at Boeing could have helped prevent their recent quality-control disasters!

 

*The WNBA, the fans, and a sports bar…lessons in business transformation.

 

*The acceleration of international tariffs applied to goods and services across the globe and by nearly all major trading countries has elevated competition to the sovereign level. This requires companies to focus heavily on:

-Exploring new markets, investing in local production, and enhancing supply chain visibility.
-Developing mitigation strategies, including the use of technology and collaboration tools with trade partners and people involved in the global supply chain.
-Prioritizing adaptability and resilience to prepare for ongoing changes and effects in the global trade landscape.

 

*Leadership secrets from chasing the Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights)

Moderator: Tim Boyd
Producer: Tracylynne Williams

*Baseball is Back!  Everyone’s talking about the Dodgers $1.21 billion spend on players in the offseason:  But A “Little Team That Could” is out-strategizing the competition and B2B strategic marketers can learn a lot from them.  

 

*The Post-Covid Workplace Revisited - Where are we now? What does this mean for future skills in the workplace?

 

*March Madness Fever! Everyone is talking about Caitlin Clark and how she has changed women’s basketball and unlocked a new fanbase. What drives the fanbase to align with teams, players and how can we leverage this in our organizations to drive more engaged and passionate cultures.

Moderator: Tim Boyd

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

 

In this episode, we discuss the following:

 

*Ozempic & other weight loss drugs are having such a significant impact that company heads are calling Novo’s CEO for advice on what to expect for their industry. How might this trend impact your business?

 

*What can we learn about building more productive – and innovative – teams from Google’s Project Aristotle research study? And how might AI be used to add an important “plus element” to the Aristotle research findings to help these high-performing teams be even more creative? Curious? Let’s find out!  

 

*Current research suggests that networking works well for men, but not as well for women. Let’s explore this and discover ways for women to better leverage business relationships.

 

*Any catastrophic event in Taiwan, whether caused by human or environmental factors, would have a rapid and financially damaging impact on global supply chains that could significantly outstrip that experienced during Russia’s war on Ukraine. In a blockade scenario, the most significant disruption to global economic activity would come from a halt to Taiwan’s trade with the world, particularly in semiconductors. Associated disruptions to global supply chains—especially in major chip-consuming sectors such as electronics, automotive, and computing—would have grave repercussions for the world economy. Global trade with China would also decline due to a contraction in global trade financing, shocking the global economy and potentially triggering debt crises among China’s more fragile trade partners.

How should companies prepare for this possibility?

 

*Leading with empathy through turbulent times - Lessons learned from the recent aerospace downsizing that have rocked the industry.

 

Moderator: Tim Boyd

Producer: Tracylynne Wiliams

 

In this episode, we discuss:

 

*Looking backward to innovate forward? Highlights from Time Magazine’s list of the 200 Best Inventions of 2023 tell us that taking inspiration from the past can be an effective creative strategy for inventing the future. Curious? Let’s find out!

 

*There is an enormous shortage of supply chain professionals able to tackle known supply chain issues. This supply chain talent gap has created what Deloitte refers to as the “supply chain paradox.” This paradox exists because companies continue to prioritize investments in their “digital supply chains” while failing to view supply chains as a driver of innovation. As Deloitte put it in a recent Forbes article, “It seems likely that companies aren’t taking full advantage of their digital investments because they don’t have the talent to do so.” This consultant thinks participating supply chain companies are going to have to develop their talent or collaborate on the development of supply chain apprenticeship programs.

*The “cookie-less” future:  What does Google’s decision to eliminate cookies - a tool used to track user’s past searches and website visits - mean for B2B marketers?  Three imperatives for B2Bs who want to personalize user experiences.  

 

Moderator: Tom Spitale

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

 

In this episode we continue with our AI theme and discuss the following:

 

*What type of impact is AI already having on Strategic Marketing? How are different industries utilizing AI to develop and deploy their strategies?  What ideas can you apply to your business immediately?

*What were some of the highlights from Time Magazine’s list of the 200 Best Inventions of 2023? (Part 1). Could the creative use of generative AI programs have helped anticipate some of these extraordinary, even life-changing new inventions? And now, in 2024, can AI help improve them? Let’s find out!

 

*Benefits of AI in Change Management - how AI can contribute to improved decision-making in Change Management: Part 2

*There is no element in supply chains where AI will result in labor reductions as it will in warehousing. Warehousing practices of receipt, inspection, putaway (storage), retrieval, preparing for distribution, and shipping will see nearly total automation in the next 10+ years. One researcher expects warehouse direct AND indirect labor to see more than a 50% reduction in required human work by 2030, likely going to >80% by 2035. What are the AI-based technologies that will drive this? Is this a good thing? What are the benefits? Where will the displaced workers go?

 

*How is AI changing leadership decisions and the art of team building?

 

Moderator: Tim Boyd

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

*How AI Can Help B2B Marketers Differentiate Their Products - when it comes to AI for B2B marketers, most of the conversation is about content creation and customer service applications. However, the biggest impact for strategic marketers could come from using AI to create needs-based, customer-centric offers and value propositions that are truly unique in the marketplace.  

 

*How AI Can Help Create Extraordinary Innovation Centers (Part 1): Moonshot Factory. Research Lab. Skunk Works. Center for the Future. Think Tank. Corporate Innovation Centers have many names… but whatever you call them, they all now have the opportunity to make increasingly important contributions to the productivity, profitability, and growth of their parent organization by leveraging recent advances in generative AI. With the publication this week of Bryan Mattimore’s new book, Islands of Invention, How to Create Extraordinary Innovation Centers, we’ll explore how AI can become a critical “partnering tool” in helping these unique institutions make even more valuable contributions to the success of their organization…now and in the future! 

 

*Benefits of AI in Change Management - how AI can contribute to improved decision-making in Change Management

*Generative AI models offer substantial benefits in factory equipment predictive maintenance. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) or Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), can be used to augment limited datasets by creating “synthetic” samples that follow the same underlying patterns as the original data. This is particularly valuable in applications where obtaining large datasets can be challenging. For predictive maintenance, synthetic sensor data can be generated to simulate various equipment conditions and failure scenarios, enabling rigorous testing of algorithms and models. Also, Gen AI models can prove beneficial in addressing imbalanced data issues, especially when rare failures or anomalies are present. By synthesizing instances of such scenarios, generative AI mitigates bias in predictive models and enhances their overall performance.

*AI Powered Mentoring Tools

How can the use of AI tools aid us in the development and execution of mentoring programs and what are the current limitations? Can we receive more value from using these tools or is it just different?

In this episode we discuss:

*There’s a lot B2Bs can learn from Taylor Swift about strategies for intellectual property (IP) and business relationships.

*Want to be more productive, complete tasks quicker, and produce significantly higher quality work? A new, joint Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group study of 758 BCG consultants has found that with the help of AI programs, you can. Let’s dig deeper into the findings – and ramifications – of the 54-page HBS/BCG study: the questions it raises, and the new organizational approaches, processes, and programs it might imply for all employees in every department and every level.  

*Ten years ago Twinkies disappeared.  Now the Twinkie is worth billions.  This question is: What does this teach us about Change Management?

*Traditional AI (the “analysis super app”) can provide numerous benefits in supply chain management. Supply chain organizations are beginning to experience benefits from Generative AI (the creative super app). These benefits are mostly achieved when tangible intrinsic and extrinsic data are tested against near-limitless scenarios that require the addition of disparate information to determine outcome probabilities and risks. With generative AI, supply chain professionals can look at dynamic consequence streams through layers of supply chain providers and determine real delivery expectations, component/ingredient price movements, and probable points of supply chain disruptions… and provide creative solutions that address the probabilities.

*Realizing the Value of High Impact Mentoring

Moderator: Tim Boyd
Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this episode, we discuss:

 

*Storytelling is one of the hottest topics in business over the last couple of years.  Strategic Marketers are embracing the topic as a way to differentiate their brands, gain the attention of buyers, and convince investors and managers to fund their plans.  Find out why storytelling works and how to do it for both external and internal audiences. 

 

*Seasonal Innovation! Welcome Fall with the 20th anniversary of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, and over 2.9 billion online views of “pumpkin spice.” It begs the question: Should you be innovating seasonal new product innovations… all year round? Let’s look at some of the challenges – and opportunities – of creating seasonal new product offerings.

 

*The two most obvious benefits of robots are (1) labor cost savings, and (2) precision exceeding that of a human. According to IBM, there are additional benefits that may be even more important. In this C&C presentation, I will discuss these additional benefits and share what IBM logistics specialists believe to be the REAL path to automation in warehousing.

*Peloton and Lululemon – together they are stronger! Without this partnership, it was unclear how Peloton was going to grow.  This is also a great example of Competition & a Creative Strategy that even B2B companies can learn from.

 

Moderator: Mary Abbazia

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this episode, we discuss:

 

*DeBeers, who has been the market leader for decades - may no longer be the price leader as they try to respond to new market trends and technology (lab-grown diamonds). What can you learn about your market leadership & pricing power?

 

*We know that “X” marks the spot, but should it also be a “trade-in” (and “trade-off”) for the well-established Twitter brand/trademark? And.. will the trademark attorneys at Microsoft and IBM have something to say about this? Let’s find out what’s in a name (and a letter!)    

 

*Hi Barbie!…Will the CEO’s IP Push Help Drive Mattel’s Transformation from a toy manufacturing company to an IP-driven, high-performing toy company?

 

Moderator: Mary Abbazia

Producer: Tracylynne Williams
 

 

In this episode, we discuss the following:

*Barbenheimer – a great demonstration of Co-opetition & Segmentation. It provides several best practices for B2B companies to consider in their industry.

*Back-to-school…of the future! How might AI affect teaching and learning, both positively and negatively? Let’s find out!    

*How do you move thousands of musical and sound instruments, a stage the size of a football field, and enough special effects devices to 37 venues for 74 3-hour shows without a hiccup? Meet the logistics team supporting Taylor Swift’s Eras tour… masters of “failure is not an option” logistics management.

*The Hollywood strikes: What are the issues and how are they more relevant than you might think?

Hosted by Tim Boyd

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this episode, we discuss:

*What can B2B strategists learn from the PGA/LIV Professional Golf Merger?

*How important is failure to successful innovation programs?

*The return to office wars - are they over?

*Urban apartments

*The Amazon Go Experience: Sacrificing your data for convenience

Hosted by Tim Boyd

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this session, we discuss:  

 

*The Disney Juggernaut Back on Track: Disney has been in the news lately for a lot of reasons, but the rehiring of former CEO Bob Iger seems to signify a doubling-down on the organization's legendary customer focus. Let's take a look at the strategic reasons behind Dinsey's latest moves, with a particular emphasis on the Disney+ streaming service and the implications to Netflix and other streaming competitors.  

 

*What's a "Prompt Engineer?" The rise of generative AI tools is creating a need for what is being called "prompt engineers" ... people who write questions and prose for AI chatbots to test and improve their answers. For instance, the company, Anthropic - which Google has invested $400 million into date - currently has a job opening for a prompt engineer with a salary of $375,000. Wow!

 

*Is Brick-and-Mortar shopping here to stay? We will explore this question through the lens of customer value and ask another question - Can all value be home-delivered?  

 

*How Will the Future Space Economy Impact The World?

 

Hosted by: Tim Boyd

Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

In this session, we discuss:  

 

*Why did Tesla slash its prices by up to 20% on its cars earlier this year? Why now? Pricing strategies are critical - especially when an industry is shifting. How much pricing leadership do you have?

 

*In his book, Hit Makers, The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction, author Derek Thompson recommends a strategy for creating hits by leveraging the principle of "familiar surprise." What will be some of the "familiar surprises" we'll be seeing this spring and summer, and most importantly, how can we leverage this same principle of a familiar surprise to create our own hits? Let's find out.  

 

*Some companies are still struggling to hire workers resulting in the current low Labor-Force Participation Rate. Can the solution be found in defining your Employee Value Proposition?  

 

*Skills as the new currency for work and accounting for the impact of generative AI.

 

*Innovation requires failures. Some may look at yesterday's SpaceX launch as a failure, but it isn't. It was a data success with an opportunity to learn the unknown.

 

Hosted by: Ravin Jesuthasan

Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

 

In this session we discuss:  

 

*How can you tell the difference between a Trend or Fad? How can Beyond Meat provide lessons for B2B Technology Companies? If you are on the "receiving end" of a potential trend that could disrupt your business - are there ways to mitigate your potential risk?  

 

*The Future of Team Ideation.. Part 2! How might the new visual AI content creation programs affect the design and facilitation of team ideation (or brainstorming) sessions? Let's find out!  

 

*The World's Most Admired Companies of 2022 - What makes them admirable?

 

*Generative AI and the Future of Work - How is the new generation of AI transforming work and what does it mean for organizations and their talent?  

 

*How Platforms can Power the Circular Economy.  

 

Hosted by Tim Boyd

Produced by Tracylynne Williams 

*The Brighter Side of Risk - whether it’s war, pandemic, inflation or recession, managing risk is essential in today’s business world.  But if you could turn risks into new offerings, perhaps you would view an uncertain environment as the best time to compete.  

*The Future of Team Ideation… How might the new AI content creation programs affect the design and facilitation of team ideation (or brainstorming) sessions? Let’s find out!

*Burning Bridges at Work - Is it Ever the Right Decision? - As Prince Harry’s book breaks sales records, it’s worth exploring this question.

*From Hot Dogs to Astro Turf, How Supply Chain Issues is Impacting the Super Bowl.

 

*Can space-based solar power solve the world's energy crisis?

 

Key Words:

 

Risk, Super Bowl, Space-based Solar, Energy Crisis, Supply Chain, Ideation, Future of Work, Platform Strategy, Transformation, Organizational Leadership, Marketing

 

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Hosted by Tim Boyd
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

*“Kidults” an emerging segment since the pandemic, driving $9B in the toy industry (25% of US toy sales and 60% dollar growth). Learn how Legos and others are leveraging the trend and what it might it mean for your business strategy.
 

 

*The Best Inventions of 2022… Part 2! From Time magazine’s list of the 200 Best Inventions of the Year. We’ll get the details on several of the most interesting, important, entertaining, and fun inventions. We’ll also be looking at the creativity – and innovation – strategies behind them!

 

*Supply chain problems hit New York’s Broadway show industry hard… and result in stage design innovations. With shortages of everything from lumber to flameproof paper, producers of large Broadway shows are struggling with broken, post-Covid supply chains and talent requirements necessary to construct stage sets and lighting designs. The new Broadway mandate… “find innovative ways to support these shows” because the show must go on, with or without supporting supply chain partners.

 

*2023 Trend Analysis:  At the turn of the new year, many organizations publish trends and perspectives that they anticipate will be significant in the coming year. The most common trends address retail, eCommerce, macro, tech, and Web3. There are also trends covering b2b marketing and sales, AI, mobile apps, APIs, and ESG.  I will highlight 5 trends that are particularly relevant to platform professionals.

 

*Crisis in the Air: Southwest Airlines suffered an "operational meltdown" that wasn't seemingly handled that well. There were many narratives that the leadership wasn't in control of which caused continued frustration with their customers.  We will discuss some effective strategies that if employed could have significantly improved their crisis management response.  

Key Words:

 

Supply Chain, Kidult, Southwest, Trends, Inventions, Innovation, Marketing, Platform Strategy, Future of Work, Transformation, B2B

 

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Hosted by Tim Boyd
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

 

*Kroger Buys Albertsons For $25B - Will It Work?  This latest mega M&A deal has us wondering:  why do many such deals fail?  Let’s look at the Marketing and Sales reasons why many promising combinations of two smart companies often fall well short of expectations, and what can be learned.  
 

 

*GE’s New Focus - the Great Break Up.  Once the poster child of conglomeration is now breaking into GE Aerospace, GE Vernova and GE HealthCare to focus.  What can the magnetic effect of focus possibly do for your business?
 

 

*What are the best inventions of 2022? From Time magazine’s list of the 200 Best Inventions of the Year… we’ll get the details on several of the most interesting, important, entertaining and fun inventions. We’ll also be looking at the creativity – and innovation – strategies behind them! (This will be the first of two parts.)

 

*Return to Office - How social media is being used to make coming back to the office look inviting to young professionals.

 

*It’s time to dust off your “failure resume” - Embracing failure is becoming increasingly acceptable in the world of business with studies showing failure early in your career leads to more future success. How can we best leverage our failures to drive future success in our businesses?
 

 

Key Words: Kroger, Albertsons, GE, General Electric, Remote Work, Inventions, Failure

 

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Hosted by Tim Boyd
Produced by Tracylynne Williams
 

In this session we discuss:

*Have you checked out a Return Bar yet? We have been enjoying the trend of free online returns for a few years. The problem is that returns are not free to the merchants - the average retailer has $166 million in returns for every $1 billion in sales.  What can companies do to minimize costs & regain profit?  There are some great lessons if your business is looking for creative ways to cut rising costs and keep your customers happy.
 

*At Google’s AI event this month a new prototype writing program named Wordcraft was debuted. Unlike other AI writing tools like Jasper and Open AI, Wordcraft was built to help writers create works of fiction, even complete novels! What might some of the ramifications of the new AI writing tools be for business productivity, creativity, talent recruiting and culture building? Let’s find out!  

*As the tech industry cuts jobs, it shines a new light on an old question: Is there a right way to downsize?

*The Unforeseen Impacts of Unconscious Bias on your Business

Diversity in the workplace is becoming increasingly popular. Are businesses participating because of the favorable optic or because they realize the value it can have on their financial success?

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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Hosted by Tim Boyd
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this session we discuss:

 

*Over-engineering Insight Programs

Companies are investing more money, time and effort than ever in trying to generate insights into customer buying behavior and market dynamics.  In the process, they are creating vocabulary, definitions and tools that are having the opposite effect; causing companies to miss insights that they could leverage.  Here’s how to avoid over-complicating your insights program.

 

*The 4 Day Work Week - Is it Possible? Other countries have proven that a 4 Day can definitely be successful.

 

*Delivering on a Living Wage During a Recession

Many organizations around the world have committed to providing a living wage. How will they navigate this and their other ESG commitments when their bottom lines are under pressure like they haven’t seen for many years?

*Does your mayo need a mission statement? Can a condiment change the world? What does it mean to have a purpose driven organization?

 

*Why Supply Chain Problems are Not Going Away Soon

Jim Farley, CEO at Ford said in a recently in an AOL interview, “It feels like supply chain whac-a-mole!” He of course was referring to the never-ending sequential crises hitting supply chains across the globe. Pandemic, inflation, currency volatility, logistic imbalances, talent shortages, restrictive tariffs, energy shortages, hurricanes and other natural disasters are forcing supply chain managers to rethink their strategies almost daily. Such replanning requires both a resilient culture and a resiliency  tools to support daily replanning efforts.  The big problem is that if your company is not a true resilient enterprise, it may be too late. Let’s talk about strategies if your business falls into this last conundrum.

 

*The circular economy meets marketplaces

When we think of marketplaces we typically think of large diverse marketplaces like Amazon selling new goods.  However, there is a lot of movement regarding secondhand marketplaces.  For example, this month Goodwill launched an online shopping site, that will sell all sorts of secondhand goods including fashion labels like Guchi and Prada.  There has also been growing M&A activity.  Naver, the South Korean tech platform, will acquire fashion marketplace Poshmark for $1.2B.  The move follows Etsy's acquisition of the fashion resale platform and Poshmark competitor Depop for $1.62 billion last year.  If we are, in fact, heading into a recession then these marketplaces may do quite well as consumers become more frugal. But it may also speak to a deeper trend which is two more effective reuse or what some call the circular economy. A circular economy keeps materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible as the need for more sustainable modes of production becomes more pressing.  Marketplaces are great ways to realize the circular economy by matching the supply of reused items with needs.  

 

*Reflecting on the past with the James Webb Space Telescope

Looking backward is crucial to helping us move forward. How the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will radically transform our understanding of the universe and how it has already shown us why we continue to dare to do big things

 

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Hosted by Tim Boyd

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this session we discuss:

*Bed, Bath & Beyond – are they ANOTHER example of a company not updating their trend analysis? Are they the latest “Pandemic Darling” to meet troubled times in the post-pandemic world (e.g., Peloton, Netflix, Wayfair)? What lessons can B2B companies learn from this case?

*What is tenniscore… and why has it become such a hot trend? As important, how can any company leverage the “innovation principles of success” behind the tenniscore phenomenon to create their own “next big thing?”

*Is “Quiet Quitting” a new phenomenon in the workplace or has it always existed and is just getting louder? Is there anything companies can do about it?

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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Hosted by Mary Abbazia
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this session we discuss:

*Implications of the CHIPS and Science Act 2022 on future careers and workforce development

*Alphabet (aka Google) is becoming a force in health care,  (wearables, health records, AI & extending human longevity).  What might this mean to your business in terms of possible competition & complementors?

*What the Feud Between Two Competing Professional Golf Tours Can Teach Us About Branding and Positioning.  The PGA Tour and the new Saudi-backed LIV tour are engaging in an epic battle for the world’s greatest professional golfing talent.  The conflict is producing valuable marketing lessons for all businesses in any industry.

*IBM has been a sponsor of the Wimbledon and US Open tennis tournaments for 30 years… and are using both of these events to help launch their new “Let’s Create” advertising campaign and business development strategy. What’s behind the “Let’s Create” campaign, and why does IBM want us all to make a trip to their “IBM Garage?”

*McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Others are Gearing Hiring Around Reaching a 90-Day Milestone.  Is Employee Onboarding Finally Getting the Attention it Deserves?

*After 40 years, DeLorean is planning a comeback with a new all electric vehicle called the Apha 5.  How they are going to do it is revolutionary.  

*The rise of internal talent marketplaces is transforming organizations as we know them. From how talent is connected to work to how careers are guided to how skills are acquired and deployed, every facet of the human experience of work is changing. Are we ready?

*Prior to the pandemic, industry 4.0 initiatives were well underway in many companies that participate in global supply chains. Then BOOM! In a matter of months, the pandemic brought to light changes necessary to compete in the new digital world, including numerous talent issues.  One of the most interesting talent discoveries was that resiliency skills in chief supply chain officers and COO’s positions them to become the CEOs of the future.  A recent World Economic Forum article presents THREE reasons for this new opportunity.

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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Hosted by Alan Dunn
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this session we discuss:

*Apple just announced Apple Pay Later! What does this mean for you and your business? How might this shape the finance industry?

*The “Cola Wars” are Heating Up Again…Only This Time in E-sports! What’s Happening…and How Can Firms Who Target Older Consumers also Play? Let’s Find Out!

*Airbnb’s “live and work from anywhere” policy - Is this the beginning of a “nomadic” workforce?

*Reflections on Davos

*Digital Outside, Complexity Inside McD & More

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
https://rokt.it/3hdjHCV

Hosted by Hari Abburi
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this session we discuss:

*How is Tropicana’s new offer - cereal with orange juice - interesting for B2B companies? How can complementors add value to your products and services?

*Not so fast on that inflation-driven price hike! Why Netflix lost $54 billion in market cap in one day!

*A social media contest with $50 million in prizes… that only multi-millionaires can enter – without risking any of their own money?

*Does your mayo need a mission statement? Can a condiment change the world? What does it mean to have a purpose-driven organization?

*Oh Tweet! It is not a Musk problem.

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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Title: Apple and iPhone Subscriptions, Making Fun Of Your Own Brand, Bat Wings & Caltech, The “Great Resignation” Regret, Dear Starbucks, Mercer’s new Global Talent Trends, and Starbucks CEO Recommendations.

In this session we discuss:

*Given the slowing pace of innovation - can Apple make more money by selling iPhone subscriptions? If you sell equipment, what lessons might you borrow from Apple?

*Why Making Fun Of Your Own Brand May Be a Smart Thing to Do - recently, brands like Dominos, Lenovo and Buick poked fun at themselves and profited. Why would they do it, and what can you learn from this unorthodox approach?

*The structure of a bat’s wing is helping inspire the design of a revolutionary new robot at Caltech. Can you use a similar process of imitating nature – known as biomimicry – to reinvent your products and services? Let’s find out!

*A recent survey finds that about 1 in 5 workers who quit their jobs during the “Great Resignation” regret it. How can companies turn the “Great Resignation” into the “Great Engagement”?

*Mercer’s new Global Talent Trends study points to the continuation of a troubling perspective on the part of many corporate leaders; companies’ continued reluctance to invest in upskilling talent for fear of them leaving. What’s the solution?

*What are Community-Driven Companies and what advantages do they have? 

*Dear Starbucks, We have CEO recommendations for you.

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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Hosted by Hari Abburi
Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this episode we discuss:

 

*See how Nike is stepping up their Brand value with a new channel strategy. What are Nike’s customers doing in response? What are the B2B implications of this type of strategy?

 

*Why CX Is a Higher Priority Than Product Quality: In a recent survey of close to 2000 executives, Customer Experience was rated a higher priority than product/service quality by a large margin; and twice as important as improving pricing! Why is customer experience such a huge agenda item - and what are some simple, time-tested strategies that B2Bs can implement to improve their customer’s experiences?

 

*How can you “de-commoditize” a Commodity? Creativity AND Social media! We’ll see how Vaseline stopped “slugging” it out on the store's shelves, and is instead now “slugging” onto the skin… with the hashtag #slugging” now hitting over 150 million views on TikTok! The Curious and Cuirky question: Is there a trend you can ride for your brand?

 

*Airbnb - Pay, Don’t Stay - How a Worldwide Movement Can Change a Company

 

*The Future of the Retail Experience. Building a brick-and-mortar store or even a digital marketplace is not enough. Customers are increasingly looking for experiences. Experiences are increasingly the new product.

 

*The Simplicity Challenge.: Why is Walgreens Replacing Fridge Doors with Touch Displays?

 

 

https://rokt.it/3hdjHCV

 

Hosted by Hari Abburi

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

In this episode we discuss:

*What B2B Companies Can Learn About Increasing Their Prices From Companies Like Amazon Prime and Tyson Foods

*The Pandemic Will Accomplish What Humans Could Not: Unification of Sales and Marketing.

*What Can We Learn About Innovation From The Olympics? A Lot!

*Uber Eats and the Possibility of “No” to drive Change

*After the “Crypto Bowl” What’s Next for web3?   

*Experience the No Digital Shopping Experience with Trader Joe’s & In & Out Burgers.
 

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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Hosted by Hari Abburi

Produced by Tracylynne Williams
 

In this episode we discuss:

 

*Inflation! The annual inflation rate in the US accelerated to 6.8%. What lessons can we learn from C&H Sugar and others about creative pricing strategies?

*Will Some Smaller Company Steal the Super Bowl Again This Year? Several years ago, Volvo “stole” the Super Bowl ad wars with an innovative social media strategy. What can you learn from Volvo’s brilliant campaign?

*The Greatest Inventions of 2021 (Part 2) Five of “Time magazine’s best inventions from 2021” are highlighted as examples of both current trends in new product development… as well as timeless strategies for creating breakthrough ideas!

*The growth of web3 is driving demand for web3 professional talent. Attractive positions are expanding for professional managers in three key areas: crypto exchanges, NFT platforms, and metaverse platforms.

*Surging Covid-19 Puts an End to Projected Return-to-Office Dates … the Change Management Challenge

*Workers continue quitting in record numbers. Economists suggest they are leaving for better pay. Is that the whole story?

*Stay in your lane, but which lane? Tik Tok, Food & Books, Grab & Food, Apple, Sony & EVs.
 

 

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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In this episode we discuss:

 

*The Peloton Dilemma
*The Vaccine Pill
*Facebook Becomes Meta

 

*The Kohl’s - Amazon Partnership 
*The Growth of B2B Platforms
*The Thursday Dating App 

*Surprising -- and Fun -- Inventions of 2020
*What New Corporate Innovation Strategies Might these Award Winning Inventions Suggest?
*Seven Invention Themes 

*Super Apps
*Platform to Platform Integrations
*Specter of Big Tech Regulations

*Nike Follows Netflix into Gaming
*The Darwin’s Theory Of Talent to Explain the Talent Crunch
*GE’s Split is a Historic Decision, Who’s Next?

Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click!
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In this episode we discuss, Understanding How Costco Convinces Suppliers to Compete Against Themselves Is Vital For Your Company’s Future, What’s in a Name? A Space Probe named Lucy? Nike in the Metaverse: Brand Strategies for Web3, Agility Splits GE, End of an Era. Add all monthly events to your calendar in one click! https://rokt.it/3hdjHCV,

In this episode we discuss how Supply Chain History Repeats, Walt Disney World & Their Magic Recipe for Success Turns the Big 5-0!, How Costco Convinces Suppliers, How Nature Innovates, NFL Plays Football with NFT & The $100b Buy Now Pay Later Trend

In this episode we discuss, A Roomba for Weeds? The Autonomous Weeder by Carbon Robotics.

 

Has Anyone Seen My Container? How Supply Chain Disruptions are Impacting All of Us.

 

Mutation Innovation! What Evolution Can Teach Us About Innovation, Lessons from the Life Sciences.

 

The Race for Super Apps!

 

And how, Buying Potatoes Will Give You a Dental Discount.

 

Host: Hari Abburi

Link to show page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caltechexecutiveeducation

In this episode we discuss if this will be the year that the Grinch steals Christmas, Bold Pricing, Amazon's innovation month, Facebook & new Metaverse jobs economy, and Paris aiming to be a 15 minute city!

Host: Hari Abburi

Link to show page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caltechexecutiveeducation

Show Contributors: Mary Abbazia, Tom Spitale, Bryan Mattimore, Peter C. Evans PhD, Alan Dunn, Hari Abburi

In this episode, we discuss enterprise technology, enquiry rights and organization design, Radio Garden and synchronicity, Out-Amazon Amazon’s of the world and Target, Coopetition between Amazon & Kohl's, 3 Types of Platform Leadership Capabilities, Ghost Kitchens, Reef Technologies and Cloud Kitchens.

Host: Hari Abburi

Link to show page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caltechexecutiveeducation

Show Contributors: Mary Abbazia, Tom Spitale, Bryan Mattimore, Peter C. Evans PhD, Alan Dunn, Hari Abburi