The Synthesize Pod

Ep. 1.11: Stand-Out Innovators from Season 1

"Innovation isn't just a process; it's a culture."  In our season finale, hosts Matt Greeley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/] and Margaret Kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] get to the heart of innovation by revisiting the standout moments from season one of "Just Say Hackathon."  They explored how companies like Amtrak, Rocket Mortgage, and Dell Technologies foster innovation in their organizations. You'll hear stories that go beyond traditional business strategies, offering real-world insights into how organizations blend creativity with structured processes. And ultimately, expect to learn how hackathons are not just tools for innovation, but cultural drivers that help organizations thrive. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Welcome to the show [01:05] Why innovation is a core cultural element [03:22] Backstories of innovators and their impact on innovation [05:37] Ego’s role in resisting change within organizations [07:50] Innovation vs. human nature’s need for stability [10:05] Amtrak’s use of 3D printing for problem-solving [13:18] Emotional investment in running hackathons (Pritesh at Lookout) [15:35] Structured work enabling unstructured innovation [18:09] Hackathon rituals and team culture-building [20:45] Final takeaways from Season 1 Connect with us: Brightidea - www.brightidea.com [http://www.brightidea.com/]More on Hackathons - https://www.brightidea.com/hackathon [http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon]  Matt Greeley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/]  Margaret Kelsey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] Brightidea on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/]

Ep 1.10: BlackRock’s Hackathon Evolution with Kfir Godrich

"Invest in new technology well before mass adoption—it's the key to staying ahead," - Kfir Godrich. Kfir Godrich [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfir-godrich-a72a9a1/] is a pioneer in technological innovation and a leader at BlackRock [https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual], where he drives groundbreaking advancements in AI and containerization. With a background that spans C4ISR environments, data centers, and transformative roles at companies like HP, Kfir sits down with Margaret Kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] and Matt Greeley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/] to share his knowledge and experience. In this episode, Kfir shares insights on how forward-thinking investments in technology and strategic mergers and acquisitions can secure a competitive edge. He elaborates on BlackRock's Aladdin platform, client-driven innovation processes, and the critical role of maintaining symbiotic relationships with clients to fuel continuous advancements.  In this episode, you’ll learn: * Client-Driven Innovation and Symbiotic Relationships: Kfir emphasizes the impact of client needs and feedback in driving technological innovation at BlackRock. Developing their Aladdin software, pivoting from hardware to software innovations, and adopting containerization with Docker were all responses to client demands. This approach ensures that innovations address current needs and anticipate future demands, creating a robust and forward-looking platform. * Democratizing AI and Ideation Platforms: Kfir discusses the efforts to democratize AI within the firm and the creation of a continuous ideation platform, BrightIdea. This platform facilitates constant innovation and IP creation, moving from traditional annual hackathons to more fluid and accessible idea generation. This approach enables fast development cycles and keeps the organization agile and responsive to rapid technological advancements, including generative AI. * Technological Evolution and the Importance of Structured Thinking: As technological advancement grows, the timelines for adopting and integrating innovations are shrinking. This necessitates a structured approach to ideation and implementation, ensuring efforts are focused and effective. Kfir’s insights on the cyclical nature of technology waves and the importance of understanding market trends provide a strategic lens for innovation professionals to manage ongoing technological shifts. Jump into the conversation:  00:00 Introduction to The Synthesize Pod with hosts Matt and Margaret  01:09 Meet Kfir Godrich 02:04 Kfir's Career Path 02:47 The Telecom Boom and Market Dynamics 05:14 Technological Innovations and Market Savvy 07:24 Economics in Technology 13:14 BlackRock and the Aladdin Software 25:57 Kfir's journey to the US and HP 30:41 The Origin of Aladdin's Name 32:01 Managing Data and the Green Package 35:44 BlackRock's Technological Edge 36:56 Innovation at BlackRock 40:55 AI and Future Innovations 45:10 Ideation Platforms are Powerful 57:02 Closing Connect with us: Kfir Godrich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfir-godrich-a72a9a1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfir-godrich-a72a9a1/] BlackRock - https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual [https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual] Brightidea - www.brightidea.com [http://www.brightidea.com]More on Hackathons - https://www.brightidea.com/hackathon [http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon]  Matt Greeley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/]  Margaret Kelsey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] Brightidea on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/]

Ep. 1.9: How 3M is Using Hackathons for Fast Innovation with Elizabeth Bright

"Perseverance in innovation is about embracing the process, not just the success." - Elizabeth Bright. Elizabeth Bright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erbright/] is a leader in sustainable materials and innovative adhesive technologies at 3M [https://www.3m.com/]. With a portfolio that spans product development, ethnographic research, and front-end innovation, Elizabeth sits down with hosts Margaret Kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] and Matt Greeley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/] to share how 3M uses Hackathons to create a competitive edge in innovation. In this episode, Elizabeth explains her work on optimizing adhesives for recycled materials, the science behind products like Cushion Lock, and her role in fostering a culture of innovation at 3M. She speaks openly about product development trials, the emotional rollercoaster of dissertation defenses, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of innovators. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Innovative Culture Supports Failure and Risk-Taking: Elizabeth emphasizes that innovation requires a tolerance for failure. The best ideas thrive in environments where experiments can fail, learnings are embraced, and teams are driven to make those ideas succeed. * Personal & Professional Growth through Making: Elizabeth shares how her upbringing in her dad's upholstery shop influenced her creator mentality, underlining the importance of making and improving things personally. This hands-on approach helped her problem-solving skills, contributing to her professional journey in innovation and product development at 3M. * The Power of Cross-Functional Hackathons: The episode shows the necessity of cross-functional Hackathons in driving innovation at 3M. These collaborative events bring diverse teams together, from marketers to engineers, fostering an environment that generates novel ideas and prototypes that can evolve into robust, commercial products. Jump into the conversation:  00:00 Introduction to The Synthesize Pod with hosts Matt and Margaret and special guest Elizabeth Bright 03:31 Liz Bright’s background and academic journey 09:11 The importance of choosing the right advisor 13:30 Utilization of small-angle X-ray scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance 19:00 Launching notthesciencetype.com for blending science with creativity 27:22 Liz explains how she navigated her current role 36:41 Liz’s creativity portfolio and the benefits of it 43:59 What hackathons look like at 3M 46:47 The role of frontend and what that looks like 53:09 The individual contributor route versus the management route 57:47 Creative hackathon concept 1:01:02 Make hackathons fun 1:05:55 Closing Connect with us: Elizabeth Bright on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erbright/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erbright/] 3M - https://www.3m.com/ [https://www.3m.com/] Brightidea - www.brightidea.com [http://www.brightidea.com]More on Hackathons - http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon [http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon]  Matt Greeley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/]  Margaret Kelsey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] Brightidea on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/]

Ep. 1.8: Planning and Executing Your Next Hackathon with Veronika Vacek and Matt Arnold

"Creating a sense of purpose and commitment through events like Hackathons can transform the way we view our work and connections." - Veronika Vacek Veronika Vacek [https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-vacek/] and Matt Arnold [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmatthewarnold/] are leaders in the innovation space for Brightidea [http://www.brightidea.com]. Veronika, with her rich background at a Fortune 500 financial services firm, and Matt, an expert with a diverse career in broadcast, film, UX, and design, share the interplay between humanity and technology in their careers and the importance of communication in innovation. In this episode, Veronkia and Matt share the intricacies of orchestrating a successful hackathon, remote work challenges and the impact of digital transformation, how hackathons provide a unique opportunity for employees to innovate and connect in a meaningful way, and the vital role of senior leadership support in fostering an innovative organizational culture. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The Significance of Hackathons: Matt and Veronika discuss the role of hackathons in driving innovation within organizations. They highlight how these events provide a unique opportunity to tap into creative skill sets, foster collaboration, and inject positivity into the workplace. * Crafting Effective Hackathons: Veronika shares insights on the planning and execution of successful hackathons. She emphasizes the importance of detailed organization, clear communication, and early involvement of various departments to ensure smooth flow and maximum participation. * Balancing Structure and Creativity: Matt discusses the balance between providing structure and fostering creativity during hackathons. He shares the necessity of setting the right level of support to minimize anxiety and fear, while also creating enough space for innovation to thrive.  Jump into the conversation:  00:00 Introduction to The Synthesize Pod with hosts Matt and Margaret, and special guests Veronika Vacek and Matt Arnold 05:30 Finding creative spaces in a post-covid world 12:40 Using hackathons as opportunities for creative skillsets 16:45 Differences between hackathons, pitch competitions, and ideathons 20:10 Personal career journeys 28:50 Importance of early planning, aligning teams, and considering logistics 34:30 Essential elements of a successful hackathon 40:00 Detailed phases of hackathon events from planning to post-event activities 47:10 The need for organizations to adapt rapidly and the cultural fragility around innovation and failure Connect with us: Veronika Vacek on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-vacek/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-vacek/] Matt Arnold on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmatthewarnold/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmatthewarnold/] Brightidea - www.brightidea.com [http://www.brightidea.com]More on Hackathons - http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon [http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon]  Matt Greeley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/]  Margaret Kelsey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] Brightidea on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/]

Ep. 1.7: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Collaborative Genius at Dell with Karina Kudinova

"Innovation isn't just about having great ideas—it's about creating the right environment for those ideas to thrive." - Karina Kudinova   Karina Kudinova [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinakudinova/] is a leading innovation strategist at Dell Technologies [https://www.dell.com/en-us], where she plays a role in shaping and driving creative solutions across international teams. With a background in managing cross-functional projects, Karina shares her expertise in turning innovative concepts into actionable strategies as she sits down with hosts Matt Greeley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/] and Margaret Kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey].  In this episode, Karina shares the methods she uses at Dell to create an atmosphere that encourages diverse thinking and collaboration. She shares her approach to overcoming common barriers in innovation and offers practical advice on how to develop the collective genius of a team to drive results. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Creating an Innovation-Driven Culture: Karina emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace culture where creativity and innovation are not just encouraged but systematically supported. She shares strategies on how leaders can create an environment where team members feel empowered to take risks and explore new ideas. * Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration: One of the major challenges in innovation is breaking down silos within organizations, especially ones that are international. Karina discusses effective methods for encouraging cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into the innovation process, leading to more robust and successful outcomes. * Practical Steps for Turning Ideas into Action: Karina shares advice on moving from ideation to execution. She outlines the critical steps that teams at Dell take to transform innovative concepts into tangible results, highlighting the importance of structure, clear communication, and iterative feedback loops in the innovation process. Jump into the conversation:  00:00 Introduction to The Synthesize Pod with hosts Matt and Margaret and special guest Karina Kudinova 01:42 Transition to Dell and Initial Hackathon Experiences 05:56 Scaling Hackathons Globally 08:46 The Role of Innovation Programs Beyond Hackathons 12:32 Managing and Growing the Hackathon Program 18:02 Impact of COVID-19 on Hackathons and Innovation at Dell 22:20 Details of the Hackathon Process and Participation 28:46 The Importance of Patents and Post-Hackathon Outcomes 34:41 Managing Global Participation and Local Events 42:01 Future of Innovation at Dell and Expanding Hackathons Connect with us: Karina Kudinova on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinakudinova/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinakudinova/] Brightidea - www.brightidea.com [http://www.brightidea.com]More on Hackathons - http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon [http://www.brightidea.com/hackathon]  Matt Greeley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreeley/]  Margaret Kelsey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/] Brightidea on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightidea/]