In this episode, Gordon sits down with Benjamin Lickfett, Global VP of Breakthrough Innovation & Digital Inventions at Diageo — the dream job for anyone passionate about where tech meets culture.
From whiskey to Guinness to emerging tech, Benjamin’s career is anything but linear. He shares his journey from international relations at Tufts to startup founder, consultant, and now innovation leader for one of the world’s most iconic brand portfolios.
They dive into how Benjamin keeps heritage brands relevant in a fast-changing world, why digital detox moments matter in bar culture, and how his team created FlavourPrint — a personalized taste-matching platform now scaling across 40+ countries. Plus, the highs and lows of innovation, building with resilience, and the art of shaping progress that sticks.
The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, the power of open organizational cultures, and the role of leadership styles in shaping careers. Benny reflects on the impact of early brand visionaries like David Aaker, and how truly great leaders share what they know to elevate others.
From navigating cultural differences in a globally distributed team to tackling the future of emerging technologies, Benjamin shares what keeps him inspired: the ability to learn, adapt, and create meaningful innovation. They also dive into the idea of urgent optimism—the belief in a better future, paired with the drive to make it happen now.
Tune in if you're curious about what it takes to lead innovation on a global scale—and how to stay grounded while doing it.
