Shows
Decoding InnovationHow a well-defined problem is crucial for unlocking innovationIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Sheena Iyengar, author and professor, discusses the significance of making meaningful choices in a world of possibilities. Our choices shape everything from daily routines to long-term aspirations. They impact not only individual outcomes, but also the broader societal landscape. As we navigate a world brimming with choices, understanding the dynamics of choice is essential for personal growth and societal progress. Sheena Iyengar, a professor and author, brings a unique perspective to the study of choice. As a blind daughter of Indian immigrants, Sheena's bicultural upbringing exposed her to contrasting...2025-01-2855 minDecoding InnovationWhy smart technology adoption is crucial for real estate evolutionIn this episode, Dan Drogman, CEO and co-founder of Smart Spaces, explores the transformative impact of technology integration on workplace efficiency and the evolution of commercial real estate. Smart Spaces CEO Dan Drogman takes us on a journey through the evolution of the modern workplace, revealing how technology is fundamentally reshaping the way we interact with our physical environments. By integrating innovative software with building management systems, Smart Spaces is pioneering a new era of efficiency and sustainability in commercial real estate. From the challenges of starting up and forging industry partnerships to the cutting-edge...2024-12-1045 minDecoding InnovationHow grassroots energy efforts spark global changeIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Kristina Skierka, the founder and CEO of Power for All, delves into the transformative power of distributed renewable energy. As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, distributed renewable energy is at the forefront of innovation, offering a path to a cleaner, more equitable power supply. The global landscape of distributed renewable energy is rapidly evolving, with innovative solutions emerging to tackle the challenges of energy access, climate change and sustainable development. Around the world, communities are harnessing the power of the sun, wind, and other renewable sources to create decentralized energy...2024-10-3141 minDecoding InnovationHow a lean startup mindset can drive cross-industry innovationIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup Co., explores the transformative power of the lean startup methodology in corporate innovation. The lean startup mentality epitomizes innovation and agility by providing a structured approach to developing products and services that truly meet customer demands. It emphasizes the importance of validated learning, rapid prototyping and flexibility in business modeling. In conversation with host Brent Duersch, Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup Co., discusses how startups and corporate innovation teams alike thrive on navigating uncertainty. Hafele emphasizes that corporate innovation teams inherently embody t...2024-09-3054 minDecoding InnovationWhy startup-corporate collaborations can propel market disruptionIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Fred Schonenberg, the founder and CEO of VentureFuel, delves into how partnerships between startups and larger companies can drive efficient innovation. Startups bring a unique agility and innovative mindset that can be immensely beneficial for larger organizations facing complex challenges. By forming strategic partnerships, startups can offer fresh perspectives and creative solutions that help established companies navigate rapidly changing markets and technological landscapes. In turn, startups gain valuable industry insights, expand their networks and discover opportunities to scale their solutions. Such collaborations can form a symbiotic relationship that leverages t...2024-08-1241 minDecoding InnovationHow space economy is crucial for all future industriesIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Hemali Vyas from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory explores the space economy and shares the impact of systems thinking on future technologies. The space industry stands at the cusp of a new era, where the commercialization of space opens up a multitude of possibilities. Hemali Vyas, a seasoned professional from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory with experience in both the public and private sectors, casts light on three pivotal areas that will shape this frontier: the transformative potential of space commercialization, the critical role of systems thinking and the indispensable value of collaboration.2024-06-1054 minDecoding InnovationWhy building digital experiences is key to your company’s growthIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Charles Fry, founder and CEO of CODE Éxitos, discusses innovations, funding and emerging trends in the digital products landscape. As industries navigate major changes and disruptions, an increasingly dynamic startup realm is emerging. However, only a select few of these new ventures truly experience success. Rather than merely translating ideas into products for the marketplace, today's innovators and entrepreneurs need to concentrate on creating digital experiences. To create a meaningful digital experience, a product should be created with the consumer in mind; the end product should foster a s...2024-04-1543 minDecoding InnovationHow understanding AI today will help you make an impact tomorrowIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Henry Ajder, a globally recognized artificial intelligence advisor, maps out the emerging landscape of AI and its opportunities, threats and benefactors. While the concept of AI has been a subject of speculation for years — even decades — its significance, at least for the layperson, has elevated in the past couple of years. With the emergence and growing popularity of platforms, such as ChatGPT, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, companies are eager to position themselves at the forefront of the AI renaissance. As the relevance of AI increases, concerns and doubt...2024-03-131h 05Decoding InnovationWhat strategic lessons the C-suite can learn from Bob NardelliIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Bob Nardelli, founder and CEO of XLR-8 LLC, discusses how CEOs and boards can drive organizational success through right company culture and strategic decision-making. Company boards play a key role in continually driving organizational growth. The boards are adept at identifying opportunities and challenges, and making strategic decisions that can be lucrative, open access to new markets, drive organizational efficiency and consolidate resources. Driving organizational efficiency is another key function of company boards. By scrutinizing internal processes and structures, boards identify areas for improvement, streamline operations and enhance overall...2024-02-2617 minDecoding InnovationWhy CEOs must focus on culture and accountability to drive growthIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Bob Nardelli, former CEO of GE Power Systems, The Home Depot and Chrysler, discusses how CEOs can become champions of growth. Successful CEOs recognize the imperative of navigating the complex landscape of corporate leadership with a strategic trifecta: accountability, innovation and acquisition. Fostering a culture of accountability is foundational; CEOs must instill a sense of responsibility at all levels, ensuring that each team member understands their role in achieving organizational goals. This not only cultivates transparency but also establishes a framework for measuring and optimizing performance. In tandem, a...2024-02-2636 min
The Future of Supply ChainEpisode 48: Harnessing Innovation in the Factories of the Future with EY’s Daniel Minotti and Brannon Lockhart
The future is in the present as seen through the emerging innovations in the factories of today. EY’s Daniel Minotti and Brannon Lockhart join us on the series to explore how technologies are transforming the way companies manufacture their goods, collaborate within their network, and attract the next generation of workers.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Daniel Minotti, EY
As an EY Americas Partner, Dan manages a client portfolio consisting of leading branded consumer packaged goods, food, and agribusiness companies. Dan focuses on educating leaders on the...2024-02-0731 minDecoding InnovationHow a motorcycle company kick-started its shift to be an energy companyIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND Energy, discusses the inception of the company and the funding journey. In the second episode of this two-part series, Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND Energy, delves deeper into the foundation of his second company, and how his first company, Cleveland CycleWerks, acted as the springboard for it. Although Cleveland Cyclewerks, a legacy motorcycle manufacturer, stopped producing, they still had to support old customers and fix issues, which consumed valuable employee time. This led to making some strategic decisions that, in turn, paved...2023-12-2126 minDecoding InnovationHow a Cleveland-based motorcycle company found its niche in eMotoIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND Energy, discusses how his company pivoted to making electric bikes. Scott Colosimo is the founder and CEO of Cleveland CycleWerks, which was making traditional motorcycles in an existing market that had not undergone major changes for more than a century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to build a new electric prototype: eMoto. The eMotos include electric pedal-less throttle-controlled bicycles, and electric mopeds and motorcycles. In the first episode of a two-part series, Scott talks about the founding of his new venture...2023-12-2126 min
Manufacturing TomorrowJerry Gootee, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing Sector Leader
Jerry Gootee, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing Sector Leader, EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub Sponsor, and EY Global Coordinating Service Partner, has more than 30 years’ experience helping global organizations with their strategy, growth, operations, and risk management needs. Jerry has led projects involving product and business model innovation, mergers & acquisitions, digital manufacturing and supply chain, as well as finance and back-office transformations.
Jerry received a BA in Accounting from the University of Louisville. He is a Certified Public Accountant and serves on several boards and committees.
Keywords: digital transformation, Industry 4.0, rapid prototyping, future proofing
2023-12-1831 minDecoding InnovationHow innovations in the nuclear sector can help move toward net zeroIn this episode, Martin Freer, nuclear physicist and the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses the role of alternative fuels and the potential of nuclear energy. As we navigate technological advancements and new iterations of industrialization cycles, finding sustainable alternative energy sources should also be top of mind. Martin Freer, a seasoned nuclear physicist, the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute, and the Director of the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses how harnessing nuclear power can help reduce humanity's impact on nature. He also shares his insights on alternatives fuels, challenges faced b...2023-11-2743 minDecoding InnovationWhy seagrass is an effective replacement for fossil-based plasticIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Malthe Larsen, CTO and Cofounder of Coastgrass, discusses how bio-composite materials, such as seagrass, can be used for making climate-friendly plastic. Each year, millions of tons of fossil-based plastic are produced worldwide. A large majority of these nonbiodegradable plastics are not recycled and crop up as an enormous responsibility for the planet. With the advancement in technology and science, bio-based alternatives for conventionally used plastic have been emerging. Coastgrass, a Danish company, is building such an alternative from seagrass. Seagrass, such as eelgrass and seaweed, is collected from beaches, c...2023-11-0628 minDecoding InnovationWhy not all disruptive innovations are truly disruptive In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Pete Foley, an independent consultant, shares his insights on how psychology and behavioral science can be applied as a catalyst for innovation. With the rising disruptions and the advent of new technologies, industries need to focus their innovation efforts on the most crucial component of their businesses: the consumer. Organizations, from startups to large companies, face various hurdles during their innovation journey — from scale to stage gates. Since, in the end, it’s the consumer's action that decides the outcome of an innovation, infusing psychology and behavioral science with...2023-10-0936 minDecoding InnovationHow circular economy acts as an enabler to build sustainable societiesIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Keiran Smith, CEO and co-founder of Mr. Green Africa, discusses circular economy and how technology is changing the way plastic is recycled worldwide. Sustainability has been of key focus in modern day living. Circular economy plays a key role in achieving sustainability by reaching maximum input efficiency using minimal resources, as well as reducing waste production. The regenerative economic system aims to achieve sustainability without diminishing existing products but to churn the “waste” into something useful via systematic shifts. By extending the life of products, especially plastic, the natural capit...2023-09-2539 minDecoding InnovationWhy a mindset shift matters for implementing circular economyIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast series, Helen Burdett, Head of Technology Strategy at the World Economic Forum, talks about circular economy as a vision for the future. Circular economy reimagines the linear economy in which we live. It’s a pervasive systems approach that is broader than reduce, reuse and recycle. As a concept and set of principles, circular economy brings immense economic and resiliency opportunities. While there has been a proliferation of circular roadmaps at a national level for countries around the world, the question remains: How do we ensure an abs...2023-09-1129 minDecoding InnovationHow one startup is progressing toward commercialized nuclear fusionIn this episode of Decoding Innovation, Scott Krisiloff shares Helion Energy’s journey so far in creating electricity from nuclear fusion and the subsequent plans to commercialize this form of energy. Fusion — the inverse of fission — is a process where energy is created when two lighter atoms are combined to form a new atom. Established in 2008, Helion Energy is aiming to use nuclear fusion for producing electricity and meeting the global energy demand. Scott Krisiloff, Chief Business Officer of Helion Energy, details how the company has taken an unconventional approach to its fusion reactions, so that mo...2023-08-2324 minDecoding InnovationHow high-pressure water stored underground may reshape energy storageIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Quidnet Energy CEO Joe Zhou discusses the use of innovative geomechanical methods and its impact on the global energy industry. Currently, pumped hydro is the only form of commercialized long-duration energy storage available globally. Quidnet Energy — with its innovative use of geomechanical methods to deliver long-term energy storage — looks set to transform the global energy industry. Joe Zhou, CEO of Quidnet Energy, explains in detail how the company uses conventional oil and gas techniques to effectively put the weight of the mountain on top of the stored water...2023-08-0725 minDecoding InnovationHow the metaverse is planning to augment reality — not replace itIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Mathieu Nouzareth, CEO of The Sandbox, explains how a community-driven platform is shaping the future of the metaverse. The metaverse technology creates a 3D virtual space on computers and phones to bring people closer. For organizations such as The Sandbox, the metaverse is a medium where users can meet each other, make friends and play games. According to Mathieu Nouzareth, CEO of The Sandbox, the objective of creating a metaverse is not to replace reality — it is only to augment it. The Sandbox is a community-driven platform wh...2023-07-2425 minDecoding InnovationWhat Industry 4.0 is all about: the progression from 1.0 to 4.0In this episode, Ajay Khaladkar, former Technical Program Manager, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology, discusses how the institute is helping companies transition to Industry 4.0. Humanity is in relentless pursuit of enhancing living standards and creating a more comfortable existence. Every major effort to advance society using human intellect and technology has not only induced socioeconomic ripples but also transformed the world — starting from the first industrial revolution in the 1700s, also known as Industry 1.0, to the digital transformation we are witnessing today: Industry 4.0. As technology is rapidly evolving and new frameworks are bei...2023-07-1032 minDecoding InnovationHow “Z-pinch” could be the way ahead for fusion and clean energyIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast series, Ryan Umstattd, VP of Product Development at Zap Energy, talks about the future of clean energy production through efficient fusion techniques. Many people still see nuclear fusion as a far-flung, futuristic solution for cleaner energy. But the truth is, every day, scientists and energy-generation companies around the world are proving that this technology is becoming viable in our own present day. Deuterium and tritium have been observed as the main sources of fuel to design futuristic, commercially viable fusion plants worldwide. Among the many paths to...2023-06-1941 minDecoding InnovationHow one company entirely reshaped the commercialization of innovationIn this episode, John Nottingham and Joe Gfoeller explain the process of innovation and the factors that determine the successful introduction of a new product in the market. Most businesses are hesitant to invest in innovation when their existing products are already performing well in the market. According to John Nottingham, Co-President of Nottingham Spirk, and Joe Gfoeller, President of Nottingham Spirk, innovating at such times can transform a business from a market leader into a dominating force. At Nottingham Spirk, an idea is carefully vetted before work begins on it. Furthermore, the company only wo...2023-06-0544 minDecoding InnovationHow the metaverse plans to bring people closerIn this episode, Varjo founder and CTO Urho Konttori shares his vision about the metaverse and how it has the potential to transform businesses of the future. The metaverse is combining mixed reality technologies with high-speed internet and transitioning the industry toward a “virtual goods realm.” According to Urho Konttori, founder and Chief Technology Officer of Varjo, the metaverse is fundamentally the next iteration of the internet-human interaction. Technology innovators look at the metaverse as the medium that can democratize distance — so people can be with their family and friends whenever they want. Furthermore, this new tec...2023-05-2242 minDecoding InnovationHow extended reality (XR) technologies can transform industriesIn this episode of the Decoding innovation podcast series, UrsaLeo Co-founder and CEO John Burton shares the company's journey and how XR technologies are changing industries and the world. With companies across industries generating ever-increasing amounts of data, a question emerges: How do you leverage this data to enhance the quality and improve sustainability? The wide adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and the emergence of the metaverse are pointing toward the increasing enthusiasm for immersive 3D technologies. Combining a realistic 3D environment and real-time data generated by industrial equipment and facilities could change...2023-05-0831 minDecoding InnovationWhy advanced nuclear energy should be part of the climate solutionIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Judi Greenwald, the Executive Director of Nuclear Innovation Alliance, shares her journey and insights on advanced nuclear power. As climate change is growing into the defining issue of our time, governments, industries and stakeholders are searching for new global energy solutions. Harnessing nuclear power is one of the major steps they can implement. Over the last decades, nuclear energy has been seen as a debatable power source, but latest innovations, and research and initiatives carried out by organizations, such as Nuclear Innovation Alliance, prove that it is s...2023-04-2457 minDecoding InnovationWhy a successful circular economy requires action nowIn this episode, Felix Heisel, Assistant Professor and Director of the Circular Construction Lab at Cornell University, discusses why circular economy is ideal for the construction industry. Earth has finite resources and industries are key consumers of those resources — some bigger than the others. The construction industry marks significant impact on the environment and the world economy, with its consumption of resources, such as energy and raw materials, and generation of waste. The “take-make-waste” model of linear economy is not considered as feasible to the planet anymore. With rising urbanization and decreasing resources, the need to shift toward...2023-04-1049 minDecoding InnovationHow remote MedTech is revolutionizing modern health careIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Daniel Hawkins, CEO and founder of Avail Medsystems, talks about Avail leveraging remote technology to pioneer the evolution of modern health care. Modern healthcare across the globe is evolving every day as per growing demands in the sector. The significance of quality plays a key role when it comes to access to modern health care. Access to the best health care professionals, medical procedures and operators has become easier thanks to modern health care innovations. The evolution is being pioneered by MedTech through some truly disruptive technologies. T...2023-03-2753 minDecoding InnovationWhy “dirt-to-dirt” is the real circular economyIn this episode, Douglas Horne, CEO and founder of Evanesce, talks about compostable packaging and explains why “dirt-to-dirt” is the real circular economy. We have been talking about recycling for a long time, but there have been very low numbers of recycling happening and very few recyclables being recycled — especially food waste. Food waste going into landfills poses a major problem for recyclers as it doesn’t mix up with things that aren’t compostable. So how can we change consumer behavior in the recycling process? In this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast se...2023-03-1336 minDecoding InnovationHow technology is redefining access to careIn this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast series, Oliver Kharraz, CEO and founder of Zocdoc, talks to Mitali Sharma about telehealth and how technology is positively impacting health care. Although smartphones, internet and video conferencing facilities were available years ago, telehealth has seen its popularity rising only recently — during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a virtual consultation with your health care provider from the safety of your home proved to be pivotal in a time where social distancing was advocated and enacted. Lack of awareness, privacy apprehensions and limited access to technology may have acted as hurdles fo...2023-02-2739 minDecoding InnovationWhat a hydrogen-powered future can look likeIn this episode, Andrew Horvath, Global Group Chairman, Star Scientific Limited, discusses the role of hydrogen in the new energy economy. Hydrogen became more prevalent after the first energy crisis in the early 1970s. It has now taken a giant leap forward as climate change and the war in Ukraine has made energy and its production a bigger issue. People have come to realize that there is a significant role for hydrogen to play in the new energy economy. With hydrogen taking a center stage in the energy discourse, there are ongoing efforts to reduce...2023-01-3029 minDecoding InnovationWhy fusion is the holy grail for clean energy generationIn the second episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast series, General Fusion CEO Greg Twinney talks about why fusion is the most sustainable approach to clean energy production. The innovative techniques in fusion energy generation hold the key to designing commercially viable fusion plants worldwide. The technological approach that has been used for fusion defines the economic and commercial success. Additional peripheral technologies have helped bring innovative fusion techniques into reality that was deemed unimaginable. Greg Twinney is a disruptive innovator in the fusion space. As the CEO of General Fusion, he shares his insights...2023-01-2715 minDecoding InnovationHow a career path in disruptive innovation impacts global industriesIn the first episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast series, General Fusion CEO Greg Twinney talks about his approach to bringing disruptive innovation into reality through strategic partnerships and execution. The world has consistently witnessed new waves of disruptive innovations that have changed how different sectors function today. The ability to recognize an opportunity to innovate and to execute the idea, while having the right resources and technology, is the secret sauce to success for disruptive innovators around the globe. Greg Twinney, CEO of General Fusion, believes that having clarity about the impact of an...2023-01-2727 min
Lay of The Land#65: John Nottingham (Nottingham Spirk)Our guest today is John Nottingham — Co-Founder & Co-President of Nottingham Spirk.If you’ve ever used a Swiffer Sweep+Vac, a Crest Spinbrush, a Dirt Devil, a Jacuzzi, a Little Tikes Playhouse, Duck Tape, SmartMouth Mouthwash, an Axe Bullet, a Sherwin-Williams Twist & Pour paint container...you’ve used one of their inventions. Nottingham Spirk is a Cleveland-based product innovation firm responsible for these worldwide product platforms and many more — and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.Since founding the company in 1972 on Case Western Reserve University's campus, John and his co-founder, John Spirk, have led...2022-03-1752 min
NextWave Private EquityWhy family offices are playing in PE’s sandboxEntrepreneurs and companies seeking investment may find a family office (FO) a compelling alternative to private equity (PE). According to Preqin, family office deals currently represent 2.5% of total M&A deals, a small share but one that has been steadily increasing since the great financial crisis. The Economist estimates family offices manage assets worth an estimated US$4 trillion, with individual offices averaging $500 million to $1 billion in AUM according to Forbes. Our guest is Katherine Hill Ritchie, Director and Board Member of Nottingham Spirk, a 50-year-old innovation firm with a family office. Katherine has 18 years of...2021-11-2326 min
Fifth Dimensional LeadershipPassion, Learning and Riskless Innovation with Bill NottinghamToday we are joined by yet another incredibly fascinating leader — Bill Nottingham! Bill is the Managing Partner and Vice President of Growth for Nottingham Spirk. He is also a member of numerous boards, professional associations, and is a speaker and a thought leader on all things innovation. His family’s business, Nottingham Spirk, is an organization that was founded in 1972 and is one of the world’s longest-standing private innovation companies. As a firm, their mission is to improve lives throughout the world through innovative product solutions and even saving lives through breakthrough biomedical devices. This or...2021-10-0841 min
Innovation4AlphaFeatured Family Office: Nottingham Spirk / Katherine Hill Ritchie (016)Katherine Hill Ritchie has extensive background running single family offices including a strong emphasis on sourcing alternative investments. Her most recent role involves both investment sourcing and project sourcing for a Cleveland based family office rooted in industry design.2021-08-0435 min
Fast FrontiersS3 Ep 9. John Nottingham: Nottingham SpirkIn this episode, we're talking with John Nottingham, Co-President of Nottingham Spirk, the longstanding design collaborative and innovation center located in Cleveland, Ohio. We're going to dive into the unique, vertical innovation approach that Nottingham Spirk uses to partner with companies to create new products. And we will talk about their new partnership with EY that will house their Global Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility. 2021-06-0829 min
Medtech TalkDesign Firm Nottingham Spirk has Grand Plans to Bolster Medtech Start-upsThe Medtech industry earns only passing grades in the category of product design, according to product development group Nottingham Spirk. But the company hopes to leverage its experience and access to capital to help Medtech start-ups get to the head of the class.2016-04-0734 min