Power Skills Periodical

Explore innovative strategies and creative solutions that empower professionals to overcome communication challenges, lead with confidence, and drive meaningful change in their organizations.

Innovation Whisper: Cuteness as Innovation ai d.school ideo maven mba school section Apr 24, 2025

We often view innovation through the lens of disruption: bold, loud, and assertive. 

It’s the radical invention, the groundbreaking technology, the daring idea that commands attention. Think of Meta's metaverse launch. 

In business, in leadership, and culture, power is often associated with force,...

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AI Didn’t Kill Creativity — It’s Expanding Human Expression ai creativity d.school design future of work ideo maven section Apr 17, 2025

There’s a familiar tension echoing through our feeds right now. 

It's a big fear. 

Specifically, the fear that AI is erasing artists, replacing creators, and turning craftsmanship into code. 

And I get it. 

As someone who’s spent years researching the intersections of innovation, creativity, and...

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Hacking Innovation Leadership: Creating Collective Flow Through Improvisation, Creativity, and Innovation ai collective creativity d.school decision making design design thinking flow group ideo individual maven mba professional developement section Mar 25, 2025

In a world awash with constant change, the essence of learning and leadership is evolving. The skills needed to lead in the new world have changed. Many are being left behind.

Last week, we embarked on an extraordinary voyage through the lens of improvisation, transforming the traditional paradigms...

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The Future Unfolding: How ETHDenver and Web3 Mirror the Innovation Jam Approach to Open Innovation Mar 19, 2025

I have just returned from ETHDenver, the epicenter of Web3 development and decentralized innovation, and what I witnessed was a massive shift forward in time—a glimpse into the future of how innovation ecosystems will function. For years, I have studied open innovation, improvisational knowledge-sha...

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The Bonsai Principle: Why Cutting Back Fuels Disruptive Innovation Feb 11, 2025

 Hi Innovators and Friends! 

I want you to take a moment and really look at this bonsai. Stop what you are doing and look at the bonsai. It didn’t just happen. Every inch of it was shaped with intention—pruned, wired, and cultivated over years.

This isn't just a cute tree. This is a masterclass in...

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Design: A Field in Flux or Flourishing? Jan 08, 2025

Reading this thoughtful piece on the current state of design by Kevin McCullagh, sparked a reflection that I hope can expand the conversation. The idea that "design is in the doldrums" resonates with some of the challenges we’ve faced—budget cuts, layoffs, and the perception that design has over-p...

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Driving Social Media Engagement Through the Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback Dec 08, 2024

In today’s digital-first world, thought leadership isn’t built in a vacuum—it’s cultivated through dynamic interactions and meaningful conversations. Social media has become the modern public square, where ideas are shared, debated, and refined. But standing out as a thought leader requires more t...

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Your Guide to Maximizing Your ISPIM Conference Experience Nov 30, 2024

Even after attending many conferences over the years, I’ll admit it can still be daunting—juggling work, travel, and preparation while making the most of the event. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, having a clear guide can take away the stress and m...

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Innovation is a Two-Sided Coin: The Techno-Social Perspective on Collaborative Innovation Nov 26, 2024

Technologies and Human Work: A Deep Connection

🌐 There's a growing debate on what emerging energy technologies—like AI, Web3, and others—mean for humans and work. Some argue that these technologies are transforming how we work and live, while others worry they could displace human labor. However,...

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The Case for Slow Innovation: Harnessing Deliberation for Sustainable Value Creation Nov 19, 2024

In a world obsessed with speed—fast food, rapid prototyping, and real-time decision-making—innovation often falls prey to the relentless demand for immediacy. However, the rise of the "slow" movement, originating from slow food in Italy (Petrini, 1989) and expanding to areas such as finance aka Sl...

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Not All That Jazz! What Jambands Teach Us About New Models of Innovation Nov 12, 2024

The Power of Music to Revolutionize Innovation:

Imagine trying to solve the challenges of organizational innovation not through the lens of traditional business strategy, but through the creative spontaneity of a live music performance. Drawing from recent reflections on punk's energy and spirit ...

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Pixar’s Famous Braintrust Meetings Exemplify The Power of Improvisation To Drive Innovation and Growth Oct 29, 2024

Improvisation is often misunderstood as a performance-only skill reserved for comedians or actors. However, its core principles—especially the concept of “Yes, and”—offer profound lessons for communication, collaboration, and innovation across personal and professional settings. Embracing “Yes, an...

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