Imagine it forward

OUR FAVORITE PART:

“A spark is a person, usually an outsider, whose unique perspective – the more different, the better – challenges the team to think differently.”

SUMMARY:

“Imagine it Forward” is a book by Beth Comstock, a former vice chair of General Electric. In this book, Comstock shares her experiences and insights on how to drive innovation and creativity in a constantly changing world.

The book is divided into three parts, each of which covers a different aspect of innovation. In the first part, Comstock talks about the importance of being open to new ideas and taking risks. She shares her own experiences at GE, where she pushed for new ideas and initiatives that sometimes went against the company’s culture and traditions.

In the second part, Comstock discusses the role of experimentation in driving innovation. She argues that experimentation is essential for learning and improving, and that failure is an inevitable part of the process. She provides examples of companies that have successfully used experimentation to drive innovation, such as Google and Amazon.

In the final part, Comstock focuses on the importance of collaboration and building networks. She emphasizes that innovation is not the result of a single genius, but rather the product of a diverse and collaborative team. Comstock provides examples of companies that have successfully built networks and ecosystems to drive innovation, such as Airbnb and Alibaba.

Throughout the book, Comstock shares a number of practical tips and strategies for driving innovation. She highlights the importance of listening to customers, embracing diversity, and being open to new ideas. She also provides examples of companies that have successfully used these strategies to drive innovation, such as Procter & Gamble and Nike.