Here's how you can maximize product innovation with a diverse network.

Based on my previous roles, I can affirm the significant impact of embracing diversity within a network to maximize product innovation. Connecting with individuals from varied industries, backgrounds, and cultures brings a rich variety of perspectives that can spark innovative ideas and challenge conventional thinking. For example, in my experience, fostering a network that encourages open dialogue and diverse viewpoints has led to the development of products that are not only innovative but also inclusive. One aspect was when we were launching a new refrigerator that will cater for over 19 markets in 3 continents that we needed to take into consideration the different diversities and ensure at the end that we maximize the impact

Remember that diversity goes beyond race and gender to include diversity of thought from different backgrounds and cultures. By embracing diversity we create more inclusive products that benefit people and the planet.

Maximizing product innovation thrives on embracing diversity within your network. I learned the importance of this during a project aimed at developing a new health app. By involving professionals from healthcare, technology, and design, as well as cultural consultants, we were able to challenge our assumptions and blend a wide range of insights. This diversity not only enriched our ideation process but also helped us identify unique user needs and innovative functionalities that would not have been obvious to a more homogenous team. Fostering this type of diverse collaboration created a rich tapestry of ideas, driving us toward a more universally appealing and innovative product.

Maximizing product innovation often requires looking beyond our immediate surroundings and seeking inspiration from a diverse network. One powerful approach is to draw on cross-industry insights. Engaging with professionals from different sectors can offer fresh perspectives that challenge our industry's norms and spark creative thinking. For example, a technique that’s standard in the automotive industry might revolutionize a process in healthcare. Building relationships with individuals across various fields allows for the cross-pollination of ideas, leading to innovative applications for existing technologies or methods.

Strategic alliance helps business enable alternative revenue channels which directly contribute to the income of the P&L. As a business my main asset is my product and my product innovation team figure out channels to market, pitch and sell the product. As product innovator’s of the business we need to maintain strong network to build long term/ short term strategic alliance to cross sell or upsell for business benefit.

You can be 'Right A Lot' by seeking Diverse perspectives As a Product Innovation leader, you can foster an environment where team members feel empowered to respectfully challenge ideas and offer alternative solutions. By embracing healthy debate, you harness the collective intelligence of your team, ultimately helping you to be 'Right a Lot' more often.