Podcast Interview with Roger Martin Now Available

Posted by Chris Flanagan on December 12, 2008

What a treat to present this podcast interview with newly appointed BIF Research Advisor Roger Martin. Dean of the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, Roger has spent a career exploring and teaching how organizations can build, grow and sustain themselves through a concept he calls integrative thinking. Perfect timing in these financially turbulent times because according to Roger, integrative thinkers are wired to deliver breakthrough business models.

Economic value creation, according to Roger, can be found when organizations shift from "an obsession with reliability" to a "welcoming environment for validity." So while processes like Six Sigma can certainly help you squeeze more efficiency out of your current operating model, integrative thinking tackles value generation from a different place - it really can help you create entirely new markets and business models.

Our conversation took place in the offices of the Boston-based design firm Continuum. (Thanks so much for hosting us Mike!) In part one of this podcast, we talk about integrative thinking and its similarities with the increasingly popular design-thinking approach to innovation. We’ll also touch on the importance of experimentation in the development of new models - and why testing procedures, like those being developed by the Business Innovation Factory, are essential components to the business model innovation process.

Listen to the BIF Podcast Interview with Roger Martin