Mihai Ionescu’s Post

When I think about thoughtful disruption, I want to reach further than the existing technological landscape. Redefining what innovation looks like when equity, ethics and responsibility are paired in holistic, radical, balanced and safer forms. If we are to embrace thoughtful disruption while navigating equity within product spaces there are a few things to keep in mind. Products move fast. Innovation stumbles. There is a longer trending journey that needs us to stop, pause, question, unpack, unlearn, and relearn. This shouldn't happen for the sake of disruption but from a space of thoughtful and intentional care. As the core of this principle and way of operating and sometimes simply being is the recognition that interconnectedness is crucial in partnership with reciprocal relationships that centre mutual aid, learning and self-determination. I have attempted to incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems and protocols such as locality into this work and the concepts behind this. This is in the hope that we may honour Indigenous peoples, and enrich our practices with these diverse perspectives and insights. This also means connecting with people in these communities in non-transactional or exploitative ways. My idea of thoughtful disruption extends beyond these Indigenous knowledge systems and how we might integrate them in meaningful ways. It has a deep commitment to curiosity, transparency, and adaptability as new unknowns are uncovered and new things become known. If we work from a space with our best available knowledge but have a strong openness to accepting new insights, information and knowledge systems we better position ourselves to make progress on our equity, but also embrace a space of bringing people along with us on that journey. Technology moves rapidly, and innovation often takes precedence. Thoughtful disruption can prompt us to pump the breaks and consider the broader implications of our decisions. This challenges us to move beyond binary thinking, enabling us to acknowledge that the complexity and richness of human differences and experiences require us to understand discomfort and non-consensus help us navigate and field situations with greater thoughtfulness and sensitivity. This is something I'm actively working to improve as a neurodivergent person, this particular space can be difficult to navigate, but it's a worthy one. I often try to move at the speed of trust, while trying to slow innovation just enough to nudge people to make better, more equitable decisions. Together we can pave the way for more equitable and included futures in product spaces. It is a bold bet on the future where AI is thoughtful, produced with care, and a deeper understanding of its impact on larger systems and the humans within those systems and outside of them. #ThoughtfulDisruption #EquityInTech #InclusiveInnovation #EthicalResearch #NonTransactionalApproaches #Reciprocity #ProductEquity

I think Julianna Rowsell’s principle of thoughtful disruption gives us the 4 commandments for approaching product innovation, and design. This is especially true when appealing to underserved communities. 1. Move at the speed of trust 2. Connect with people in ways that are non-transactional and exploitative 3. Work from a space of best available knowledge, but have a strong openness to accepting new insights 4. Understand that complexity and richness of human differences and experiences require us to understand discomfort and non-consensus help us navigate and field situations with greater thoughtfulness and sensitivity

Unlocking the Future: The Power of Innovation In today's fast-paced world, innovation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. As we navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving landscape, it's clear that the key to success lies in embracing creativity, experimentation, and disruption. What is Innovation? Innovation is more than just a buzzword; it's a mindset. It's about challenging the status quo, identifying problems, and developing novel solutions that create value for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. Whether it's a groundbreaking product, a revolutionary service, or a game-changing process, innovation has the power to transform industries and shape the future. Why is Innovation Important? 1. Competitive Advantage: In today's competitive market, innovation is what sets companies apart from their peers. By introducing new ideas and products, businesses can differentiate themselves and establish a unique selling proposition. 2. Economic Growth: Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, creating new opportunities for employment, investment, and revenue streams. 3. Improved Quality of Life: Innovative solutions can address pressing social and environmental issues, such as climate change, healthcare, and education, ultimately improving our quality of life. 4. Increased Efficiency: New technologies and processes can streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. Types of Innovation 1. Product Innovation: Developing new products or services that meet changing customer needs. 2. Process Innovation: Improving existing processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. 3. Business Model Innovation: Introducing new business models that disrupt traditional industries. 4. Social Innovation: Addressing social and environmental challenges through innovative solutions. How to Foster Innovation 1. Encourage Creativity: Create a culture that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. 2. Invest in Research & Development: Allocate resources to explore new ideas and technologies. 3. Collaborate with Others: Partner with startups, academia, and industry experts to leverage diverse perspectives. 4. Embrace Failure: View failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. Real-World Examples of Innovation 1. Tesla's Electric Cars: Revolutionizing the automotive industry with sustainable energy solutions. 2. Airbnb's Sharing Economy: Disrupting traditional hospitality models through peer-to-peer accommodation rentals. 3. Netflix's Streaming Service: Transforming the entertainment industry with on-demand content delivery.

We've all been given the mandate: go forth and be disruptive! But, how exactly, do you cultivate disruptive innovation within your team or organization? It's not as hard as you think, and it can lead to innovations that truly change the world as we know it. https://lnkd.in/eZFRHXaj How do you encourage innovation on your team?

Disruption Clayton M. Christensen's theory of disruptive innovation, first introduced in his 1997 book "The Innovator's Dilemma," has become one of the most widely-cited and influential concepts in innovation and business strategy. The theory states that disruptive innovations, which are often simpler and more affordable than existing products or services, can fundamentally change the dynamics of an industry by appealing to new or overlooked market segments. This alludes that disruption primarily focuses on products, services, organisations, industry and even countries. The theory has provided a great depth of understanding in the wake of all forms of disruption in that it speaks to the five pillars that disruption is built on and that have changed how business works and looks. Disruptive technologies: Disruptive innovations often start by targeting non-consumption or underserved segments of the market, using simpler, more affordable, and more accessible technologies than existing products or services. Value networks: Disruptive innovations create new value networks by connecting previously unconnected stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, and partners. Business models: Disruptive innovations often require new business models, such as subscription-based or on-demand models, to capture the value created by the latest technology or value network. Incumbents: Disruptive innovations often encounter resistance from established companies, which may be unwilling or unable to adapt to the new technology or business model. Trajectories: Disruptive innovations often follow different trajectories than sustaining innovations, which are incremental improvements to existing products or services. Understanding the Five (5) pillars and the constraints that they come with has made it so that companies can now identify and capitalize on disruptive innovations in their respective industries. BUT (lets shift perspective) People ? Is disruption about products and services ? If we put thought into it we actually see that organisation\companies do not disrupt unless people do which then raises the question, do organisations foster the kind of culture that looks to enable self disruption in their people ? understanding fully that this is a process of deliberate self innovation. if so how do they do that in your respective organisation. Let us discuss

Non-disruptive Innovation and Growth. Most companies remain stuck in the mindset that in order to create you must disrupt or destroy. The time has come to fully embrace the idea that you can create without destroying. Nondisruptive creation does not need to breaks the existing mindset that innovation and growth need always be incremental, neither that without disruption growth cannot take place. In the 50’s and 60’s intercontinental travel was mainly by oceanlines, with jet travel expanding with many positive factors oceanlines companies that did not innovate were destroyed. However, companies that innovated, created the cruise industry which was clearly not incremental as it was not in the transportation segment, but in the leasure segment of industries. Focus on disruption leads companies to overlook another building block of innovation and growth — one that I argue is as important as in the example set above. Innovation - which offers a new way of thinking about what’s possible, has immense potential for creating new markets which where none existent or not developed before. This is creation without disruption or destruction. All the demand generated by this kind of innovation is not new. Another example are mobile phones, which seems fast replacing nonmobile phones and the demand fixed phones connected in the communication networks. Fixed phones have not disappeared nor is likely to disappear in the next decade. Both markets exist serving different market segments efficiently and productively. My question is disruption the only way to innovate and grow? Is it even the best way? Would await comments as to why disruption is not the only way to innovate and grow.

Humans are inherently innovative, driven by our need to adapt, survive, and thrive. Innovation, as we recognize it today, isn’t new; it’s an acceleration of our natural impulse to create and evolve. Standing still is no longer an option.   Reflecting on my experience in Prof. Clayton Christensen’s Disruptive Strategy course nine years ago, I felt inspired to revisit “The Innovation Dilemma” with a human-centered approach. In this first article of a three-part series, I unpack how aligning innovation with human needs, desires, and behaviors is key to lasting progress. Join me as we explore a new perspective on innovation beyond products, with people at its core. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dMiMp4dv #Innovation #HumanCenteredDesign #CustomerExperience #DesignThinking #InnovationStrategy #humancenteredinnovation

Why Disruption is Your Greatest Opportunity for Innovation What if I told you that the next big innovation in your industry won’t come from your next big idea, but from the disruption you’ve been avoiding? Disruption is like that moment when everything you know gets tossed into a blender, and what comes out is something completely different. It’s the rapid shift from the old ways of doing things to something new, driven by innovations like AI, automation, and other cutting-edge technologies.   Now, let’s talk about what’s fueling this disruption. Harvard Business Publishing recently conducted a global study, and the results are clear: AI, automation, and innovation aren’t just fancy words, they’re the new reality. Over 50% of companies are prioritizing automation and robotics. It’s not just about keeping up anymore; it’s about staying ahead. Take Netflix, for instance. Remember when they used to mail DVDs? It’s ok if you don’t remember, because this was 25 years ago. But then, they saw the writing on the wall and pivoted to streaming. It wasn’t just a change; it was a reinvention. And it paid off. Another example? Look at Tesla. They took the concept of electric cars—something that was more science fiction than reality—and turned it into a global movement. Companies aren’t just sitting around waiting for change to happen. They’re making it happen.  According to the Harvard study, 50% of businesses are focusing on automation and robotics. In Asia Pacific, that number is even higher. It’s a clear sign that those who invest strategically in these technologies will be the ones who thrive in this new landscape. But here’s the thing—technology alone isn’t enough. You still need the human element. Machines can process data, but it’s the human insight that turns that data into actionable strategies. As one HR head from a global pharmaceutical company put it, “Even with increasing automation, human intervention remains vital.” And this brings us to corporate culture. If your organization doesn’t have a culture that supports innovation and adaptability, all the technology in the world won’t save you. It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to embrace change and take risks. Leaders today need to be comfortable with uncertainty and skilled at making quick decisions in the face of change. Think about leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft. He didn’t just steer the company through change; he embraced it. By shifting Microsoft’s focus to cloud computing and AI, he turned the company into one of the most valuable in the world. That’s what leadership in the face of disruption looks like. The choice is simple: innovate or be left behind. Disruption is here to stay, and the only way to thrive is to keep moving forward. Source: 2024 Global Leadership Development Study, Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning

🧠 Explore the role of practicality in innovation and learn how to balance creativity with feasibility for success. Let's innovate smartly! #PracticalInnovation #Feasibility #Creativity https://hubs.la/Q02vZcp_0

We love to celebrate disruptive innovations. They're exciting, they're revolutionary, they change the world. But there's a shadow side to disruption that we don't talk about enough: what happens when innovation outpaces our ability to manage its consequences? Think about social media. It disrupted how we communicate, connect, and consume information. Amazing, right? But it also disrupted our privacy, our mental health, and even our democratic processes in ways we're still grappling with. Or consider the gig economy. It disrupted traditional employment, offering flexibility and opportunities. But it also created new forms of worker exploitation and economic insecurity. This is the dark side of disruption – when our capacity to innovate exceeds our capacity to understand and manage the implications of that innovation. It's what happens when we move fast and break things, without considering what we're breaking and whether it needed to be broken. So, what's the solution? Should we slow down innovation? Absolutely not. But we need to innovate responsibly. We need to consider not just whether we can do something, but whether we should. We need to think about the second and third-order effects of our innovations. As entrepreneurs and innovators, we have a responsibility not just to disrupt, but to disrupt ethically. To consider the full impact of our innovations on society, on the environment, on future generations. The next big disruption isn't just about technology or business models. It's about integrating ethics and foresight into the very fabric of innovation. It's about creating value without compromising values. So, as you work on your next big idea, ask yourself: Am I disrupting for the better? What might be the unintended consequences of my innovation? How can I mitigate potential harm?