26 episodes

Supported by the EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub, the Decoding Innovation podcast series explores the groundbreaking technologies, business models and ideas that are shaping the future of industries.

Listen as we meet with stakeholders at the cutting edge to discuss issues around innovation, disruption and importance of ecosystems.

Decoding Innovation EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub

    • Business
    • 3.8 • 4 Ratings

Supported by the EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub, the Decoding Innovation podcast series explores the groundbreaking technologies, business models and ideas that are shaping the future of industries.

Listen as we meet with stakeholders at the cutting edge to discuss issues around innovation, disruption and importance of ecosystems.

    How understanding AI today will help you make an impact tomorrow

    How understanding AI today will help you make an impact tomorrow

    In this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Henry Ajder, a globally recognized artificial intelligence advisor, maps out the emerging landscape of AI and its opportunities, threats and benefactors. 
    While the concept of AI has been a subject of speculation for years — even decades — its significance, at least for the layperson, has elevated in the past couple of years. With the emergence and growing popularity of platforms, such as ChatGPT, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, companies are eager to position themselves at the forefront of the AI renaissance.
    As the relevance of AI increases, concerns and doubts associated with it grow as well. While it's undeniable that AI is capable of advancing industrial operations and human lives, it has also raised questions regarding the potential consequences of entrusting machines with power. This has given rise to debates surrounding privacy, consent validity, ethical considerations and potential for its misuse.
    Henry Ajder, a globally renowned figure in the world of AI, generative AI (GenAI) and synthetic media, explores the advent of AI and the prospect of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and discusses the commercial implications. Further, he delves deeper into the ethical questions the technology brings forth.
    Key takeaways:
    Debates persist whether AI can be classified as true intelligence, considering it parrots to the users what they want to hear, based on the massive amount of data is has been trained on. A large number of AI tools are readily accessible free of cost — some companies leverage this to build their reputation and user base. As there's a growing concern regarding how AI is monetized, several platforms have started embracing subscription-based models. With tools capable of voice cloning and generating deepfakes, there's a growing need to create new legislation to curb the harm vectors posed by AI.

    • 1 hr 5 min
    What strategic lessons the C-suite can learn from Bob Nardelli

    What strategic lessons the C-suite can learn from Bob Nardelli

    In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Bob Nardelli, founder and CEO of XLR-8 LLC, discusses how CEOs and boards can drive organizational success through right company culture and strategic decision-making.
    Company boards play a key role in continually driving organizational growth. The boards are adept at identifying opportunities and challenges, and making strategic decisions that can be lucrative, open access to new markets, drive organizational efficiency and consolidate resources.
    Driving organizational efficiency is another key function of company boards. By scrutinizing internal processes and structures, boards identify areas for improvement, streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency.
    In the second episode of this two-part series, Bob Nardelli, founder and CEO of XLR-8 LLC and former CEO of The Home Depot, Chrysler and GE Power Systems, discusses how CEOs and boards can drive organizational success through strategic decision-making, and why the right company culture is key to building better partnerships within and outside of the company that can drive organizational success.
    Key takeaways:
    CEOs must strive toward fostering the right company culture to drive growth and to enable strategic decision-making. In the realm of growth strategy, boards play a crucial role in attaining substantial and rapid innovation for any organization. Accountability and conviction in driving strategic decisions play an important part of improving organizational growth and investing in the right workforce.

    • 17 min
    Why CEOs must focus on culture and accountability to drive growth

    Why CEOs must focus on culture and accountability to drive growth

    In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Bob Nardelli, former CEO of GE Power Systems, The Home Depot and Chrysler, discusses how CEOs can become champions of growth.
    Successful CEOs recognize the imperative of navigating the complex landscape of corporate leadership with a strategic trifecta: accountability, innovation and acquisition. Fostering a culture of accountability is foundational; CEOs must instill a sense of responsibility at all levels, ensuring that each team member understands their role in achieving organizational goals. This not only cultivates transparency but also establishes a framework for measuring and optimizing performance.
    In tandem, a relentless pursuit of innovation is paramount. CEOs must champion a forward-thinking ethos, encouraging creative problem-solving and embracing technological advancements. 
    Strategic acquisitions serve as a potent catalyst for growth. CEOs adept at identifying synergies and complementary assets can strategically expand their footprint, access new markets and consolidate resources. Meticulous due diligence in the acquisition process is vital, ensuring a seamless integration that enhances overall organizational efficiency.
    Bob Nardelli, founder and CEO of XLR-8 LLC and former CEO of The Home Depot, Chrysler and GE Power Systems, discusses how CEOs can become champions of growth with the right growth strategies, and how the triumvirate of accountability, innovation and acquisition forms the cornerstone of a CEO's approach to driving sustainable growth and organizational success. 
    Key takeaways:
    CEOs must recognize the importance of accountability as a key role in driving better organizational growth. Acquisitions as part of growth strategy are paramount to achieving innovation at scale and speed for any organization. The rate of progress has been growing faster than ever. It is important to apply accountability as part of improving organizational growth and investing in the right workforce.

    • 36 min
    How a motorcycle company kick-started its shift to be an energy company

    How a motorcycle company kick-started its shift to be an energy company

    In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND Energy, discusses the inception of the company and the funding journey.
    In the second episode of this two-part series, Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND Energy, delves deeper into the foundation of his second company, and how his first company, Cleveland CycleWerks, acted as the springboard for it. Although Cleveland Cyclewerks, a legacy motorcycle manufacturer, stopped producing, they still had to support old customers and fix issues, which consumed valuable employee time. This led to making some strategic decisions that, in turn, paved way for the establishment of LAND Energy.
    Scott explains in detail how they found sources for seed funding among friends and family, and the importance of perseverance to attain meaningful relationships and success in the industry. 
    Further into the episode, Scott points out how supply chain paradigms have changed post-2020, and how they utilized technology and adopted latest innovations to augment their manufacturing processes.
    Key takeaways:
    It is important to have sustainable goals, especially during the beginning of your company; start slow and accelerate once you get the basics, such as attainable KPIs. As using a single manufacturing floor is getting expensive and cumbersome, in-country manufacturing has its benefits for the automotive industry. Patents are a business tool, but they are getting more complex, and the patent process can be a barrier to the company growth. Developing in-house knowledge and having a team that has know-how are more feasible.

    • 26 min
    How a Cleveland-based motorcycle company found its niche in eMoto

    How a Cleveland-based motorcycle company found its niche in eMoto

    In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND Energy, discusses how his company pivoted to making electric bikes.
    Scott Colosimo is the founder and CEO of Cleveland CycleWerks, which was making traditional motorcycles in an existing market that had not undergone major changes for more than a century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to build a new electric prototype: eMoto. The eMotos include electric pedal-less throttle-controlled bicycles, and electric mopeds and motorcycles.
    In the first episode of a two-part series, Scott talks about the founding of his new venture, LAND Energy, and how the company managed to navigate the pandemic and post-pandemic landscapes. Further, he describes how his design background helped him finalize the ideal prototypes and how hiring only the A-players in their respective fields improved the dynamics of the new company. 
    Key takeaways:
    Electrification of motorcycles offers more freedom and benefits, compared with traditional gas motorcycles. It provides the opportunity to tweak the design and move the components. One of the biggest mistakes companies make is manufacturing a product without studying the market. It is important to study the market and consumer first, and curate the insights before moving to production. With increasing pressure from stakeholders and governments, the transition from gas to electric vehicles is a natural progression.

    • 26 min
    How innovations in the nuclear sector can help move toward net zero

    How innovations in the nuclear sector can help move toward net zero

    In this episode, Martin Freer, nuclear physicist and the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses the role of alternative fuels and the potential of nuclear energy.
    As we navigate technological advancements and new iterations of industrialization cycles, finding sustainable alternative energy sources should also be top of mind. 
    Martin Freer, a seasoned nuclear physicist, the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute, and the Director of the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses how harnessing nuclear power can help reduce humanity's impact on nature. He also shares his insights on alternatives fuels, challenges faced by the innovators in the nuclear energy landscape and the possibilities of nuclear fusion.
    Key takeaways:
    Government has an important role to play in setting framework and strategy. It should be a long-term commitment that allows larger companies to invest in nuclear power initiatives. The lack of support toward services and technology is one of the crucial hindrances several companies face. The solution is engaging between people with different skill sets and creating a balance. The rate of progress is too swift for industries. It is important to find new ways of working, investing and supporting the development in the nuclear power sector.

    • 43 min

Customer Reviews

3.8 out of 5
4 Ratings

4 Ratings

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