philmckinney
I Told the Department of Education Their Graduates Were Useless
The room went silent. But I'd been watching this crisis unfold for decades—starting on a factory floor in 1981
Why the People Who Disagree with You Are Your Secret Weapon
How intelligent opposition transforms your thinking from weak assumptions into rigorous reasoning—and why most people avoid this advantage entirely.
The 10-Minute Airport Conversation That Generated HP Billions
How a casual exchange at San Jose Airport became HP's gaming empire—and why most executives miss these moments entirely
Moving to Substack: A New Chapter
Innovation veteran Phil McKinney launches "Studio Notes" on Substack—revealing untold stories from 30 years of innovation leadership. What really happens in Fortune 100 boardrooms? Discover raw wisdom from failures and successes. Experience innovation's human journey as lived, not taught.
How Can I Take Advantage Of Emerging Trends And Fads
“Weak signals” are the equivalent of a canary in a coal mine. They are the unspoken needs and wants of your customers, and they are also the arrows pointing to what your customers are going to need and want in the future.
What Customer Segments Will Emerge In 5 Years
With any radical idea you will see the corporate antibodies come out of the woodwork, giving all the standard reasons why the idea will “never happen.” Remember, the fundamental assumption of the corporate antibody is that the future will be the same as today. Your customers are going to change.