Episodios

  • Pay It Forward: How Three Words Created Podcasting's Longest-Running Innovation Show

    Pay It Forward: How Three Words Created Podcasting's Longest-Running Innovation Show
    Mar 18 2025
    Have you ever wondered what it takes to create something that truly lasts? What's the secret to building something that doesn't just survive but grows stronger for decades in our always-changing digital world? The answer might surprise you. It's not about fancy equipment or perfect production. It's not even about having all the answers when you start. It begins with a simple promise to pay it forward. The Bathroom Session That Started It All March 2005. A hotel bathroom at the Marriott in Phoenix. That's where I sat with a basic microphone, nervously recording the first episode of what would become Killer Innovations. The bathroom's natural echo was the only "sound engineering" I had—nothing like the studio we have today. Why a podcast? Why innovation? And honestly: why a bathroom? These questions have followed me for years, and as we launch Season 20—officially making the show the longest continuously produced podcast in history—it feels right to finally share the whole story with you. But first, let me ask you something: Has someone ever believed in you so deeply that it completely changed your path? The Debt That Can Never Be Repaid For me, that person was Bob Davis. As my mentor, Bob spent countless hours guiding me, challenging me, and opening doors I didn't know existed. During one of our regular talks, feeling incredibly grateful, I asked him how I could possibly repay him for everything he'd done. Bob's answer wasn't what I expected. He laughed—that hearty, knowing laugh of his—and said something that would change the direction of my life: "There's no way you can pay me back. You have to pay it forward." This wasn't gentle advice. It was a responsibility placed squarely on my shoulders. But how could I possibly live up to such a big obligation? What did "paying it forward" actually look like in real life? The answer would come in ways I couldn't have imagined, shaped by voices that had influenced my own thinking. Finding My Voice in Others Long before podcasts existed, I followed Earl Nightingale's monthly "Insight" audio cassette subscription. Earl showed me how spoken words could do more than just inform—they could change lives. Could I create something similar in this new thing called "podcasting"? The term itself was barely a few months old. The first true podcast “show” was created in August 2004 by Adam Curry when he launched his daily show, "Source Code." Most people still listened to radio or CDs. Podcast directories didn't exist. Subscription models were foreign concepts. Tools to create and publish podcasts did not exist. The landscape was new, untested, and mostly unknown. It was perfect. But a big question remained: Would anyone actually listen? What I didn't realize then was that this uncertainty—this feeling of not knowing—would become one of the show's greatest strengths. An Unexpected Ally The early days were quiet. Recording weekly episodes felt like talking to no one. Until one day, something unexpected happened. Adam Curry—the very person who had created the first podcast show—mentioned Killer Innovations on his own show. That single mention changed everything. Suddenly, this small experiment in paying it forward found an audience. People began listening, responding, talking back. But as our listeners grew, so did a nagging question: What insights could I possibly share that would be worth people's time? What principles could truly help others navigate the complex world of innovation? The Five Truths That Emerged Over hundreds of episodes, thousands of conversations, and countless moments of thinking deeply, patterns began to emerge. Not just in how successful innovations were created, but in how the show itself grew. These weren't principles I set out to discover. They revealed themselves gradually, persistently, until they became impossible to ignore: Innovation requires intention. Big ideas rarely happen by accident or luck. The most successful innovators deliberately create spaces and habits that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. Failure is an essential teacher. Our greatest lessons often come from our biggest failures, not our successes. Embracing failure as a normal part of the innovation process—rather than something to fear—unlocks growth and insights we'd miss otherwise. Diversity drives creativity. The most powerful innovations come from mixing different viewpoints, experiences, and knowledge areas. Building diverse teams is the best way to break through old thinking patterns. Innovation is a learnable skill. While some people might seem naturally creative, the basic skills of innovation can be developed through practice. With the right methods and consistent effort, anyone can get better at innovation. Human-centered approaches work best. Technology and processes matter, but innovations that truly change lives must be based on human needs, behaviors, and feelings. Starting with deep understanding of the people ...
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    16 m
  • Tesla vs Edison: The Innovation Methods That Changed The World

    Tesla vs Edison: The Innovation Methods That Changed The World
    Mar 4 2025
    On a stormy night in the 1880s, two men were working relentlessly to shape the future of electricity. In Menlo Park, Thomas Edison meticulously tested another filament variation for his electric light, documenting every failure in his growing logbook. Across New York, Nikola Tesla paced frantically, visualizing complete rotating magnetic fields in his mind, spotting design flaws before touching a single tool. One man built success through relentless iteration, the other through pristine mental simulation. Their methods were drastically different, yet both revolutionized the world. Their rivalry wasn't just about technological advancements but a battle of innovation philosophies. Edison's methodical, convergent thinking emphasized practical experimentation, while Tesla's divergent thinking relied on theoretical elegance and visualization. Their approaches to problem-solving influenced modern innovation, leaving lasting lessons for today's thinkers and creators. The Crucible of Competition: Three Defining Challenges Their different styles of innovation became evident in three defining technological battles: 1. Illuminating the World Edison's approach to electric light involved convergent thinking—breaking problems into smaller, testable components. He famously tested thousands of materials before perfecting the light bulb filament. "I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work," he declared. Tesla, in contrast, sought an elegant mathematical solution. He focused on alternating current (AC), calculating its efficiency before physically testing it. While Edison's light bulb succeeded first, Tesla's AC system proved more scalable for cities. 2. The Motor Challenge Edison, committed to incremental improvement, refined direct current (DC) motors through trial and error. His 99% perspiration approach ensured steady progress but was slow and resource-intensive. Using associative thinking, Tesla visualized the alternating current motor concept before even drawing a blueprint. The idea struck like lightning as he walked through a park reciting Goethe's Faust. "In an instant, I saw it all," he recalled. His AC motor would go on to power the world's electrical grids. 3. The War of Currents Their battle reached its climax in the War of Currents. Through systematic experimentation and a ruthless PR campaign, Edison sought to discredit Tesla's AC system by publicly demonstrating its dangers. He even influenced the development of the electric chair to prove AC's lethal nature. Armed with deductive reasoning, Tesla focused on mathematical proofs and efficiency studies. He collaborated with George Westinghouse, whose company successfully demonstrated AC's superiority at the 1893 World's Fair. Ultimately, AC won, shaping the modern power grid. The Innovation Mindsets of Tesla and Edison Their successes and failures highlight two dominant innovation methods: Edison's Systematic Approach: Break significant problems into small, testable components (convergent thinking)Document everything, including failuresFocus on practical applications over theoretical conceptsBuild market demand alongside technical solutionsMaintain a large team of specialists to execute ideas Tesla's Visionary Approach: Visualize complete solutions before building (divergent thinking)Focus on theoretical elegance and efficiencyWork primarily alone or with minimal assistancePrioritize revolutionary over incremental advancesTrust mathematical proofs over trial and error The Credit Conundrum: The Human Side of Innovation Their battle wasn't just technical—it was personal. Edison, an empire-builder, absorbed individual contributions into his corporate brand, often failing to credit employees. Tesla, in contrast, sought individual recognition but struggled to commercialize his ideas. This tension between collaboration and individual brilliance remains a key challenge in modern innovation. Tech companies today balance these approaches differently. Some, like Microsoft Research, allow individual recognition within corporate frameworks. Others, like Apple, blend visionary leaps with systematic refinement, ensuring innovation and execution thrive. Modern Lessons from Tesla and Edison Their rivalry offers timeless lessons for innovators: Balance systematic refinement with visionary insight. A hybrid approach often leads to the best breakthroughs.Recognize different thinking styles. Some problems require meticulous iteration, while others benefit from bold conceptualization.Encourage communication between diverse thinkers. The best teams integrate both Edison-like systematizers and Tesla-like visionaries.Document progress but remain open to intuition. Structured processes and creative leaps should coexist. Looking Ahead: The Jobs Revolution Steve Jobs combined Tesla's visionary thinking with Edison's systematic execution, creating one of the most innovative companies in history. Next week, we'll explore how Apple ...
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    18 m
  • How to Think Like Thomas Edison

    How to Think Like Thomas Edison
    Feb 25 2025
    In 1878, gas lamp manufacturers celebrated their dominance, believing their industry was untouchable. But in a small workshop in Menlo Park, Thomas Edison made a bold declaration: he would create an electric light so revolutionary that it would make gas lamps obsolete. The press mocked him. Experts dismissed him. Even some of his colleagues doubted him. But 18 months later, Edison unveiled the first practical incandescent light bulb, forever changing the world. What set Edison apart wasn't just his inventive capacity but his systematic problem—solving approach. His famous quote, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration," wasn't just philosophy—it was a blueprint for structured innovation. If you want to think like Thomas Edison, you must understand his methodology, which relied on systematic experimentation, market-driven innovation, and turning failure into information. The Edison Approach to Thinking Edison's thinking wasn't random; it followed structured principles that fueled his breakthroughs. Here are three core patterns that defined his problem-solving strategy: Systematic Experimentation Edison didn't stumble upon great ideas—he tested thousands of possibilities. Where others saw failure, he saw data. Unlike inventors who sought a single, perfect solution, Edison methodically worked through every possible variation until he found the best one. This systematic approach now influences everything from pharmaceutical research to software development. Market-Focused Innovation Edison understood that an invention wasn't valuable unless people wanted it. He didn't just ask, "Can it work?"—he asked, "Will people buy it?" This focus on commercial viability is what separates true innovation from mere experimentation. Think like Thomas Edison, and you'll focus on solving real-world problems with market-ready solutions. Failure as Data Edison's perspective on failure wasn't just positive—it was strategic. His famous remark, "I have not failed 10,000 times. I've successfully found 10,000 ways that won't work," highlights how he treated failure as an essential part of discovery. He wasn't failing—he was collecting data. How Edison Thought Through Problems Edison's approach to problem-solving followed a repeatable process, which innovators still use today. Define the Problem in Market Terms Edison began with the market, unlike other inventors who started with technical specifications. When developing the light bulb, he didn't just aim to create electric light—he calculated the exact price point and operational costs that would make it competitive with gas lamps. Break Down the Problem into Components Edison knew he could tackle significant challenges more efficiently by breaking them into smaller problems. For the light bulb, he separated the challenge into: Finding the right filament materialDetermining the ideal atmospheric conditions inside the bulbOptimizing electrical current flowDesigning a cost-effective manufacturing processCreating a distribution system for mass adoption By thinking systematically, he made an impossible challenge solvable. Conduct Systematic Experiments Edison's thousands of light bulb tests seemed like trial and error to outsiders. However, he used detailed experimental matrices to test multiple variables simultaneously while maintaining rigorous documentation. His team examined: Over 6,000 plant-based materials for filamentsDifferent filament thicknessesMultiple current levels and voltage settingsVarious vacuum conditions inside the bulb This structured experimentation ensured every effort contributed to progress. Rapid Prototyping and Testing Edison's lab wasn't just a research space but a prototype factory. His team built and tested multiple versions of inventions daily, refining designs in real time. This rapid iteration process is the same methodology that modern tech companies like SpaceX and Tesla use today. Document everything Edison knew ideas weren't enough—they needed to be recorded and refined. His laboratory kept: Detailed notebooks with every experiment loggedTechnical sketches and blueprintsMarket research findingsCost analysis reportsObservations on failed tests This documentation system helped prevent repeated mistakes and turned his insights into institutional knowledge. Think Like Thomas Edison in the Modern World Edison's systematic innovation model is alive today in some of the most groundbreaking companies: LEGO's Future Lab uses Edison-style parallel experimentation to develop new products, testing multiple prototypes simultaneously.SpaceX applies its rapid iteration model to rocket development, reducing the time between design and testing.Amazon embraces its market-first innovation, ensuring real-world demand drives every product launch.Corning Inc. continues to build on Edison's systematic testing principles, refining glass technology for over 150 years. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Innovation Even the best ...
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    25 m
  • How to Think Like Nicola Tesla

    How to Think Like Nicola Tesla
    Feb 18 2025
    Picture this: A man stands in a dusty Colorado laboratory, surrounded by crackling electrical arcs illuminating the night sky. While others might flinch at the raw power, Nicola Tesla, sketching in his notebook, remains unfazed. He isn’t just observing—he’s envisioning the future of wireless energy, mentally simulating systems with perfect clarity before ever building a prototype. His thinking process wasn’t just innovative—it was revolutionary. But what if you could think like Nicola Tesla? What if you could harness his ability to see solutions before others even recognize the problem? His mental approach, built on visualization, systems thinking, and rigorous problem-solving, isn’t just for engineers—it’s a framework that can help entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders. The Foundation of Tesla’s Thinking Tesla’s cognitive edge rested on three powerful mental models: Mental Visualization: Unlike most inventors who relied on trial-and-error with physical prototypes, Tesla designed and tested machines entirely in his mind. Before touching a tool, he could run a full simulation of a working motor, identify flaws, and refine the design. This exemplifies aesthetic thinking, where function and form create a unified whole. Systems Thinking: Tesla never saw inventions in isolation. When he developed alternating current (AC), he wasn’t just creating a motor—he envisioned an entire power grid. This interconnected view is what modern businesses use today when designing ecosystems like Apple’s hardware-software integration. Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Tesla generated bold, out-of-the-box ideas (divergent thinking) and then rigorously tested them mentally to narrow down the best approach (convergent thinking). This allowed him to sidestep costly trial-and-error cycles that slowed other inventors. By applying these thinking methods, Tesla reshaped industries. And these same principles can transform the way you approach innovation. How Tesla Thought Through Problems Tesla didn’t just stumble upon breakthroughs—he followed a structured process that made his ideas a reality: Initial Visualization – He built a complete mental image of the problem and potential solutions before working with materials. Mental Simulation – He ran mental “experiments,” observing how his imagined designs behaved under different conditions. Systematic Refinement – Through repeated mental iterations, he perfected his designs before moving to real-world implementation. Physical Verification – Only after exhaustive mental testing would he construct the prototype, often achieving success on the first attempt. Integration Thinking – Tesla considered how his inventions fit into a broader system, ensuring long-term relevance and scalability. This process helped him develop the AC motor, wireless transmission, and even early robotics concepts—years ahead of his time. Think Like Nicola Tesla in the Modern World Tesla’s methods aren’t relics of the past—they are actively used in today’s most successful companies: Mental Prototyping – SpaceX engineers run digital simulations before building rockets, just as Tesla tested his inventions mentally. Systems Integration – Companies like Amazon don’t just launch products; they create ecosystems that work seamlessly together. Applied Visualization – Designers at companies like IDEO and Apple use mental modeling techniques to refine user experiences before creating physical prototypes. Tesla’s thinking isn’t just for scientists—it’s a powerful tool for anyone solving complex problems. Avoiding Tesla’s Pitfalls Even Tesla had his struggles. His perfectionism sometimes delayed execution, allowing competitors like Marconi to commercialize radio technology first. The lesson? Mental modeling is powerful, but at some point, you must act. Modern innovators balance deep thinking with agile execution. Companies like Toyota use minimum viable products to test ideas quickly, avoiding Tesla’s tendency to over-refine concepts without real-world validation. A Challenge: Apply Tesla’s Thinking Try this exercise: Pick an everyday object—a coffee maker or smartphone charger. Mentally Disassemble It – Close your eyes and visualize every component. How do they fit together? Run a Mental Simulation – Imagine it working. Where is energy lost? What could be improved? Reimagine It – What if it used a different power source? Could it serve another function? Share your discoveries using #TeslaThinking. You might be surprised by what you uncover. What’s Next? Next, we’ll explore Thomas Edison’s approach to innovation—how his relentless experimentation turned failure into success. While Tesla perfected ideas mentally, Edison made progress through iteration. Their contrasting methods offer valuable lessons for modern innovators. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out...
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    21 m
  • Building an Innovation Studio - Part 2

    Building an Innovation Studio - Part 2
    Feb 11 2025

    Ever wondered what it takes to build a space that sparks creativity and enables innovation? I've been on a journey transforming my studio from a simple podcast recording room into a full-fledged innovation workspace, and I'm excited to share the progress with you.

    Five months ago, we embarked on a complete teardown and reconstruction. While we missed our January completion target, the transformation has been remarkable. We've installed hardwood flooring (goodbye, dust allergies!), added professional-grade tool organization with Husky cabinets, and installed a suspended lighting grid that would make theater technicians proud.

    The studio now features dedicated zones for different types of creative work. There's a 3D printing station with the constantly-running Bamboo Labs X1 Carbon, professional audio and video equipment storage, and flexible workspace areas for prototyping and ideation sessions. Everything is designed to keep the floor clear and maximize the space's versatility.

    Some challenges have emerged along the way – like the unexpected acoustic effects of the hardwood flooring (hello, echo!) and the adventure of hoisting heavy tool cabinets above the garage with a man lift (don't tell my wife!). We're still working on sound suppression solutions and evaluating options for a collaboration display wall.

    Want to see how it all comes together? Check out the full video tour where I dive into the details of each upgrade and share the thinking behind the design decisions. You'll get an inside look at the professional-grade lighting grid installation, the cable management solutions, and even some fresh 3D prints hot off the printer.

    If you're interested in innovation, making, or creating your own creative workspace, consider supporting the channel by becoming a member. You'll get exclusive content, live stream invites, and early access to videos. Plus, you might even get a chance to collaborate on prototyping your own ideas in the studio.

    Subscribe and join me on this journey of creation and innovation.

    Become a member on:

    YouTube Members: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney
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    17 m
  • The 90-Second Rule

    The 90-Second Rule
    Feb 4 2025

    Ever wondered why simple decisions feel like defusing a bomb? In this week's episode, we unpack the 90-Second Rule – a game-changing approach to conquering decision paralysis that's transforming how top performers work.

    Did you know you lose an average of 37 minutes overthinking each important decision? Multiply that by dozens of decisions per day, and you're wasting weeks of your life each year to mental paralysis. But what if you could make better decisions in just 90 seconds?

    We dive deep into the neuroscience of decision-making, revealing why your brain treats choosing lunch like it's choosing a career path. You'll discover the surprising link between decision fatigue and poor choices, and learn a counter-intuitive technique used by successful leaders to make faster, better decisions.

    Plus, we'll show you exactly how to implement this system in your daily life, with real examples from work, creative projects, and personal situations.

    Ready to transform your decision-making? Our member community gets access to the complete decision-making toolkit, including:

    Monthly Q&A sessions

    Decision-making templates

    Priority topic requests

    Behind-the-scenes content

    Support the creation of more science-backed productivity content by joining us on Patreon at [LINK] Your membership helps us continue bringing you strategies that actually work.

    Listen now to stop overthinking and start

    doing. 🎧
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    14 m
  • Why Google's Innovation Strategy is Failing

    Why Google's Innovation Strategy is Failing
    Jan 28 2025

    Google spends over $45 billion on R&D a year, yet its graveyard of failed innovations keeps growing - Google+, Glass, Stadia, and countless others. But here's the surprising truth: this pattern isn't unique to Google.

    Even with unlimited resources and top talent, tech giants struggle to innovate alone. The era of solo innovation is dead.

    Consider this: in 1985, breakthrough innovations required input from 2-3 organizations. Today, that number has exploded to 15-20 organizations for cutting-edge technologies. Tesla, often praised for vertical integration, relies on 300+ suppliers, multiple university partnerships, and data from millions of drivers.

    The innovation game has fundamentally changed. Modern breakthroughs emerge from complex webs of collaboration between competitors, startups, universities, and governments. Companies clinging to the lone wolf approach are falling behind.

    CRISPR gene editing technology, often attributed to a single lab, actually required dozens of universities, multiple government grants, and countless biotech firms working in parallel. SpaceX's reusable rockets build on NASA research, hundreds of suppliers, and open-source contributions.

    The message is clear: your organization's innovation potential isn't limited by your internal resources - it's limited by your ability to orchestrate an ecosystem of partners.

    Listen to the podcast: https://killerinnovations.com/subscribe-to-podcast/

    Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney

    Want the complete innovation ecosystem playbook?

    Become a member and get instant access to our comprehensive Innovation Ecosystem Playbook, participate in the discussion in our exclusive Discord community of innovators, and much more. Our community is transforming how companies approach breakthrough innovation.

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    #innovation #businessstrategy #technology #leadership
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    20 m
  • Consume Less to Create More

    Consume Less to Create More
    Jan 21 2025

    Ever notice how you can spend hours scrolling through "inspiration" but end up feeling creatively drained? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into a counterintuitive truth about creativity that could transform how you generate ideas and solve problems.

    What if I told you that the secret to unlocking your creativity isn't about consuming more content, but less? That by creating intentional gaps in your constant consumption of social media, articles, and "inspiration," you could rediscover your authentic creative voice?

    In this episode, I share my personal journey from being a compulsive consumer of content to rediscovering the joy of original thinking. You'll learn practical, immediately applicable strategies to:

    • Create space for your own ideas to emerge

    • Build confidence in your authentic, creative voice

    • Transform your morning routine from consumption to creation

    • Develop sustainable practices that foster genuine creativity

    Most importantly, you'll discover why your most valuable creative asset isn't your ability to absorb others' ideas - it's your unique perspective and vision.

    This isn't about dramatic lifestyle changes or complete digital detoxes. Instead, you'll learn small, achievable shifts that can lead to profound changes in how you think and create.

    Whether you're a professional looking to bring more innovation to your work, or simply someone who wants to rediscover their creative spark, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to make space for your original ideas to flourish.

    Want to go deeper into creativity and innovation? Join our community of creators and innovators. Members get access to:

    • Our private community for sharing challenges and victories on Patreon

    • Monthly live Q&A sessions addressing your specific creative challenges

    • Early access to upcoming content and special features

    Check out the membership options on YouTube or Patreon (links below) and choose the one that works best for you. Your support helps ensure we can keep creating content that challenges conventional thinking and sparks innovation.

    Join us on:

    YouTube Members: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney
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    12 m