Backstage Pass: Ep. 15 - Josh Linkner: Everyday Innovation
josh linkner bio
Josh Linkner — a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science.
On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (mooDEE-tah) Venture Partners – an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he’s helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He’s twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.
While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He’s been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world.
His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Leadership Communication & Presentation Skills:Persuasive communication, influence, storytelling, and presentation skills are the most critical, yet least developed, leadership capability in business today. As a Founding Partner of ImpactEleven, Josh works directly with leaders and high potential employees on Presentation Mastery where participants walk away confident and prepared for their own high stakes moments - speaking at a big event, inspiring their team at an all-hands meeting, influencing a key client, and the countless other opportunities to motivate and inspire others. Programming is delivered through custom workshops for your company or group, through private one-on-one coaching, or at ImpactEleven's ticketed event, The Academy.
show notes
On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis is joined by Josh Linkner who shares insights on the transformative power of everyday innovation, turning disruption into opportunity, and embracing creativity.
Josh Linkner, a five-time tech entrepreneur and expert in innovation and leadership. The conversation explores the parallels between jazz music and business leadership, emphasizing the importance of creativity and innovation in today's rapidly changing landscape. Josh shares insights on overcoming misconceptions about innovation, the significance of everyday innovation, and real-world examples of companies that have successfully embraced creative approaches. The discussion also highlights the importance of tailoring messages for diverse audiences and engaging them effectively during presentations. In this engaging conversation, Gail and Josh delve into the themes of innovation, disruption, and the art of keynote speaking. They explore the concept of the 'judo flip' as a method for embracing change, the importance of audience-centric keynotes, and how to turn disruption into opportunity. The discussion also highlights the significance of micro innovations and the transformative potential of AI. Additionally, they touch on the role of ImpactEleven in elevating speaker standards and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the speaking world.
Key topics in this episode include:
Jazz musicians operate like effective business leaders.
Today's leaders must embrace creativity and innovation.
AI is automating traditional skills, leaving creativity as a key human asset.
Companies often overestimate the risks of innovation and underestimate the risks of stagnation.
An experimentation mindset can de-risk innovation efforts.
Everyday innovations can lead to significant results.
Real-world examples illustrate the power of creative thinking.
Sales roles require creativity and adaptability.
Tailoring presentations to the audience enhances engagement.
Creating a fear-free environment fosters creativity. The 'judo flip' is a powerful tactic for embracing change.
Keynotes should focus on the audience, not just the speaker.
Disruption can be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Micro innovations are a practical approach to managing change.
AI is a transformative force, comparable to the internet.
Great speeches can have a lasting impact on audiences.
Professional speakers must adapt to unexpected challenges.
The quality of speakers can be elevated through training and development.
Collaboration among speakers can lead to greater impact.
Inspiration often comes from engaging conversations.
Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Josh Linkner to your next event!