May 19, 2024
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill
Sherman engages with Steve Wunker, Managing Director
of New Market Advisors and co-author of the
groundbreaking book The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step
Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your
Organization. Join them as they delve into the
intricacies of fostering innovation within organizations and
cultivating innovative leadership.
Steve Wunker shares the core essence of The Innovative Leader,
emphasizing its focus on the practical "how" of innovation. Drawing
from interviews with 50 top innovative leaders and two decades of
professional experience, the book provides actionable insights for
individuals and organizations aiming to embrace
innovation effectively.
Delving into the genesis of the book, Wunker explains the
rationale behind merging leadership and innovation, bridging a
crucial gap in existing literature. He recounts his journey
collaborating with luminaries like Clayton Christensen and Fred Reichheld, emphasizing the
transformative power of distilling complex concepts into compelling
narratives.
The Innovative Leader isn't just another book; it's a culmination
of
rigorous research and inductive conversations aimed at
demystifying innovation. Wunker sheds light on the book's
data-driven approach, underscored by the belief that innovation is
fundamentally about systems rather than sporadic bursts of
inspiration.
As they explore the strategies for book promotion, Wunker
emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between broad
outreach and deep engagement. From social media blitzes to keynote
speeches and immersive articles, the book's marketing campaign is
meticulously crafted to resonate with diverse audiences.
Looking ahead, Wunker envisions The Innovative Leader as a seminal
work shaping the landscape of innovative leadership for years to
come. With aspirations for it to become a staple on the shelves of
aspiring and seasoned leaders alike, Wunker underscores the
importance of continuous engagement and dissemination across
various platforms.
Tune in to this episode for invaluable insights into building a
culture of innovation and unlocking the potential of leadership
in
driving meaningful change within organizations.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Innovation is Systematic: The episode emphasizes that innovation
isn't merely a stroke of luck or genius but a systematic process.
By understanding and implementing effective systems, individuals
and organizations can foster a culture of innovation and sustain it
over time.
• Practical Actionability: The Innovative Leader stands out for
its
emphasis on practicality and actionability. It fills the gap in
existing literature by providing step-by-step guidance for leaders
and managers who aspire to drive innovation within their
organizations, offering tangible strategies derived from real-world
experiences.
• Comprehensive Marketing Strategy: Wunker highlights the
significance of a comprehensive marketing strategy for launching a
book successfully. By combining broad outreach through platforms
like social media with deep engagement via keynote speeches,
articles, and podcasts, authors can maximize their book's impact
and ensure its longevity in the market.
If you want to learn more about balancing Innovation and
Integration be sure to check out this article by Thought Leadership
Leverage founder and CEO Peter Winick.