In this episode, Charlie De Rusett, a three-time founder and chief innovation officer at Wazoku, discusses the importance of innovation in tech companies' growth. He emphasizes the need for a diverse and complementary team with the right skills and knowledge. Charlie shares his insights on the different types of innovation, such as continuous improvement, and disruptive innovation, and the value they bring to businesses. He also delves into the challenges of measuring innovation and the importance of having clear KPIs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Strategy should come first when it comes to innovation. It helps define the problem or opportunity and guides the innovation process.
Innovation can be defined broadly as doing something better or doing something new and delivering value from it.
The success of a tech company's growth relies on the collective intelligence and complementary skills of its team members.

BEST MOMENTS

"Innovation is not just about the big 'aha!' moments. It’s about consistently adding value, whether it’s through incremental improvements or disruptive technologies. It’s the relentless pursuit of betterment."

"Different gamification techniques work totally differently in different organizations."

"The Blockbuster-Netflix saga serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that no matter how big or established you are, failing to innovate or recognize the potential of new ideas can lead to obsolescence."

"A well-structured innovation process is akin to agile development—it brings a level of predictability and allows for measuring outcomes, which is crucial for any organization looking to forge ahead."

"Our challenge-driven framework is like casting a wide net into a sea of possibilities. It’s about broadcasting your biggest problems to a diverse audience and harnessing the collective intelligence to fish out viable solutions."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

FIIT is the UK’s #1 rated interactive hybrid fitness platform on a mission to make fitness a habit for every body: https://fiit.tv/

ABOUT THE GUEST
Charlie de Rusett commenced his business journey at RAB Capital, delving into the intricacies of business dynamics while serving as an analyst on their Special Situations Fund. His aspirations to create value for stakeholders led him to helm Vine Publishing, transforming it into a premier local lifestyle publisher within a year.

Concurrently, he founded Yellowball, a digital marketing agency catering to Vine's clientele. Charlie's interest in SaaS led to the inception of Idea Drop, addressing the challenge of idea management across organizations.

As CEO of Idea Drop, he facilitated a successful exit to Wazoku in early 2023, assuming the role of Chief Innovation Officer.

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech startups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Understanding Innovation: A Conversation on Frameworks, KPIs, and Success Stories

Mastering Tech Growth