The discussion argues that inclusive innovation is a system, not a department, and that many organizations are hindered by overlooking their mid-level managers. These managers should be appreciated as crucial for translating strategy into action and for possessing vital insights from both the C-suite and the front lines. Excluding them from innovation processes leads to stalled initiatives, lost insights, and leadership drain. True inclusive innovation involves not only who is within the company but also innovating for and with consumers, with mid-level managers playing a key role due to their proximity to both. In conclusion the discussion suggests that changing this requires a mindset shift, structural adjustments, and cultural reinforcement to include and value the perspectives of mid-level leadership.

Mid-Level Managers Drive Inclusive Innovation

Business strategy sounds great in the boardroom—but it only works when executed on the ground.

In this talk, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV unpacks functional-level strategy—the engine that drives day-to-day execution and long-term competitive advantage. Using real-world cases and proven frameworks, Claude breaks down the four essential pillars that functional teams must master to deliver results:

🔹 Efficiency – Achieve more with less through smart design, economies of scale, learning effects, and technologies like AI and flexible manufacturing. It’s not just cost-cutting—it’s cost-smart.

🔹 Quality – Go beyond checklists. Functional strategy embeds reliability (via tools like Six Sigma and TQM) and excellence (in design, features, service) to reduce defects and elevate brand value.

🔹 Innovation – Most ideas fail. Successful firms link R&D, marketing, and production to turn innovation into profitability. It’s not just about being first—it’s about being right, fast.

🔹 Customer Responsiveness – Give customers what they want, when they want it, at a price they’re willing to pay—without breaking your cost structure. That means listening, customizing, and moving fast with purpose.

These four functional strategies don’t work in silos—they reinforce each other to execute the company’s business-level strategy. Whether your goal is low cost, differentiation, or market leadership, this is how you operationalize it.

✅ Perfect for business students, managers, and founders alike, this session brings strategic theory to life—with tools you can use across marketing, operations, HR, R&D, and more.

🔔 Subscribe for more on business leadership, execution strategy, and building organizations that work from the inside out.

Functional-Level Strategy Explained: Executing Business Level Strategy through Four Key Levers

In this week’s episode, we dive into the hidden creativity of AI with "latent-space engines", - tools transforming chatbots from mere answer machines into innovation co-pilots. Join us as we explore how these groundbreaking systems generate genuinely novel product ideas and business strategies. Can AI truly become your next brainstorming partner? Discover provocative insights, real-world case studies, and practical steps to harness this creative frontier in your organization. Tune in and rethink what’s possible with AI-driven innovation.

Bit & Being - AI’s Hidden Idea Factory: How Latent-Space Creativity Engines Are Reshaping Innovation

Is the future of coding… no code at all? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into Sean Grove’s bold vision of “The New Code,” where writing precise specifications may soon rival traditional programming. Can clear communication really replace complex code? We explore the promise and pitfalls of AI-powered development, from the allure of executable specs to the risks of overreliance on flawed AI outputs. With insights from researchers, industry skeptics, and real-world case studies, this episode challenges the hype and asks: are we dressing up the same old code in new AI clothes?

Bit & Being - The Emperor's New Code: Hype vs. Reality of AI “Executable Specs”

Billions of red-eyed insects and… your roadmap? In this episode, we unpack the cicada’s prime-number playbook, - why synchronized swarms (predator satiation) and staggered cycles (competition avoidance) make these insects unstoppable, and translate it into strategies for tech, security, and policy. Should companies ship in coordinated waves? When should movements desynchronize to win attention? Could prime-number rhythms harden cyber defenses? Join us for a fast, witty tour from forest floor to boardroom, - where timing, not force, becomes the ultimate advantage.

Bit & Being - The Prime Number Strategy: Lessons from Cicadas for Modern Leaders

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, Jim Bramlett—business executive, author, and Vistage Chair—shares insights from his book Stop the Hassle: Simplify, Satisfy, and Succeed. Drawing from decades of entrepreneurial experience, Jim reveals how companies can move beyond competing on price and instead dominate markets by focusing on four critical buyer values: convenience, price, product experience, and trust.

Listeners will learn how to:
-Shift from inward-focused business strategies to true customer obsession.
Apply Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Uber’s innovation mindset to any business—large or small.
-Use the “Hassle Score” as a smarter alternative to Net Promoter Score to uncover what really drives customer loyalty.
-Build a culture of continuous improvement that eliminates excuses for customers not to buy.
-Harness AI and innovation to simplify processes, enhance customer experience, and stay competitive.

Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or small business owner, Jim’s “No Hassle” formula provides a roadmap to scaling with confidence, attracting the right customers, and creating sustainable growth

Our Guest, Jim Bramlett:
➥ Book: Stop the Hassle: Simplify, Satisfy, and Succeed
➥ Buy Now: https://amzn.eu/d/dViYOcg
➥https://www.jimbramlett.com/
➥https://strategiestogrow.com/
➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbramlett1/

Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen:
➥ https://gregvoisen.com
➡️Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/  
➡️Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/
➡️LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ 
➡️Twitter/ X:  https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

Podcast 1261: Simplify, Innovate, Succeed: Jim Bramlett’s No-Hassle Growth Formula

In this episode, we dive into Power Up Product Management by Allison J. Taylor, a powerful guide designed to help new and experienced product managers thrive from day one. Drawing from Allison’s global experience launching enterprise solutions across 35 countries, this episode breaks down the real-world skills, mindset, and strategies needed to excel in today’s fast-changing product landscape.

Listeners will learn:
-How to understand users deeply and build products that truly solve their pain points
-Why EQ (emotional intelligence) is now a core PM skill - and how it directly impacts performance
-How to navigate the tension between building and selling a product
-Why iteration outperforms perfection and how top tech companies apply it
-How AI is reshaping the role of product managers - and how to use it responsibly and safely
-The difference between global scaling vs. domestic product launches, and what PMs often misunderstand
-How to balance purpose, ethics, and business goals in product decisions

Whether you’re new to product management or looking to elevate your craft, Allison’s insights will help you build smarter, safer, and more impactful products.

Our Guest, Allison J. Taylor:
➥ Book: Power Up Product Management
➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/h06CBeJ
➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-j-taylor-techmarketing

Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen:
➥ https://gregvoisen.com
➡️Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth
➡️Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth
➡️LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen
➡️Twitter/ X:  https://twitter.com/lvoisen

Podcast 1273: Power Up Product Management: How to Build Better, Safer Products with Allison Taylor

MARKETING DEEP DIVES by DENYSE is a Podcast for CPG Executives wanting to attract, delight and retain more consumers.
In each episode Denyse shares her tips, tools and ideas gathered from her more than 30 years experience working in over 125 countries around the globe.
Denyse is: 📈 Advisor to Fortune 100-Inc 5000 | 🚀 Strategist for mid-sized CPGs | 👨‍💼👩‍💼Leadership Coach | 🎤 Keynote Speaker | 📚 #1 Best-Selling Author | 🌍 Former Global Head of Consumer Excellence at Nestlé

Inside Personal Growth provides listeners with over 1000 high quality interviews featuring leading authors in the field of personal development. This online podcast program is curated with content from international experts in the art of transformation. It is our mission here to tune listeners into an audio experience that will entertain and educate to help improve every facet of their lives. 

Since 2007, Inside Personal Growth has connected people with the wisdom and resources they need to work through challenges and strengthen their internal compass on the pursuit toward wellness and mastery. Our archive features over 800+ podcasts. Each show offers insight into the minds of writers behind leading book titles. 

Visit the website to browse our archive. We hope you enjoy this important, public resource. 

Are you an author, speaker or publisher in the field of personal growth? Contact us to learn more about how to get interviewed, advertise on our site and become an affiliate member. Find more information on our website: www.insidepersonalgrowth.com

The Dr. Claude Kershner Show empowers students, professionals, and scholars by offering practical examples of Strategic Entrepreneurship. In a series of teachings, interviews, and stories, we confidently provide evidence-based tactics to take teams and organizations through life cycle transitions.

New tracks tagged #Innovation Strategy