Welcome to the Code and Culture podcast. 

In this episode, we delve into the realms of corporate innovation with our esteemed guest, Simon Hernaus, an acclaimed innovation consultant known for his creative insights and work with major corporations like Coca Cola and Petrol. Hosted by Luca, founder and CEO of Quantifly, this conversation explores the nuances of fostering innovation within organizations, emphasizing the balance between critical and analytical thinking in ideation. 

We'll hear about Simon's day, including a significant meeting focused on innovation and experimental projects. He regularly publishes deep-dive articles on retail innovation, which you can find on the website www.omnibus.si/insights.«This episode is a deep dive into the intricacies of innovation in corporate settings and personal endeavors, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to foster a culture of innovation in their organization. Subscribe and join us on this enlightening journey into the world of corporate innovation.

Key Insights: 

Strategic Role of Innovation: Simon Hernaus emphasizes the importance of innovation in both personal and organizational contexts. He discusses how innovation is not just about creativity, but also about applying that creativity to produce something valuable for different people or clients.

Systematic Approach to Innovation: The podcast highlights that innovation should be a systematic process. It's not just about having creative ideas but also about having a structured approach to turn those ideas into actionable projects or products.

Balancing Creativity and Analysis: There is a significant focus on the balance between creative and analytical thinking. Simon discusses the need for both ideation without limits and the critical evaluation of ideas to filter and decide which ones are viable.

Corporate vs. Personal Innovation: The difference in innovation at a personal level versus an organizational level is discussed. In personal innovation, the financial investment and scale might be smaller, but corporate innovation requires a more substantial commitment and often a bolder approach.

Innovation Culture: The podcast stresses the importance of creating a culture of innovation within organizations. This involves encouraging open communication, psychological safety, and a willingness to experiment and make mistakes.

Role of Leadership in Innovation: Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to innovation. Leaders need to be open, humble, and willing to engage with different levels of the organization to encourage innovative thinking.

Innovation as a Continuous Process: Simon points out that innovation is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Companies that fail to innovate risk falling behind in the competitive market.

Methodologies for Innovation: Simon introduces the concept of "creative algorithms," a methodological approach that combines different steps from chaotic brainstorming to analytical decision-making.

Recognizing the Need for Innovation: The discussion includes recognizing triggers for innovation in organizations, emphasizing that the need for innovation is continuous and essential for survival and growth.

Challenges in the Innovation Process: Simon shares insights into common challenges and pitfalls in the innovation process, such as aligning expectations, overcoming old habits, and ensuring the viability of new ideas or products.