Diana Joseph_ June 3rd.
About the Guest(s):
Diana Joseph is the founder and CEO of the Corporate Accelerator Forum (CAF), an organization that facilitates connections and learning among corporate accelerator leaders. With a rich background as a learning scientist and holding roles in change management and innovation at Adobe and Citrix, Diana has leveraged her interdisciplinary expertise to empower corporate ecosystems in understanding market trends and developing strategic innovation. Her work in corporate innovation also includes teaching design thinking and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets within large organizations.
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of Accelerator Insider, host Dominique converses with Diana Joseph, delving deep into the intricacies of corporate innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development. Diana shares her journey from academia to innovation leadership, highlighting the importance of self-determination and how it intertwines with entrepreneurial success. The discussion provides an intricate look at the obstacles and opportunities faced by corporations and startups in the current dynamic market landscape.
Following the trends of change and the necessity for adaptability, the episode touches on numerous critical aspects of corporate accelerators, venture investment, and how these entities interact with startups. Diana eloquently articulates the delicate dynamics within large companies and how internal structures can impact external partnerships, emphasizing the significance of a strategic approach to corporate innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Corporations face several structural challenges that may hinder innovation, such as quarterly reporting requirements and rigid hierarchy systems.
- Startups should engage with corporates having a clear and confident intellectual property (IP) strategy to build trust and streamline discussions.
- Corporate innovation groups often report to various parts of the company, such as marketing or R&D, which can influence their innovation strategies and partnership opportunities.
- Ecosystem building events curated by the CAF facilitate cross-industry and cross-functional collaboration, leading to actionable solutions for shared challenges.
- Leveraging the ecosystem for innovation is key for corporates to mitigate risks associated with market changes and brand perception.
Notable Quotes:
- “Self-determination is very similar to being entrepreneurial in that it unlocks what you work through, all the hurdles of your life to basically create what you want.” – Dominique
- “Staying the course is risky… Every[thing] is fraught with risk. So you just have to understand that change is the only constant.” – Diana Joseph
- “Don’t wait till you get it perfect. You will learn from trying whatever it is.” – Diana Joseph
Resources:
During the conversation, Diana Joseph mentions her upcoming fireside chat event, which may be of interest to listeners wanting to dive deeper into corporate innovation. Additionally, references to Adobe Kickbox, Citrix’s internal innovation journey, and the material science industry’s ecosystem experiences offer context to the subjects discussed. For those seeking further engagement, reaching out to Diana via LinkedIn could provide direct access to her extensive knowledge on corporate accelerators and innovation ecosystems.
Listen to the full episode to get a comprehensive understanding of those subtleties and strategic tips that both corporates and startups can employ for mutual growth and innovation. Don’t miss out on future episodes for more rich insider perspectives on accelerators and the evolving business landscape.
Accelerator Insider Recording:
https://share.alivepodcastnetwork.com/diana-joseph-ceo-of-corporate-accelerator-form