Keeping Innovation Alive

Do you have 10 minutes-ish to spare? Tune in to quick talks with innovation leaders, Founders and Executives about real and quick stories about the trials, tribulations and successes as a result of an innovation mindset. So this begs the question, do you keep innovation alive? We will look forward to having you join us. 🫶💯😎

“Innovation comes from being able to shift from doing something because it's possible, into then doing something because it’s meaningful.” This concept provides some insight into the mindset of our next guest, Kevin Dexter. Kevin has spent much of his career as a leader in consumer-branded companies. And with many of our listeners spending more time at home over the past couple of years, there is a good chance he has helped affect each of our daily lives through his products. Today, Kevin is the EVP and President of the Dealer Business Unit for Springs Window Fashions, commonly known for Bali®, Graber®, and SunSetter™ brands. Before SWF, he held executive positions at Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Haier America, Samsung, and Electrolux. Kevin is also a member of the Fast Company Impact Council. Learn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Nick De Blasio is a driven innovator, having helped Co-Found Ingenius for Nestlé, an internationally recognized innovation program, which helps employees turn their ideas into meaningful new businesses for the company.Today, Nick is a Director for Capgemini Invent and he collaborates with international client companies, where many of which are at the crossroads of new technology, providing strategy from Design to Operations. Learn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

To our loyal listeners, you'll find that this episode is almost double the promised short "10 Minutes" format, but with our guest, Jim, you can't really pair this discussion down. Tune in and subscribe, I know you will be captivated by his story and philosophy.Our next guest needs no introduction. Jim McCann is a successful entrepreneur, business leader, author, media personality, and philanthropist whose passion is helping people deliver smiles. Jim’s belief in the universal need for social connections and interaction led to his founding of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., where he has grown into one of the world’s leading floral and gourmet gifting companies. Jim’s willingness to embrace new technologies that enhance customer engagement, such as 800 phone numbers and e-commerce, often long before other retailers, has consistently helped his family of companies grow, including Harry & David, Cheryl’s Cookies, The Popcorn Factory and many more ahead. I’m sure many of us have used these companies, which reminds me that I need to get one more gift for the holidays.Podcast Episode Website: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/season-1/s1-episode-14-encoreLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Our guest, Hank Izzo has been an innovator in consumer-packaged goods for almost 3 decades. During his 22-year career at Mars, he held positions as General Manager, Chief Marketing Officer, and Vice President of R&D and Innovation and was responsible for global innovation platforms for Mars flagship M&M’s Brand. During our discussion, Hank shares his perspective and examples of what powers innovation and enables a culture of creativity and possibility. Hank recently retired from Mars and continues his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, focused on sustainability and the next generation of food technology. He is advising, investing, and founding his own start-ups through his company BriteGreens LLC. Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/urOvZmwsk8ULearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Our guest is an award-winning filmmaker and scientist, Valerie Weiss. She has infused her signature blend of elevated and emotional storytelling into her four feature films and dozens of television episodes. Valerie's work has been called "daringly light" for the way it embraces controversial topics in enchanting ways and spans the genres of action, thriller, drama, science-fiction, and comedy. She has directed feature films and episodes of television for shows like Chicago Med, The Rookie, and Outer Banks. Her film for Netflix, “Mixtape” starring Julie Bowen, was awarded a 100% approval rating by Rotten Tomatoes and has been recognized as one of the best movies for families in 2021. We discuss how her science degree background has influenced her work and how she approaches new creative projects. Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/IV-CDyFUULQLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

The last couple of years has been historic for Space Tourism, thanks to companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic. Our guest, Rob Meyerson, has had more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, including serving as the President of Blue Origin from 2003 to 2017. Today, Rob is the founder and CEO of Delalune Space, a management consulting company focused on aerospace, mobility, technology, and investment. Rob is on the Board of Directors of Axiom Space. On April 6, Axiom is scheduled to fly the first private crew to the International Space Station (ISS) and they are developing a commercial module to attach to the ISS. Listen in to our discussion and you will think differently the next time you look up at the sky.Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/9PIDc-v1qS0 Learn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Our guest, Jennifer Thomas, is the Managing Director of Plug and Play Tech Center in Cleveland. She also leads the Healthcare Vertical nationally for the company. Plug and Play is the world's largest early-stage investor, accelerator, and corporate innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley. We've seen the landscape of healthcare change dramatically over the last couple of years due to the Pandemic. It's the startups that are nimble and able to deliver breakthrough innovation. Plug and Play connect them with corporate medical partners to help put their technology to practice and improve patient care and outcomes. Jennifer highlights one of their startup partners, Babyscripts. In collaboration with University Hospitals and Roche, they are providing a digital platform to help moms use technology to stay in touch with their physicians, monitor their babies, and have immediate access to care in and out of the hospital. Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/SwBkKz61AwgLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Our guest, Carey Jaros, is the CEO of GOJO Industries, the makers of Purell. Looking back at January 2020, we can all recall being at the beginning of the Pandemic and the global shutdown. Carey and her team rose to the challenge that month to lead GOJO with a purpose - saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions. Purell products were an easy solution for hand hygiene and helped many of us get back to normal, and even when we fly on planes. Their collaboration with Delta was essential to help passengers start to feel comfortable flying again. Carey and I discussed how innovation has been an integral part of her career at every step. Carey shared how it's important to focus on the problem, rather than obsessing about the solution. We're both innovators at heart, which is probably why I realized that we also both love hot sauce! Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/igEu9xEfgegLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Our guest Kwasi Asare, is a Creative Visionary, Entrepreneur, Marketer, and Business Development Executive. He is the founder of The FEEDIA Agency, a global strategy company, and Co-Founder of ESAIYO, which connects, preserves, and displays important identity and historical data related to NFTs, physical, and virtual objects. He's a fellow member of the Fast Company Executive Board. He considers his time spent at Sony Music as the catalysts for his career in innovation. Some artists and brands that have benefited from his expertise include brands like Ciroc Vodka, Estée Lauder, Ice Cube, Pharrell, Prince, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, The Roots, and Warner Music Group. Kwasi is also a part of a Decentralized NFT Art based Community called the Billionaire Zombies Club. It is a community that he and I are both members.Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/IcOjyoU-lhcLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Imagine if you were approached by a group, NFT Genius, to develop a Metaverse called "Rebel Rabbits." Then you find out that this project would be a launch pad to a multimedia platform. This was the opportunity and challenge presented to my guest, Francisco Lorite. Francisco is a storyteller who is fascinated with how the Metaverse will take entertainment to the next level. In this new world of storytelling, the Rebel Rabbits have a limitless collaboration. As a Rebel Rabbit NFT owner myself, I'm engrossed in this story as I participate in the twists and turns. Chapter 2 is out soon and I'm at the edge of my seat hoping I don't get added to the mysterious watch list, called The List of Null. Mint your Rebel Rabbit mask TODAY (Feb 1st) to be included in the snapshot/get your Metaverse wearables!Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/BNVIhsCe_-8Learn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

I'm sure you could imagine that the job of someone who raises money for startups is a difficult one. Now imagine the concept of building up a community to work with you. This is the essential concept behind RedCrow. Our guest, Brian Smith, co-founded RedCrow with his partner, Jerry Harrison, also known as a member of the band, Talking Heads. Also essential to the team is Aishlin Harrison, who served as the Creative Director for RedCrow. In 2022, RedCrow was acquired by Alira Health, a global healthcare advisory and technology company. Today, Brian and Aishlin are co-founders of The Main Stage, which is the ultimate pitching tool. I'd like to welcome Brian to my "Podcast MainStage!"Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/rXdupH1QZLcLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Our guest Mike Dunn is the former President of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, prior to the Disney Acquisition of the Studio. Mike has been a pivotal leader in Hollywood by leading the charge to bring movies into our homes. Today, with platforms like Netflix, HBOMax, and Disney+, it's hard to imagine that at one point, we could only go to theaters to watch our favorite films. As you listen to this interview, you will learn indirectly how an unexpected 'apparel' brand was a part of the inspiration. One of Mike's most cherished roles, while at Fox, was as an Entertainment Executive for James Cameron during the development and release of the blockbuster movie franchise, Avatar, along with the yet-to-be-released series of upcoming movies. His stories and innovative spirit are sure to inspire everyone that takes these 10 minutes or so to listen in.Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/E-nFxZ5gkAwLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

In this episode, host Bill Nottingham, interviews a former world number-one ranked athlete in the sport of bodyboarding. Kim Feast has surfed some of the craziest waves in the world, and worked with some of the best athletes in the world, documenting them riding waves, which have been seen on the front of magazine publications and retail brand storefronts. Kim (virtually) sits down with Bill to share how he has been able to keep innovation alive through his photography work profiled by Redbull. Kim has launched a Photography NFT collection, available on Foundation. Kim’s goal is to just go at life and create the freedom to do whatever he loves and help others along the way. Subscribe to Kim Feast on YouTube and watch his full "Thanks" Trailer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3aioVG2DeIWatch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/5d8Gg8_rJt0Learn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

Guest, Carol Roth, is a content creator, “recovering” investment banker, author of The War on Small Business, entrepreneur, TV pundit and host, and New York Times bestselling author of The Entrepreneur Equation and The War on Small Business.She has worked in a variety of capacities across industries, including currently as an outsourced CCO, as a director on public and private company boards, and as a strategic advisor. She advocates for small businesses, small government, and big hair. Ms. Roth is also a recovering toy collector, trading in a portion of her collection for a more sophisticated toy (a Simpsons pinball machine). She also has her own fashion doll / action figure made in her likeness.She is clearly a multi-tasker. You will need to listen in until the last minute or so to learn something new about her. And the winner is....😉Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/tlvjvXGQUx4?si=QStmJ78A6kY61dAK Learn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

In this episode, Bill interviews Scott Colosimo, CEO of the e-mobility company LAND Energy. Scott is a seasoned innovator and disruptor, with prior experience in automotive and product development. Listening to this episode, you will learn how Scott’s company is more of a data innovation platform that is run through a personal EV.LAND Energy is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, AKA “The Land.” The flagship vehicle is The District which is a two-wheeled electric vehicle for every skill and comfort level. The District is an eMoto, straddling between eBike, eMoped and eMotorcycle while checking each of those boxes confidently with minimal compromises. There’s nothing like it. Before LAND Energy, Scott founded and sold Cleveland Cyclewerks, selling gas motorcycles in 27 countries.Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/5cL4-JjS2BkLearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive

For our very first episode, I would like to welcome Kyle Walker and Tyler Wallis, two former Amazon Executives. Many of us our customers of Amazon, especially during the pandemic, but few of us know what the company is like from the inside. Kyle and Tyler will share some insights with us to help explain how Amazon approaches innovation and some of the challenges that are present with a company as large as Amazon. Today, Kyle and Tyler are partners in a venture, The Lab Consult, where they assist smaller brands to find ways to build their business on the Amazon platform. Tyler is also the host of the podcast, "Think like Amazon" and I would recommend that you check out the show, found on all major podcast platforms.Watch a short audiogram video: https://youtu.be/XFRBp2cmIfALearn about the show: https://www.keepinnoalive.com/podcastLearn about host Bill Nottingham: https://bio.site/billnottinghamSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepinnoalive