Mike Maddock
Mike Maddock is a serial entrepreneur, author and a keynote speaker. He has founded 5 successful businesses, including Maddock Douglas, an internationally recognized innovation agency that has helped over 25% of the Fortune 100 invent and launch new products, services, and business models and create cultures that know how to innovate. He co-chairs the Gathering of Titans entrepreneurial conclave at MIT, is past president of Entrepreneurs’ Organization and current chairman of Young Presidents’ Organization. Mike currently writes for Forbes and is the author of three books about innovation: Free the Idea Monkey to Focus on What Matters Most. Brand New, Solving the Innovation Paradox and Flirting with the Uninterested, Innovating in a "Sold, not bought," Category.
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How High-Performing Leaders Refuel
“People can’t inspire others unless they are inspired themselves.” —Carmine Gallo, Talk Like TED My buddy Rand Stagen runs a leadership academy in Dallas. He’ll tell you he helps entrepreneurial leaders of companies with hundreds of millions…
How to Persuade Like Bill Clinton
Author’s note: Yes, I know this is a presidential election year. And yes, I know Bill Clinton is married to the Democratic nominee. But this post has nothing to do with politics and everything to do…
The Unexpected Journeys of R&D: A Parable
This is a story about Randy and Dave (R&D). Today, Randy runs a small startup that has about two months’ worth of cash left, and he’s more than a little nervous. Dave works for a…
The 3 Most Powerful Words for Startups
If you understand them, you can help any size company succeed. In my last article, I spoke about a growing and costly language gap between big businesses and startups and why bridging it is critical. The reason is…
The 3 Words That Matter Most to Entrepreneurs
There is a growing and costly language gap between big businesses and startups, and the stakes have never been higher. News flash #1: Startups could really use the help of large businesses. Established companies have the systems, brand…
Why You Should Avoid Entrepreneurship
It is a ride many people dream about and most wish they had never gotten on. This article was written for visionaries and masochists alike. During a particularly tough business cycle, I asked my friend…
How Large and Small Businesses Can Overcome the Innovation Paradox
“We need to act more like entrepreneurs, but those guys are nuts.” —a real quote from a Fortune 100 CEO In 2007, a friend and client at a Fortune 100 company asked me if I knew of…
Does Your Innovation Engine Need a Tune Up?
Today I had three separate conversations with: A startup that was running out of cash; A mid-sized, 50-year-old business looking to reinvent itself; and A Fortune 2000 with seemingly unlimited resources that has worked for years…
Lessons from Inside a Shark Tank
In a few days, I get the opportunity to swim with the sharks—sort of. I will be sharing the stage with three of the stars who have helped make the TV show Shark Tank—where entrepreneur-contestants pitch…
How to Outwit Your Smartest Competitors
Let’s face it. There aren’t many stupid people running Fortune 2000 companies. At the same time, I know plenty of ridiculously successful entrepreneurs who studied beer, pizza and the opposite sex in college. (Sorry, Mom and Dad.)…