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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.

Latest

5 Wishes Every CEO Wants for the New Year

| Mike Maddock
As a kid, my parents would start to strategically plant the words “naughty” and “nice” beginning in late November. The Santa card was powerful, and they played it early and often.

Is Holiday Shopping a Canary in the Coal Mine for Retailers?

| Mike Maddock
Well into the 20th century, miners used canaries as a way to detect methane and carbon monoxide in mines. As long as a canary was singing, all was well. If a canary died, it was time to abandon the mine immediately. It meant the oxygen was running out.

Why Your Company Keeps Killing Big Ideas

| Mike Maddock
Just after speaking at a conference last week, I was approached by a gentleman who introduced himself as a “newly minted and incredibly afraid chief innovation officer.”

When the Shift Hits the Fan

| Mike Maddock
Your Industry Is Changing. Now What? There comes a time in every business when it becomes apparent that your product, service or business model is no longer relevant.

What to Do When Your Boss Says It’s Time to Innovate

| Mike Maddock
Unfortunately, saying you are innovative before you actually have a culture that knows how to be so—and produces work that truly is—is incredibly destructive because you wind up breaking promises with your staff and with your customers.

The Secret Weapon of the Most Inventive Minds

| Mike Maddock
I’ve noticed something about the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs and business people; they see frustration as opportunity—a chance to do something better, cheaper or faster.

Innovation Nation?

| Mike Maddock
Is government good or bad for innovation? If you ask whether government is good or bad for innovation, it isn’t very difficult to argue either point.

The Only Way Great Change Happens

| Mike Maddock
Here are some symptoms that show you need to change what you are doing. Each of these foreshadowed a major shift in our business direction, strategy and outcomes.

How Being Really Bad Is Really Great for Business

| Mike Maddock
Just think of any leading brand and you’ll quickly identify what they are really, really bad at doing. Why? Because it is usually the exact opposite of their biggest strength.

How the Best Leaders Set Context

| Mike Maddock
Think back to the most emotional conversation you’ve had recently at work and at home. Chances are good each resulted from misinterpreted intentions.