Ep 020: Fostering Innovation With History & Contrarian Thinking

Regan and Tim Maleeny, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Havas, dive into why innovation teams need a resident contrarian, and how a continuous improvement mindset is essential when living in an era of constant beta mode. They explore how companies jump the shark on trends too early (and ultimately create customer friction and frustration), and why Tim’s approach to cultivating a curious and nimble culture helps Havas stay innovative and future-ready. Key Takeaways Why it’s crucial to anticipate potential outcomes and implications unrelated to your core business.  How leaders’ excitement for what’s next is undermined by complacent behaviors. The importance of studying historical patterns and adjacencies to mitigate future risk.  Why understanding fundamental human truths and needs helps companies avoid the hype. How thinking out loud with your team accelerates opportunity exploration.  Resources Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmaleeny/ Contact Tim via email: [email protected] Learn about Tim’s company, Havas: https://havascreative.com/ Read Tim’s Fast Company article: https://www.fastcompany.com/91115142/why-your-innovation-team-needs-a-resident-contrarian About Our Guest  Tim Maleeny is currently the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Havas, a global marketing communications company with over 100 offices around the world. As a strategist, Tim has architected campaigns that won top honors at Cannes, the Effies, and the Jay Chiat Awards, among others, and he’s considered one of the best creative collaborators in the business. He's known for pioneering a narrative approach to building integrated campaigns, which makes sense since he’s written six award-winning novels and multiple short stories, several of which have been optioned for film. Always passionate about helping the creative community grow, Tim is currently on the Board of Directors for the 4A’s, in addition to being a Talent Champion for the ANA and a longstanding mentor for Women-in-Power, the cross-disciplinary fellowship founded by the 92Y.  About Future Fit™ with Regan Robinson  Future Fit™ unravels the secrets of how the world’s most innovative leaders stay future-ready in a fast-paced world. Hosted by futurist and strategist Regan Robinson, each episode explores how trailblazing executives turn uncertainty into their strategic advantage. Gain powerful insights and practical approaches as these visionary minds share the unconventional and imaginative ways they thrive today while leading their teams into tomorrow. If you love what you’re  getting out of our show please subscribe, rate and review. About Regan Robinson Regan Robinson is a holistic futurist and business strategist that empowers visionary companies to turn uncertainty into advantage and effortlessly innovate and strategize for their future. Over the course of 20+ years, she has helped some of the world’s most influential brands and companies strategize and grow. Regan has spearheaded revenue increases of 300%+, led as an executive at 3 start-ups and established business models, new capabilities, infrastructure and roadmaps for companies like VICE Media and Edelman Digital. Website: https://www.reganrobinson.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reganrobinson Future Fit™ Newsletter: linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7054904910919667713 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@regan_robinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamreganrobinson All contents of this show are rights of Regan Robinson and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices