Countering the Innovation Backlash

Prophet, September 1, 2007 — Kevin O’Donnell believes innovation’s role as a driver of organic growth and a differentiator that adds substantially to a brand’s value remains as critical as ever. In his inaugural column in the newly relaunched Marketing News, a publication of the American Marketing Association, O’Donnell spells out one solution: Creation of innovation “systems” that foster actionable creativity.

Creating A New Yahoo

San Francisco Chronicle, August 5, 2007 — A cavalcade of Yahoo Inc. employees showcased Internet products they had built over the previous 48 hours to hundreds of colleagues crammed into a meeting room during this year's "Hack Day," hoping that their ideas would someday make the big time.

No, the CEO Isn't Sir Richard Branson†

Virgin Atlantic's Ridgway Balances Profit, Innovation and Keeps the Planes on Time

Wall Street Journal, July 30, 2007 — Sir Richard Branson is the founder, chairman and brash public face of British carrier Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. But Chief Executive Steve Ridgway is the one who quietly keeps the airline running.

From Virgin's founding in 1984 with a promise to be a different kind of airline, it has grown into one of the world's most unusual carriers. It flies only long routes and offers more amenities than most rivals. Its "Upper Class" premium cabin — a blend of first- and business-class — grabs attention with innovations like inflight manicures and complimentary limo rides to and from airports.

In a Highly Complex World, Innovation From the Top Down

New York Times, July 29, 2007 — USER-GENERATED content — from Wikipedia to YouTube to open-source software — is generating waves of excitement. But the opening of innovation to wider numbers of people obscures another trend: many of the most popular new products, like the iPod, are dominated by a top-down, elite innovation model that doesn’t allow for customization.

A Smoothie You Can Chew On

To appeal to diners as well as drinkers, Jamba Juice is adding heft to its concoctions

BusinessWeek, June 11, 2007 — known for staples including Banana Berry and Strawberries Wild, Jamba is busy bulking up its menu as part of its bid to become the Starbucks (SBUX ) of the smoothie

Lessons from Apple†

What other companies can learn from California's master of innovation

Economist, June 7, 2007 — For a company that looked doomed a decade ago, it has been quite a comeback. Today Apple is literally an iconic company.

There's Nothing New in Desperate Marketing

Prophet, April 23, 2007 — Two Brands: Burger King and Ford followed different paths in their quests to grow-and stand as case studies of why the best marketing comes from innovation, not desperation.