I’m thrilled to share that I’m in the final stages of completing Crafting the Future: Think Big – Start Small, the fourth book in The Complete Guide to Business Innovation series. This journey has been a deeply rewarding exploration of what it takes to transform bold ideas into sustainable, scalable innovations.
A special highlight of this book is the incredible contribution of my co-author, Peet van Biljon, whose expertise and insights have significantly shaped this work. Peet is a globally recognized leader in innovation, with an illustrious career that includes serving as Global Innovation Practice Manager at McKinsey & Company. During his tenure at McKinsey, Peet guided Fortune 500 companies and startups through transformative innovation initiatives, helping them design systems and strategies to navigate complex challenges. His ability to align strategic foresight with operational execution has been instrumental in crafting the practical frameworks presented in this book.
Peet’s impact extends beyond the corporate world; he is also a passionate advocate for ethical technology and sustainability, bringing a holistic perspective to innovation that aligns with societal needs. His dedication to mentoring the next generation of innovators and shaping meaningful change is deeply reflected in this volume.
As I reflect on this milestone, I want to express my immense gratitude to the incredible individuals who have contributed to this project. From co-authors and collaborators to reviewers and thought leaders, your insights and dedication have been invaluable. I want to take a moment to celebrate all of you: Philip Kotler, Jack Roberts, Christer Fuglesang, Johan S. Roos, Leif Edvinsson, Alan Zettelmann, Allan Fors, Mikael Rönnholm, Beda Meienberger, Bo Jiang, Cher Gulinao, Chris Delvaux, Dr. David Greenhalgh, Eoin Flavin, Eric C. Peterson, PhD, Greg Wright, Sten Jacobson, Jennifer MacLean, Johan Persson, Johan Ragnar, Johan Wäborg, Johannes Jarl, John Cocco, Kelly O’Neill, Soo Beng Koh, Ph.D. (谢思铭博士), Lionel Ang, Marco Brunazzo, Mike Kennedy, Niklas Tiger, Peter Glasheen, Peter Junermark, Petter Kilefors, Shadi Bitar, Sharon Wingfelder, Spencer O’Leary, Tord Thunman, Brian Noonan, MBA, PMP, Fredrik Skåpe, Kasia Hein-Peters, MD, Khaldoun Aboul-Saoud, Claes Johansson, Annginette (Annie) Anderson, Niclas Claesson, Julia Doria, Anders Bjurstam, Paulo Malta, Agnes Sävenstedt, Lars-Göran Fröjd, Peet van Biljon, Sabina Svensson, and George Tovstiga. You have all played a part in bringing this vision to life.
A Glimpse into Chapter 2.10: Addressing the Real Barrier to Innovation
One of the most important themes in Crafting the Future is how we address the less obvious barriers to innovation. Chapter 2.10 explores a challenge that often goes unnoticed but has a profound impact: cognitive overload.
Innovation, at its core, demands more than creativity or resources—it requires the ability to focus amidst competing priorities. Often, the biggest challenge is not risk aversion or disbelief but the overwhelming nature of transformation itself.
The TL;DR Problem
In today’s world of digital impatience, large-scale changes often feel insurmountable. Teams and individuals face mental barriers that push them to prioritize short-term tasks over long-term innovation. The result? Stagnation.
Breaking the Cycle with Small Wins
This chapter offers strategies to counteract cognitive overload, emphasizing the importance of starting small while keeping a bold vision in sight. By focusing on fast innovation sprints, teams can achieve quick, incremental wins that build momentum for larger systemic changes.
We explore how intrinsic motivation can drive sustained engagement, far more effectively than external rewards. By celebrating small victories and leveraging structured experimentation, organizations can transform psychological barriers into pathways for success. This is innovation built on momentum, resilience, and clarity.
The Role of Collaboration
Another key aspect of Chapter 2.10 is how collaborative environments foster psychological safety and inclusivity. Innovation thrives when people feel empowered to share ideas, take risks, and learn from failures without fear of judgment.
This chapter challenges readers to rethink their approach to transformative work:
- Are we addressing the root causes of stagnation?
- How can we break down overwhelming goals into manageable steps?
- Are we fostering an environment where innovation becomes second nature?
Looking Ahead
As we finalize Crafting the Future, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of this journey. This book is the result of countless hours of collaboration, creativity, and relentless effort. It is a testament to what can be achieved when diverse minds come together to tackle the complexities of innovation.
I hope this book not only inspires but equips you with the tools to turn bold visions into practical realities. If you’d like to join us in shaping this work—whether through reviewing the draft or sharing your own experiences with innovation—I’d love to hear from you. Together, let’s craft a future that is bold, sustainable, and transformative.
