Welcome to the What's Next! podcast with Tiffani Bova. This week I speak with Frans Johannson, author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of The Medici Group. Frans has inspired readers worldwide with his ideas on leadership and success, innovation, and diversity. His debut book The Medici Effect has been called “one of the most insightful books on managing innovation.” THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR… Anyone looking to find ways to stimulate innovation. TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE… There are two main themes rising around the world today: Innovation and Diversity and Inclusion. That is not by accident. If you are able to combine concepts, perspectives, and people from different backgrounds, from different industries and fields, and from different cultures you can uncover new innovative ideas. Don’t get caught in the “we’ve always done it this way” trap or try to mimic another business model (the “Uber of X” or the AirBnB of Y”). Use your talents and ambition to try something new. Keep producing. Put out another product if the first one fails. Keep going. WHAT’S NEXT FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND INNOVATION? Companies are starting to understand the value of diversity to their bottom line. It is no longer a ‘nice to have.’  Having an (internal) representation of your diverse customer base in your own organization is imperative if you want to understand the wants and needs of the customers you aspire to serve. WHAT I LOVE MOST… In order to innovate, you need the best people – period. You will need those people to work together, collaborate regardless of race, gender, religion or   Running time: 37:22   Subscribe on iTunes   Find Tiffani on social: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn   Find Frans on social: Personal website The Medici Group Twitter