Phil McKinney

12/12/2024

What makes someone a professional innovator?

In poker, strategies divide professionals and amateurs. A professional poker player participates in only 15% of hands, while amateurs engage far more recklessly.

This principle applies to innovation as well.

To stand out as a professional innovator, you must move beyond enthusiasm and adopt a disciplined, strategic approach to managing ideas and resources.

What else?

✅ full story - https://youtu.be/_erTIAPgvZc

12/06/2024

Ever notice how kids are natural explorers?

They question everything, try anything, and aren't afraid of being wrong.

But somewhere along the way, most of us lose that superpower.

Want to know why - and more importantly, how to get it back?

🎯 How To Build An Explorer Mindset 👉 https://youtu.be/55S7hWxntlw

Ever notice how kids are natural explorers? They question everything, try anything, and aren't afraid of being wrong. But somewhere along the way, most of us...

12/05/2024

Why do organizations march in circles like army ants, even when it leads to their doom?

The hidden cost of innovation debt goes far beyond efficiency - it rewires corporate DNA, turning the comfort zone into a cage.

Breaking free starts with a simple question: why?

✅👉https://www.philmckinney.com/innovation-debt-the-comfort-zone-trap/

12/01/2024

Why is your brain sabotaging your success?

The surprising truth about why equally talented people achieve drastically different results.

This isn't about skills, connections, or luck - it's about upgrading your brain's operating system.

Fascinating research reveals how top performers think differently about success.

Want to know which OS version you're running?

Full video at👉 https://youtu.be/upKcuIRmHzk

P.S. This isn't another "think positive" post. It's about the neural pathways that literally shape how you process every challenge and opportunity in your career.

♻️ to others who you think would benefit from this. I would greatly appreciate it.

11/28/2024

Grateful for another year of working alongside incredible innovators, dreamers, and creators.

You know what innovation and turkeys have in common? They both need a little bit of thyme to get it just right. 😉

This Thanksgiving, I'm especially thankful for all the failures that led to breakthroughs, the late-night ideation sessions that sparked new possibilities, and the amazing community that keeps pushing boundaries.

To everyone who's been part of this journey - whether you're disrupting industries or just trying to disrupt your family's traditional cranberry sauce recipe - thank you. Your creativity and persistence inspire me every day.

Wishing you and yours a day filled with gratitude, great food, and maybe even a few "what if" conversations around the dinner table.

11/27/2024

Ever wonder why equally talented people achieve wildly different results?

Spoiler: It's not about skills - it's your brain's mindset!

There are 4 game-changing mindsets that separate extraordinary achievers from everyone else.

What are they? 👉 https://youtu.be/upKcuIRmHzk

Unlock the proven mindset strategies that separate high achievers from underperformers. Learn why success isn't about talent - it's about your mental operati...

11/26/2024

Why is finding work-life balance so hard?

Pursuing balance requires reflection, prioritization, and embracing imperfection.

Can you prioritize what's truly important in life and embrace imperfection?

Yes! 👇

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/imperfect-pursuit-work-life-balance-phil-mckinney-eqyzc

11/23/2024

Hey friends! 👋 I've finally done it - I'm on Patreon!

After +20 years of sharing innovation stories on Killer Innovations, I'm creating a space where we can dive deeper, get creative, and build amazing things together.

Think of it as your personal invitation into my innovation studio, minus the mandatory safety goggles 🥽 (though they're highly recommended for especially creative days!)

Want exclusive innovation content, live office hours, and direct access to brainstorming sessions?

Come join the community of creative minds! The first post is live, and I'm sharing what's coming up next...

👉 https://www.patreon.com/posts/welcome-to-our-116574067

Let's make some creative magic happen! 🚀

11/21/2024

Break into Your Innovation Career Without Playing the Waiting Game

Ever wonder how innovation leaders really got their start? Spoiler: I created my first job in innovation before "innovation teams" were even a thing.

Back in '92, I turned a corporate acquisition into my golden ticket - and I'll show you exactly how.

No more sending countless applications into the void. No more hoping someone notices your potential. This is your practical blueprint for crafting an innovation career that didn't exist before you came along.

I'll walk you through the exact strategy that transformed me from a Data Center Director into an innovation leader. Plus, the mindset shifts that convinced executives to create a role just for me (in just 60 days!).

Your innovation career starts the moment you decide to create it.

🎯 Turn your passion for innovation into your dream career. Stop waiting for the perfect job posting - create it instead.

✅ here 👉 https://youtu.be/Nnvx9D-lECI

🚀 Break into Your Innovation Career Without Playing the Waiting GameEver wonder how innovation leaders really got their start? Spoiler: I created my first j...

11/20/2024

🔍 Clearing assumptions leads to powerful fundamental truths!

Elon Musk's second step of first principles thinking - breaking complex problems down to their core truths - is all about clearing assumptions.

This disruptive mental model helps you see past conventional wisdom and traditions to unlock innovative solutions.

Want to think like the world's top innovators?

Full video 🧠✨ https://youtu.be/SG-KkwTNlGQ?si=EnpjBnmOaV0pzF_4

11/11/2024

No one is too big to fail! No One.

Historical evidence proves that size and market dominance are no safeguards against failure.

Success is earned by adaptability, innovation, and a relentless commitment to meeting changing demands.

How? 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/too-big-fail-think-again-phil-mckinney-ha8lc

The myth that anything or anyone is too big to fail persists, but history serves as a stark reminder that size and influence do not guarantee permanence. As someone who grew up in Chicago, I was aware of the widespread belief that Sears, Roebuck, and Co.

11/10/2024

On the back deck at the ranch enjoying the view of inside … current weather is sunny and 59.

11/07/2024

Einstein's theories changed science.

How did he do it?

Hidden in his personal notes were seven specific mental exercises he used to see beyond ordinary limits.

✅ Einstein’s Secret to Innovation 👉 https://youtu.be/LSu6YWZmEcQ

Everyone knows Einstein's theories changed science. But hidden in his personal notes was something more valuable: seven specific mental exercises he used to ...

11/05/2024

Even after decades in tech leadership, that little voice of self-doubt never fully goes away.

Throughout my career, I've sat in rooms where that voice whispered, "You don't belong here."

The same voice probably whispers to you sometimes, too.

But here's what I've learned: our 'failures' and uncertainties aren't weaknesses - they're the raw material for authentic leadership.

The real breakthrough? It came when I started sharing these struggles openly.

Turns out, mental strength isn't about squashing self-doubt. It's about acknowledging it, working with it, and moving forward anyway.

In this short clip, I share about mental strength.

The full video where this clip is from 👉 https://youtu.be/6aNSbkiWbTM

Want the full story? Check out my TEDx talk where I dive deeper into turning self-doubt into a catalyst for growth.

When was the last time you felt like an impostor? Let's talk about it.

My TEDx Talk on "Impostor Syndrome" is here 👉 https://youtu.be/ewv_47rhcQI?si=-vecxWJuF5WXsc8o

11/02/2024

Went to hop on a Zoom call but my broadband here at the ranch was out. 🤦🏼‍♂️

Note: provider had communicated with via text … bad locate and another contractor cut the line.

So pulled out my new Starlink mini and quickly set it up. It took a total of 3 minutes from opening the case until I was online and in my zoom call. 😎

We already have the high performance version of Starlink on the Prevost bus. We bought the mini as a backup - and to use when we are in the mountains/rural without the bus.

Nice backup solution for the ranch/car as it can run off USB via a battery pack. So electricity not required!

10/31/2024

Many people have asked about my journey in building a career in Innovation.

Instead of rehashing how I did it, I invited a special guest to share his story.

Ni**od Ben-Natan, the CEO of Harmonic, shares his incredible story of how he built a distinguished career in Innovation.

Watch the interview 👉 https://youtu.be/kVsbvu--F8E

💡 Key lessons:

- Never stop learning - tech changes fast!
- It's okay to fail - just learn from it
- Be ready to change direction when needed
- Think long-term (like, really long-term)

👉 Remember: Success isn't a straight line. Sometimes you need to:

- Try new roles
- Face tough challenges
- Keep going when things get rough
- Stay curious about everything

The best part of his advice? You don't need to be perfect. You just need to keep learning and growing.

What's your take on building a career in innovation? Share your thoughts below! 👇

Many people have asked about my journey in building a career in Innovation. Instead of rehashing how I did it, I invited a special guest to share his story. ...

10/26/2024

Thank a teacher! Be an encourager!

Have you seen the viral video where people go back and thank a teacher who inspired them?

It tugs at your heart about the power of encouragement!

Go encourage someone today!

Full video 👉 https://youtu.be/9WsE2ASi9r0

♻️ Forward this to a teacher you want to say "thanks" to.

10/26/2024

🤔 "The more you know, the less you see."

Ever notice how expertise can sometimes become our biggest blind spot?

As Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull wisely noted: "By resisting the beginner's mind, you make yourself more prone to repeat yourself than to create something new."

In this week's newsletter, I explore how maintaining a beginner's mindset might be the secret weapon for innovation we've been overlooking.

I share a personal story about how my own ego almost cost our team a breakthrough moment.

Want to learn how to turn fresh eyes into your competitive advantage?

Read the full piece here ... 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/innovation-begins-when-we-question-everything-phil-mckinney-3uolc

♻️ to others who you think need to hear this.

In the hustle and bustle of today's world, adopting a beginner's mindset is crucial for navigating through the chaos. It's a mindset that fosters innovation and personal growth by allowing us to approach problems and opportunities with fresh eyes, free from preconceived notions and biases.