These and the rest of the top 50 focus on gleaning insight from Big Data. They analyze both structured data, including information pulled from their customer databases, as well as unstructured data from social media sites, Internet blogs and other sources, to determine what customers and prospects really want. They then launch products and services to specifically meet those needs. And their strategy has been working.
A prime example is Amazon. By analyzing its 150 million-plus customer database—“one of the biggest and most valuable databases of consumer information,” the company successfully rolls out new products and services “with almost frightening speed,” the report authors write. Notable products and services include the Kindle e-reader, Kindle Fire tablet, the Amazon Fire Phone, Amazon Prime, AmazonFresh, and Subscribe & Save.
Other characteristics of top innovators, according to BCG: they have strong innovative cultures and processes; they cast a wider net for ideas; innovation is constantly communicated by the CEO and all management; and it’s top of mind on employee performance reviews for bonuses and other rewards.
Such companies also have strong processes that strive for speed and both embrace and manage failure—leading to strong performance, strong corporate governance and a dedicated budget for venturing and testing concepts. They also constantly measure the impact of ventures, using metrics that tie back to the bottom line.
The firms that made Fast Company’s list of the 50 Most Innovative Companies—which includes Google, Dropbox and Airbnb—expect exceptionalism from their workers. Also, “making money matters.”
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
