Innovate, Disrupt, or Die | What Jason Park Learned in Corporate Innovation That's Helping Him Build Smarter at Startup Speed

Summary
In this episode of the Innovate, Disrupt or Die podcast, Danny Nathan interviews Jason Park, who shares his unique journey from the gaming industry to corporate innovation. Jason discusses his experiences at MetLife's Innovation Lab and Cincinnati Insurance, highlighting the differences between disruptive and operational innovation. He emphasizes the importance of executive buy-in for successful projects and the challenges of navigating corporate bureaucracy. Jason also explores the potential of AI in construction and shares insights on building a startup using innovation frameworks. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and Jason's future plans.

Takeaways

• Jason Park transitioned from gaming to innovation by chance.
• He worked at MetLife's Innovation Lab, focusing on emerging markets.
• The difference between operational and disruptive innovation is significant.
• Innovation labs often have a mix of corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds.
• Learning in innovation roles often involves a sink or swim approach.
• Bridging startups with corporate innovation can be challenging but rewarding.
• Corporate bureaucracy can hinder innovation efforts.
• Successful innovation requires executive buy-in and support.
• Buzzwords can distract from real innovation efforts.
• AI has transformative potential in various industries, including construction.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jason Park's Journey
02:41 Transitioning from Gaming to Innovation
05:19 The Dynamics of Innovation Labs
07:53 Learning and Adapting in Innovation
10:32 Bridging Startups and Corporations
13:06 Navigating Bureaucracy in Corporate Innovation
14:53 Key Elements for Successful Innovation
17:12 Challenges in the Innovation Landscape
20:08 The Charisma of Innovation Leaders
22:56 The Impact of AI on Startups
28:46 Navigating the Construction Industry
32:20 Building a Startup: Lessons Learned