Innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a business necessity. Companies that fail to innovate risk growing stagnant or failing in a fast-paced and ever-evolving global market. Whether you’re a start-up aiming to disrupt an industry or an established organisation seeking to remain successful, fostering innovation within your business is essential for long-term success.
From streamlining business operations to improving customer experience and unlocking new revenue streams, innovation can drive growth. But what does being an innovative business mean, and how can organisations inspire and maintain an innovative mindset across their teams and departments?
Below, we’ll explore the importance of innovation and how bringing in expert business speakers, entrepreneur speakers and innovation speakers can provide the spark needed to ignite fresh thinking across your company.
The Value of Innovation in Business
- Staying Competitive in a Crowded Market
Consumer needs and behaviours can change rapidly, and businesses that stay in the same lane often fall behind. Innovation allows organisations to anticipate trends, stay ahead of the competition, and adapt quickly to market shifts.
- Improving Operational Efficiency
Innovative thinking doesn’t just apply to products or services; it can also improve internal processes. Whether adopting new technologies or restructuring workflows, creative solutions can help businesses reduce costs, save time, and boost productivity.
- Enhancing Customer Experience
An innovative approach to customer engagement can lead to better service, improved interactions, and ultimately, greater loyalty. Whether through new platforms, products, or communication methods, businesses that innovate tend to build stronger, longer-lasting customer relationships.
- Encouraging a Culture of Growth
Businesses that promote innovation empower employees to think creatively and take calculated risks. This innovative mindset nurtures problem-solving and collaboration, keeping teams engaged and motivated to improve.
- Opening New Revenue Streams
Innovative thinking enables companies to evolve and thrive in new environments, whether entering new markets, launching new services, or pivoting business models entirely.
How to Foster Innovation in the Workplace
- Promote Idea Sharing
Innovation often comes from collaboration, so it’s vital to create an environment where all team members feel confident sharing their ideas, no matter how big or small.
- Invest in Learning and Development
Offering training, courses, and access to thought leaders ensures your organisation remains at the forefront of industry trends and innovative strategies.
- Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration
Breaking down barriers across departments encourages creative thinking, fresh perspectives and more dynamic problem-solving. Innovation thrives when teams work together across different functions.
- Celebrate Risk-Taking
Risk-taking is all part of an innovative process. Recognising and learning from unsuccessful attempts encourages ongoing experimentation and improvement.
- Bring in External Inspiration to Drive Innovation
While internal efforts are essential, sometimes businesses need an outside voice to reinvigorate their thinking. That’s where external innovation speakers come in.
What Will Hiring an Innovation Speaker Bring to Your Business?
Hiring innovative speakers can benefit your business or organisation by:
- Offering fresh, actionable insights: Innovation speakers bring real-world experience, case studies, and industry strategies.
- Challenging traditional mindsets: An innovation speaker can disrupt conventional thinking and encourage your team to think differently.
- Inspiring leadership at every level: Innovation speakers can help cultivate a culture of innovation and resilience from entry-level positions up to the boardroom.
- Providing tools and frameworks: Many innovative speakers offer practical takeaways that employees can begin applying immediately.
How Can JLA Help?
At JLA Speakers, we represent an extensive roster of leading innovation speakers, from entrepreneurs and future trends experts to tech and AI pioneers and corporate strategists experienced in tackling workplace challenges. Whether your business wants to unlock creative potential, increase adaptability, or future-proof operations, we can connect you with the perfect conference speaker to suit your needs. Below are just a few examples of the fantastic speakers available to you today:
Expert Innovators at JLA
Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Chief Innovation Officer, ManpowerGroup
Tomas is a globally recognised expert in business psychology, specialising in people analytics, leadership development, and the relationship between human behaviour and artificial intelligence. As Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup and a professor at both University College London and Columbia University, he combines academic insight with practical application to help organisations unlock their potential.
Dr Vivienne Ming
Neuroscientist, Entrepreneur & AI Expert
Vivienne is a renowned neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and AI expert, celebrated for her work at the intersection of technology, human potential, and inclusion. As co-founder of Socos Labs, she applies machine learning to challenges in education, healthcare, and workplace equity, developing tools that enhance creativity, emotional intelligence, and well-being.
Professor Kevin Fongn OBE
Science Broadcaster & Emergency Medicine Doctor
Kevin is a unique blend of astrophysicist, medical specialist, and natural storyteller, renowned for his expertise in risk, decision-making, and innovation. With experience ranging from working with NASA to serving as a National Clinical Advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin captivates audiences by translating complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives, making him a perfect speaker to champion technological innovation.
Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE
Mathematician & STEM Advocate
Anne-Marie is a leading voice in technology and innovation, known for her work at the forefront of STEM and digital transformation. As founder of Stemettes, she champions diversity while also driving forward-thinking solutions that challenge traditional approaches to tech and business. Her engaging talks explore the impact of AI on the future of work and the importance of inclusive innovation, making her a dynamic speaker on the future of technology.
Ben Legg
Former COO Google Europe
Ben is a seasoned technology strategist and former COO of Google Europe, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s monetisation strategies across platforms like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Mobile . With a diverse background that includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola, McKinsey, and the British Army, he brings a unique perspective to innovation and strategic growth, Ben offers deep insights into the future of work, digital transformation, and navigating disruption in an AI-driven world.
Lindsay Herbert
Author of Digital Transformation & Inventor
Lindsay is a globally recognised innovation expert, IBM Inventor, and author of Digital Transformation, acclaimed for its practical framework on driving enterprise-scale change. As Global Chief Innovation Officer at IBM Garage GBS, she leads breakthrough projects for organisations including Shell, the NHS, and the UN, blending technological insight with cultural transformation.
When you contact us a dedicated JLA account manager will work closely with you to understand your objectives and source an innovation speaker that perfectly fits your requirements and audience. We handle everything from shortlisting speakers and managing logistics to organising fees and follow-up sessions for long-term impact.
Whether it’s for a company conference or an industry-wide event, our speakers don’t just inspire, they equip your teams with the mindset and tools to innovate effectively. Contact JLA today to explore our expert speaker options and book the right voice to help your business progress.