In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I am joined by two trailblazers in the field of corporate innovation: June Barrage, Market Leader for the US & Middle East and Jose Ribau, Executive in Residence at Disruptive Edge and . Together, they delve into the strategies and principles that Disruptive Edge employs to foster innovation on a global scale.
The conversation begins by asking June what she believes to be the greatest innovation of all time. June, fresh from an illuminating conference in LA, highlights the transformative potential of AI, which dominated 90% of the discussions. She shares her personal and professional experiences with AI, explaining how it has become a vital part of her daily routine over the past two years. Her insights underscore how AI can revolutionize both personal and enterprise operations, emphasizing Disruptive Edge’s commitment to leveraging AI to accelerate workflows and enhance time to value in all their initiatives.
Jose Ribau brings another layer of depth to the discussion, focusing on the importance of defining innovation clearly. He emphasizes that whether an organization is in financial services, commercial real estate, or a nonprofit sector, having a precise understanding of what innovation means and what it aims to solve is crucial. Jose shares practical examples, such as the development of a parking app, to illustrate how involving operational staff in the innovation process can transform potential resistance into valuable feedback, driving meaningful change.
Throughout the episode, June and Jose discuss the critical role of storytelling in innovation, the necessity of data-driven decision-making, and the significance of building strong alliances within an organization. They also reflect on the challenges and successes they’ve experienced, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of how Disruptive Edge is setting new standards for global innovation.
Name: June Barrage
Title: Market Leader, US & Middle East
Company: Disruptive Edge
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June Barrage, the Global Market Leader for Disruptive Edge in the US & Middle East, has a rich background in spearheading innovation across multiple sectors, including Healthcare, FMCG, and Government Services. Her unique experience encompasses roles on both sides of the innovation spectrum – from operationalizing a major corporate innovation team to setting up start-up-centric innovation capabilities.
Known for her ability to build sustainable, ROI-driven innovation functions, June has effectively integrated new practices into established business models, driving market expansion and technological advancement. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of innovation in diverse organizational contexts makes her a respected figure in the industry.
Name: Jose Ribau
Title: Market Leader, US & Middle East
Company: Disruptive Edge
Linkedin | Website | LinkedIn |
Jose Ribau is an entrepreneur, CEO, and enterprise executive who has led transformation globally. He has held a variety of senior innovation roles in both financial services and commercial real estate, and has launched a number of new ventures in the retail industry. Prior to starting his own consulting business, Jose was Chief Digital Officer at Cadillac Fairview – a large commercial real estate firm, where he pioneered the use of AI to improve the in-person retail shopping experience, and introduced mobile payments – a first for the industry. As part of his role he not only led innovation but he also led technology, brand marketing, and corporate communications. This gives him a unique perspective on the importance of telling your story to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Previously, as Chief Data Officer for one of Canada’s largest banks, he developed an enterprise data & analytics program that helped his team of data scientists work to solve problems across the bank using machine learning at scale. At present, Jose runs his own consulting business known as R5 Innovations, advises a number of startups, and is Executive in Residence at Disruptive Edge – a global innovation consultancy. In his spare time he likes to cycle, travel with his family, and spend time outdoors with his dog Jackie.
