What does it take to thrive in a world where AI is redefining customer experience and business innovation? On this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I had an incredible conversation with Jim Harris, bestselling author and globally renowned speaker on disruptive innovation, to explore how businesses can adapt to a rapidly evolving future.

Jim shared his unique journey, from teaching Stephen Covey’s principles to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in AI and innovation. Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations like Walmart, IBM, and Barclays, he reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. From the democratization of AI tools to their transformative impact on industries, Jim offered deep insights into how companies must rethink their approach to innovation.

One of the standout moments from our discussion was Jim’s story about a group of mainframe managers who, in 1993, couldn’t envision the transformative role of the internet. Fast forward 30 years, and the web is now inseparable from our personal and professional lives. This raises an essential question: How quickly can businesses recognize that the rules of the game have changed, and how do they facilitate the transition to what’s next?

We also tackled the emotional and practical aspects of AI adoption. With two-thirds of Americans expressing fear about AI, Jim emphasized the importance of education, adaptability, and understanding AI’s potential to empower, rather than replace, human capabilities. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, citing the World Economic Forum’s findings that workers need an additional 20 days of training annually to keep pace with technological advancements.

Name: Jim Harris
Title: Bestselling Author, Disruptive Innovation Speaker

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Jim Harris is one of North America’s foremost thinkers on AI, GenAI, disruption and innovation. He is one of the world’s leading keynote speakers presenting internationally at more than 60 in-person and virtual events a year. Association magazine ranked him as one of North America’s top ten speakers. Jim also leads strategic planning sessions with executive teams.

His clients include American Express, Barclays Bank, Canon, GM, IBM, SAP, Munich Re, the Top 200 CIOs of India, the UK Cabinet Office, Swiss Re, Walmart, Zurich Insurance.

In February 2024 Jim was recognized as the Speaker of the Year by TEC Canada. TEC is the largest CEO peer mentoring organization in Canada and part of Vistage the largest CEO mentoring group globally – with 45,000 CEOs. The award recognizes his presentations on AI which have been described as “mind blowing,” “riveting” and “eye opening.”

Jim’s last book, Blindsided!, is published in 80 countries worldwide and is a #1 international bestseller. Soundview Executive Summaries selected Blindsided! as one of the best business books of the year sending a summary to 80,000 executives globally. The Miami Herald calls Blindsided! “Brilliant stuff!”

As a management consultant, Mr. Harris works with leading businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations aspiring to join these ranks. From 1992-1996 he represented the Covey Leadership Center – teaching Dr. Stephen Covey’s work, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.