In my book ‘Slingshot’ I talk about the importance of April Fools – which is the one day each year that adults officially give themselves license to by playful and mischievous.  April Fools symbolizes the re-discovery of our childish creativity and humor – a prime ingredient in our ability to shape the future and re-imagine boundaries as adults.  Not surprisingly, this connection is not lost on the most forward-thinking companies, who wholeheartedly celebrate the occasion.

Another fun example of the innovation shortcut coming at you.  Just what does the seemingly incompatible combination of a piano and a spaceship result in?  Could there really be a connection? You bet!

It was great fun to be part of the Forum One event in Kiev, as one of five speakers to share stage with Sir Richard Branson. The conference drew an audience of 3,000 and way highly anticipated – as evidenced by the giant posters all over the city. Our theme was how to shape the future and how to see an environment of adversity as one of opportunity. – which is highly relevant for the Ukrainian economy.

In my book ‘Slingshot’, I talk about Disney’s introduction of the FastPass in 2000.  This online reservation system finally addressed the biggest, lingering pain point of park visitors for the past four and half decades: the intolerably long waiting times. Propelled by the strong visitor response, Disney is now boldly venturing to transform the entire visitor experience.

Continuously asking and re-examining what business you are in is a key component of remaining relevant.  Here is a humorous newsflash that just might point to a whole new market space for IKEA to get into.