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Alex Goryachev
Chief Innovation Officer specializing in Strategy, Digital Transformation & Global Ecosystem Development at AlexGoryachev.com
Silicon Valley, California, United States
Alex Goryachev is an award-winning global technology strategy executive and a Wall Street Journal
Bestselling author of “Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth,
Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change”, whose resume reads like a brief history of digitization.
Alex is passionate about leveraging innovation purposefully and pragmatically to create opportunities for all. Today, he is serving as Innovator-in-Residence at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tulane University. He is an active venture partner with Interlock Capital, a community-driven venture fund primarily investing in underrepresented founders and geographies. Alex is also a US delegate and Technical Advisory Group member in the International Standards Association (ISO), defining global common standards for Innovation Management.
Prior, as a Managing Director of Global Innovation Programs and Strategy at Cisco, a $50B technology powerhouse, he pioneered the concept of ecosystem co-innovation, creating and later leading Cisco’s innovation strategy and global co-innovation centers in North and South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. He held senior leadership roles in the Corporate Development, Office of the CTO, Emerging Technology Group and led core innovation programs, unifying, and advancing strategic co-innovation partnerships and programs with internal and external customers, partners, developers, academia, and governments. Alex created award-winning employee innovation and development offerings, providing ~70,000 employees with meaningful opportunities to innovate, regardless of their grade or function.
In the past, Alex had extended gigs with revolutionary music services Napster and Liquid Audio, pioneering digital music distribution, and bringing it to millions around the world. He also adapted innovations to other industries digitizing business processes at IBM and Pfizer.
Alex Goryachev has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for ecosystem innovation and culture transformation. As a sought-after expert, he is a highly engaging keynote speaker and a contributing writer for Forbes, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Magazine, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Innovation Leader Magazine.
Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking Travels From: United States Speaking Topics: Innovation, Digital Transformation, Culture, Employee Engagement, Metaverse
Speaking Fee
$20,000 (In-Person)
Alex Goryachev
Points
Academic
45
Author
273
Influencer
214
Speaker
167
Entrepreneur
70
Total
769
Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.
Thought Leader Profile
Portfolio Mix
Company Information
AlexGoryachev.com
Chief Innovation Officer specializing in Strategy, Digital Transformation & Global Ecosystem Development
US Technical Advisory Group Member - ISO 56000 Innovation Management
ISO
June 01, 2020
I am privileged to be selected as US technical expert to the International Standards Organization (ISO), working across the industries formulating and advancing the US position on global Innovation Standards. My mission is to bridge the gap between academia and business community, supporting pragmatic, startup-like approach to innovation.
Editorial Advisory Board Member
Innovation Leader
January 01, 2018
Editorial Advisory Board provides direction and input and ensures Innovation Leader Magazine remain true to our mission — namely, helping corporate innovation executives deliver impact within their organizations. The group acts as a sounding board for editorial, weighs in on surveys and research, helps us design the best events on corporate innovation, and provides input on other ways Innovation Leader can be helpful to our membership.
The Metaverse Needs To Have A Role In Your Strategy: Here Is How
Forbes
November 01, 2022
The mere mention of the metaverse has the power to inspire plenty of different emotions in boardrooms and in break rooms, from intrigue to outright confusion. Most executives have at least heard of the concept, and plenty are still scrambling to figure out exactly what it will mean for their organizations.
When Communication Is At Its Best, So Is Innovation
LinkedIn
January 31, 2022
Now is the time when many leaders are looking into the future, deciding where to invest their valuable time and resources. Digital transformation, innovation and workplace model change is undoubtedly high on the agenda. Sadly, in my experience, most of these much-needed initiatives will fail.
5 Ways Middle Management Can Drive Innovation
Real Leaders Inc.
February 28, 2021
Who are the leaders and changemakers in your organization? You may think it’s the research and development team or engineering. Maybe a dedicated innovation team or a C-level executive? Amazingly, the people best positioned to drive transformation and innovation at your company are those most often maligned for their lack of vision, creativity and support – middle managers.
An Excerpt from Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact ChangeTreat Innovation Like a Team Sport
www2.frost.com
July 29, 2020
Innovating for a Higher Purpose
Stanford University. Designed by Arsenal
June 02, 2020
Innovation” is becoming one of the most overused and meaningless buzzwords of the decade. It is the thing that every leader demands, yet many don’t understand why they need it, or even what it is. Leaders are often very enthusiastic about encouraging everyone to be innovative, yet vague about what it means in practical terms. Companies are often enamored with the latest “disruption” of the month, yet innovation is not only about disruptive technology. Sometimes it's not about disruption at all. At its core it is about business outcomes and people; it is about new ways of doing business, talent, and change management; it is about transforming to new operating models based on co-development and ecosystems of partnerships; it is a journey
Italy: Where An Innovation Renaissance Continues to Flourish
Cisco
July 29, 2019
Most people, including myself, usually travel to Italy to marvel at its rich history of culture around the arts, architecture, and food. On my most recent visit, however, I had the opportunity to glimpse the future, explore 21st-century digital breakthroughs, and meet with ecosystems of pioneering entrepreneurs.
Like during the glorious Renaissance period itself, innovation flourishes today throughout Italy – from Rome and Milan to Naples and Venice, and many other places in between. From connected smart cities and work places of the future to AI translation platforms and automated mail boxes — the landscape of digitization here is as breathtaking as its natural countryside
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Ecosystems
The Do’s and Don’ts of Communicating with Innovation Partners
LinkedIn
April 09, 2019
There’s no way to sugar coat it: innovation cannot be confined within the four walls of your organization. To survive in the digital era, you must tap into as many resources as possible from inside and outside your company.
Establishing a vibrant environment to grow innovation
LinkedIn
March 19, 2019
By 2021, spending on smart city technology is expected to reach $135 billion. But a truly ‘smart’ city needs more than connected street signs, self-driving cars, smart parking meters and hyperloops to thrive.
2019 AWARD FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: ALEX GORYACHEV, CISCO - FINALIST IN OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE OUTSTANDING LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD CATEGORY
insight.btoes.com
March 11, 2019
Cisco Launches New Co-Innovation Center in Singapore
cisco
February 17, 2019
Cisco’s Singapore Co-Innovation Center not only expands our global network, but adds many new dimensions to our innovation ecosystem. First, Singapore is core to the Asian economic and technology growth engine, and ranks at the top of many international lists as a global leader in innovation, whenever it comes to technology, trade, or transportation. No surprise that the World Economic Forum recognized Singapore as the “most techology ready” nation.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Ecosystems
Innovation? It Needs to Be Woven Into Every Aspect of Your Company's Culture
Entrepreneur
February 11, 2019
Last year, 2018, was an exciting one for innovation -- but not because of all the futuristic technologies, gadgets and devices that hit the mainstream. In fact, while voice AI, self-driving cars and cryptocurrencies made headlines, something even bigger happened: Companies of all sizes finally began realizing that competing in today’s digital economy requires more than just a blueprint for the next gadget.
Unlocking the Innovator Within Your Employees
LinkedIn
February 07, 2019
Digital disruption, accelerated global competition and heightened consumer expectations are transforming industries around the globe, reshaping markets, creating new business models and overturning long-standing incumbents. As a result, companies are realizing they must become more innovative – and they must do it quickly – or risk being put out of business. Despite these market threats, research by KPMG revealed that most innovation programs at large enterprises are only in the earliest stages when it comes to the maturity of their innovation initiatives. They have little to no structure for fostering innovation and are failing to invest significantly enough in implementing meaningful innovation programs.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion
Cisco Opens Latest Co-Innovation Center in Barcelona
cisco
January 28, 2019
Set in one of the most creative, smart and attractive cities, we launched the official opening this evening of Cisco’s Barcelona Co-Innovation Center, the latest addition to our global network of 12 Co-Innovation centers worldwide. Like all our centers, this one will serve as a local hive of innovative activity for open, collaboration to co-develop digital solutions with customers and partners.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Ecosystems
Five Ways Communications Will Drive Business Innovation In 2019
Forbes
January 24, 2019
With digital disruption happening in all industries, it seems today’s business landscape has never been more competitive, and the need to constantly innovate has never been more critical. Companies are racing to bring original solutions to market ahead of their competitors -- but it can’t be done alone.
Driving a Successful Partnership between Large Corporations and Startups
Cisco
January 07, 2019
We all know that relationships take work. They require compromise, balance and playing up one another’s strengths and weaknesses. The same applies to business partnerships. Big or small, personal or professional, everyone is looking for that winning combination that brings out the best each party has to offer.
Although large, established enterprises and rising startups reside on opposite sides of the business spectrum, magic can happen when the two work together. However, the spark in such relationships can quickly fizzle. This is not only because 90 percent of startups fail, but also because the two types of partners have different approaches to innovation – a key ingredient for business survival. So, how can these partners work together more efficiently?
Communication: The Driving Force Behind Innovation
LinkedIn
December 06, 2018
Innovation does not occur in a vacuum. Nor does it occur when different departments operate within their own silos. For innovation to become a true competitive differentiator, companies need to encourage cross-functional collaboration – bringing together a diversity of the brightest minds across all jobs and grades to co-develop transformative ideas.
Tags: Digital Disruption, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion
How Voice Assistants Can Help Your Brand Communicate More
Forbes
November 29, 2018
These days, customer experience -- more than perhaps any other aspect of a business -- can make or break a company. Businesses are starting to realize that customer experience is often the deciding factor for many looking to buy a product or sign up for a service. With the rise of social media allowing customer experiences to be shared almost instantaneously at the global level, a customer’s experience is often the first thing a potential consumer might see.
Authenticating the value of innovation
LinkedIn
November 12, 2018
Just about every company has its eye on innovation — building designated teams and programs to stimulate disruptive ideas and bring them to market. In fact, about one-third of more mature companies say they have 50 or more people working on innovation, and 47% have a staff of at least 25, according to a new report from Innovation Leader and KPMG.
A Roadmap To Innovation Part 3: Measuring Your Innovation Program’s Success
Chief Executive
October 29, 2018
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of my “Roadmap to Innovation” series and hopefully have a budding innovation program in the works. Thus far, I’ve spoken about aligning innovation with your business strategy, building your teams, overcoming key obstacles, funding your program and incentivizing all employees to participate (check out part 1 and part 2). Although you may be eager to put your game plan into action, it’s a good time to take a step back and establish metrics to gauge the success of your programs and continuously improve upon it. Metrics are crucial. Here’s why.
A Roadmap To Innovation: Dodging Obstacles On Your Journey
Chief Executive
October 02, 2018
Welcome back to my “Roadmap to Innovation” series, where I guide you through the essential steps for creating an innovation program with lasting impacts on the culture of an entire company or organization. Last time, I wrote about getting started on your innovation journeys – identifying which types of innovation align best with your business strategy and building your teams. (Read part 1 here.) In this installment, I’ll explore some of the most pressing challenges, obstacles and pitfalls that you will likely encounter as you put your program into action – from budgeting issues to incentivizing employees to participate. Let’s get started with funding and budgeting.
Innovation: The Key to Being the Company Everyone Wants to Work For
LinkedIn
September 13, 2018
With thousands of students graduating this spring, the job market will have no shortage of fresh talent. However, only 19% of college graduates say they are interested in working for a big company, according to a recent Accenture survey. In contrast, 44% of survey respondents say they want to work for a startup or small company.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Digital Disruption, Innovation
Nurturing a Collaborative Mindset among Smart Cities
LinkedIn
September 11, 2018
When most people think of a smart city, notions of hyperloops, self-driving cars, ubiquitous Wi-Fi and countless connections to the internet of things (IoT) are what come to mind. However, new and exciting technologies are only one part of creating smarter, more sustainable and livable cities. The other part of the puzzle is nurturing a local environment of co-innovation, with collaborative innovation hubs as the centerpiece.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Smart Cities
Developing a Robust Partner Ecosystem
LinkedIn
September 10, 2018
Digital disruption is all around us, forcing incumbent businesses to fight for their very survival. Just look at Uber’s impact on taxi fleets or Airbnb’s effect on the hotel industry. In today’s hyper-connected digital economy, companies have no choice but to disrupt or die.
The Power of Communication in Innovation
LinkedIn
September 06, 2018
Today, businesses in all industries must find new ways to innovate and reinvent themselves to survive in the digital economy. According to Klecha & Co., “Business leaders believe two out of five of the top-ranked companies in their industries won’t exist in the next five years, making innovation a matter of survival.” And Gartner predicts that, while 70% of businesses are now becoming or preparing to become digital businesses, only 30% of these efforts will be successful.
Cultivating Innovation within Your Organization
LinkedIn
September 05, 2018
What exactly is innovation? How would you define it? While business leaders seem to agree that innovation is necessary to survive in today’s competitive marketplace, coming to a consensus on exactly what that means is easier said than done.
A Roadmap To Innovation: Aligning Innovation With Your Business Strategy
Chief Executive
September 04, 2018
Innovation is a word that is tossed around too often. Companies talk about being “innovative” and “cutting-edge,” but many struggle to make innovation a part of their everyday business. With today’s digital economy perpetuating the notion of “disrupt or die,” simply saying you are innovative or lumping innovation efforts in with R&D and product development are not enough. To survive and thrive, all organizations need an innovation program inspiring every employee company-wide with sufficient budget, mentors and resources.
Hit the Gas on Co-Innovation
LinkedIn
September 04, 2018
In today’s rapidly changing digital economy, enterprises can no longer afford to be innovation tourists. Innovation fairs, mission statements, internal competitions—they’re all great but not enough anymore. Innovation can’t be a one-time event. Innovation must now be an enduring mindset that’s embedded throughout a company’s culture, inspiring all employees across all functions, grades, and geographies.
Free Employees to Tap into Their Inner Entrepreneurs
LinkedIn
August 31, 2018
Regardless of industry, every organization today needs to innovate in order to keep up with the pace of change in the digital economy. In many organizations, more than ever before, it has become the communication department’s mission to encourage, empower and activate employees to innovate. That’s because organizations need to keep firing up the stove to spark and grow innovation — and that can only be done through frequent and consistent communications.
Ignite a Startup Culture Within Your Enterprise
LinkedIn
August 29, 2018
In today’s rapidly changing digital economy, enterprises can no longer afford to be innovation tourists. Innovation fairs, mission statements, internal competitions—they’re all great but not enough anymore. Innovation can’t be a one-time event. Innovation must now be an enduring mindset that’s embedded throughout a company’s culture, inspiring all employees across all functions, grades, and geographies.
How To Communicate Across Partner Ecosystems To Spark Innovation
Forbes
July 18, 2018
Digital disruption is all around us, forcing incumbent businesses to fight for their very survival. Just look at Uber’s impact on taxi fleets or Airbnb’s effect on the hotel industry. In today’s hyper-connected digital economy, companies have no choice but to disrupt or die.
5 Proven Ways to Create a Lasting Legacy of Employee Innovation
HR Technologist
May 30, 2018
What exactly is innovation? How would you define it? While business leaders seem to agree that innovation is necessary to survive in today’s competitive marketplace, coming to a consensus on exactly what that means is easier said than done.
Power Of The People: How Communications Can Unleash Employee Innovation
Forbes
April 13, 2018
Regardless of industry, every organization today needs to innovate in order to keep up with the pace of change in the digital economy. In many organizations, more than ever before, it has become the communication department’s mission to encourage, empower and activate employees to innovate. That’s because organizations need to keep firing up the stove to spark and grow innovation — and that can only be done through frequent and consistent communications.
How To Measure And Communicate Innovation
Forbes
March 26, 2018
Innovation is not a buzzword -- it is an essential ingredient in an organization’s ability to compete in today’s digital age. By being open to ideas from anyone, anywhere inside or outside your company, you can disrupt markets, create new business opportunities and solve customers’ most pressing challenges.
Three Reasons Why Innovation Is All About Communication
Forbes
February 05, 2018
Today, businesses in all industries must find new ways to innovate and reinvent themselves to survive in the digital economy. According to Klecha & Co., “Business leaders believe two out of five of the top-ranked companies in their industries won’t exist in the next five years, making innovation a matter of survival.” And Gartner predicts that, while 70% of businesses are now becoming or preparing to become digital businesses, only 30% of these efforts will be successful.
HCMx Radio 58: HCM Excellence 17 live interview with Alex Goryachev – Senior Director, Innovation Strategy and Programs, Cisco Corporate Strategic Innovation Group
bradonhall.com
March 29, 2017
PRAGMATIC AND EFFECTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION SURVIVE,
TRANSFORM AND PROSPER.
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution marches on and the world is becoming digital, the topic of technology innovation has become one of the most talked about trends.
But innovation is not about technology. At its core it is about business outcomes and people; it is about new ways of doing business, talent and change management; it is about transforming to new operating models based on co-development and ecosystems of partnerships; it is a journey.
So where do you begin? How do survive and thrive while transforming your business to adopt new models and grow new revenue streams? Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change will answer all of these questions, and more.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Business Strategy
1 Book Chapter
Voices of Innovation: Fulfilling the Promise of Information Technology in Healthcare
CRC Press
January 28, 2019
We can all point to random examples of innovation inside of healthcare information technology, but few repeatable processes exist that make innovation more routine than happenstance. How do you create and sustain a culture of innovation? What are the best practices you can refine and embed as part of your organization's DNA? What are the potential outcomes for robust healthcare transformation when we get this innovation mystery solved? Loaded with numerous case studies and stories of successful innovation projects, this book helps the reader understand how to leverage innovation to help fulfill the promise of healthcare information technology in enabling superior business and clinical outcomes.
Tags: Digital Transformation, HealthTech, Innovation
1 Corporate Partner
Venture Partner - Interlock Capital
Interlock Capital
January 14, 2021
I am an active venture partner with Interlock Capital, a community-driven, San Diego based venture fund focused on new innovative cutting edge technologies, as well as community-oriented startups and primarily investing in underrepresented founders and geographies.
Innovator in Residence
Tulane University
August 04, 2020
I am passionate about connecting innovators, sharing knowledge and showing others how operations, communications, culture and innovation be synonymous.
Lepage Innovators-in-Residence are an accomplished group of executives, investors, and entrepreneurs who mentor student ventures, serve as guest lecturers in the venture accelerator course, and offer career advice during set office hours.
Innovators-in-Residence select their own individual titles, which may include designations such as Executive-, Investor-, or Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Regardless of professional background, each is an innovator committed to growing and transforming his or her discipline. This well-rounded group of professionals is equipped to aid students in any aspect of starting a business.
The Business Transformation & Operational Excellence Awards 2018 - Best Achievement of Operational Excellence in Technology & Communications (Finalist)
The Business Transformation & Operational Excellence Awards 2018
March 01, 2018
Brandon Hall Group 2017 Excellence Awards - Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program (Gold)
Brandon Hall Group 2017 Excellence Awards
September 01, 2017
Cisco has won multiple Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, both in 2017 and 2018; this is just the innovation-focused one
There Is No "I" in Innovation: Unlocking Power of the Ecosystem to Co-innovate for Fun and Profit
Emamo
August 17, 2021
Just like the Internet, not all innovative ideas are born inside the boardroom. To unlock the true potential of your organization, you need to tap into the entire ecosystem. That means partnering and co-innovating with customers, suppliers, academia, communities, nonprofits and employees.
Yet, there's a dangerous tendency to remain insular out of ego and fear, which causes organizations to miss out on the major benefits they would otherwise receive when working with the entire ecosystem.
Drawn from global experience, we will discuss the value that non-traditional ecosystem partnerships can bring to your organization: from employee development, to brand value, from community relationships, to new product introduction and revenue acceleration. We look at case studies around the world to pinpoint the value of co-innovation across different organizations and verticals, and discuss creating win-win relationships to create new measurable value for everyone.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Ecosystems, Innovation
CISCO’S ALEX GORYACHEV AND MACIEJ KRANZ: INNOVATION IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
YouTube
March 21, 2018
Here’s a chance to get an inside view of innovation in the tech industry from two high-level executives at Cisco Systems, one of Silicon Valley’s most revered companies. Our speakers will discuss the disruptive impact of digitization on industries, their operations, cultures and employees as well as co-innovation best practices inside and outside that enable companies to lead the digital transition.
For the past 20 years, Alex Goryachev has made it his business to turn disruptive concepts into emerging business models. As Cisco’s senior director of innovation strategy and programs, he sparks internal innovation by providing employees at all levels the chance to share their big ideas, many of which make their way into the company’s innovation engine. He was the emerging stars gold recipient of Brandon Hall Group’s 2016 Human Capital Management Excellence Awards Program, and his organization won golds for employee engagement and innovation talent management programs. Prior to Cisco, Goryachev was a successful consultant with extended assignments at Napster, Liquid Audio, IBM Global Services and Pfizer.
Tags: Digital Disruption, Innovation, Business Strategy
Everyone is an Entrepreneur—The Art of Innovation in Everyday Life | Alex Goryachev | TEDxKGI
YouTube
February 28, 2018
When Alex arrived in the United States as a teenager raised in the Soviet Union, he immediately faced disruption. He discovered new freedoms all around him as well as the power of the ultimate equalizer-the Internet. He immediately set out on a life course far different from his upbringing as the son of a high ranking official in the Russian diplomatic corps. He has been disrupting individuals, cultures, companies, and industries ever since. His journey started early when he got to know the local hacking community, become involved with Electronic Frontier Foundation, and taught himself as a teen-ager to master UNIX operating systems and design web pages and later using his skills to develop innovative apps and platforms for the digital entertainment industry. He had extended gigs with music pioneers Napster and Liquid Audio. He also adapted innovations to other industries, consulting with IBM Global Services and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. For a while he was also a partner in a music production and promotion company that produced hundreds of shows coast to coast. Alex is the Senior Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs at Cisco, where he applies his go-getter entrepreneurial spirit to ignite co-innovation among employees, customers, startups, and partners. He oversees companywide innovation programs for all employees in every function, as well as global innovation centers where we co-innovate with our customers. In the end, for Alex, its all about turning ideas into solutions that disrupt markets for social and economic good. When Alex arrived in the United States as a teenager raised in the Soviet Union, he immediately faced disruption. He discovered new freedoms all around him as well as the power of the ultimate equalizer-the Internet. . He immediately set out on a life course far different from his upbringing as the son of a high ranking official in the Russian diplomatic corps. He has been disrupting individuals, cultures, companies, and industries ever since. His journey started early when he got to know the local hacking community, become involved with Electronic Frontier Foundation, and taught himself as a teen-ager to master UNIX operating systems and design web pages and later using his skills to develop innovative apps and platforms for the digital entertainment industry. He had extended gigs with music pioneers Napster and Liquid Audio. He also adapted innovations to other industries, consulting with IBM Global Services and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. For a while he was also a partner in a music production and promotion company that produced hundreds of shows coast to coast. Alex is the Senior Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs at Cisco, where he applies his go-getter entrepreneurial spirit to ignite co-innovation among employees, customers, startups, and partners. He oversees companywide innovation programs for all employees in every function, as well as global innovation centers where we co-innovate with our customers. In the end, for Alex, its all about turning ideas into solutions that disrupt markets for social and economic good. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Tags: Digital Transformation, Ecosystems, Innovation
Oseas Ramirez Assad, Alex Goryachev, Stephen Liguori - Lean Startup Inside a Big Company
YouTube
April 14, 2017
What happens when a small group of mavericks decide to launch an unauthorized version of Lean Startup inside a huge multinational firm like Cisco? Over 1,100 new organic-growth ideas, including a surprise Shark Tank-like ending. Presented by Steve Liguori, (Founder Liguori Innovation and former GE Exec Director of Global Innovation) with Alex Goryachev (Cisco Senior Director Innovation Strategy and Programs) and Oseas Ramirez Assad (Cisco Senior Manager, Business Development and Innovation Enablement.)
Tags: Digital Transformation, Ecosystems, Innovation
26 Media Interviews
Innovation Has No Borders, No Owners: Alex Goryachev Of Cisco - Forbes India
Forbes India
February 22, 2023
Innovation is one of the most bandied about words of the decade. The most misunderstood, too, perhaps. What will it take to get beyond the buzzword and catalyse 'true' innovation, the kind that can transform businesses and continuously drive growth? Alex Goryachev, one of the world’s top experts on innovation and the former managing director of Cisco's global co-innovation centres, dwells upon the nuances in his new book Fearless Innovation. Excerpts from an email interview:
14 Smart Ways For Companies To Incorporate ESG Into Their Branding
Forbes
February 14, 2022
Employees are your most critical innovators and brand ambassadors. The first step is getting them involved in defining and setting appropriate sustainability goals for your organization. To have a meaningful and lasting societal and branding impact, you must empower your employees to actively participate in helping your company achieve ESG goals. - Alex Goryachev, Tulane University Freeman School of Business
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Sustainability
Interview with Alex Goryachev, the Mastermind behind Cisco’s Grandest Innovation Challenge
TeskaLabs Ltd
August 16, 2021
An interview with Alex Goryachev, Senior Director – Innovation Strategy & Programs Corporate Strategic Innovation Group, Cisco, is a part of a series of interviews on enterprise innovation with corporate intrapreneurs, technology enthusiasts and visionaries within some of the world's largest companies.
Liberating Your Employees to Drive Change
HR Exchange Network
July 02, 2021
The Work from Home revolution proved the obvious– innovation is not about the technological inventions, it’s about people, culture and collaboration.
In this fireside chat from our recent HR Tech North America event with Alex Goryachev, bestselling author of “Fearless Innovation” and former head of Cisco’s Global Innovation Centers, we will examine common myths about innovation and explore why HR must be in the driver seat when it comes to future-proofing your organization. From technological to societal shifts, we will explore the “next normal” and arm you with actionable steps you can take to move your organization forward.
Fearless Journeys: Alex Goryachev
YouTube
April 12, 2021
Alex Goryachev, Managing Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs for Cisco Systems and author of the new book, "Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change." In this clip, he discusses his life growing up in the Soviet Union, his work in Silicon Valley, and his experiences seeing Russia after the fall of the USSR. The key to innovation is diversity, inclusion, and being connected.
Listen to our full interview on Episode 71 of the Agents of Innovation podcast -- found on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Stitcher, SoundCloud, an other podcast sites. For more information, visit AgentsOfInnovation.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Support our work at: Patreon.com/AgentsOfInnovation
Ep. 197 - Alex Goryachev, Cisco's Global Co-Innovation Centers MD & Author of Fearless Innovation
Inside Outside Innovation
March 21, 2021
Alex Goryachev is the managing director of Cisco's Global Co-Innovation Centers and author of the new book Fearless Innovation. Brian Ardinger, Inside Outside Innovation Founder talks with Alex about innovation initiatives going on at Cisco, the power of the individual innovator to drive corporate change, and the many benefits of creating a strong ecosystem of partners outside your organization. For more information and innovation resources, check out insideoutside.io
Innovative Perspectives: Alex Goryachev
YouTube
March 07, 2021
Alex Goryachev, Managing Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs for Cisco Systems and author of the new book, "Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change." Listen to our full interview on Episode 71 of the Agents of Innovation podcast -- found on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Stitcher, SoundCloud, an other podcast sites. For more information, visit AgentsOfInnovation.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
WeInnovators Club | Alex Goryachev
Weinnovators Club
November 04, 2020
Alex is the Senior Director – Emerging Technologies and Incubation of Cisco, a $50B technology, powerhouse where he applies his go-getter entrepreneurial spirit to ignite co-innovation among employees, customers, startups, and partners. He created companywide innovation programs for all employees in every function, as well as developed global innovation centers enabling co-innovation with the ecosystem.
The Post COVID-19 Reboot - Rebooting: Economic recovery and managing risk
uwaterloo
May 25, 2020
University of Waterloo GEDI presents a series of 6 free weekly "Post-COVID-19 Reboot" webinars. The series kicked off on May 21, 2020 with Rebooting: Economic recovery and managing risk. The expert panelists discuss what does rebuilding look like? What are the roles of businesses of all sizes in the new economy, and how do we ensure their survival? We'll discuss the role of innovation, working differently, workforce preparedness, and skills development.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Digital Disruption, Innovation
1896: Fearless Innovation with Alex Goryachev
LaunchStreet TV
April 28, 2020
Everyday innovators are the ones driving the innovation we are seeing across a variety of industries, companies, and governments that are making the pivots and changes needed to address the current pandemic and adapt to the changing times. Alex Goryachev, Cisco’s Senior Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs and author of Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change, is one of these innovators I’ve featured in my book.
Ep. 197 - Alex Goryachev, Cisco's Global Co-Innovation Centers MD & Author of Fearless Innovation
YouTube
April 28, 2020
Alex Goryachev is the managing director of Cisco's Global Co-Innovation Centers and author of the new book Fearless Innovation. Brian Ardinger, Inside Outside Innovation Founder talks with Alex about innovation initiatives going on at Cisco, the power of the individual innovator to drive corporate change, and the many benefits of creating a strong ecosystem of partners outside your organization. For more information and innovation resources, check out insideoutside.io
Inside Outside Innovation
Episode 197
April 28, 2020
Alex Goryachev Defines Fearless Innovation
AGENTS OF INNOVATION
March 21, 2020
Alex Goryachev is the author of Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change. He’s an an award-winning Silicon Valley veteran whose resume reads like a brief history of tech disruption. He’s worked at Pfizer, IBM, Liquid Audio, Napster, and now Cisco Systems, where he’s been more than a decade, currently serving as their Managing Director of Innovation. According to Fortune, Cisco is listed as the 48th largest company in the world and has over 74,000 employees
Alex Goryachev - Innovation - Bregman Leadership Podcast
YouTube
June 10, 2019
Are you giving yourself time to innovate? On today’s episode, I speak about innovation and productivity with Alex Goryachev, the senior director of innovation at Cisco. Discover why the “lonely innovator” is a myth and which part of a large company routinely comes up with the most innovative ideas. Listen here: http://bit.ly/2wLm740
1824: Innovation in Large Companies with Alex Goryachev
YouTube
May 28, 2019
Have you ever wondered what it takes to drive innovation when you’re just one person in a large organization? With bureaucracies, processes, and roadmaps of ‘this is how it’s done’ already laid out, how can you — really — think outside the box and disrupt? Today’s guest, Alex Goryachev, is jammed packed with wisdom on how you can strive for innovation when you’re just one person.
Alex is the Senior Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco. With over 20 years of experience, Alex has made it his business to turn disruptive concepts into emerging business models. He is an entrepreneurial go-getter who takes risks and thinks ahead about what the future might hold.
We discuss how large companies have shifted their focus from using an outside entrepreneur or consultant to drive innovation to leveraging their in-house staff for support and creation of new ideas. While living in such a fast-paced environment, large organizations realize the importance of investing in innovative teams so that they can get a leg up in the marketplace. Alex explains that, oftentimes, the best ideas come from those who are working directly with the customer. Alex also shares his process on how he thinks about innovation and how he spots a good idea that has lots of ‘spark.’Alex is the Senior Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco. With over 20 years of experience, Alex has made it his business to turn disruptive concepts into emerging business models. He is an entrepreneurial go-getter who takes risks and thinks ahead about what the future might hold.
We discuss how large companies have shifted their focus from using an outside entrepreneur or consultant to drive innovation to leveraging their in-house staff for support and creation of new ideas. While living in such a fast-paced environment, large organizations realize the importance of investing in innovative teams so that they can get a leg up in the marketplace. Alex explains that, oftentimes, the best ideas come from those who are working directly with the customer. Alex also shares his process on how he thinks about innovation and how he spots a good idea that has lots of ‘spark.’
Ep 84 Alex Goryachev - Cisco: “Mid-managers are ideal drivers of innovation.”
YouTube
April 06, 2019
Almost all companies talk about innovation, but regretfully most of them have no idea what it really entails. Innovation is not about inventing new technologies and developing disruptive products – it is about people. Innovation is a mindset; an entrepreneurial spirit that must be embraced by every employee. That is exactly why those in middle management are ideal drivers of innovation, and why organizations must ensure that they are the ones setting the example with this innovation mindset.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, demonstrated that middle managers have a much larger impact on an organizational innovation than those individuals with assigned innovation job roles, and that middle managers are particularly essential in driving strong performance in creative, innovative and knowledge-intensive industries.
As such, Alex Goryachev - Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco - recognizes that middle management is the real change-makers and leaders of innovation within their organization. On this week’s episode, Alex shares the top ways middle managers can effectively spearhead this initiative of developing a culture of innovation and remaining competitive in this fast-changing, disruptive, digital economy.
Today with Alex we talk about:
- What innovation means at Cisco and how it drives employee engagement.
- Why middle managers are pivotal to innovation within any organization.
- How can such managers help develop an innovation culture, drive engagement and innovation.
Cisco opens innovation hub, cybersecurity center in Singapore
Cisco
February 27, 2019
Both located at Cisco's office in Mapletree Business City, the centers are expected to strengthen its innovation push and boost Asia-Pacific threat intelligence research and security incidence response capabilities.
Chng Kai Fong, managing director of the Economic Development Board, welcomed the move and was quoted in the news release as saying the centers will also “provide opportunities for Singaporeans to work with the best minds in Cisco.”
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Ecosystems
Cisco tours world for locally sourced, globally scalable innovation
Cisco
January 07, 2019
Waiting for Silicon Valley to solve the economic, industrial and social ills in Oceania? It might be smarter to pair advanced technology with local wisdom about region-specific problems. What comes out may be groundbreaking, globally scalable products and services.
Tags: Digital Disruption, Emerging Technology, Innovation
Alex Goryachev, Cisco | Innovation Master Class 2018
YouTube
December 08, 2018
Alex Goryachev, Senior Director, Innovation Strategy and Programs, Cisco sits down with Jeff Frick at The Conference Board's 6th Annual Innovation Master Class in Palo Alto, California.
HCMx Radio 58: Excelencia HCM 17 live interview with Alex Goryachev – Senior Director, Innovation Strategy and Programs, Cisco Corporate Strategic Innovation Group
Brandon Hall
March 29, 2017
Alex began his Cisco journey in 2004 with a singular focus: Innovación. He defined and operationalized several high-profile Cisco initiatives, including the company’s Country Transformation plan for Cisco in emerging markets. He also held senior roles in Development, Mercadeo, Finanzas, and Channels, providing him a 360 view of how a great company ticks. Prior to Cisco, Alex was a successful consultant with extended assignments at Napster, Liquid Audio, IBM Global Services, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
To listen to our interview, you can download the podcast anytime at the HCMx Radio sitio.
HCMx Radio 58: HCM Excellence 17 Live Interview with Alex Goryachev from Cisco
YouTube
March 29, 2017
Guest: Alex Goryachev, Senior Director, Innovation Strategy and Programs, Cisco Corporate Strategic Innovation Group
Host: Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer and HCM Principal Analyst, Brandon Hall Group
About Alex Goryachev
Alex began his Cisco journey in 2004 with a singular focus: Innovation. He defined and operationalized several high-profile Cisco initiatives, including the company’s Country Transformation plan for Cisco in emerging markets. He also held senior roles in Development, Marketing, Finance, and Channels, providing him a 360 view of how a great company ticks. Prior to Cisco, Alex was a successful consultant with extended assignments at Napster, Liquid Audio, IBM Global Services, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
To listen to our interview, you can download the podcast anytime at the HCMx Radio site (www.brandonhall.com/hcmxradio).
-Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Hall Group @RachelCCooke
Tags: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy
Interview with Alex Goryachev, the Mastermind behind Cisco’s Grandest Innovation Challenge
Teskalabs
August 16, 2016
An interview with Alex Goryachev, Senior Director – Innovation Strategy & Programs Corporate Strategic Innovation Group, Cisco, is a part of a series of interviews on enterprise innovation with corporate intrapreneurs, technology enthusiasts and visionaries within some of the world's largest companies.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Emerging Technology, Innovation
Alex Goryachev talks about the $250K Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge
YouTube
July 09, 2016
Alex Goryachev, Cisco Director of Innovation Strategy, talks about leveraging Cisco to expand startup market reach. Filmed during San Diego Startup Week, www.sandiegostartupweek.com, Alex talks with Eric Westreich (Startup Show San Diego), www.StartupShowSD.com and discusses the Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge, innovationgrandchallenge.cisco.com, where innovators, entrepreneurs, developers and researchers to submit disruptive ideas that transform industries and governments, and change the world in order to win mentoring, work space at Cisco Innovation Centers
BOOK REVIEW: TO MAKE INNOVATION, BUSINESS AS USUAL 'Fearless Innovation – A no-nonsense guide' book by Alex Goryachev
marketingsociety.com
April 02, 2020
Fostering Innovation in Organizations | Inside Forbes Councils
Forbes Councils
July 30, 2019
Forbes Councils members Alex Goryachev, Ron Cogburn, Masha Sharma, and Maureen Metcalf discuss what innovation means to them, how to stay on top of emerging tech, and what to do if you feel that your company has fallen behind.
Ep. 197 – Alex Goryachev, Cisco’s Global Co-Innovation Centers MD & Author of Fearless Innovation
Inside Outside
April 08, 2019
Alex Goryachev is the managing director of Cisco’s Global Co-Innovation Centers and author of the new book Fearless Innovation. Alex and Brian Ardinger, Inside Outside Innovation founder talk about a variety of innovation initiatives going on at Cisco. We talk about the power of the individual innovator to drive corporate change and the many benefits of creating a strong ecosystem of partners outside your organization.
TEI 219: How Cisco innovates to beat competitors and deliver value – with Alex Goryachev
Inside Outside
March 04, 2019
I love hearing how companies improve their innovation capabilities and foster a culture of innovation. Anytime I hear such stories, I always find lessons for how other organizations can also improve their capability.
As Cisco managing director Alex Goryachev writes on Forbes
Careeraddict.com
August 04, 2021
As Cisco managing director Alex Goryachev writes on Forbes: ‘People listen mostly to respond rather than to understand. However, digitisation demands active listening to the ecosystem in order to survive and develop collaborative strategies with startups, partners and customers around the world’.
Innovation Isn't A Flash Of Inspiration; It's An Ongoing Process
IBD
June 03, 2020
ust because a new product can be fashioned, doesn't mean it's a good idea. Focus instead on statistics that prove the innovation is needed, says Alex Goryachev, author of "Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, And Enact Change." Goryachev is also managing director of Cisco's (CSCO) global Co-Innovation Centers.
14 Social Media Trends That Every Marketer Should Know About In 2019
Forbes
February 01, 2019
The use of social media will not slow down anytime soon. Marketers must be on top of the latest social media tools and platforms so they’re able to quickly analyze trends and respond to customers proactively. Be prepared to see a larger volume of inbound customer requests via social channels. Monitor these channels proactively to respond quickly and keep customers satisfied.
How Silicon Valley Works…Ecosystems Breaking Traditions for Transformations
Forbes
December 11, 2018
“Innovation,” he said, “is all about execution.” And to be effective at execution a company’s innovation needs to be centered around its talent and culture. Innovation needs to be a common factor in every employee’s day. Communications are critical. I recommend Joan Greco’s interview with Alex and his article “Communication: The Driving Force Behind Innovation” to learn more of Alex’s insights.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Ecosystems
How To Build A Brand: 14 Effective Strategies To Improve Customer Experience
Forbes
December 04, 2018
Consumers expect a seamless, consistent experience across all channels, whether it’s mobile app, website, social media channels, phone, email, text or in the store. And, of course, customer service must be the top priority. Listen and respond proactively to your customers’ concerns. Apple and Nordstrom are examples of two companies that do this very well.
Tags: Customer Experience, Digital Transformation, Innovation
Quoted Alex's Innovation Strategy for CISCO
hrtechnologist.com
June 05, 2018
This quote aptly describes Cisco’s perspective on “Innovation”. Alex Goryachev, Managing Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs at Cisco, talks about kindling an innovation revolution in the company, about employees investing in “My Innovation” programs, and how disruption is the antidote to stagnation. Alex began his Cisco journey in 2004 with a singular focus: Innovation. Prior to Cisco, Alex was a successful consultant with extended assignments at Napster, Liquid Audio, IBM Global Services, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
RACHEL KOELING quoted Alex
hub.appirio.com
April 18, 2018
“Without the power of communication — two-way communication …” wrote Forbes author, Alex Goryachev, “… few if any innovations that better our lives and livelihoods would advance beyond the idea.” Yet, 95 percent of today’s workers don’t understand their company's goals or strategies.
Rob Enderle quoted Alex
hub.appirio.com
March 02, 2018
In contrast, I spoke with Alex Goryachev, Cisco’s Managing Director of Innovation Strategy & Programs. He told me about their continued success in Brazil and London related to their Olympic efforts. The company focused on helping local startups use its technology to innovate, resulting not only in hundreds of new customers and jobs in the regions but also a positive impact on Cisco’s revenue.
Building the next normal: Fearless Innovation | WeInnovators Club | Alex Goryachev
YouTube
November 04, 2020
Alex is the Senior Director – Emerging Technologies and Incubation of Cisco, a $50B technology, powerhouse where he applies his go-getter entrepreneurial spirit to ignite co-innovation among employees, customers, startups, and partners. He created companywide innovation programs for all employees in every function, as well as developed global innovation centers enabling co-innovation with the ecosystem.
Alex Goryachev has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for innovation and culture transformation. He is a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of “Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change”. He is sought after by the press as an expert on innovation, sustainability and digitization, and is a contributing writer for Forbes and Chief Executive Magazine, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Innovation Leader Magazine.
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Executive in Residence - 2021/2022 Academic Year
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Innovation Isn't A Flash Of Inspiration; It's An Ongoing Process
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