59: Pivoting with Purpose: How to Navigate Career Shifts with Intention (w/ Stephen Shapiro)

The School of Reinvention

Summary

In this conversation, Roger Osorio speaks with Stephen Shapiro about his journey from a consultant at Accenture to a leading expert in innovation and speaking. They discuss the evolution of Shapiro's career, the importance of publishing and selling books, and how to define value in speaking engagements. Shapiro shares insights on building innovation communities, the role of professional associations, and the concept of stability in an uncertain world as presented in his book 'Pivotal'. The conversation emphasizes the importance of meandering with purpose and connecting diverse experiences to foster creativity and innovation.

Takeaways

• The journey to innovation often starts with a passion for change.
• Publishing a book can be a strategic move to enhance your speaking career.
• Selling is as important as writing when it comes to books.
• Value in speaking engagements is often defined by the impact made, not just the fee charged.
• Building a community of passionate individuals can drive innovation within organizations.
• Professional associations provide valuable networking opportunities for speakers.
• Stability in uncertain times can be achieved by focusing on what shouldn't change.
• Meandering with purpose allows for adaptability in personal and professional growth.
• Connecting diverse experiences can lead to innovative breakthroughs.
• Expertise can sometimes hinder true innovation; fresh perspectives are crucial.

About Stephen Shapiro

Stephen started his innovation work over 25 years ago while launching and leading Accenture’s 20,000-person innovation practice.

Since then, he has written seven books on innovation, including Best Practices Are Stupid, which was named the best innovation and creativity book of 2011 by Porchlight and was an international #1 business best seller.

His latest book, PIVOTAL: Creating Stability in an Uncertain World launched in June 2024.

He is also the creator of Personality Poker®, a card game used worldwide to develop high-performing innovation teams.

Stephen has presented at conferences in over 50 countries, and in 2015 was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame.

He is also a Senior Fellow with The Conference Board.

When he’s not working with organizations helping them make the impossible possible, he enjoys dabbling in magic!

Links:

https://www.stephenshapiro.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shapiroinnovates

Sound Bites

"You never know who's listening."

"You need that core group."

"Meander with purpose."

Keywords

innovation, reinvention, speaking career, book publishing, value definition, professional associations, stability, creativity, community building, personal growth