Innovation has become a word that can sometimes feel a little ... awkward. Which is why we wanted to use the provocation of “has innovation become a dirty word” to kick off a bit of a series of over coffee or beers chats.

When Charlie Rowat and I used to work together, innovation was a bit of a shiny object in most organisations. There was a lot of hope, excitement, a few flashy job titles, very photogenic innovation labs and a near endless stream of press releases announcing all sorts of innovation initiatives.

But now it all feels like a bit of a faded era. In some instances I’ve had former innovation executives bemoan that it’s a toxic title, stymying careers while the consulting side of innovation seems to be struggling for air.

So what’s happened? Is innovation a dirty word these days? And what lessons might be take from discussing it?

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