No-Excuses Innovation by Bruce Vojak & Walter Herbst Summary
Overview of No-Excuses Innovation
"No B.S. Innovation" cuts through innovation hype with Kennedy's legendary no-nonsense approach. Endorsed by "Rich Dad" author Robert Kiyosaki, this practical guide has transformed small businesses worldwide. What counterintuitive strategy could make your next breakthrough inevitable rather than impossible?
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Key takeaways
Beyond the Innovation Buzzword: When Survival Demands Transformation
In 2016, electric vehicle manufacturer NOVUS approached automation supplier Wes-Tech with requirements that defied conventional solutions. Rather than following established protocols, Wes-Tech formed an elite team that collaborated intensively with the client, developing new practices and maintaining 24/7 availability. This intuitive pivot toward innovation didn't just win them the contract - it transformed their business model and secured their future in a rapidly changing industry. While Silicon Valley startups celebrate innovation, small and medium-sized mature enterprises (SMMEs) often view it as an expensive luxury rather than a survival necessity. They cling to familiar objections: "Innovation reduces profit," "We're already innovating," or "We'll deal with it when the time comes." These arguments reveal fundamental misunderstandings about innovation's nature. Many companies claiming to innovate are merely making incremental changes within existing paradigms, such as updating packaging or slightly modifying features, while missing opportunities for true breakthrough innovation that redefines competition. The reality? Avoiding innovation represents the greater risk. Companies that postpone renewal until decline becomes obvious typically lack the resources, capabilities, and time to respond effectively. As one executive aptly noted, "Innovation is a 'pay me now or pay me later' proposition" - and "later" inevitably arrives at the most inconvenient moment.
The Strategic Crossroads: Extend, Exit, or Renew
The Hidden Power of Emotional Design
Design Thinking: Making Innovation Accessible
The People Behind Innovation: Serial Innovators
Midtronics: Innovation Excellence in Action
No More Excuses: The Innovation Imperative
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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