Jayshree Seth: Innovating from the inside

What does it take to master innovation in companies?

It takes a lot of grit, skill, savviness and convincing.

My guest in this episode, Jayshree Seth, has been leading the way in innovation in 3M for more than 30 years. So listen for a window into the world of innovation at one of the most successful companies and innovators out there.

We talk about what it takes to make innovation really work using her three Cs: constraints, context, and commitment. She explains what it takes to convince people to change. Also distilling how to identify the problems that really matter to customers. Jayshree also shares some of her personal journey and the mindset she has used throughout her career to progress and overcome barriers.

You’ll hear about:

• Does it matter about having hard constraints?
• Context and innovation
• What commitment really works?
• Focusing on the problems that matter
• The mosaic building process
• Bringing people on the innovation journey
• The merits of self-management
• Jayshree on the 15%
• Staying vibrant and fresh
• How Jayshree has overcome barriers
• What does Jayshree’s best day look like?

The best bits of these conversations are captured in my newsletter Strategic Leader.

More about Jayshree

Jayshree is the Corporate Scientist & first ever Chief Science Advocate at 3M. She has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, New York, and holds 80 patents for a variety of innovations. She uses her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to communicate the importance and benefits of science in everyday life.

She is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from her alma mater REC Trichy India. She is the author of the books, The Heart of Science — Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints, and The Heart of Science — Engineering Fine Print.

• Jayshree’s profile
• Books: here and here
• The Three Cs of Sustainable Innovation
• TEDx talk: ‘Why I Reframe My Why’
• The Drucker Blog