That's what David Murray says in his new book, Borrowing Brilliance, which edged up onto the WSJ's bestseller list just two weeks ago.
The book follows David's adventures, which are many. This includes some really interesting jobs, like head of innovation for Intuit. He is refreshingly candid about sharing the ups and (way) downs of some of his entrepreneurial efforts. And, he always pops up one more time than he goes down, which is inspiring in itself. In fact, if you're currently suffering a hard time as a result of our economic turmoil, jobless recovery and all, this is a great book to read. It will buoy your spirits and give you a way through that likely will lead to success.
Along David's way, he has codified the process of innovation. That, he says, is much more about building on existing ideas than it is divining something wholly new. David's process is neatly parsed into six steps, which are absolutely worth the time to read and digest.
David is a practical visionary. He cobbles together two separate worlds: the mysterious, creative world of the artist that generates new forms, and the pre-defined, cost-effective world of repeatable business success. So, the meld is interesting. In some places it is hard and tight, clearly spelled out. In others, it is more curious, serendipity, generated through inspiration and artistry.
Actually, it's very useful that way. I think he has done a great job of coming clean with innovation.
In a recent conversation David said to me, "There are two questions that brought me to the book. First, can you teach creative thinking? My message is, yes. And not only can you teach it but you can understand the basic mechanics of creative thinking… the real blocking and tackling. Then, you can actually get better at it. The second thing is, there is a real, definable process to innovation."
If your business involves change, transformation, metamorphosis, upheaval, ingenuity, you have got to hear what David has to say. The time spent reading his words will easily justify the great ideas you get in return and the process you can put to work.
