Innovation isn’t just about the next big thing — it’s about knowing when to hunt for the new and when to harvest what works. In this recent webcast, Trevor Anulewicz, Vice President, Strategy, Launch by NTT DATA, unpacks the timeless elements of innovation, from attracting creative minds to navigating the risk that comes with change. The arc of innovation has always followed technology trends — while the tools change, their impact remains the same. And finally, Anulewicz breaks down unhealthy anti-patterns so we can stop getting it wrong — and start getting it right.
The slides used in this webcast are available for download below.
Here are five highlights from the discussion:
1. The Innovation Journey Moves in Waves, Not Straight Lines
Innovation has evolved across eras — from human-centered design and agile in the 2000s, to lean startup, to today’s AI-native innovation landscape. Anulewicz frames this progression as wave-like rather than linear. “Innovation isn’t a static concept, and it doesn’t follow a straight line. It moves in waves, [and] with each wave, our tools and our mindsets evolve,” he says.
2. Three Timeless Pillars of Innovation: People, Process, and Value
Despite all the technological changes, effective innovation still relies on three constants: empathy for people, disciplined iteration, and a focus on strategic value creation. “Across every innovation era… there are a few things that always matter… A people first mindset, process and execution discipline, and strategic value creation,” Anulewicz says.
3. AI Is Reshaping Innovation at Every Stage
AI is not just a support tool; it’s becoming integral across the entire innovation lifecycle, from ideation and research to product development, and even synthetic user testing. “We’re finding opportunities for operational efficiencies, content creation, cost and debt reduction, competitive advantages and revenue growth opportunities… throughout our entire… execution and delivery,” Anulewicz says.
4. Culture and Organizational Structure Issues Can Squelch Innovation
Even with the right tools and intentions, internal resistance and lack of alignment often stall innovation. Overcoming these obstacles requires structural support and leadership commitment. “Innovation fails when the leadership or middle management and teams… are not aligned on some of those core objectives,” Anulewicz says.
5. Value Creation Must Be the North Star
Too often, innovation efforts emphasize activity over impact. But without measurable value creation, programs risk becoming irrelevant or underfunded. According to Anulewicz, “Innovation must create value for users and for your business and for ecosystems you serve.”
Host Bio
Trevor Anulewicz, Vice President, Strategy, Launch by NTT DATA
Trevor Anulewicz is a strategic growth expert passionate about design and innovation. He kickstarted his career by helping expand a London-based marketing agency into North America, showcasing his talent as Executive Creative Director. Later, as a managing partner at Vectorform, Trevor led design and UX teams and eventually founded an innovation consultancy. His strategic leadership was pivotal in Vectorform’s acquisition by NTT DATA in 2022. Following this success, Trevor assumed the role of Vice President at Launch, guiding Fortune 500 clients in cultivating innovative operating systems, co-client developed growth and pursuits, and business strategy teams.
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