Invention is Reinvention with entrepreneur Eric Ryan

Creativity doesn't follow a fixed process and creative individuals often need to adapt and reinvent themselves to remain innovative. This was discussed in a podcast episode, where the importance of embracing change and keeping certain elements consistent in the creative journey was explored. Additionally, the episode was sponsored by Cloud Optimizer, a service that helps businesses optimize their cloud spending and performance. Meanwhile, in a different context, the podcast "The Girlfriends" shared their investigation into a 35-year-old cold case, and in "Family Therapy," a father expressed his feelings of not having done everything right as a father but found solace in therapy sessions. Lastly, Eric Ryan, the co-founder of Method Products, was highlighted for his serial entrepreneurship and ability to repeat creative success through reinvention.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, ideas are important but the person behind the idea is even more crucial. Entrepreneurs, especially those seeking initial funding, may find it beneficial to secure investments from individuals who believe in them as individuals, rather than those solely focused on the business plan. These early investors, often referred to as angels or friends and family, can provide crucial support and resources, even if they don't fully believe in the initial idea. The success of a business often depends on the entrepreneur's ability to inspire, work hard, and execute, rather than having a flawless plan. Additionally, the early days of entrepreneurship can be challenging, and having the support of loved ones can make a significant difference. In the case of Method Soap Company, the focus on creating beautiful, eco-friendly packaging for everyday products resonated with consumers at a time when people were beginning to view their homes as a form of self-expression. The success of Method demonstrates that entrepreneurs who can create products that not only function well but also fit into people's lives and express their values can make a lasting impact.

The importance of aesthetics in product design cannot be underestimated. Just as Steve Jobs understood the need to make technology visually appealing to integrate it into our lives, creating nontoxic and eco-friendly household products required a similar approach. The founders of Method faced rejection from potential investors, but eventually found a partner who shared their vision and values. Choosing the right partner is crucial in entrepreneurship, as they will be there through the ups and downs of building a business. Linear thinkers may not be the best fit for the iterative process of launching, learning, and optimizing. Instead, look for partners who believe in you and have the flexibility to work through challenges together. The entrepreneur who has succeeded multiple times demonstrates true grit and resilience, and their journey serves as an inspiration for those starting their own ventures.

The mindset and drive of a young, hungry entrepreneur is different from that of someone who has already achieved success and is starting a new business. When Eric Yves Harmon sold Method and became wealthy, he felt a sense of loss and uncertainty about his identity. He realized that much of his self-worth was tied to being an entrepreneur and the risk involved. To start his second business, Ollie, he studied serial entrepreneurs and learned the importance of great people, great products, and being a good steward of capital. He didn't start with a passionate idea but instead found his passion through the categories he was interested in. Passion can be discovered and nurtured, and it's essential for entrepreneurs to learn from their past experiences and apply those lessons to new ventures.

Successful disruption often comes from outsiders who bring fresh perspectives and challenge established categories by combining elements from different industries. Eric Yuan, the founder of Ollie, discusses how he drew inspiration from housewares and personal care to reimagine vitamins as lifestyle products. This approach allowed Ollie to stand out in a crowded market and appeal to millennials' health and wellness pursuits. Moreover, Eric emphasizes the importance of naivete and a beginner's perspective in identifying opportunities for disruption. Traditional packaged goods companies missed the shift towards lifestyle products because they were too focused on their existing business models and failed to recognize the changing societal trends. This phenomenon is not unique to the nutrition industry. Apple, Netflix, and Amazon all disrupted industries by bringing innovation from outside their domains. The lesson is that staying open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they seem challenging or daunting, can lead to significant breakthroughs. In summary, Eric's experience with Ollie highlights the importance of combining elements from different industries, staying open to new ideas, and approaching challenges with a fresh perspective to drive successful disruption.

Naivete and persistence can lead to great achievements. The speaker shared how he wrote his first book, "Start With Why," by utilizing his naivete to believe he could write a book, and his persistence to write on planes despite the challenges. He repeated this method for his second book, "Leaders Eat Last." While some may view his actions as courageous, the speaker sees it as a result of his naivete and belief in his abilities. This story highlights the importance of believing in oneself and staying focused on goals, even when faced with obstacles.

The creative process and what works in one project may not translate to the next, and it's essential to be open to new approaches and adapt to personal growth and changing circumstances. The inability to reinvent oneself or a category can lead to failure, as seen in the publishing and music industries. The speaker shared an example of a failed product launch in the pharmacy industry, where every aspect was difficult, and the consumer didn't respond. Conversely, the speaker's most successful ideas came easily and flowed naturally. The key is to identify opportunities and look for simplicity and delight in complex categories.

Innovation is often misunderstood as just adding new features or products, but true innovation goes beyond that. It requires creative thinking applied to business. Companies may use the term innovation as a marketing tool to charge more or take greater credit, but adding a motor or a flat screen to something does not equate to innovation. For instance, the shift from a screen with a string to a flat screen is not truly innovative. Instead, innovation could be developing a new technology or business model that disrupts the industry. It's essential to challenge the status quo and push boundaries to create something truly groundbreaking.

Innovation should aim to solve real problems and make things easier, not just be a trend or technological advancement for the sake of it. The speaker shared an experience of adding a motor to an office appliance, which turned out to be unnecessary and often broken. He emphasized that innovation in areas like home design and even household products can significantly improve our lives by making things look better and function more efficiently. However, the challenge lies in convincing people to adopt new, innovative solutions, as they may be skeptical or conditioned to expect certain things in a certain way. The speaker gave the example of Method's 10x concentrated laundry detergent, which was a game-changer but faced resistance due to people's preconceived notions about the amount of detergent needed for effective cleaning. Ultimately, successful innovation requires a deep understanding of people's needs and desires, as well as the ability to communicate the benefits of the new solution effectively.

Finding the right balance between familiarity and novelty, as well as altruism and narcissism, can lead to great success. This was exemplified in the creation of the teardrop handwash, which was inspired by a simple yet beautiful design, but required convincing a renowned designer to see its potential. The ultimate success of the product came from its ability to be iconic yet constantly refreshed, and the satisfaction of overcoming creative challenges. This approach, which can be traced back to childhood experiences like creating a visually stunning blue ice rink, has been a consistent theme throughout the speaker's career.

Entrepreneurship and design are about inspiring joy and bringing childlike wonder into the world. Whether it's through creating sensory experiences with products or leading teams, the desire to inspire and bring happiness is a key component. Entrepreneurs, like Karim, can inspire others to see possibilities and create experiences that bring joy. It's important to remember that not all products or businesses have life-altering impacts, so bringing a sense of childlike wonder and joy to them can make a difference. By approaching business and life with a sense of wonder and joy, we can create meaningful experiences for ourselves and others.

The importance of listening to the "Family Therapy" podcast, which is available on various platforms including the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, and Apple Podcasts. This podcast offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of families and relationships. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the issues that families face and the tools and techniques used by therapists to help them navigate through challenges. Additionally, the podcast features real-life stories and expert advice that can be applied to your own personal relationships. Overall, "Family Therapy" is a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their family relationships and gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of human connections.