#4 - Backlash to Breakthroughs: Lessons from Homeless Hotspots and More with Saneel Radia

Scales Of Success Podcast

What happens when a bold idea stirs up public attention? In this episode, host Marcus Arredondo talks with Saneel Radia about his leadership journey and the lessons he learned from the "Homeless Hotspots" project, which aimed to help people experiencing homelessness but faced significant criticism. Saneel shares how empathy, resilience, and playing to your strengths can lead to success in challenging times. They also discuss how communities can uplift people and dive into real-world business lessons, including insights from Walmart's changes and the impact of AI. Tune in for relatable, practical advice for your life and career!
Saneel Radia is CEO and CIO of Proto, an innovation and design company that partners with meaningful organizations as that create new products, services, business models, and brand. His work in marketing and innovation has won every major marketing award from Cannes Lions to D&AD Pencils, and is regarded as some of the most commercially successful corporate innovation work of the past decade for clients like Walmart, PepsiCo, Shopify, and Visa.
Reach out:
Web: https://www.wearepro.to/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saneel/
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:44) The impact of the “Homeless Hotspots” program and its aftermath
(9:13) Understanding homelessness and social networks
(15:43) Perceived outcome vs. Actual outcome
(19:17) Transition from advertising to expertise in innovation
(25:25) Innovator’s Dilemma: The challenge of balancing strategy and execution
(36:12) Example of innovation: Walmart and omnichannel success
(42:40) Co-authoring company culture of purpose-driven multi-disciplinary team and remote work
(50:31) Discussion on AI and large incumbents benefiting from disruption
(57:51) Advice for small companies and startups competing with giants
(1:02:11) Personal growth and leadership
(1:03:42) Outro