The world’s most dynamic innovators shook up conventional thinking inspiring thousands of YPO members across the globe on 8 May kicking off the organization’s second YPO Innovation Week. The largest and most impactful innovation initiative features more than 50 events in more than 30 countries for business leaders to gain actionable, applicable insights into how to bring innovation into their organizations and new business ventures.

An ambitious first-day agenda included both in-person and virtual events spanning the globe from Silicon Valley, California, USA, to London, England, UK, Melbourne, Australia, was the host city for “Igniting Innovation” to kick off the week-long event.

“In Australia, we explored the context, capabilities and culture within the innovation and disruption landscape,” says Neville Fielke, YPO member, Chairman of Brandsparkle and the chair of Australia’s Innovation Week program. “We immersed ourselves in the latest thinking from the breakthrough process of ‘design led innovation’ methodology and got a pulse on the innovation lifecycle from inception to scaling while uncovering habits that are barriers to innovative growth.”

Dave Simmons, a YPO member from Australia, gave participants insight into the programs he is rolling out to universities across the continent. “We need to help build capability and culture for tomorrow’s needs and a better start for young people facing the career challenges of the exponential world with future employment under threat.”

Fielke says the day was really about the curiosity, courage and confidence or “how to inspire our fellow business leaders to ‘have a go.’”

Riding the third wave

YPO members virtually joined CNBC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurial Reporter Kate Rodgers for an interactive webcast with Steve Case, Co-Founder and former CEO and Chairman of America Online (AOL) and the Washington, D.C. based venture capital firm Revolution LLC. Author of the “The Third Wave: An Entrepreneur’s Vision of the Future,” Case outlined the path forward and the skillset needed for entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed in the “third wave” where the internet will be truly integrated into our everyday lives.

“Entrepreneurs will vastly transform major ‘real world’ sectors like health, education, transportation, energy, and food — and in the process, change the way we live our daily lives,” Case says. “Moving forward, building partnerships and working collaboratively will be vital.”

Policy changes and the deregulation of business as well as continuing to bring talent to the United States and encouraging young innovators in our education system is also of utmost importance according to Case. “Talent and innovation in local and regional communities needs to be fostered with large companies reaching out and engaging with the smaller startups.”

Innovation dialogue across the globe

Other events throughout the day tapped into the entrepreneurial spirit of business leaders with learning and networking opportunities to infuse innovation into their companies. The day’s programs proved to be an atmosphere ripe for leaders to build strategic partnerships to positively affect their businesses and the communities in which they work. Some of the highlights from around the globe included:

• YPO members attended the Global FinTech Summit in London, England, UK, where they had exclusive access to Level 39, the largest FinTech accelerator in Europe and learn about the newest technologies currently under development.
• Business leaders networked and explore potential joint ventures, new sales channels, partnerships and trade developments during the first day of the Silicon Valley Summit.
• A Business Powered by Forum global conference call offered tips on how YPO members can adapt forum practices and protocol for their businesses to promote greater innovation and productivity and produce higher-performing teams.
• Companies learned how and hosted half-day Idea Jams in their organizations to generate energy, innovation and excitement creating at least three key initiatives derived from innovative solutions captured during the session.

YPO Innovation Week runs through Friday, 12 May. Check out the schedule of upcoming events and registration information.