13 Mistakes and 13 Brilliant Strokes

 There are two reasons I like this podcast.

1. I got to hear lessons learned from the successes and failures of someone who has both worked in major companies and successfully stared companies.
2. I learned why DNA sequencing could revolutionize healthcare.
   

"Hugh Martin, Chairman and CEO of Pacific Biosciences, looks back on the evolution of his career - from building computers to creating the future of medicine. Martin charts the lessons he learned working for large technology firms, as a leader in several successful start-ups, and while being courted by the VC community to launch a new wave in bioscience."

Audio Podcast:  13 Mistakes and 13 Brilliant Strokes ( also on iTunes)

Leading Clever People and Herding Cats

Anyone in a leadership position who has an interest in innovation could benefit from listening to the Harvard Business IdeaCast on "Leading Clever People."  (click here for the iTunes link).  Gareth Jones, coauthor of Clever: Leading Your Smartest, Most Creative People provides some interesting insight both into how much today's organizations need clever people and how much disdain those clever people have for hierarchy, titles, and office politics.

He defines someone who is "clever" as someone who adds disproportionate amounts of value to the organization.  They're capable of innovation and breakthru ideas.  However, they are not compliant employees.  They can be difficult to lead.  They think a good manager is one that "does not get in the way too much."