The FEI Honors event will take place during FEI on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Pioneers in Innovation
FEI25 is recognizing seven Innovation Luminaries for their diverse innovation-oriented careers, publications and achievements:
Steve Wozniak: Steve Wozniak is an American technology entrepreneur, electrical engineer, computer programmer, philanthropist, and inventor. In 1976, he co-founded Apple Computer with his early business partner Steve Jobs. Through his work at Apple in the 1970s and 1980s, he is widely recognized as one of the most prominent pioneers of the personal computer revolution. Wozniak will join FEI25 via livestream for a 30-minute Q&A where he’ll dive into your biggest curiosities: from unleashing creativity and risk-taking to navigating uncertainty and what it really means to innovate.
Linda A. Hill: Linda A. Hill, a Harvard professor, is an innovation and leadership authority. Her work emphasizes “collective genius,” advocating for collaborative environments over individual brilliance. Her book, Collective Genius, promotes diverse perspectives for breakthrough solutions. Being the Boss offers practical leadership guidance, focusing on self, network, and team management. Hill’s insights have redefined leadership’s role in driving innovation, shifting focus from control to collaboration.
Michael L. Tushman: Michael Tushman, a Harvard professor, is known for organizational ambidexterity. His work, including Winning Through Innovation, emphasizes balancing exploitation and exploration for sustained advantage. His research explores how organizations respond to technological change, introducing “technological discontinuities.” Tushman’s insights provide strategies for managing tensions between efficiency and innovation, aiding organizations in navigating change.
Rita McGrath: Rita McGrath, a Columbia professor, is a strategy and innovation expert. Her book, The End of Competitive Advantage, advocates for transient advantages and continuous adaptation. Seeing Around Corners aids in anticipating strategic shifts. Discovery Driven Growth introduces iterative planning. McGrath’s research emphasizes organizational agility and strategic leadership, fostering cultures of experimentation and resilience.
Steve Blank: Steve Blank is a Lean Startup pioneer. His book, The Four Steps to the Epiphany, introduced Customer Development, emphasizing customer interaction. Influenced by his work, The Lean Startup popularized validated learning. Blank has educated numerous entrepreneurs, promoting customer-centricity and agility. His methodologies have transformed startup approaches, reducing risks through iterative processes.
Alex Osterwalder: Alex Osterwalder developed the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas. His work transforms business model innovation and strategic management. His books, including Business Model Generation, are influential. Osterwalder advocates for modernizing R&D, emphasizing agile, integrated models. His practical tools aid organizations in aligning innovation with business goals.
Panos Panay: Panos Panay is a music industry innovator. He founded Sonicbids, revolutionizing musician-promoter connections. He co-founded the Open Music Initiative, promoting industry collaboration. As SVP at Berklee, he expanded global reach. Panay’s work democratizes the music industry, fostering accessibility and inclusivity.
Celebrating Innovation Advancement
According to FEI, an Innovation Luminary is defined as an individual who has significantly advanced the field of innovation through their:
- Pioneering ideas: They’ve developed new concepts, frameworks, or methodologies that have shaped how we think about and approach innovation.
- Influential work: Their research, writing, teaching, or practical application of innovation has had a widespread impact on businesses, organizations, or society.
- Thought leadership: They are recognized as experts and thought leaders in the field, often sought after for their insights and guidance.
- Inspiring action: They inspire others to embrace innovation and drive positive change.
Essentially, an Innovation Luminary is someone who shines a light on the path to innovation, illuminating new possibilities and guiding others towards a more innovative future. They are the thought leaders, pioneers, and practitioners who are shaping the field and inspiring others to create, experiment, and transform.
Overall, the centrifugal qualities of an Innovation Luminary: deep expertise, impactful contributions, and the ability to inspire and guide others.
FEI Honors Committee
- Tammy Butterworth, Product Innovation Director, Welch’s
- Christian Saclier, VP Design Innovation, PepsiCo
- Mike Hatrick, Vice President IP Strategy & Portfolio, Volvo Group
- Katharine English, Head of Innovation Programs, Global Engineering Excellence, Google
- Milan Ivosevic, Global VP of R&D and Innovation, CooperSurgical
- Oksana Sobol, Senior Director, Insights Lead, The Clorox Co.
- Miranda Helmer, VP, Product Development & Regulatory, Albertson’s
