For the latest episode of our Innovation Answered podcast, we decided to do something experimental. We're leveraging all of the AI tools that can possibly help us create a podcast episode — and using them to summarize some of our best content from 2024, and also hone in on some of the important dynamics that will impact corporate innovation work in 2025.

We deployed ChatGPT, of course, but also Suno, Google's NotebookLM, and ElevenLabs to clone the voices of episode co-hosts Scott Kirsner and Alex Slawsby. (And we comment on and criticize their outputs as we go.)

In this episode, we talk with Bob Weis, the former President of the legendary Imagineering division at Disney and author of the new book, Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering.

If you've been to a Disney theme park, resort, or cruise ship recently, you've experienced Weis' work. He has helped design theme parks in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Orlando, and he also had a hand in rethinking the California Adventure theme park in Anaheim after it got off to a rough start. We talk about the origins of Imagineering under Walt Disney; why it's important that it's not located at Disney's HQ campus; how they've worked with different Disney CEOs; how Weis views competition; his work outside Disney as a consultant; and a whole lot more.

Weis will be sharing his perspective on creativity and innovation at InnoLead's Impact conference in Boston this October.

In this episode, we connect with Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, EVP of Innovation at LG Electronics and Head of the LG Nova Innovation Center in Silicon Valley.

We talk about Dr. Rhee's past as an entrepreneur and Presidential Innovation Fellow, and also the goals of LG Nova — collaborating with startups and new partners, and making investments. Two areas of interest: healthcare and cleantech.

Dr. Rhee also serves up advice about getting (and keeping) the backing of senior leaders.