Designing for Innovation: The Role of Uncertainty | Vaughn Tan | Re:co 2021
What if you were told the things you've been experiencing throughout the pandemic—uncertainty and discomfort—are the very things that innovative and adaptable businesses not only tolerate, but embrace?
After years of research with some of the most influential culinary research and development teams, Vaughn has learned that "the uncertainty mindset," is intentionally incorporating uncertainty into an organization rather than simply trying to reduce risk. It allows teams to adapt to change, problem-solve, and innovate. During this talk, Vaughn will explore both concrete examples of embracing uncertainty and abstract thought experiments to inspire exploration of your own business through the lens of innovative uncertainty.
Special Thanks to Our Partners, Pacific Barista Series
Re:co (Regarding: coffee) is a unique event designed for high-level discussion, leading innovation and strategy development for those passionate and influential in the world of specialty coffee. Innovating to Meet Opportunity, the third session of Re:co 2021, was supported by Pacific Barista Series.
About the Speaker
Vaughn Tan
Professor and Strategy Consultant, University College London's School of Management
Vaughn Tan is a strategy consultant, professor at University College London’s School of Management, and author of The Uncertainty Mindset: Innovation Insights from the Frontiers of Food—a behind-the-scenes travelogue of some of the best restaurants in the world that also explains how to build more innovative and adaptable businesses. He specializes in designing businesses that thrive in uncertainty and has spent over a decade working with the food and beverage industry. You can find Vaughn on Instagram (@vaughn.tan) and Twitter (@vaughn_tan).
About this Session: Innovating to Meet Opportunity
This glimpse into the future, alongside the upheaval of the pandemic, is full of boundless opportunity. For those who have found themselves with unexpected time as lockdowns came into force, there were opportunities to test new ideas, build stronger bonds with communities, or even just to re-examine and repair the systems and the structures of “before” to usher in the future unraveling before our eyes. But what is innovation? How is it different from novelty? And do the ways we currently work need to change if we want to encourage it?
Directly connect to the people and conversations driving coffee at Re:co, the industry stage for leadership and ideas. Addressing the most pressing topics facing our industry today, Re:co blends expert speakers, sensory experiences, live discussion, networking, and community engagement opportunities.
Re:co returns as an in-person event in 2022, hosted at the Westin Boston Seaport, MA, USA, from April 6-7. Learn more or register: recosymposium.org.