America has a well-deserved reputation as the “home country” for a wide array of innovative technologies and businesses practices. Over the last 30 years, companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, EMC, SalesForce, Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Tesla, and hundreds of others have led what is sometimes called the “Innovation Economy.” An equally long list of “non-technology” innovators including companies like Nike, Starbucks, and Costco have had an important influence on economic evolution as well. Collectively, these organizations have created new markets, revolutionized existing industries, and/or changed the way customers think about goods and services.

During my 22 years at Microsoft, I was privileged to experience the power of this innovation DNA while playing an important role in the development of the Microsoft Office business and leading the creation of the Xbox as the Chief Xbox Officer. I’ve also written a book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal and speak at corporate and educational events around the country on this topic with Keppler Speakers. Through all of this work, the #1 question I get asked is “What can I do to prepare myself and my company to navigate all of this change?” Or put another way, “How do I prevent myself from being ‘Ubered’?”

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