Ahmed Akbar Sobhan

Innovation is often described as a race — fast-paced, high-pressure, and fueled by constant change. But real innovation isn’t about sprinting but sustaining momentum over time. The best leaders don’t just push harder — they build a self-reinforcing system that gathers energy as it moves forward. This is the innovation flywheel: a model of steady, compounding progress that inspires creativity without exhausting the people behind it. Understanding the Innovation Flywheel The flywheel idea comes from physics — a heavy wheel that stores energy and spins faster with each consistent push. Once it gains momentum, it keeps turning with less effort. In business, the innovation flywheel works the same way. Each successful experiment, idea, or product fuels the next, creating continuous motion that strengthens the organization’s creative capacity. However, too many leaders mistake intensity for progress. They drive their teams with deadlines, endless brainstorming sessions, and “always-on” urgen...

In today’s dynamic markets, the ability to innovate is not optional—it is existential. But with innovation comes uncertainty. New ideas can transform entire industries, yet they also carry significant risks ranging from financial loss to reputational harm. For organizations that want to thrive, it’s no longer enough to manage risks in a traditional manner. Instead, businesses must cultivate resilience while embracing innovation. This means building cultures where risk awareness and adaptability go hand in hand with creativity and innovation . Understanding Risk in the Innovation Economy Innovation-driven organizations operate in environments where volatility, rapid change, and disruption are constant. Risk is not simply about what can go wrong; it also includes the cost of missed opportunities. For example, failing to adopt emerging technologies may seem safe in the short term, but it can leave companies obsolete in a few years. Understanding risk in this context means redefining it as...

Artificial intelligence has become a defining force in modern business , changing how organizations operate, make decisions, and create value. It has introduced efficiency and precision at scales once unimaginable. Yet, as machines grow smarter, faster, and more capable, one thing remains clear—leadership must evolve without losing its human essence. The question is no longer whether AI will reshape the business landscape; it’s how leaders can remain deeply human and indispensable within it. Leadership Beyond Algorithms For decades, leadership has been associated with expertise, experience, and decision-making authority. But AI now performs many of those functions—analyzing data, forecasting trends, and offering recommendations with remarkable accuracy. In this environment, leadership cannot simply be about knowledge or technical mastery. Instead, it must be about guiding people through uncertainty, interpreting insights with empathy, and shaping strategy grounded in shared values. AI ...