In an enlightening discussion with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Tyler Anderson, CEO of Disruptive Edge, shed light on his company’s work in driving innovation within Fortune 500 companies. Despite their smaller size, Tyler posits that it allows for greater adaptability and quicker decision-making, vital for disruptive innovation. They deftly manage innovation-related risks and resistance, fostering a culture of embracing change within their client corporations. While complementing internal R&D teams with an outside perspective, Disruptive Edge sets itself apart from traditional consulting firms through its exclusive focus on targeted, future-focused innovation, ensuring they remain an invaluable resource for established corporations seeking to navigate the constantly shifting business landscape.
As the driving force behind Disruptive Edge, Tyler has made a significant mark in Canada’s business landscape by spearheading growth innovation for some of the largest North American corporations. His strategic acumen has been instrumental in Disruptive Edge’s rapid expansion, positioning it as the fastest-growing firm in Canada. This business growth prowess not only earned the firm the “Advisory of the Year” award but also personally brought him the accolade of “Canada’s 2023 Young Entrepreneur of the Year”. With his leadership, Tyler ensures clients stay at the vanguard of industry trends and technological shifts, solidifying their competitive edge in the market.
Being a comparatively smaller firm, what is it like to drive innovation for Fortune 500 companies? How does the scale of these companies impact your approach to innovation?
Think of it this way, we can’t expect a cruise ship to turn like a jet ski. That’s just the reality of things. The same goes for large corporations. These are colossal entities, and to drive innovation within them, you’ve got to understand their rhythm, their size, and the way they function.
We’ve made it our mission to be the best innovation partner in the world for these big players. We’ve come up with an approach that not just works, but shines specifically within these large corporate structures. And you know what’s great about being smaller? We’re nimble and adaptive – just like a jet-ski in the sea of these Fortune 500 companies. We offer a unique perspective on innovation that these behemoths often find refreshing and valuable.
We understand that we’re dealing with ‘cruise ships’ here. Our role is to tweak their process and culture, not to overturn it. So we aim to work faster, more efficiently and effectively, but always with respect for the size and nature of the company we’re collaborating with. It’s all about bringing about meaningful changes while keeping the ship steadily moving forward. And I must say, it’s an exhilarating ride!
Disruptive innovation can be risky and often meets resistance, especially in large established companies. How does Disruptive Edge help its clients manage and mitigate these risks?
At the heart of any strategy, there lies a fundamental question: what is the organization’s primary goal? When it comes to innovation, the strategy must not be an isolated concept; it should be deeply intertwined with the corporate strategy. This strategic alignment ensures that all efforts are contributing to the overarching objectives of the organization.
Disruptive innovation is the most challenging form of innovation to execute successfully. Many organizations do not need to explore disruptive innovation right away. Often, there are many ‘low-hanging fruit’ opportunities that offer much more near-term benefits. Disruptive innovation should be carefully considered and generally pursued only when the organization’s business model is experiencing significant and rapid decline, and if they do decide to go down that road it requires special process and separation from core. That’s why despite our name we are specialized in all types of innovation and tailor an approach suited for the client.
Many corporations have internal R&D or innovation teams. Why would they choose to work with Disruptive Edge instead of solely relying on their internal resources? How does your company add unique value in the innovation process?
While corporations often have strong internal R&D teams, external partners like us, Disruptive Edge, provide additional value. We’re not here to replace, but to complement and accelerate your team’s efforts. We bring an outside perspective, expertise, and agility to fast-track innovation. Plus, our involvement can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs, offering a flexibility that’s not always feasible with internal teams. Essentially, we integrate with your team to enhance and expedite the innovation giving you the ability to run it long after we’re gone.
Why would companies choose us over any traditional consulting firms? How do your offerings differ?
At Disruptive Edge, we differentiate from traditional consulting by our specialized focus on innovation and the development of revenue-generating products. We provide hands-on collaboration with your team, crafting solutions tailored to your unique needs. Additionally, we strive to foster an innovative and collaborative culture within your organization. In essence, we don’t just offer consultancy; we become dedicated partners in your growth and innovation journey. Also, I know it’s cliche but our team is lit.
