QUOTE : So while I believe in the ‘many steps’ theory, I think the ultimate goal of heads of innovation is the same as a head of digital in 2010 or a head of computerization in 1995 or a head of electricity in 1940: it’s to make themselves redundant. To create a culture of innovation in everyone. The first step in that journey is to show everyone your intentions, to employ such a figurehead, but with the clear goal of moving out of the way and behind everyone. We see lots of companies really failing to make alterations at a deep enough level. They tend to give up. For example, many banks or insurance companies will create a digital bank subsidiary. It’s clearly the easiest step to undertake because it’s moving everything messy to one side, but it’s the integration that’s hard – the politics, the interfaces between data on old systems and new. The other approach often seen is building a newer digital facade onto the old structure and company. We see airlines with amazing snazzy new mobile apps, that look very slick, but won’t allow you to change flights because that relies on the back end to be rebuilt.