About Bob
Who is Bob Rosenfeld?
Bob Rosenfeld is a distinguished expert in organizational innovation and human dynamics, with over four decades of experience dedicated to fostering creative and innovative environments within organizations. He is widely recognized for developing proprietary approaches and tools designed to unleash an organization's potential for innovation. Rosenfeld is the Founder and CEO of Idea Connection Systems, Inc., a firm dedicated to creating breakthrough innovation and improving human dynamics within corporate settings.
His career is marked by a deep understanding of the human and organizational factors essential for successful and sustainable innovation. Rosenfeld's work emphasizes the critical role of people in driving and maintaining innovative cultures, shifting the focus beyond mere technological advancements to the underlying human principles that truly make innovation thrive.
What is Bob Rosenfeld known for?
Bob Rosenfeld is particularly known for establishing the first Office of Innovation in Corporate America at Eastman Kodak in 1978. This groundbreaking initiative evolved into a worldwide corporate network, with Rosenfeld serving as its first corporate director from 1985 to 1988. This office notably translated new ideas into hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and cost savings for Kodak, demonstrating the tangible impact of structured innovation efforts.
He is also the creator of the Innovation Strengths Preference Indicator® (ISPI™), a proprietary assessment tool launched in 2008. The ISPI™ is designed to identify individuals' preferred innovation styles and how they best collaborate with others to innovate. Additionally, Rosenfeld co-founded the Association for Managers of Innovation (AMI) in 1981 and directed the development of Mosaic Partnerships in 2001, a process aimed at overcoming cultural barriers within organizations.
What is Bob Rosenfeld's background and experience?
With more than 40 years in the field, Bob Rosenfeld's extensive experience spans leadership and practical application in fostering innovation. His career began with forming the Office of Innovation at Eastman Kodak, a pioneering effort that significantly influenced corporate innovation strategies. This foundational work provided him with unique insights into the operational and human challenges of integrating innovation into large corporate structures.
Rosenfeld's expertise extends to areas such as organizational redesign, executive coaching, and conflict resolution. He has designed and implemented custom training programs for various organizations, focusing on enhancing their innovative capabilities and improving internal dynamics. His work with Mosaic Partnerships, which earned him the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Peace Award in 2004, highlights his commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and race relations.
He has also served as an Innovator in Residence at the Center for Creative Leadership, achieving Innovator in Residence Emeritus status in 2008. In recognition of his work in fostering cross-cultural collaboration and advancing social justice, he was awarded the Race Amity Medal of Honor in 2019.
What topics does Bob Rosenfeld speak and write about?
Bob Rosenfeld focuses on a broad range of topics centered around innovation management, organizational culture, and human dynamics. His speaking engagements and writings delve into the intricacies of making innovation a sustained reality rather than a sporadic event. Key themes include the human element in fostering innovation, the psychology behind creative ideation, and strategies for building an innovation-friendly organizational culture.
He is the author of Making the Invisible Visible: The Human Principles for Sustaining Innovation (2006), which synthesizes his professional insights on the critical role of human factors in maintaining an innovative edge. He also co-authored The Invisible Element: A Practical Guide for the Human Dynamics of Innovation (2011) with Gary Wilhelmi, providing practical guidance for leaders and organizations seeking to harness the human potential for innovation.
How does Bob Rosenfeld contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
Bob Rosenfeld contributes to the Best Practice Institute as an expert faculty member, sharing his vast knowledge and experience in leadership and organizational development. His involvement includes leading webinars and providing insights on critical topics like how to make innovation happen as an innovation leader. Through his affiliation with BPI, Rosenfeld helps professionals and organizations grasp the practical aspects of implementing and sustaining innovation, drawing from his extensive background.
His expertise supports BPI's mission by offering members access to cutting-edge strategies and practical tools, such as the ISPI™, that are vital for fostering a culture of continuous innovation and improving organizational effectiveness. He provides valuable perspectives on leadership development, employee engagement, and strategic planning, all viewed through the lens of human-centric innovation.