Not only do innovators have to deal with all of the fundamental challenges of innovation, they have to do so in an environment that often is implicitly hostile towards innovation.

The number one thing I urge people to remember is it is all about being scientific about managing strategic uncertainty, while striking the important balance between being thorough and being flexible.

Why do people do crossword puzzles? There's no reward for completing one, but some people just like the challenge.

Every great idea emerges out of a process of trial-and-error experimentation.

Good innovators are careful observers, network extensively, run experiments, ask lots of questions, and find ways to bring diverse ideas together. Overarching all of this is an intrinsic interest in working through puzzles.

Most startup companies have two people, and they figure out creative ways to swarm problems. They move faster and have more impact.

Now, I worry a bit about the TEDification of the world where style trumps substance, so hopefully you have a good blend of both!