Ways to Drive Dramatic Sustainable Growth

In this second part of Get Vertical, host Mike McCalley speaks with innovation expert, Dan Adams, about the importance of building capabilities for sustainable growth in companies. McCalley discusses key metrics for innovation, including market facing innovation, and emphasizes the importance of building capabilities for profitable, sustainable growth. Adams explains that while there is pressure on executives to focus solely on results, it is important to also prioritize building capabilities through initiatives such as market facing innovation. He also shares a methodology called Minesweeper that helps teams identify and investigate high impact, low certainty assumptions in their innovation projects. Dan Adams advises his younger self to be more proactive in making things happen personally rather than waiting for promotions.

Dan Adams received his degree in Chemical Engineering as well as his MBA in finance from the University of Akron. He has had a rich career working in strategic planning and business development. Now, Adams is the Founder and President of The AIM Institute working to provide B2B suppliers with tools and skills to improve their new product development.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

SchraubTec 2025
Innovation on Display: Apex Tool Group at SchraubTec 2025
April 17, 2025

At SchraubTec 2025 in Hanover, Germany, Apex Tool Group showcased its latest solutions at the intersection of precision and performance. This industry-leading event brought together innovators and manufacturers pushing the limits of smart assembly. With Apex’s presence, the spotlight was firmly on engineering excellence and future-ready tool technology.

Read More
cleco solutions
Empowering Customers with Cleco Solutions
April 17, 2025

In the world of industrial manufacturing, the real breakthrough often comes not from the tool itself, but from the moment a frustrated process finds its fix. For customers struggling with inefficiencies, injuries, or inadequate support, the right solution can feel like a long shot—until someone shows up with the right insight and product lineup….

Read More
safety
Engineering Solutions That Prioritize Safety and Precision
April 17, 2025

In high-stakes manufacturing, even a small misstep can cause serious injury and halt production entirely. When a spring-winding process in a commercial HVAC assembly line led to an operator injury, the stakes were painfully clear. That’s when customized engineering and collaborative problem-solving stepped in, turning a difficult moment into a transformational opportunity. With expertise from…

Read More
wireless
Closing the Gaps in Industrial Wireless Communication
April 17, 2025

In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, wireless connectivity is more than a convenience—it’s a mission-critical necessity. Yet, as many North American manufacturers have discovered, what works in theory doesn’t always translate to the factory floor. Interference, obstructions, and unpredictable dead zones can derail even the most advanced wireless tools. That’s why Cleco’s dedicated Wireless Connectivity…

Read More