The charismatic Jeff DeGraff began his career as a VP at Domino's Pizza,
where he was responsible for developing innovative strategies, communication
& support technologies, and new business ventures. The title on DeGraff's
business cards read "Dean of Innovation." In this role, he helped
spur Domino's growth during the 1980's from a regional success story to an
international franchise phenomenon.
With over twenty years experience in management issues, DeGraff is a
Professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, teaching
MBA and executive education courses; and the Managing Partner of Competing
Values Company, a consulting firm that assists leaders in facilitating change,
innovation and growth. Known as the 'guru to the innovation guru' at Fortune
500 companies, he has created a broad array of widely used tools and
methodologies for implementing innovation.
3M, Apple Computer, American Express, GE, Johnson & Johnson, LG,
Pfizer, Toyota, and Yahoo are a few of his representative clients. He has also
contributed his expertise in publications such as BusinessWeek, CIO,
Leadership Excellence, T+D (Training + Development), Training,
and USA Today. Besides being an in-demand speaker, DeGraff is a
thought leader at top innovation incubators and think tanks such as the Aspen
Institute. His advice is frequently sought after by the investment community
on how to pick, manage and harvest winning ideas and successful business
enterprises.
DeGraff has written about innovation in numerous articles and books. He is
the co-author of Creativity at Work: Developing the Right Practices to
Make Innovation Happen, (Jossey Bass, 2002), Competing Values
Leadership: Creating Value in Organizations (Edward Elgar, 2006) and
Leading Innovation: How to Jump Start your Organization's Growth
Engine (McGraw-Hill, 2006). DeGraff holds a Ph.D. in Educational
Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Leading Innovation
Jeff's most requested keynote topic. This popular "Innovation 101" session
is meant to inspire every employee, at every level, to take ownership of
innovation. He debunks accepted innovation myths and misconceptions and
provides the simple steps to make innovation work. Jeff shares how to avoid
common pitfalls and how to harness the existing corporate culture and
competencies to drive innovation and growth.
Jumpstart Innovation
Jumpstart Innovation is very targeted, most appropriate for leaders with a
key growth project. The focus is on how to rapidly create results while
identifying innovation practices that can be repeated in the future. Leaders
will learn how to build teams that can support innovative initiatives and
quickly launch projects to proof creative concepts.
Make Innovation Work in Your Workplace
Facilitates a groundswell of innovation support within a company.
Strive to knock down the barriers between corporate divisions and unite with a
shared vision and commitment to innovation. Setting up new ways of
communicating and working, in order to transform an organization, is goal of
this presentation.
Custom Presentations
All of Jeff's presentations can be tailored in
content and length to the specific needs of your organization, industry, and
event themes.
