Influence
How Innovation Thinking Transforms Leaders and Organizations
For four decades, Jeff’s work has influenced how organizations approach innovation—moving from simplistic notions to sophisticated frameworks that acknowledge the complexity of sustained innovation.
Shaping the Innovation Conversation
Key Contributions
- The Competing Values Framework – Co-created with Robert Quinn, Kim Cameron, and John Rohrbaugh—now one of the most widely used organizational effectiveness models globally
- Innovation Genome – Understanding organizational innovation patterns as a “genetic code” that can be mapped and developed
- Innovation Code – Providing practical tools for reconciling competing priorities through constructive conflict
- Paradox-Based Change – Reframing transformation as embracing contradictions rather than resolving them
- Democratization of Innovation – Making systematic innovation accessible to everyone, everywhere, every day
Academic Foundation
As Clinical Professor at Ross School of Business since 1990, Jeff has taught thousands of MBA students and executives. He created the University of Michigan’s Certified Professional Innovator Program—the first university innovation certificate of its kind.
Research & Publications
Through books like “The Innovation Code,” “The Creative Mindset,” and “The Art of Change,” Jeff has codified a complete philosophy of paradox-based organizational transformation that bridges rigorous research with practical application.
Corporate Impact
Jeff works with over half the Fortune 500, including:
- Google, Apple, Microsoft
- Coca-Cola, Pfizer
- NASA and numerous defense contractors
- Healthcare systems, financial services firms
- Manufacturing and technology companies
Military & Defense Innovation
Through the Intellectual Edge Alliance, Jeff has pioneered innovation frameworks for military and defense applications:
- U.S. Air Force, Space Force
- NATO forces
- Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Allied forces in 45 countries
- Department of Defense fellows
His work earned him the Władysław Eugeniusz Sikorski Medal from the Polish Armed Forces (2024) for contributions to defense innovation leadership.
Media Presence
- Host of PBS’s “Innovation You”
- Host of NPR’s “The Next Idea”
- Original LinkedIn Influencer (2007)
- Regular contributor to Inc., Fortune, Psychology Today, Big Think
- TED speaker
- Featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review
Creating Lasting Change
The true measure of influence isn’t just in books sold or speeches delivered—it’s in changed mindsets, transformed organizations, and innovations brought to life by those who’ve engaged with these ideas. From startups that have grown into industry leaders to Fortune 500 companies that have reinvented themselves, from military leaders who’ve transformed their organizations to students who’ve launched successful ventures—this is the real influence that matters.