What if you didn’t need to start from scratch to innovate?
The story of Play-Doh illustrates a profound truth: fresh perspectives can unlock dormant potential in the things we already have.
Kutol, the original wallpaper cleaning company, was failing—its product was outdated and unnecessary in a changing world.
But one imaginative conversation led to a revolutionary reframing, resulting in a colorful toy that became a global icon.
Instead of building something entirely new, they shifted how they thought about what was already there.
The question for you is: What’s in your life or business that could be reimagined? Innovation often starts with perspective, not invention.
Behold the sushi donut.
Often, the best way to stand out isn’t to reinvent the wheel—it’s to give it a creative twist.
Enter the Sushi Donut, a brilliant fusion of two beloved favorites.
With a fresh perspective and a simple shift in presentation, Project Poke turned a traditional sushi roll into a nationwide craze.
This isn’t about developing revolutionary technology or groundbreaking products; it’s about reimagining what’s already in front of you.
In your own business, a small but thoughtful twist could be the difference between blending in or standing out.
From failed dating site to global behemoth.
Sometimes, the boldest innovations come from knowing when to let go of the original plan.
YouTube started as a video dating platform, but users had other plans. Instead of forcing their initial vision, the three founders paid attention to the data and pivoted.
That shift—from dating to universal video sharing—turned YouTube into a cornerstone of global culture. The magic wasn’t in their first idea; it was in their willingness to adapt.
Their agile approach led to a $1.65 billion sale to Google, less than two years after launch. The next time your plan falters, don’t resist the feedback. Lean into it.
Fresh takes are not optional for success.
Here’s the truth: today’s “business as usual” is tomorrow’s obsolescence.
For evidence, ask someone under 20 years old what a fax machine, cassette tape, rotary phone, or VHS is.
The antidote to falling victim to disruption?
Foster and build a culture where ideas are celebrated, experiments are encouraged, and the status quo is constantly challenged.
The small habits of encouraging divergent thinking compound over time, creating an unstoppable force. Success isn’t about maintaining what you have; it’s about building what’s next.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
