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The truth is that anyone can create game-changing innovations, and these can redefine any part of an organization – from products to business models to processes.
We can learn from the unorthodox thinking found at disruptive startups. Immersive conviction and unexpected perspectives are common at these maverick companies. This thinking has roots in defiance and leads to incredible hidden opportunities.
Five Unexpected Methods of Disruptive Thinking
Chris Barton has identified five ways of thinking that are the foundation of game-changing innovation. He calls them “Start from Zero”. They are fundamentally different than the way our brains are wired to think, and each has a clear methodology.
The first one is thinking from “basic truths”, known by scientists as “first principles thinking”. Aristotle called these “the first basis from which a thing is known.” Building on these fundamental truths is how Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Leonardo Da Vinci came up with their breakthrough ideas.
Why doesn’t everyone do this? Elon Musk says, “It’s mentally easier to reason by analogy rather than from first principles.” By default, people approach problems from the basis of established processes. Our brains are wired this way. As a result, new ideas often generate only slight improvements.
Thinking from basic truths can be employed anytime creative thought is used. The result can be dramatic breakthroughs in products, business models, and business processes.
This is just one of the five unique ways of thinking that drive breakout innovation from Chris Barton. This is the thinking that led to Shazam.
Unleash the game-changing possibilities at your organization. Disrupt your thinking. Supercharge innovation.
In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition […]
In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition by Apple for $400 million is nothing short of remarkable. With a fervent belief in using technology to bring magic into the everyday, Barton has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, leaving an indelible mark on the tech industry and beyond.
Chris Barton’s upbringing was influenced by his multicultural heritage, with a French mother and British father, both esteemed university professors. However, despite his academic lineage, Barton faced challenges in his own academic journey due to undiagnosed dyslexia. While traditional learning methods posed difficulties for him, Barton’s dyslexia also provided him with a unique perspective and problem-solving approach that would later prove instrumental in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
The inception of Shazam stemmed from Barton’s desire to solve a common problem – identifying songs. Frustrated by the lack of a solution, he embarked on a journey to create an app that could recognize music simply by listening to it. The result was Shazam, a groundbreaking application that seamlessly merged technology and entertainment. Today, with over two billion downloads worldwide, Shazam remains one of the most popular and enduring apps in existence, a testament to Barton’s ingenuity and vision.
Barton’s success with Shazam was just the beginning. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a relentless drive to innovate and disrupt industries. His involvement in the early stages of Google and Dropbox further solidified his reputation as a tech pioneer. Despite facing obstacles along the way, including skepticism and setbacks, Barton’s unwavering commitment to his vision propelled him forward, earning him recognition as a leader in the tech community.
One of Barton’s most inspiring qualities is his ability to turn adversity into advantage. Despite grappling with dyslexia, he refused to let it define him or limit his potential. Instead, he embraced it as a “superpower” that enabled him to think differently and approach problems from unconventional angles. Barton’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not determined by one’s limitations but by one’s ability to harness their unique strengths and persevere in the face of adversity.
In his speeches, Barton’s storytelling prowess captivates audiences, taking them on a journey of innovation, resilience, and triumph. Through personal anecdotes and insights gained from his entrepreneurial journey, he inspires individuals and organizations to embrace creativity, challenge the status quo, and pursue their boldest aspirations. Barton’s ability to weave narrative and technology into a compelling narrative leaves a lasting impression on all who hear him speak, igniting a spark of inspiration and possibility.
With his latest venture, Guard, Barton continues to push the boundaries of technology with the aim of saving lives. By leveraging AI to detect drowning in swimming pools, he demonstrates his commitment to using technology for social good and addressing critical issues facing society. As Barton looks to the future, his unwavering optimism and belief in the power of innovation to solve complex problems serve as a beacon of hope for the possibilities that lie ahead.
Event planners seeking to inspire and energize their audience need look no further than Chris Barton. As a renowned entrepreneur, innovator, and storyteller, Barton brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and authenticity to every speaking engagement. Whether discussing the journey of Shazam, the power of resilience, or the future of technology, Barton’s insights resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and industries. By booking Chris Barton through Speakers Inc, event planners can ensure a memorable and impactful experience that sparks creativity, ignites curiosity, and leaves a lasting impression on their audience. Don’t just host an event – create magic with Chris Barton as your speaker.
In a world where innovation is revered and resilience is celebrated, Chris Barton stands as a shining example of what is possible when passion, creativity, and perseverance intersect. From the creation of Shazam to his ongoing commitment to using technology for social good, Barton’s legacy is one of inspiration, innovation, and impact. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, Chris Barton reminds us that the greatest magic lies not in what we can imagine, but in what we can create.
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Brian Biro is America’s Breakthrough Coach! He is one of the nation’s foremost speakers and teachers of Leadership, Possibility Thinking, Thriving on Change, and Team-Building. He has delivered more than 1,600 presentations around the world in the past twenty-five years. His clients include such diverse organizations as Lockheed Martin, the US Army, Microsoft, the University […]
Mike Staver, CEO of The Staver Group, has earned a reputation as a bold, no-nonsense leadership coach who inspires change and growth in leaders across various industries. Often referred to as a “rebel with a cause,” Mike challenges leaders to confront their realities and face their fears head-on. He helps them take decisive action, enabling […]
Khalil Osiris is a distinguished international speaker renowned for his expertise in restorative justice and transformational leadership. His journey from incarceration to inspiration is nothing short of remarkable. As an author, educator, and activist, Khalil has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and communities to break free from the cycles of violence and incarceration, and […]
Aaron Bare is not your ordinary speaker; he’s a force of change, a beacon of inspiration, and a catalyst for growth. As a Change Agent, Human Profit Center, and Strategic Facilitator, Aaron brings a unique blend of expertise to every stage he graces. His insights have garnered attention from prestigious publications such as the Wall […]
Gautam Mukunda is an internationally recognized expert in leadership and innovation. He often jokes that his life’s ambition is to have the world’s most confusing resume and that he’s most of the way there. He is a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. He is also the host of Nasdaq’s […]
Phillip Van Hooser is an award-winning keynote speaker, leadership expert, and business strategist known for helping organizations elevate their leadership practices and transform workplace culture. With over three decades of experience in training leaders across industries, Phillip has established himself as a trusted authority in the field of leadership development. His practical, real-world insights combined […]
Mark Schulman, a luminary in the music industry and former drummer for P!NK, is a multifaceted talent. Renowned for his exceptional musicianship, electrifying stage presence, and astute business acumen, Schulman is more than a performer; he’s a strategic thinker who translates his stage success into remarkable business achievements. With a unique blend of musical prowess […]
Connie Podesta is a game-changing, idea-generating ball of fire whose rare blend of humor, substance, style and personality have made her one of the most memorable, in-demand speakers in the world today. 25 years. Two million people. 1000 organizations. Hall of Fame speaker. Award-winning author. Nine books. Former radio/TV personality. Human relations expert. Therapist for 30 years. […]
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