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 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 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.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Dominic Thurbon has cracked the code for making change happen, with the ultimate formula to drive innovation, future-proof your workforce and design brands that really matter. Dom is an internationally engaged speaker and facilitator who helps individuals and organisations drive behaviour change in the face of external disruption. He is a Partner in the Climate […]
Sara Canaday is a distinguished figure in leadership development, renowned for her insightful guidance and practical strategies aimed at empowering professionals to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. As a seasoned speaker, author, and thought leader, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her engagements, inspiring audiences to unlock their full […]
Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor, and investor. As co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, he laid much of the groundwork for a service that’s grown to over 200 million subscribers, and fundamentally altered how the world experiences media. He also served on the Netflix board of directors until retiring from the company […]
Ryan Jenkins, CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional)™, is a globally recognized keynote speaker, virtual trainer, and a distinguished Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Renowned for his expertise in leadership, generational differences, team connection, and the future of work, Ryan delivers compelling talks that inspire audiences worldwide to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence […]
Daniel Lubetzky is a Builder. Best known as the founder of KIND Snacks, Daniel is a social entrepreneur whose work spans industries, ideologies, and borders always rooted in the same mission: to equip people to think flexibly, solve problems creatively, and build lasting solutions to our world’s most difficult challenges. The son of a Holocaust […]
From Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to leadership and sales speaker, bestselling author, and Chief Purpose Advisor, discover Paul Epstein path to become the most trusted voice on leading battle-tested teams and building purposeful culture through The Power of Playing Offense. Paul Epstein has been in the sports industry since his career began, […]
Jennifer Keitt is a renowned communication and leadership speaker known for her dynamic and engaging presentations that inspire individuals and organizations to unleash their full potential. With over two decades of experience in the fields of communication, leadership, and personal development, Jennifer has become a trusted voice in guiding others towards achieving their goals and […]
Mike Lee is a globally recognized keynote speaker, internationally sold author, and coach who shares high-performance leadership lessons from inside the hearts and minds of the NBA’s elite. With over 15 years of experience working with basketball’s top 1%, including NBA MVPs Steph Curry and Joel Embiid, Mike has cultivated a deep understanding of the […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
