“The essence of innovation is making mistakes early, quickly, and economically”

In a recent appearance on Ekos Today Radio, Pedro Mateos, director of Innovators Under 35 Latam at Opinno, shared his perspective on innovation, a topic that not only defines the current era but also outlines the future of businesses and initiatives in Ecuador and beyond. His words reveal a renewed focus necessary to lead in an ever-evolving world.

Mateos emphasizes the importance of recognizing the volatility of knowledge in the business environment: “What is required of an innovation director today is to recognize that they know nothing, that everything has changed.” This idea breaks with the traditional notion of the infallible expert and proposes leadership based on humility and continuous learning. It's not about blindly defending existing business models, but about being willing to adapt them, improve them, and, above all, create new ones. In his words: "You are not an expert in anything, you are a jack of all trades."

«Penalizing your innovation team for making mistakes is like penalizing your child for falling while learning to walk»

Another cornerstone of Mateos's innovation philosophy is the search for leaders willing to challenge the status quo: “We need leaders who find changing what is established more fun than following the script they’ve been given.” This vision indicates a proactive and creative mindset that sees change not as an obstacle, but as an exciting and enriching opportunity.

In an environment where innovation is fundamental, Mateos argues that mistakes should not be penalized, but seen as a natural part of the process. He compares innovation to learning to walk, where falling is an essential step towards mastery: “Penalizing your innovation team for making mistakes is like penalizing your child for falling while learning to walk.”

Finally, Mateos emphasizes that the essence of innovation is “making mistakes early, quickly, and economically”, highlighting the importance of considering failures as valuable learning. He urges to “give dignity to failure and share it,” ensuring that this approach not only benefits the individual but also paves the way for those who come after.

The interview not only sheds light on the changing nature of innovation but also offers a framework for leaders and businesses in Ecuador and around the world to successfully navigate an ever-evolving business landscape. His message is clear: in a world where the only constant is change, the ability to learn, adapt, and embrace mistakes is not just valuable, but essential.