Innovation

Manufacturers’ Great Innovation Opportunity

In just 24 months, we’ve seen a decade’s worth of transformation, much of it driven by emerging … [+] technologies, such as data analytics, AI, blockchain and Web 3.0.

It may be a cliché but it’s true: the last two years have been extraordinary. In just 24 months, we’ve seen a decade’s worth of transformation, much of it driven by emerging technologies, such as data analytics, AI, blockchain and Web 3.0. Meanwhile, the likes of voice recognition, neural networks and cognitive systems, all of which have been talked about since the 1980s, now have both the computing power and cost of storage required to unlock their full innovative potential.

For manufacturers, the impact has been — and will continue to be — considerable. Why? Because it’s led them to move away from traditional formulas of success. Rather than focus on areas like productivity and efficiency, these new tools and technologies have let them start asking a range of different, often better questions such as “What are we doing to digitize R&D?”, ‘’How can we develop connected products and services?” and “What steps should we take to digitize our workforce?”.

Real-world solutions
Data, and particularly unstructured data, is at the heart of this new wave of progress. When you look at some of the technologies mentioned earlier, the algorithms powering them often haven’t changed a great deal in recent times. Rather, it’s the type of data sets they have access to that’s constantly evolving.

Production spreadsheets, CAD, Word document policies and procedures, all this information has traditionally been spread unevenly and disparately across manufacturing firms’ operations. Now, thanks to document intelligence platforms, firms can bring it all together in one place and, crucially, turn that unstructured data into precise, real-time insights that drive better decisions, increase quality and decrease risk.

This puts manufacturers in a position to respond far more quickly to opportunities and threats, many of which they can now predict and plan for in advance. Perhaps most importantly, it enables them to look beyond just product features and functions and center their strategy on creating better customer experiences. That way, they can start solving real-world problems for their own company and for the people and businesses they serve.

Diversity is the key
Yet, technology is nothing without people — especially right now. Much of what’s currently driving innovation is disruption, whether due to the pandemic, trade tensions or the war in Ukraine. To successfully analyze and address these diverse disruptions, manufacturers need diverse perspectives and skill sets among their employees too.

That doesn’t just mean looking at gender or race either. Firms require an increasingly eclectic mix of geographic representation, educational background, ages and more — essentially anything that promotes a different way of thinking and working at all levels of the organization. Similarly, manufacturers wishing to lead the industry tomorrow should be creating a culture of continuous learning today — one that encourages and supports staff to develop adaptive skills like problem-solving, critical-thinking and creativity alongside their technical competencies. This will enable them to better collaborate with modern technologies to drive innovation.

Of course, no manufacturing leader can simply click their fingers and expect that culture to appear overnight; it takes investment and focus, which is exactly why the EY organization developed the Neurodiversity Center of Excellence (NCoE) after recognizing a need to drive growth for businesses by accessing the tremendous untapped talent of neurodivergent individuals. Within the NCOE program, individuals with cognitive differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism and Asperger syndrome partner with the company’s existing teams to develop fresh thinking and approaches for clients.

Opportunity knocks
The potential of centers like these when it comes to transforming how manufacturing companies seize growth opportunities and mitigate risk is enormous — and exciting. Yet, to truly embed innovation in their culture, firms must also stop viewing it in terms of silver bullets. Rather than looking for the one big, hot idea that’s going to drive growth and accelerate performance, they must see innovation as a collaborative and experimental process. A series of ongoing steps in which progress is made, risks are taken and mistakes are commonplace but learned from.

The key is to treat each idea, whether successful or not, as a chance to learn and improve for the future — something the EY organization seeks to do at its Innovation Hub run in collaboration with Nottingham Spirk. The Hub brings Industry 4.0 to life in a real-world production environment — from cyberattacks and scenario planning to new scheduling and visualization tools on the shopfloor.

As Steve Jobs famously said, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.” Those manufacturers that embrace this mindset now will find themselves with an unprecedented chance to better engage employees, delight clients, reduce risk and enhance their competitive edge. The ones that don’t are going to spend a long time catching up.
The views reflected in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.

Innovation

Leo Horacio: A Successful Entrepreneur in the Ecommerce and Online Sales Industry

Leo Horacio is a name that resonates in the world of entrepreneurship and ecommerce.

His journey is a testament to determination and success, and his story inspires many.

As an immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of 11 after losing his father in a tragic car accident, Leo faced significant challenges from a young age. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his first business at the astonishing age of 17. Surprisingly, before turning 22, he had already reached his first million dollars. With over 10 years of experience in the ecommerce and online sales industry, Leo Horacio has founded and led four multi-million-dollar companies in the United States.

One of his most notable achievements has been the establishment of a company dedicated to managing ecommerce brands, which generated $10 million in its first 12 months and contributed to $125 million in sales for its clients. Furthermore, he has assisted over 450 investors in earning automated monthly incomes of $6,000 to $8,000 through his team.

But Leo has not only excelled in the business world. He has also shown his social commitment by donating to local foundations that rescue abandoned dogs and provide toys for needy children.

Leo’s motivation for entering the ecommerce industry is clear: it is a trillion-dollar industry that continues to grow, and more Latin American countries are adapting to online sales. This means that opportunities continue to expand every day.

His achievements have earned him recognition and awards, including plaques for taking eight stores to reach $1 million in less than 12 months. Additionally, in 2023, he will receive an award for reaching the astounding figure of $25 million in sales in a single year.

Leo’s personal experience as an immigrant in the United States, where he had to leave school to work and support his family after losing his father, has been a fundamental influence on his journey.

Leo’s impact in his field and in society is undeniable. He has been invited to major conferences where he has inspired hundreds of thousands of Latin American entrepreneurs with his story and impressive results.

Looking to the future, in 2024, Leo plans to expand his foundation to build homes for needy families in low-resource countries and continue growing his personal brand to share his story and expertise with a wider audience.

You can follow Leo Horacio on his social media platforms, where he shares his vision and knowledge in the world of ecommerce and entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Innovation

Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh: A Visionary Language Educator Transforming English Learning with Puzzling Method

Meet Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh, a pioneering language educator whose relentless pursuit of native-like proficiency in English led to the creation of a revolutionary teaching method known as the Puzzling Method. As a native Persian speaker, Mehdi’s determination and innovative approach have empowered over a hundred thousand language learners to master English in record time.

From the ages of 8 to 11, Mehdi attended various language classes in pursuit of his dream to become fluent in English. He believed he had attained a high level of proficiency during those years. However, his first encounter with an English-speaking person at the age of 11 exposed a glaring flaw in the traditional language education system—the materials he had learned were of little practical use, leaving him unable to form even a basic sentence in English. This experience ignited a passion within Mehdi to find a more effective way of learning the language.

In his quest for a better approach, Mehdi discovered the Grammar Translation Method (GTM), a teaching method that resonated with him. Embracing the GTM, he experienced a remarkable transformation, achieving fluency in English within just six months and shedding all his negative feelings and insecurities.

Recognizing that many of his friends faced similar challenges in their language learning journey, Mehdi took it upon himself to help them. He began teaching English to his friends using the GTM, and to his delight, they too experienced rapid progress and newfound confidence in their language skills.

Fueled by his friends’ success and driven by a growing demand for effective language learning methods, Mehdi was inspired to refine the GTM.

He created the Puzzling Method to address the shortcomings of conventional language teaching. This groundbreaking approach focuses on practical communication skills, encourages active student engagement and interaction, and provides a more immersive cultural experience.

The Puzzling Method has since proven to be a game-changer in the world of language education. Mehdi’s unique approach allows learners to visualize their progress after each session, encouraging motivation and dedication. Instead of directly learning English grammar, learners construct sentences in their native language and then translate them into English using puzzle pieces.

In 2010, Mehdi’s unwavering commitment to effective language education led him to establish the Manoochehrzadeh Language Academy. Through this institution, he has successfully taught English to over a hundred thousand language learners, providing comprehensive educational packages tailored to individual needs.

Mehdi’s contributions to the field of language education have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized and celebrated for his achievements, earning accolades and awards throughout his career. Some of his notable milestones include:

Education Management Certificate from LEEDS University, England in 2014.
Establishment of the Manoochehrzadeh publishing company in 2016.
TTC Certificate from Petrel College, Canada, in 2017.
Paper Presentation Certificate at the International NTELT Conference in 2018.
Article Publication and Presentation at NTELT titled «Exploring the Relationship between EFL Learners’ Self-Efficacy Belief and their Language Proficiency: The Case of Reading Comprehension in Focus,» in 2018.
Article Publication Certificate in the LTRQ Journal in 2019.
Article Publication and Presentation at ICSLS exploring the interplay between Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions of research and their academic degrees in 2019.
Article Publication and Presentation at SSYJ titled «The Interplay between Young Learners’ Sense of Self-Efficacy in Reading Comprehension and English Language Proficiency» in 2019.
Book Publication: «Fundamental Terms in Language Teaching Methodology» explaining English language teaching terminology, published by Society Publications in Canada in 2021.
Book Publication: «Syllabus Design and Material Development» regarding curriculum design, published by Society Publications in Canada in 2021.
Book Publication: «101 Key Points in Language Teaching Methodology» about various language teaching methods, published by Lambert Publishing in Germany in 2022.

Mehdi’s commitment to continuous improvement and future endeavors is evident in his dedication to learning and developing other languages. He remains focused on expanding his expertise and knowledge in language education to empower even more learners worldwide.

Stay connected with Mehdi and his transformative Puzzling Method on Instagram, where he shares valuable insights and updates @demanoochehrzadeh. For more information and to explore Mehdi’s work, visit his official website at drmanoochehrzadeh.com.

Through his exceptional contributions to language education, Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh is leaving an indelible mark on the world of English learning, making proficiency achievable and accessible for learners of all backgrounds.

Innovation

Flavio Esteban Calvo: A Role Model in Psychology and Mental Health

Dr. Flavio Esteban Calvo’s journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to mental health. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, specializing in cognitive and systemic psychology, and a Ph.D. in systemic, cognitive, and neurosciences, Dr. Calvo has become a prominent figure in his field.

His career extends beyond the classroom, as he has shared his expertise as a university lecturer in Argentina and in postgraduate programs in Ecuador, Chile, and Spain. His contribution to the education of future professionals is undeniable.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Calvo is the author of two significant books: «Better Decisions» and «Boost Your Finances.» These works reflect his dedication to improving people’s quality of life through psychology and conscious decision-making.

Dr. Calvo’s impact transcends borders, having been recognized both in Argentine and international media. His focus on systemic and cognitive psychology has earned him respect in the psychotherapy community.

One of the most notable achievements in his career is the recognition awarded by the Ecuadorian Association of Psychotherapy in 2022. This accolade is a testament to his dedication and contribution to psychology and mental health.

When asked about his most significant accomplishments, Dr. Calvo emphasizes that beyond academic and professional successes, what fills his heart is witnessing transformed lives through his work. The stories of people he has supported in overcoming challenges are his greatest reward.

For him, the most important moment of his career is always the present. Currently, he feels fortunate to teach in different countries, lead a team of over 30 professionals at Dynamos, and continue to support individuals through conferences and personal therapy.

Dr. Calvo has developed a comprehensive program for managing anxiety, panic attacks, and stress, which has had a positive impact on the lives of those who have followed it. This effort adds to his commitment to enhancing people’s quality of life.

Regarding his role as «Motivational Influencer of the Year,» Dr. Calvo sees himself as someone who seeks to inspire and promote healthy discussions through his content. His authenticity and desire to contribute to the world drive him forward.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is clear: consistency is key, and authenticity sets you apart in a world where many imitate others.

Looking to the future, Dr. Calvo dreams of becoming a reference in research, teaching, and treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, and stress. His mission is to help those who suffer regain a high-quality life.

In summary, Dr. Flavio Esteban Calvo is a prominent figure in psychology and mental health. His human-centered approach and passion for personal growth and the well-being of others serve as an example to follow. You can connect with him through his social media or website to learn more about his activities and contributions to the community.