A company that master technology-enabled innovation, has figured out what the various “edges” are their environment, and how to apply them for maximum effect.

I enjoyed this post, and reflected on the conversations you and I have had regarding innovation happening at the “edge” (I think I’ve used the word “fringe” in this context too). At any rate, I have another “edge” analogy for you. Perhaps it’s not directly along the lines you were thinking (I’m coming at it from yet another edge) but maybe it will give you food for thought as you develop your pitch:

I have been a youth ice hockey coach for nearly 10 years, and one of the things I always remind my young players is to “use your edges!”

Ice hockey skates actually have two edges on the blade; an inside edge and an outside edge. It’s important in power skating to use both of these edges. In the power skating stride, the outside edge bites the ice first as the leading foot is forward, and the skate should roll to use the inside edge as the foot goes to the rear in the stride, and is the edge that’s “pushed off” of as the foot is extended forcibly to the rear… thus creating the power in the stride. When turning quickly (because hockey skating is all about quickly changing directions) it’s important to lean hard into the edge. Leaning into the edge creates acceleration in the turn.

So there’s some food for thought for you- the use of both the inside and outside edges, and the role of edges in acceleration and agility.

Bob