Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, yet at many large companies, it's often stifled by rigid structures and a fear of failure. To uncover why innovation fails at big companies, we sat down with Abhay Jain, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at A+E Networks. With a rich background spanning startups, consulting, and corporate strategy, Abhay offers a nuanced perspective on what it takes to drive meaningful change within established organizations.
Abhay's journey to A+E Networks began with launching his own music platform, Soundscope, aimed at helping emerging musicians build their brands. After successfully selling the startup, he transitioned to consulting roles with clients like Facebook, Disney, and the City of Neom, where he honed his ability to blend strategic thinking with creative problem-solving.
Today, Abhay leads deal strategy, growth initiatives, and partnerships across 11 business units at A+E Networks. His work is not just about driving revenue but finding new, innovative ways to monetize content once it airs on cable.
Abhay explained, “In the startup world, failure is celebrated as a learning opportunity. But in the corporate realm, failure is rarely tolerated,”
He pointed out several reasons why innovation often stalls at large companies:
Risk Aversion: Fear of failure prevents teams from experimenting with new ideas.
Rigid Budgeting: Strict financial targets create pressure to avoid risks.
Lack of Incentives: Traditional corporate structures don’t reward innovative thinking.
Economic Pressures: When times are tough, innovation budgets are the first to be cut.
“More often than not, people feel as though they're better off not rocking the boat because the risk is so much higher than the reward,”
One of Abhay’s strategies for overcoming these barriers is to establish ‘pockets of innovation’ within companies. These are environments where teams can test new ideas without fear of negative repercussions. He also stressed the value of external partnerships and incubation, which can bring fresh ideas into the organization while insulating core business operations from potential risks.
Abhay pointed to Netflix’s unexpected leap into the gaming industry as a perfect example of bold innovation. “It may not work out, but the fact that they’re willing to test the waters is the kind of mindset we need more of,” he said. Unlike many big companies that stick to what they know, Netflix is challenging its own boundaries, exploring a market far outside its traditional streaming business. This willingness to experiment, even without a guaranteed outcome, reflects the kind of fearless strategy that Abhay believes more corporations need to adopt.
According to Abhay, leadership is critical in fostering a culture where innovation can thrive. He emphasized the need for leaders to:
Provide autonomy to teams for exploring new ideas.
Set clear, achievable goals that align with innovation incentives.
Use data-driven storytelling to craft a vision that motivates and aligns stakeholders.
“Leadership must not only set the vision but also create an environment where teams feel safe to explore new ideas,” .
Innovation doesn't happen without the right people in place. As Abhay highlighted, sometimes bringing in fresh perspectives from outside the organization can ignite new ideas and strategies. This is where having access to top-tier talent is critical.
That’s why working with experts like Bamboo Crowd makes a difference. Bamboo Crowd specializes in connecting companies with the talent they need to build and grow. Whether you’re looking for creative thinkers, strategic leaders, or specialists who can drive your next big initiative, they have the network and expertise to help you thrive.
Abhay’s insights provide a clear path forward for organizations struggling to innovate. By creating safe spaces for experimentation, leveraging external partnerships, and aligning incentives with innovative thinking, companies can build a culture where creativity and growth go hand in hand.
“Innovation isn’t just about big ideas,” Abhay concluded. “It’s about creating the conditions where those ideas can take root and grow.”
His perspective offers a practical guide for businesses looking to transform their approach to innovation and maintain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced market.