The Innovator's Path: How Individuals, Teams, and Organizations Can Make Innovation Business-as-Usual

Afterword

I believe that change (改变—gai bian) is our bridge to the future, and we should always cross it confidently, without looking back. Yet this writing journey has allowed me to do both—to try something new and to look back, both at the same time.

Looking back across the many decades of my career rekindled so many episodes of challenge and delight. Three marvelous companies offered me opportunities that a Chinese-born girl of my generation would never have dared to dream of. Many great leaders taught me everything I've written in this book and gave me the greatest gifts I have ever received—a passion to make a difference and a will to win.

Looking back at my time at State Street, I see how dozens of standalone infrastructure groups joined together to be united into one single, forward-looking global organization. I see worldwide teams that are now guided by a shared technology blueprint, unified by common processes, and driven by clear business priorities. I see sound skills and practices that have become second nature: an expert focus on business value and measurement, optimization, zero-defect execution, and rapid innovation. I see all of the challenges we overcame, the goals we achieved, the accolades we earned, and the fun we shared. We are so proud and honored that State Street is “Best in Class” and optimally positioned for cloud computing, big data, and analytics.

Looking back at my time in the chief innovation officer's role, I see our small yet elite team of experienced ...