Innovation: Make things better.

Back in 1986 New Zealand entered its first boat into the Americas Cup, with backing from investment bankers Michael Fay and David Richwhite, the New Zealand Challenge made its debut in the 1987 America's Cup sailed in Fremantle, Western Australia. The sailing crew, led by Chris Dixon were experienced and ready to show the world that New Zealand could compete in this prestigious race on a world stage. On top of the backing, experience, and teamwork they were driven by one other key component, innovation. Rather than building the yacht from aluminium, which was typical for this class, they introduced a much lighter series of yacht built out of fibreglass. This race boat was known as KZ7 and made it through to the finals.  NZ didn’t win that year. Despite not winning, the New Zealand team learnt so much at the Fremantle regatta and it was all essential learning in laying a platform for those that came after them.

NZ syndicates under Emirates Team NZ have kept the spirit of innovation alive and went on to win the America’s Cup in 1995, 2000, 2017 and of course 2021. It’s fair to say so much has changed from 1987 to now. The format, of the race, the rules and most notably the style of yacht design. When comparing the design of yachts in 1986 to 2021 the differences are astounding.  If I were back in the 1980s again and saw something like the team Emirates Team New Zealand 2021 yacht, I would think it was from another planet.  (Take some time to search team NZ yacht images from over the years to see the differences.)

The NZ team from 1986 knew that that KZ7 wouldn’t be the last great innovative yacht to be built, and that it was just the first step in NZ’s America’s Cup journey.

There needs to be a reason for innovation, and it must start with someone, somewhere, at some-time.  

My 5 Learnings:

·       Someone must take the first steps to innovate

·       Innovation is an intentional attitude

·       Opportunity occurs when new spaces are explored

·       Winners have an attitude of starting and learning

·       Failure and trial are part of the process to success

Emirates Team NZ’s 2021, AC75 class high performance foiling monohulls yacht was named Te Rehutai, meaning “where the essence of the ocean invigorates and energises our strength and determination” This entry was next level and was designed with heart and with one thing in mind: “Success”.

 My 3 Questions for you:

·       What ideas have you had lately that would make something better?

·       Is there a change, or shift, you could make in life to see new possibilities?

·       How can you encourage someone else with their ideas for success?

 “Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” – William Pollard

 If you have something you have learnt from this blog, or if there is something you have questions about, please talk to me. I would be happy to chat with you.

 Remember daily to, “Find value in your influence”