This week, One Strategy Group CEO David Meadvin took the stage at Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal to share his views on corporate innovation.
David told the packed crowd one of his favorite stories — an early career lesson about replacement-level work, or a “6,” as his boss labeled it.
“6-level work isn’t bad,” he told the audience. “It’s just average. It checks the box. And the world is full 6s. All the value in business is in the alpha between a 6 and an 8.”
David went on to explain that 8-level work is where innovation is found. Instead of just answering a question, it’s thinking about the question that wasn’t asked. Instead of looking right in front of you, it’s looking around corners.
How does AI play into innovation? “It’s the most powerful accelerant we’ve ever known,” David said. “But human intelligence is what will always drive us forward.”
