The AWA Gala Dinner 2024: Celebrating Success and Driving Innovation in the Water Industry

The AWA Gala Dinner 2024 was a remarkable evening. The night was filled with inspiring conversations, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and celebrating success across the water industry. I was intrigued and delighted by the number of peers who asked about progress in my innovation business. It became clear that, as an industry, we all recognise the same truth: driving success requires continuous innovation.

However, the water industry is traditionally risk-averse, which raises a crucial question:

How do we innovate effectively in such a risk-adverse environment?

Clients demand innovation, they want solutions that ensure their success, but they also expect it to come without increasing costs. So, how do we balance innovation with risk management to achieve results?

The truth is, innovation is inherently risky. Studies show that 95% of product innovations fail, and only 1% of digital transformations meet expectations. The pace of change is accelerating. It has never been more critical for organisations to be equipped with the right knowledge, systems, and processes to innovate successfully.

This topic sparked many engaging conversations during the event, particularly about the programs I’ve been developing through Innovate Wisely™.

Introducing Innovate Wisely™

Innovate Wisely™ is a Business Innovation Consultancy designed to foster high-performing teams in corporate and public sectors. We help organisations navigate the complexities of innovation and deliver measurable results.

In this exciting phase of my career, I am focusing my time and expertise on supporting a wider range of innovation projects. My passion remains deeply rooted in the water sector, where I’ve spent over 30 years as a water engineer. By integrating my engineering, business management, and innovation qualifications, I aim to help address the urgent challenges our industry faces. Whether that is climate change, population growth, or aging infrastructure.

When you’d like to learn more about how we can work together to drive meaningful change, visit our website or feel free to reach out to me directly. Let’s make innovation a driving force for success in the water industry and beyond.

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