Combining Right Brain and Left Brain Thinking as Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs

Inventions can make day-to-day life easier or revolutionize industries. However, most novel ideas wither on the vine. In this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast from eCornell, professor Richard Cahoon from the global development department at the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences joins host Chris Wofford to discuss how creativity can shift a good idea that might be a flash in the pan to a great idea that stands the test of time.Key Timestamps03:45 - Cahoon’s background and international work in technology transfer07:33 - Creativity’s role in invention as a catalyst to validation and longevity11:10 - Right brain/left brain dichotomy and metacognition (thinking about your own thinking)14:52 - “Inventiveness analysis” and “failed” inventions—like Post-it® Notes19:13 - Blending analytical and creative thinking as entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs20:55 - Jumping to conclusions21:40 - Intellectual lenses and value proposition24:05 - Entrepreneurial mindset in team dynamics26:40 - Getting support for entrepreneurial endeavors through angel investors and networking28:15 - Impact of AI on inventiveness and innovation30:23 - Collecting the dots (data) and connecting the dots by looking for patterns36:20 - Finding the target audience for your invention39:04 - Maintaining momentum with your invention and knowing when to set things aside42:35 - Common mental blocks that can inhibit the creative processRelevant eCornell ProgramsLearn more in Cahoon’s Invention and IP Management online certificate program and these technology, leadership and business programs from eCornell:Innovation StrategyIntrapreneurshipStartup Funding and FinanceInnovation and Entrepreneurship in Emerging MarketsReading List and Resources“A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future” by Daniel H. Pink“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck“The Power of Mindfulness” by Nyanaponika TheraGoogle PatentsUnited States Patent and Trademark Office - Prior Art SearchDid you enjoy this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast? Watch the Keynote. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.