Page 21 - Transforming an Idea Into a Business with Design Thinking

xx ◾ Preface

This book will give you a structured approach to launching your idea
into a business by following specific steps. Instead of giving a lot of theoreti-
cal concepts, this book will focus on giving an overview of the concept and
specific instructions to move the idea forward.

Over the course of my 18-year career in Silicon Valley, I have driven
innovation in various capacities. I have built solutions as a software devel-
oper, took solutions to market as a product manager, drove strategy for
product lines as director of solution management, spearheaded an innova-
tion-led sales program, drove numerous co-innovation and transformation
engagements with the world’ s top enterprises in various industries, advised
numerous start-ups and converted several ideas into businesses. During this
time, I have been granted six US patents and won two design awards as
well. I have spoken at several industry events as well as mentored numerous
start-ups during many boot-camps.

As a seasoned innovation champion, I bring a unique blend of technol-
ogy background, deep business expertise and design thinking skills to solve
problems and help launch businesses. This experience has enabled me to
see what works and what doesn’ t. I have captured these insights into this
innovation framework that I hope will help you transform your idea into a
business.

Mashhood Alam
Senior Director, Innovation and Digital Transformation

SAP Labs
Silicon Valley, CA