Importance of Team Diversity by Keith Walter

Keith Walter is the COO of Gigstreem and he is on a mission to bring a better wireless internet infrastructure to America. He has 20+ years designing & building Wireless, Fiber, and Cellular Networks that drive innovation beyond conventional technology. Finding solutions to complex problems is what Keith was put on the planet to do.

Podcast Highlights:

• Never sacrifice the customer experience
• Success in sales comes from building rapport and product knowledge
• Stay true to your values

Contact Keith:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Website

Summary

Introduction

The conversation begins with Umar Hameed introducing Keith Walter, the COO of GXG, a company that assists organizations in solving complex problems. Keith Walter shares his journey from the military to the corporate world, and how he eventually landed at GXG.

Concept of Learning Agility

Keith Walter discusses the concept of "learning agility," which he defines as the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. He emphasizes the importance of this skill in today's rapidly evolving world. According to him, the ability to adapt and learn from new experiences is crucial for both personal and professional growth.

Importance of Team Diversity

The conversation then shifts to the importance of having a diverse team. Keith believes that diversity in terms of backgrounds and perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions. He suggests that different viewpoints can challenge the status quo and stimulate creative thinking.

Challenges in Innovation

Keith and Umar discuss the challenges that companies face when trying to innovate. Keith points out that one of the major hurdles is the excessive focus on execution at the expense of exploration. He explains that while execution is important, it should not overshadow the need for exploration and innovation.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

Keith shares some of the strategies that GXG employs to help companies overcome these challenges. One key strategy is the inclusion of external experts who can provide fresh perspectives and insights. These experts can help challenge existing assumptions and bring new ideas to the table.

Advice for Leaders

The conversation concludes with Keith offering some advice for leaders. He encourages leaders to be more open to learning and to view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and being receptive to new ideas and experiences.