A large media organization had innovation intent but no shared operating model. Work with the four I8N founders defined purpose, mission, governance, and a repeatable execution rhythm across leadership and delivery teams.

Result: Innovation shifted from fragmented initiatives to a visible internal advisory function with quarterly OKRs, shared language, and recurring leadership engagement.

Key outcomes

  • Established a clear strategic foundation: purpose, vision, mission, and value system
  • Introduced quarterly OKRs to connect innovation intent with measurable execution
  • Built a common innovation language used across departments and leadership contexts
  • Expanded I8N into a trusted advisory partner for transformation and early AI topics

Innovation capability maturity trajectory

System map from executive intent to institutionalized innovation capability

Executive AlignmentLeadershipdecision-makingStrategicprioritiesOrganizationaldirectionStrategic FoundationPurposeVisionMissionValuesOperating SystemQuarterly OKRsAlignment cyclesPriority settingCross-teamcoordinationExecution SystemWorkshopsFacilitationInternal programsSystems thinkingmethodsNarrative SystemImage filmPodcastInternalstorytellingShared languagecreationI8N (InnovationOperating System)Organizational ImpactInnovation becomes structuredcapabilityShared language across departmentsAdoption of innovation processesAdvisory role for digitaltransformationIncreased executive alignment

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INNOVATION OPERATING MODEL & EXECUTIVE ALIGNMENT

I8N for Gruner + Jahr

Gruner + Jahr — internal innovation capability design and activation

I8N for Gruner + Jahr — featured project visual

Key metrics

4

Founders who initiated and shaped I8N

QBR

Quarterly OKR cadence introduced for execution

3

Strategic anchors codified: purpose, vision, mission

1

Internal advisory function institutionalized