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Reimagining Innovation from the Track to Cybersecurity
In a world driven by constant change, true innovation is not just a goal—it’s a mindset. This was the central theme of an enlightening conversation held in a UK film studio on a rainy afternoon, where Ian James, Managing Director of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, and Greg Young, VP of Cybersecurity at Trend Micro, joined host Finola Roycroft to discuss how two seemingly different industries—motorsport and cybersecurity—intersect through a shared commitment to innovation. Far beyond a buzzword, innovation, they argue, must be woven into the very DNA of an organization’s culture. From the racetrack to digital frontlines, this discussion reveals the evolving structure of leadership, the importance of agility, and the human element behind high-performance innovation.
Innovating Beyond Boundaries: NEOM McLaren and Trend Micro’s Shared Philosophy
Despite the gloomy UK weather, the dialogue between Ian James and Greg Young radiated clarity and purpose. They emphasized that innovation isn’t a one-off effort or confined to product development—it’s the lifeblood of their respective industries. In motorsport, milliseconds count, just as in cybersecurity, where threats emerge rapidly and unpredictably. Both leaders agree that staying ahead means embedding innovation into the very operating systems of their organizations.
Key to their shared approach is the recognition that how teams work matters as much as what they create. At NEOM McLaren and Trend Micro, there’s a deliberate shift away from rigid hierarchies toward more dynamic, mission-driven frameworks. The adoption of structures like holacracy—where decision-making authority is decentralized—enables faster, more informed actions and empowers individuals at all levels. Trend Micro refers to this model as the “Radial Web,” where employees take on flexible roles such as Builders, Bridges, and Teachers. This ecosystem thrives on trust, clarity of purpose, and the autonomy to make decisions close to the action.
A critical point raised during the conversation was the distinction between creativity and innovation. While creativity is about envisioning possibilities, innovation is rooted in addressing real-world challenges with tangible solutions. It’s this practical application that drives long-term success and relevance.
The collaboration between McLaren and Trend Micro highlights that, whether it’s an electric racecar or a cybersecurity firewall, progress comes from teams that are empowered, aligned, and constantly evolving. Their insights reinforce that innovation is not a passing trend—it is a relentless, adaptive, and team-driven process that turns vision into impact.
What Undercode Say:
The conversation between NEOM McLaren and Trend Micro offers a revealing snapshot of how two high-performance sectors are rewriting the rules of innovation. Motorsport and cybersecurity may seem like different arenas, but both demand rapid adaptability, precision, and a culture that supports calculated risk-taking. What’s striking is how each organization recognizes innovation not as an isolated event but as an operational framework.
In a fast-paced world, traditional top-down leadership structures are too slow. The shift toward mission-focused holacracy reflects a broader movement in high-functioning teams: decentralized leadership that trusts individuals to make smart, fast decisions. This not only speeds up problem-solving but also boosts morale and ownership among team members. The Radial Web concept is a smart metaphor for modern innovation structures. It reflects a system where knowledge-sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership fluidity create a vibrant internal culture. Teams are no longer siloed or overly dependent on hierarchy. Instead, they’re guided by shared goals and flexible roles that evolve with context.
Another major takeaway is the focus on operationalizing innovation through feedback loops and data. Both organizations embrace constant iteration—a trait common in software development and now increasingly adopted in motorsport engineering and security defense. The ability to turn data into decisions in real-time provides a competitive edge, especially in environments where a few seconds (or a few seconds too late) can mean failure.
The distinction between creativity and innovation also cuts through the noise. In many companies, these terms are used interchangeably. But as highlighted in this talk, creativity is about ideation, while innovation is about impact. The two must coexist, but success only comes when ideas are anchored in solving real-world problems.
Autonomy, trust, and purpose—these are the pillars supporting high-performing innovation cultures. When individuals are empowered and aligned with a shared mission, innovation stops being an abstract value and becomes an everyday action. As NEOM McLaren and Trend Micro demonstrate, these principles aren’t confined to boardrooms or engineering labs. They are lived on the track, in digital command centers, and anywhere people come together to solve problems that matter.
Fact Checker Results:
✅ Innovation is treated as an ongoing system, not a project.
✅ Holacracy and decentralized leadership models are used by Trend Micro and NEOM McLaren.
✅ Practical application of ideas is prioritized over theoretical creativity.
Prediction:
As the boundaries between technology sectors blur, expect to see more cross-industry partnerships that fuse performance and security. The frameworks discussed—like mission-driven teams and Radial Webs—are likely to become mainstream as companies realize that sustainable innovation requires more than new ideas. It needs new ways of working. 🌐💡🏁
References:
Reported By: www.trendmicro.com
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