KAYAK on Creating a Culture of Innovation (Fast Company)

“Creativity is a constant stream of new – new ideas, new solutions, new products, new processes. I love to surround myself with childlike creative people, leaving the brilliant doubters and naysayers to work for my competitors,” said Paul English, chief technology officer and cofounder of kayak.com. When it comes to creating a culture of innovation, English suggests companies only hire entrepreneurs. “Everything we do encourages fast decision-making and risk-taking,” English said. For bigger companies, English says, “Encourage your employees to be individuals, and get them to try new things. SVPs should be measured on how many product or process innovations their team tried each quarter.” As for what’s holding leaders back today: lack of simplicity. “Explain just the top three priorities – no more – and set a culture to let people work with to find solutions.” English is participating in the Innovation Uncensored event April 18 in New York City to discuss his thoughts on creativity, leadership, ideas and innovation.