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Technology & Innovation

An Entrepreneurial Mind in Action

Everyone else just saw a trash truck idling at a pickup point, blocking traffic, smoke pouring out of its exhaust and litter everywhere. But Jim Poss saw opportunity for innovation.

What’s the Latest Development?


In 2003, Jim Poss saw a smoke-belching trash truck blocking traffic and leaving litter in its wake. There has to be a better way, he thought. He got others involved, motivated both by environmental concern and likely financial success. The result? Big Belly—an innovation solving the problems he saw that day.

What’s the Big Idea?

Entrepreneurial leaders like Jim Poss can turn garbage into opportunities by using three practices: relying on self and social awareness; employing cognitive ambidexterity (switching flexibly between ‘prediction’ and ‘creation’ approaches); and considering social, environmental, and economic value simultaneously.


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