This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Merle Symes’s The Innovation Edge examines how companies can maintain continuous innovation amid rapid technological change. Using examples like Ray Kurzweil’s work on exponential tech progress, Symes argues that surviving today requires strategic innovation beyond small improvements. He introduces four innovation maturity levels, from stagnant firms to fully integrated Innovation Organizations that align leadership, culture, processes, and skills. Symes draws on his experience with Dr. Joseph Juran and cultural anthropology to explain how trust, diversity, and psychological safety enable creativity. He critiques traditional risk-averse management and promotes flexible leadership models, such as “roving leadership.” The book also outlines how to build innovation infrastructure and manage innovation portfolios, referencing IBM and Monsanto’s past initiatives. Ultimately, it is a practical guide for leaders aiming to embed innovation deeply and systematically within their organizations.
The Innovation Edge: How Large Companies Lose It and How to Get It Back by Merle Symes delivers a powerful call to action for leaders who want their organizations to stay ahead. This book challenges traditional management approaches by placing innovation at the heart of business strategy. Symes brings energy and optimism to the topic, encouraging readers to rethink how leadership, culture, and infrastructure come together to unlock new possibilities. The way he highlights balancing opposing forces and turning setbacks into opportunities sparks a sense of excitement about the future. Far from dry theory, this book offers an inspiring roadmap that encourages organizations to reinvent themselves through ongoing innovation. Anyone serious about shaping the future will find this a motivating and practical guide that redefines what it means to lead and succeed today. Very highly recommended.
