Running Executive-Level Co-Innovation Workshops with Key Clients
Designed for Senior customer success managers and enterprise sales consultants tasked with facilitating executive-level co-innovation workshops between their company and Fortune 500 clients. to spark real collaboration and high-energy learning.
A 90-minute hybrid session—some participants onsite, others remote. Attendees often struggle with engaging senior client stakeholders, moving beyond sales pitches, and driving workshops toward shared, actionable outcomes. They’re skilled at client management but lack confidence in facilitating truly collaborative innovation sessions at the executive level.
Executive Curiosity Bingo
Kick off with a lively 'Bingo' board featuring provocative statements about executive mindsets—e.g., ‘Wants results, not features,’ ‘Protects status quo,’ ‘Driven by risk mitigation.’ Participants mark which ones they believe are true for their clients and share surprises. The energy comes from seeing unexpected overlaps or gaps in perceptions.
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Why this works
This builds curiosity and primes participants to actively question assumptions about executive priorities, opening the door for deeper inquiry later.
Myth Busting: The Innovation Trap
Reveal common misconceptions with a rapid-fire poll: ‘True/False—Executives want radical innovation in every workshop.’ Participants vote, then facilitator unveils research showing most execs prioritize risk-managed, incremental advances. Group then discusses how this changes workshop goals.
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Why this works
Addressing misconceptions helps participants reset expectations and avoid the pitfall of focusing only on disruptiveness rather than strategic value.
Silent Stakeholder Mapping
Let participants map out their client’s stakeholder landscape silently on sticky notes or digital whiteboards—no talking for two minutes. They then group and name clusters, revealing hidden influencers or blockers. This low-pressure, creative exercise sidesteps performance anxiety.
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Why this works
Silent mapping gives introverts and remote participants equal voice, ensuring careful thought and surfacing nuanced perspectives.
Innovation Storm: Rapid-Fire Ideation
Launch a 90-second high-energy sprint: participants shout out (or post in chat) bold workshop ideas—formats, activities, or themes that could wow execs. Facilitator captures them on a big screen or wall, then quickly celebrates the wildest ones. The buzz breaks the ice and expands creative thinking.
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Why this works
Fast ideation shakes up comfort zones, encourages risk-taking, and unlocks collective creativity essential for co-innovation.
Executive Dilemma Challenge
Present a real-world dilemma: ‘Your client’s CTO wants radical AI solutions, but their CFO insists on proven ROI. How do you design a workshop that satisfies both?’ Small groups brainstorm approaches, then pitch their solution to the room. Facilitator highlights trade-offs and practical tactics.
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Why this works
Tackling real dilemmas bridges theory and practice, helping participants build confidence in navigating conflicting executive agendas.
Personal Impact Reflection Cards
Wrap up with ‘Reflection Cards’—each participant receives (or selects) a card with a prompt: ‘Describe one client executive you aim to influence in your next workshop.’ Everyone writes a personal action they’ll take, then shares with a partner or posts to a shared board.
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Why this works
Active self-reflection connects learning to lived experience, driving commitment and personal investment in skill transfer.
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