Josef Martens, PhD, CSP helps organizations move their innovation efforts from good to great. After completing his PhD in physics at the University of Cambridge, he was awarded several patents in the field of OLEDs (the materials used for high-end TV and phone displays). One of his patents was the first to describe how the displays could be made to show the full color range instead of just one color. The company he and his colleagues founded based on these patents became the first spinoff company from the University of Cambridge to successfully launch an IPO. It was later bought for US$285 million.

Then came a turning point in Josef’s career. This is how he describes it:

As I entered professional life and advanced into leadership positions, I noticed that some colleagues had more influence and accomplished more in their work and relationships – even though they had nowhere near the same level of expertise that I had. I began to realize that I was missing something in my skillset, and I set out to explore what it was.

What I discovered was not about expertise, processes, or putting clever systems in place. Don’t get me wrong – this is all important, but it’s not enough. What I had overlooked were the human elements. By that I mean the personal touch, the soft skills, and my way of being. These are the drivers for impact and influence. This is what turns ideas into innovations and helps anyone be impactful and influential: the Human Elements of Innovation.

Josef uses his expertise to help individuals and organizations power up their quest for new solutions: extraordinary experts gain impact and influence.

For nearly two decades, Josef has conducted programs in over 30 countries across five continents for client organizations such as Merck & Co, Daimler, AstraZeneca, Siemens, 4-H Council, NASA, the Department of Defense, ASQ, PMI, and many more. His fresh, provocative, and insightful content has also awarded him the experience of being a TEDx speaker.

Josef is a Certified Speaking Professional, the highest-earned international designation by the National Speakers Association. Only about 700 speakers worldwide hold this honor for speaking excellence. Josef is also a past president of the DC chapter of the National Speakers Association.