Building IP That Accelerates Careers
How a stalled doctoral project became the backbone of a new innovation practice—and helped launch a high-growth career that culminated in an acquisition.
Context
When this client first reached out, he was months into a doctoral program and stuck.
He’d had three different Chapter 1s approved, each pointing in a slightly different direction. He was bright, curious, and full of ideas—but had no coherent path forward.
Meanwhile, his day job in the tech sector exposed him to real-world questions around innovation, alliances, and growth. He had a sense that something was there, but no way to turn scattered interests into a dissertation he could actually complete—much less a body of work he could build on professionally.
He was close to giving up on the degree altogether.
What We Did
Surfaced the real throughline. Through a series of working sessions, we traced the common thread under his “too many interests”: strategic open innovation in high-tech organizations.
Framed a researchable question. We translated that throughline into a clear, defensible research question and qualitative design that fit his program’s requirements and his long-term aspirations.
Architected the study. Together we designed the interview protocol, sampling approach, and data analysis strategy, creating a roadmap he could actually follow.
Built a writing structure. We created a chapter-by-chapter template that turned “write the dissertation” into a sequence of concrete steps, with deadlines that fit around his demanding job.
Provided high-leverage feedback. Instead of rewriting his work, we gave targeted editorial and methodological feedback that sharpened his thinking while keeping the voice his.
He went from vague overwhelm to a focused study on how high-tech firms can use open innovation to create competitive advantage while managing risk.
Outcomes
Completed the dissertation in roughly five months after our engagement began—after having been stuck at the starting line for far longer.
Produced a practical framework for planning and executing open innovation, grounded in interviews with experienced managers.
The framework became the centerpiece of his professional story, helping him pivot into a role with a boutique innovation consultancy.
That firm was later acquired by a global consulting company, and he moved into progressively senior roles shaping innovation capability and culture.
Today, he leads work on innovation, culture, and the future of work for major clients—a trajectory anchored in the IP we architected together during his dissertation.
This wasn’t just about “finishing the degree.” The dissertation became market-ready IP that changed the shape of his career.