Interview with Valerio Nannini, Founder & CEO, Nannini Partners Ltd. by Saima Shaikh, Founder & CEO of Zenara Media.

Saima Shaikh (SS), a brand marketing specialist and the Founder and CEO of Zenara Media, recently interviewed me about how business, creativity, and technology intersect to drive innovation. Drawing on her 14 years of experience collaborating with top multinational brands, start-ups, and C-suite leaders, Saima asked insightful questions exploring the key factors that enable organisations to harness innovation and deliver transformative value.

SS: The debate between the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Everything (IoE) has been ongoing. Some view them as nearly identical concepts, while others argue they are fundamentally different. What’s your take?

VN: The two are definitely interconnected. IoT began with physical devices communicating with each other, but IoE takes it further by integrating people, processes, and data into the mix.

We’ve shifted from working primarily in physical spaces to operating in virtual and networked environments where information surrounds us. Looking ahead to Web 4.0, we’re approaching the full maturation of cyber-physical systems. By 2025, it’s estimated that over 40 billion devices will be connected to an Internet of Everything. This will redefine how we interact with technology,everything will not only be programmable and connected but also act as sensors, delivering real-time feedback on health, experiences, and more.

SS: It sounds like IoE is as much about inputs, capturing and sharing experiences, as it is about outputs. Would you agree?

VN: Absolutely. Whether it’s a product or a service, companies are increasingly focused on understanding the context in which their offerings are used. This means capturing data about how, when, and where people interact with them.

For example, consider household appliances. A family of four might open their refrigerator over 200 times a day, or check their smartphones an equal number of times. By gathering these insights, companies can deliver personalised solutions, from automatic replenishment services to tailored experiences that align with individual behaviours.

SS: Businesses are collecting unprecedented amounts of data, but how can they translate that into meaningful innovation?

VN: Innovation often starts small, through testing, iterative learning, and scaling successful ideas. Consider the example of personalised pet food.

A family with a dog named Charlie wants the best for their pet. They provide information about Charlie’s breed, age, weight, and activity level to a pet food company, which then creates a personalised food blend. The family can also set up auto-replenishment, ensuring Charlie never runs out of his favourite food.

This not only delights the customer but also ensures recurring revenue for the company. It’s a win-win scenario and a great example of how digitalisation can create new value for both businesses and consumers.

SS: In your opinion, what’s the next major opportunity in innovation?

VN: Personalisation will be a game-changer, especially in industries like health and nutrition. With advances in detection and sensing technologies, we’ll soon have a comprehensive understanding of individual needs, whether it’s lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or other health factors.

Take Savor Health in the U.S., for instance. They provide cancer patients with personalised nutritional support using AI and clinical best practices. Such innovations are not just disruptive; they’re transformative, offering value for both consumers and the businesses that serve them.

SS: Your work seems to focus on the nexus of food, health, and lifestyle innovation. Is that accurate?

VN: Absolutely. My time at Nestlé shaped my interest in this space, and it’s an area with incredible potential. I’m also involved with Future Food, an international organisation dedicated to revolutionising the food ecosystem. Collaboration is at the heart of this work, it’s amazing to see how diverse partnerships can drive impactful innovation.

SS: How important is collaboration in crafting a successful innovation strategy?

VN: Collaboration is essential. No organisation has all the answers, and recognising gaps in expertise is the first step. At Nestlé, for instance, we partnered with data providers, developers, and tech innovators to build a digital nutrition platform. From voice-enabled technologies to personalised meal plans, collaboration allowed us to deliver a seamless, user-friendly experience.

SS: Based on your experience, what advice would you give companies developing their innovation strategies?

VN:

1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Innovation requires boldness and resilience, especially in organisations focused on quarterly results. Leaders need to embrace the possibility of failure as a path to discovery.
2. Collaborate Strategically: Align with like-minded partners and identify mutual wins. Innovation thrives on reciprocity, exchanging what you know for what you need.
3. Cultivate the Right Culture: A strong organisational culture is critical. Teams must be dynamic, resilient, and open to challenges, especially when existing solutions appear easier or more familiar.
4. Be Curious and Observant: I often recommend “going on safari”, observing people, their behaviours, and unmet needs. This Design Thinking approach helps uncover hidden opportunities and fosters agility in problem-solving.

SS: It’s inspiring to hear about how innovation, when done right, can create value for everyone involved.

VN: Absolutely. At its core, innovation is about bridging business, creativity, and technology to solve real-world challenges. The rewards are transformative, for companies, their customers, and society at large.

To explore how your business can harness the power of innovation, contact www.nanninipartners.com  for a tailored consultation.