CEO, Lean Startup Company & Innovation Thought Leader
Ben Hafele: Biography at a Glance
- As the CEO of Lean Startup Co., Ben Hafele empowers the world's largest organizations to innovate like startups, helping them unlock their full potential by creating robust, scalable internal innovation systems that deliver measurable results.
- Ben has trained and coached over 500 corporate and startup teams across five continents at organizations including British Telecom (BT), Warner Media/Turner Sports, Caterpillar, and Tetra Pak, as well as several US and UK government agencies to launch transformative lean innovation programs that reshape each company’s approach to creativity and adaptability.
- Innovation is also at the core of his work as host of The Lean AI Podcast, where he challenges conventional perspectives, offers thought-provoking discussions, and uncovers bold, actionable strategies for businesses navigating the forefront of technology.
- Known for his engaging style, Ben energizes teams with humor, enthusiasm, and practical guidance, driving meaningful and sustainable organizational transformation.
- Armed with insights from the London School of Economics, Ben combines strategic thinking with real-world experience to help companies achieve lasting growth and a culture of innovation.
Videos
Biography
Ben is the CEO of Lean Startup Company, where he focuses on helping organizations grow their internal capacity to innovate effectively. He brings the latest Lean Startup practices to organizations looking for a sustainable way to manage the pressure to grow. His relationships with both current customers and prospects are based on high energy, humor, and impactful interaction that ensures leaders and teams achieve the change they want. Prior to joining Lean Startup Co., Ben built the lean innovation program at Caterpillar.
Ben is also a host of The Lean AI Podcast, where they flip the AI conversation on its head by offering invaluable insights into the practical application of AI, the challenges companies face, and the strategies used to achieve success. In each episode they speak with guests who challenge established views and offer disruptive perspectives, providing new, actionable ideas for companies looking to effectively implement AI by applying Lean Startup methodologies.
Ben has trained and coached over 500 corporate innovation and startup teams spanning 5 continents. An alum of the graduate school of the London School of Economics, today Ben’s work focuses on building organizational capacity for innovation at large companies.
Topics
The Lean Startup Mindset: Driving Innovation at Your Organization
In a rapidly changing business landscape, agility and innovation are essential for success. At large organizations in particular, the tendency is to lean on tradition and scale for stability. But in today’s marketplace, even the most established corporations face the risk of irrelevance if they fail to innovate.
In this conversation, Ben Hafele introduces corporate leaders to The Lean Startup principles, focusing on validated learning, rapid experimentation, and data-driven decision-making. He highlights how to adapt quickly, avoid wasted resources, and deliver what customers truly want. This talk equips leaders with practical tools to embed a culture of continuous innovation within their organizations, leaving audiences empowered to navigate uncertainty, stay competitive, and grow.
