Scott Burleson
Director, Strategyn Institute
Locale: Holly Springs, North Carolina
Biography: Scott is the director of the Strategyn Institute, where he is responsible for creating and promoting quality classes related to Outcome-Driven Innovation theory. The Institute, Strategyn’s educational arm, brings together innovators from throughout the world, creating a learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.
Before joining Strategyn, Scott worked in marketing and new product development with John Deere, primarily serving as product manager for the company’s global compact utility tractor business. In this role, he led the innovation initiatives for future products, executed the customer requirements process for next generation products, and managed growth opportunities for current products. He also led marketing initiatives that included product positioning, pricing, SKU management and product launches in the US and Europe.
In 2007, he received the John Deere Innovation Award; for two consecutive years prior, he was recognized with the John Deere President’s Award for Excellence. In 2006, 2008 and 2009, he received AE50 awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers for producing one of the Top 50 Innovative Products for each of those years.
Over the years, Scott learned that his real passion was not tractors, but the innovation process itself. As part of a self-education process, he read everything he could find on innovation. Along this trek, he read Strategyn CEO Tony Ulwick’s book, What Customers Want, which shaped his path to the company.
Prior to joining John Deere, Scott worked as a manufacturing engineer for Converse and enjoyed a brief, but enjoyable gig with a venture fund. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business, both from North Carolina State University.
Best business trip: New product launch in Verona, Italy. It’s such a beautiful country – and of course, there’s also the red wine and gelato.
Hobbies: Exercise (p90X), hunting, fly fishing, playing guitar, and attending NC State football games. I’ve also watched every episode of Seinfeld and the Andy Griffith Show – many, many times.
Last great read: Rework by the 37Signals crew.
Favorite non-business book: The Old Man and the Boy by Robert Ruark.
Quote: I have two. “Even a poor shot is dignified when accepting a duel.” – G.K. Chesterton; “Giraffes are selfish. Always looking out for number one.” – Barney Fife.