Innovation in the Fast Lane: Lessons from Motorsport and Cybersecurity
Compliance & Risks
Learn how Trend Micro and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team turn creativity into innovation by rethinking team structures, workflows, and data use.
On a rainy, grey afternoon in a UK film studio, I sat down with Managing Director at NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, Ian James, VP Cybersecurity at Trend Micro, Greg Young, and our host, Finola Roycroft. In contrast to the weather, our conversation was filled with energy and insight. We explored what it really means to build a culture of innovation, and one truth was clear: innovation isn’t a phase—it’s the foundation. Whether on the racetrack or in cyber defense, motorsport and cybersecurity demand precision, speed, and relentless evolution. Innovation isn’t a project—it’s the core operating rhythm.
What struck me most was how aligned we were on the idea that innovation lives not just in what we create, but also in the ways we work. The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team and Trend Micro both thrive by continuously refining how teams operate, from data-driven decision-making to rapid feedback loops. For example, we discussed the idea of moving from a traditional hierarchy to a mission-focused holacracy. This approach fosters environments where ideas can come from anywhere, and decision-making is distributed to those closest to the action. At Trend, we call this the Radial Web. Here, people not only bring their expertise to the table but take on roles as Builders, Bridges, and Teachers to fuel the innovation operating system towards a shared vision.
We also emphasized an important distinction: creativity is imagining what’s possible, while innovation is solving what’s real. That grounding in real-world impact is what keeps innovation relevant and powerful.
Watch the highlights from our chat to hear how innovation thrives when autonomy, purpose, and trust intersect.
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