John Iduh Blog

We often find ourselves trying to accomplish something important to us, but to do so, we have to cooperate with others. These "others" may include people we don't get along with, like, or trust, which can make it feel impossible to work together – almost like collaborating with the enemy.  Pluralism emphasizes the value of diversity and the importance of working with people whose perspectives differ from yours. To navigate such differences effectively, it is crucial to cultivate open-mindedness, respect, and empathy.  Begin by actively listening to understand their viewpoints without judgment, recognizing the validity of their experiences.  Build trust by finding common ground while acknowledging and respecting differences.  Approach disagreements as opportunities for learning rather than conflict, focusing on shared goals and collaborative problem-solving.  By fostering an inclusive environment where diverse ideas are valued, it becomes possible to harness the ...

What is Amapiano? Amapiano is a vibrant genre of electronic dance music that emerged in South Africa in the early 2010s. Known for its soulful and relaxing vibe, it is a unique blend of deep house, jazz, and lounge music, infused with a distinctly South African flavor. Over the years, Amapiano has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of music lovers both locally and internationally. One of the key features of Amapiano is the log drum, a bassline that creates a rich, resonant sound that defines the genre. The use of pianos and keyboards is another signature element, giving the genre its name—“Amapiano,” which means “the pianos” in Zulu. The melodies are smooth and soulful, often accompanied by jazzy instrumentals that create an immersive listening experience. Amapiano's tempo is typically slower and more laid-back compared to other electronic dance music styles. This allows it to stand out as both a danceable and relaxing genre. Its roots are deeply influenced by...

Catalytic innovation is a type of innovation that creates scalable, sustainable, and systemic change by addressing social issues in a way that significantly disrupts existing systems.  Unlike traditional innovation, which focuses on incremental improvements or high-end markets, catalytic innovation targets overlooked or underserved populations, providing them with affordable and accessible solutions.  These innovations often operate within constrained resources and prioritize social impact over profit maximization. They challenge incumbents by offering simpler, cheaper, and more user-friendly alternatives, enabling marginalized groups to access opportunities previously unavailable to them.  A hallmark of catalytic innovation is its potential for widespread replication, thereby transforming entire industries or sectors.  For example, microfinance institutions disrupted traditional banking by providing financial services to low-income individuals, empowering them to pa...

The 4As of marketing—Acceptability, Affordability, Accessibility, and Awareness—are a consumer-centric approach to understanding and meeting customer needs. This framework, introduced by Jagdish Sheth and Rajendra Sisodia, shifts the focus from the traditional 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) to elements that directly impact customer behavior and decision-making. 1. Acceptability refers to how well a product or service meets the needs and expectations of the target market. Businesses must focus on delivering value and ensuring their offerings align with consumer preferences, cultural norms, and lifestyle demands. Customization, quality, and reliability are critical components of acceptability. 2. Affordability considers the financial capacity of consumers to purchase a product or service. This includes not only the price but also the perceived value and the payment options available. Companies can enhance affordability by offering competitive pricing, financing options, or smal...

Throughout history, humanity has made remarkable strides in science, technology, human rights, and governance. However, progress is never an automatic process. It requires effort, resilience, and a commitment to overcome obstacles. The truth is, while progress is possible, it is not guaranteed. If we do not actively fight for it, stagnation—or even regression—can take its place. The Struggle for Civil Rights A powerful example of this principle can be found in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 20th century. For decades, systemic racism and segregation defined the lives of African Americans. While the U.S. Constitution promised equality, that ideal remained unrealized for millions. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and countless others fought tirelessly for the progress we see today. Their efforts led to landmark achievements such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, even these victories were not the end of th...

People seek to get products and services because there are jobs in their lives to be done. A woman in the kitchen buy salts and other soup ingredients to make soups. According to the late Harvard Business school professor, Clayton Christensen, " a job to be done " is a framework for understanding customer behavior. It emphasizes that people "hire" products or services to fulfill specific jobs or tasks in their lives. The concept helps businesses focus on the functional, emotional, and social needs of customers rather than just product features or market segments. Key aspects of the "job to be done" framework include: 1. Understanding the Context : Customers face problems or opportunities in specific situations that create the need for a solution. The job is rooted in the context. 2. Focus on Progress : Customers seek to make progress in their lives, and the job to be done is the progress they want to achieve with the help of a product or service. 3. Beyon...

According to Jagdish Sheth and Rajendra Sisodia, poor management as a consequence of not knowing what drives consumers is behind the majority of marketing failures. The authors make the case that consumer knowledge is a much more reliable route to success. Their customer-centric marketing management framework emphasizes what they believe are the most important consumer values—acceptability, affordability, accessibility, and awareness—which they dub the four As. Acceptability Acceptability is the extent to which a firm’s total product offering exceeds customer expectations. The authors assert that acceptability is the dominant component in the framework and that design, in turn, is at the root of acceptability. Functional aspects of design can be boosted by, for instance, enhancing the core benefit or increasing reliability of the product; psychological acceptability can be improved with changes to brand image, packaging, design, and positioning. Affordability Affordability is the exten...