How SAP embraces punk rock to inspire and innovate
Punk rock is not a genre of music that you would normally associate with a software company. But for SAP, one of the world’s leading software companies, punk rock is more than just music. It is a mindset, a culture, and a source of inspiration and innovation.
What is punk rock and why does it matter for SAP?
Punk rock emerged in the 1970s as a rebellious and anti-establishment movement that challenged the norms and conventions of mainstream society and culture. Punk rockers were not afraid to experiment with new sounds, styles, and messages, often using DIY methods and low-budget equipment to produce their music.
Punk rock also represented a way of expressing oneself and one’s identity in a new and creative way. Punk rockers were diverse, passionate, and courageous. They questioned the status quo, sought alternative perspectives, and created their own communities.
SAP sees a strong connection between punk rock and innovation. SAP believes that innovation is not only about technology or business, but also about culture and identity. SAP believes that innovation can be inspired by diverse sources of creativity and expression, such as music or art. SAP believes that innovation can be driven by personal passions and values, as well as by professional goals and ambitions.
SAP also applies the punk rock principles of experimentation, collaboration, and rebellion to its work. SAP likes to try new things, test new hypotheses, and learn from failures. SAP values diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, and seeks to involve people from different disciplines, cultures, and generations in its projects. SAP challenges itself and others to question the assumptions and limitations of the current state of affairs, and to imagine alternative scenarios and possibilities.
How does SAP use punk rock to inspire and innovate?
SAP has several examples of how it uses punk rock to inspire and innovate in its products, services, and culture. Here are some of them:
Martin Wezowski: He is the chief designer and futurist at SAP, where he leads a team of creative thinkers and visionaries who explore new ideas, technologies, and business models for the future of enterprise software. He is also a former punk rocker who played bass guitar in several bands in his youth. He draws on his musical background to infuse his work with originality, diversity, and passion. He says that he uses music as a tool to stimulate his imagination and generate new ideas. He also plays music with his colleagues and friends, sometimes forming ad hoc bands or jam sessions at SAP events or conferences.
Stefan Ries: He is a former chief human resources officer at SAP (until 2020) and brand ambassador (until 2022), where he oversaw the talent management and development of over 95,000 employees worldwide. He is also a fan of punk rock music, which he says influences his leadership style and vision. He says that punk rock taught him how to be disruptive and innovative while challenging the status quo. He also says that punk rock embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect that he promotes at SAP. He even wore a T-shirt at a major event that said “HR Punks” to express his attitude.
Sablono: It is a construction software startup that develops and distributes software solutions for digital planning and controlling of building projects. It is also a partner of SAP that uses the SAP Cloud Platform to create its products. It says that it shares the punk rock spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and courage with SAP. It says that it aims to revolutionize the construction industry by simplifying processes, increasing efficiency, and improving quality.
Aesculap: It is a medical device manufacturer that strives to improve safety and quality in each surgery worldwide and to simplify processes in hospitals. It is also a customer of SAP that uses the SAP Cloud Platform to create a digital service platform to develop mobile apps accessible to physicians, hospitals, medical retailers, and Aesculap employees. It says that it leverages the power of cloud technology to create innovative solutions that enhance patient care.
What can we learn from SAP’s punk rock approach to innovation?
SAP’s punk rock approach to innovation shows us that innovation is not only about technology or business but also about culture and identity. It shows us that innovation can be inspired by diverse sources of creativity and expression such as music or art. It shows us that innovation can be driven by personal passions and values as well as by professional goals and ambitions.
SAP’s advice for aspiring innovators is to embrace the punk rock spirit of curiosity collaboration and courage. It says that innovators should be curious about the world around them seek new knowledge and experiences and ask questions that challenge the status quo. It says that innovators should collaborate with others who have different skills backgrounds and perspectives and learn from their insights and feedback. It says that innovators should have the courage to pursue their ideas experiment with different approaches and overcome obstacles and setbacks.
SAP believes that punk rock can help us shape a better future for ourselves and others. It says that punk rock is not about being negative or destructive but about being positive and constructive. It says that punk rock is not about conforming or complying but about creating or changing. It says that punk rock is not about following or copying others’ ideas or solutions but about finding your own voice or vision.
SAP concludes by saying that punk rock is not only a genre of music but a way of life. It says that punk rock is about being yourself expressing yourself and making a difference in the world. It says that punk rock is about innovation.
Text: Microsoft Bing Chat with ChatGPT
References
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How Punk Rock Can Revitalize Human Resources - Forbes. (2018, October 10). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2018/10/10/how-punk-rock-can-revitalize-human-resources/ .
Martin Wezowski: Punk Rocker, Software Visionary - SAP News Center. (2017, June 22). Retrieved from https://news.sap.com/2017/06/martin-wezowski-punk-rocker-software-visionary/.
Innovation and Research | About SAP SE. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sap.com/corporate/en/company/innovation.html.
4 Real-World examples of applying SAP Platform and Technologies to Innovate - SAP Blogs. (2017, July 19). Retrieved from https://blogs.sap.com/2017/07/19/4-real-world-examples-of-applying-sap-platform-and-technologies-to-innovate/.
Innovation Factory: SAP Turns Ideas into Outcomes - SAP News Center. (2020, May 28). Retrieved from https://news.sap.com/2020/05/innovation-factory-ideas-outcomes/ .
Aesculap AG - SAP Customer Success Stories. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sap.com/germany/documents/2017/04/7220c1bd-b27c-0010-82c7-eda71af511fa.html.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Museum of the Future - ArchDaily. (2017, November 11). Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/tag/louvre-abu-dhabi.
What makes work meaningful? - Harvard Business Review. (2023, July 12). Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2023/07/what-makes-work-meaningful .
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