In this episode of Speaking of Signify, Ryan Millar has a chat with Imaan Faruqui, External Communications Intern at Signify. The episode focuses on innovations and patents, and incorporates valuable input from Marc de Samber, Research Fellow at Signify, Jean-Paul Linnartz, Research Fellow at Signify and Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, Nathan Millen, Intellectual Property Counsel at Signify, and Stephen Cumpson, Senior IP Counsel at Signify.

<description>
 &lt;p&gt;In this episode of Speaking of Signify, Ryan Millar has a chat with Imaan Faruqui, External Communications Intern at Signify. The episode focuses on innovations and patents, and incorporates valuable input from Marc de Samber, Research Fellow at Signify, Jean-Paul Linnartz, Research Fellow at Signify and Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, Nathan Millen, Intellectual Property Counsel at Signify, and Stephen Cumpson, Senior IP Counsel at Signify.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
 </description>

Ryan Millar has a chat with Imaan Faruqui, External Communications Intern at Signify. They discuss the role of innovations and patents, with valuable input and insights from experts in the field.

Innovation & Patents, with Imaan Faruqui

WeeShirl Ng, Head of Internal Audit at Signify opens up about what an exciting team and job she leads within the company, where she’s been for the past seven years. In this episode, WeeShirl goes on to explain what exactly internal auditing is within a company, as well as explaining the processes it’s made up of. Surprisingly, this is not as “by-the-book” as one would think. At the heart of auditing is risk assessment, yet risks can be many and diverse. As Signify operates in 74 countries, they must obey different national regulations, so the risks are also different around the globe. They can vary from corruption to revenue recognition, and everything else in between, so picture it a bit like police work. Like any good detective, the work isn’t just done by a checklist, but a lot more thought gets put into it. To make the processes a leaner and simpler one, the auditing team also goes in to investigate if the elements on the checklist make sense, and how it is possible to make it more efficient. Ryan and WeeShirl also discuss the changes she’s experienced in her seven years of working in auditing for Signify, which was Philips Lighting when she started. WeeShirl explains some of the changes her job and team went through, as well as growing with the company itself. Following the conversation of this reimagined police work, Ryan dives into the five alternative questions section of the episode. Here you’ll learn about WeeShirl’s coffee preferences, favorite comfort food and even her hidden talent! Of course, this has nothing on the pure love felt by both Ryan and WeeShirl for the Frozen soundtrack -- and one song in particular. So, if you simply can’t hold it back anymore, just (Let it) go, and listen!

<description>
 &lt;p&gt;WeeShirl Ng, Head of Internal Audit at Signify opens up about what an exciting team and job she leads within the company, where she’s been for the past seven years. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, WeeShirl goes on to explain what exactly internal auditing is within a company, as well as explaining the processes it’s made up of. Surprisingly, this is not as “by-the-book” as one would think. At the heart of auditing is risk assessment, yet risks can be many and diverse. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Signify operates in 74 countries, they must obey different national regulations, so the risks are also different around the globe. They can vary from corruption to revenue recognition, and everything else in between, so picture it a bit like police work. Like any good detective, the work isn’t just done by a checklist, but a lot more thought gets put into it. To make the processes a leaner and simpler one, the auditing team also goes in to investigate if the elements on the checklist make sense, and how it is possible to make it more efficient. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ryan and WeeShirl also discuss the changes she’s experienced in her seven years of working in auditing for Signify, which was Philips Lighting when she started. WeeShirl explains some of the changes her job and team went through, as well as growing with the company itself. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Following the conversation of this reimagined police work, Ryan dives into the five alternative questions section of the episode. Here you’ll learn about WeeShirl’s coffee preferences, favorite comfort food and even her hidden talent! Of course, this has nothing on the pure love felt by both Ryan and WeeShirl for the Frozen soundtrack -- and one song in particular. So, if you simply can’t hold it back anymore, just (Let it) go, and listen! &lt;/p&gt;
 </description>

In this episode of Speaking of Signify, Ryan Millar has a chat with WeeShirl Ng, Head of Internal Audit at Signify. The topics of conversation range from risk assessment, through auditing, to forensic investigations. You’ll also learn about one of Malaysi

In this episode of Speaking of Signify, Ryan Millar has a chat with WeeShirl Ng, Head of Internal Audit at Signify. The topics of conversation range from risk assessment, through auditing, to forensic investigations. You’ll also learn about one of Malaysia’s most popular sports, as well as discover two loving parents’ enthusiasm for the Frozen soundtrack.

Assessing Risk, with WeeShirl Ng

Marjolein’s role as Chief Privacy Officer consists of advising Signify on its compliance programs, assisting in negotiations and doing risk assessments. She supports her team of privacy officers who assess each initiative on the potential impact of the initiative towards the privacy rights of individuals.To ensure that the company has a robust privacy structure in shape, there are three keys questions to keep in mind:<ol><li>What is the impact of this initiative on privacy?</li><li>If there is an impact, what do I need to consider?</li><li>How do I build in design principles on security, privacy compliance, and guide them?</li></ol>But why is privacy important? As a company, respecting human rights and basic principles such as protecting your individual rights, your freedom is important. Acting with integrity is part of our DNA, protecting of personal data becomes more and more relevant in our digitalized world.If we look at how Signify is developing, if it's digitalizing, consumer and customer interfaces, our own internal ways of working with digitalization, you come across the fact that you need to log into something you need to administrate it, and with that Signify gets the data. If that data then also holds that connection to personal data, it becomes relevant. That is what's coloring the importance of the privacy program in lines of our compliance progress.When it comes to data ethics, we need to start thinking about the protection of data as a whole.

<description>
 &lt;p&gt;Marjolein’s role as Chief Privacy Officer consists of advising Signify on its compliance programs, assisting in negotiations and doing risk assessments. She supports her team of privacy officers who assess each initiative on the potential impact of the initiative towards the privacy rights of individuals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To ensure that the company has a robust privacy structure in shape, there are three keys questions to keep in mind:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;What is the impact of this initiative on privacy?&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If there is an impact, what do I need to consider?&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How do I build in design principles on security, privacy compliance, and guide them?&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p&gt;But why is privacy important? As a company, respecting human rights and basic principles such as protecting your individual rights, your freedom is important. Acting with integrity is part of our DNA, protecting of personal data becomes more and more relevant in our digitalized world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If we look at how Signify is developing, if it's digitalizing, consumer and customer interfaces, our own internal ways of working with digitalization, you come across the fact that you need to log into something you need to administrate it, and with that Signify gets the data. If that data then also holds that connection to personal data, it becomes relevant. That is what's coloring the importance of the privacy program in lines of our compliance progress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When it comes to data ethics, we need to start thinking about the protection of data as a whole.&lt;/p&gt;
 </description>

Host Ryan Millar interviews Marjolein Wagemans, Signify's Chief Privacy Officer on data ethics and protection. Tune in to learn how data ethics is a key part of Signify's commitment to being a sustainable innovative partner for the future.

Data Ethics, with Marjolein Wagemans

Every great journey has a beginning. In the case of Philips hue, this was a humble remote-control device – at least that’s what the project that eventually became Philips Hue started out as, George explains.  That idea, of using a smartphone to control the lights, seemed small-scale. Keep in mind that we’re in the (now, seemingly ancient) year of 2008. The groundbreaking iPhone just came out, and how we understood apps were really different. George and his team built up the prototype for Philips Hue during the dawn of third-party smartphone applications – and they soon recognized the potential in this.  Philips Hue was pitched as an “internal startup” – a consumer-centered lighting app. This approach led them on a new, and exciting route, where they could explore not only the product, but market entry points as well. Putting it on the map was a different undertaking than selling traditional lightbulbs. George admits that it was a bit of a gamble – after all, people may think that it was just a gimmick, and that the increased price tag was a bit too steep (even though all test audiences absolutely loved the product).  They had to show that they really made a splash with Hue – so they turned to one of the trailblazers of innovation: Apple, who saw the potential in this new way of lighting. Thus, brand new smart lightbulbs were beginning to sell alongside brand-new smartphones – and boy did they sell well. When George saw that Philips Hue sold out upon launch, he knew that something big was about to begin. Philips Hue has a passionately engaged community. And they are active parts of its development cycle. George is amazed at some creations that Hue users have uploaded on its subreddit. Hue has a roadmap, which is influenced by customer feedback. Its development is partially steered by what users say, what do they like and dislike. However, the roadmap also holds quite a few surprises – after all its novelty is what made Philips Hue special.  Among future plans, you can find ambiance creation and decoration – after all, changing your light is easier than repainting your walls or changing your curtains. In addition, Hue’s making great strides in the field of entertainment, and last, but not least, it is aiming to heighten its focus on wellbeing. Creating Hue was a learning experience, and George sure has some insights to share. Firstly, widen your horizons. You can’t do a breakthrough from solely a technological/innovation perspective. To really leave your mark, you have to think in parallels and consider many perspectives: marketing, sales, and long-term strategies alongside technology. Secondly, embrace the power of platforms, and take your customers on a journey with you as you develop the product. It may be scary to launch something without knowing what it’ll be in the future but keeping up with innovations of platforms can multiply your product’s value. It’s a leap of faith, really – but it sure did work with Hue.  Finally, George mentions how the lighting industry in general does not get the exposure it deserves. After all, it is an industry, the products of which are around us almost 24/7. So let’s leverage this, he argues. It’s a fertile ground for innovations, such as Philips Hue, but its also our challenge to let people know how impactful what we’re doing here at Signify. But the episode is not only about Hue – it’s also about the mastermind behind it, its co-creator, George. So Ryan’s Five Alternative Questions (FAQs) will let us get to know him a bit: how he built a custom Settlers of Catan set, his fascination with superheroes, some of his favorite meals, and many more – but it’s better to hear all this from George himself!

<description>
 &lt;p&gt;Every great journey has a beginning. In the case of Philips hue, this was a humble remote-control device – at least that’s what the project that eventually became Philips Hue started out as, George explains.  That idea, of using a smartphone to control the lights, seemed small-scale. Keep in mind that we’re in the (now, seemingly ancient) year of 2008. The groundbreaking iPhone just came out, and how we understood apps were really different. George and his team built up the prototype for Philips Hue during the dawn of third-party smartphone applications – and they soon recognized the potential in this. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Philips Hue was pitched as an “internal startup” – a consumer-centered lighting app. This approach led them on a new, and exciting route, where they could explore not only the product, but market entry points as well. Putting it on the map was a different undertaking than selling traditional lightbulbs. George admits that it was a bit of a gamble – after all, people may think that it was just a gimmick, and that the increased price tag was a bit too steep (even though all test audiences absolutely loved the product).  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They had to show that they really made a splash with Hue – so they turned to one of the trailblazers of innovation: Apple, who saw the potential in this new way of lighting. Thus, brand new smart lightbulbs were beginning to sell alongside brand-new smartphones – and boy did they sell well. When George saw that Philips Hue sold out upon launch, he knew that something big was about to begin. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Philips Hue has a passionately engaged community. And they are active parts of its development cycle. George is amazed at some creations that Hue users have uploaded on its subreddit. Hue has a roadmap, which is influenced by customer feedback. Its development is partially steered by what users say, what do they like and dislike. However, the roadmap also holds quite a few surprises – after all its novelty is what made Philips Hue special.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Among future plans, you can find ambiance creation and decoration – after all, changing your light is easier than repainting your walls or changing your curtains. In addition, Hue’s making great strides in the field of entertainment, and last, but not least, it is aiming to heighten its focus on wellbeing. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Creating Hue was a learning experience, and George sure has some insights to share. Firstly, widen your horizons. You can’t do a breakthrough from solely a technological/innovation perspective. To really leave your mark, you have to think in parallels and consider many perspectives: marketing, sales, and long-term strategies alongside technology. Secondly, embrace the power of platforms, and take your customers on a journey with you as you develop the product. It may be scary to launch something without knowing what it’ll be in the future but keeping up with innovations of platforms can multiply your product’s value. It’s a leap of faith, really – but it sure did work with Hue. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;Finally, George mentions how the lighting industry in general does not get the exposure it deserves. After all, it is an industry, the products of which are around us almost 24/7. So let’s leverage this, he argues. It’s a fertile ground for innovations, such as Philips Hue, but its also our challenge to let people know how impactful what we’re doing here at Signify. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the episode is not only about Hue – it’s also about the mastermind behind it, its co-creator, George. So Ryan’s Five Alternative Questions (FAQs) will let us get to know him a bit: how he built a custom Settlers of Catan set, his fascination with superheroes, some of his favorite meals, and many more – but it’s better to hear all this from George himself!  &lt;/p&gt;
 </description>

In this episode of Speaking of Signify, Ryan Millar chats with George Yianni, the co-creator of Philips Hue. They discuss the story of Hue: where does it come from, how did it change people’s understanding of what lighting is, and what lessons continuousl

In this episode of Speaking of Signify, Ryan Millar chats with George Yianni, the co-creator of Philips Hue. They discuss the story of Hue: where does it come from, how did it change people’s understanding of what lighting is, and what lessons continuously developing such a revolutionary product taught him.

The origins of Philips Hue with George Yianni

Ryan Millar interviews Maria Letizia Mariani, Chief Commercial Officer at Signify.   To kick off this episode, Ryan and Maria Letizia discuss the true importance of customer focus and centricity. Customer focus doesn’t fall back on a single person, but it is the job of every employee, every day. This can be illustrated in many ways, either by quoting Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown Netflix series like Maria Letizia, or the football coach of The Netherlands from years ago like Ryan, but it comes down to a simple formula. To achieve great things, you need discipline. Greatness is made of the small daily duties that we need to perform with reliability, and this stands at the core of customer-centricity.  Behind every success story, there needs to be a solid base – and that’s no different at Signify! Maria Letizia goes to explain what are considered the ‘right’ processes and tools that lead to an empowered organization. In the end, things are made possible by people, and that’s where the emphasis lies within Signify. Everything comes down to the employees, they need to be engaged to make a difference. This is at the base of Signify’s strategy. The 5 frontiers strategy has at its center, in the middle ring, the customer and the last ring are the employees. So to serve the customer, and all the rings that fall in the middle, they need to be embraced by the employees (Talk about peeling the layers of an onion…). Now that we got you all excited about peeling, Maria Letizia illustrates how customer feedback is really the centerpiece of Signify’s operations. This was brought on by consistent feedback and building upon it, which then led to the launch of a project to facilitate user navigation on the company website. Not only has this made the information clearer, but also more accessible.  After learning about how to satisfy your customer needs, it’s time to focus on your hardworking elves, the employees. Maria Letizia elaborates on what really makes Signify a great place to work. This includes topics such as engagement, commitment, and ensuring your employees see a personal value in what you do so that they can channel it into their work. It’s important to increase diversity, inclusivity and creating an environment where people feel they can learn and grow. And of course, regular check-ups also don’t hurt. But how were one to do this in crazy times like today? With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people were forced to switch to working from home. Well, it went in stages, and the realities of remote working looked different for everyone. Whether some were alone, others trying to desperately juggle homeschooling their kids, one thing was common: a high level of solidarity. Maria Letizia goes to explain that employees were very supportive, flexible and the creativity was flowing. From a work perspective, they’ve proven they can manage well. Although we can safely say we’re all superheroes for coping through this, there’s still something missing those online meetings can’t replace. As Maria Letizia mentions, when you meet your colleagues face-to-face, you unleash a unique level of creativity with unexpected and unplanned ideas. This shows the importance of being physically together, to give and receive energy. But, improvise, adapt, overcome… In the words of Maria Letizia, we have to be kind, and grateful. Now to finish off with some quality entertainment, we’ll Segway into the alternative questions section of the podcast, where we finally talk about all things NOT work-related! The discussion ranges from favorite memories such as authentic Italian cuisine enjoyed with family, to people Maria Letizia would invite to a fantastic dinner party. By staying tuned, you also get some book recommendations that may or may not include Harry Potter. You’ll also receive some great advice regarding your career, and being yourself, but we don’t want to give everything away, so just go listen.

<description>
 &lt;p&gt;Ryan Millar interviews Maria Letizia Mariani, Chief Commercial Officer at Signify.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To kick off this episode, Ryan and Maria Letizia discuss the true importance of customer focus and centricity. Customer focus doesn’t fall back on a single person, but it is the job of every employee, every day. This can be illustrated in many ways, either by quoting Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown Netflix series like Maria Letizia, or the football coach of The Netherlands from years ago like Ryan, but it comes down to a simple formula. To achieve great things, you need discipline. Greatness is made of the small daily duties that we need to perform with reliability, and this stands at the core of customer-centricity. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Behind every success story, there needs to be a solid base – and that’s no different at Signify! Maria Letizia goes to explain what are considered the ‘right’ processes and tools that lead to an empowered organization. In the end, things are made possible by people, and that’s where the emphasis lies within Signify. Everything comes down to the employees, they need to be engaged to make a difference. This is at the base of Signify’s strategy. The 5 frontiers strategy has at its center, in the middle ring, the customer and the last ring are the employees. So to serve the customer, and all the rings that fall in the middle, they need to be embraced by the employees (Talk about peeling the layers of an onion…).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now that we got you all excited about peeling, Maria Letizia illustrates how customer feedback is really the centerpiece of Signify’s operations. This was brought on by consistent feedback and building upon it, which then led to the launch of a project to facilitate user navigation on the company website. Not only has this made the information clearer, but also more accessible. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After learning about how to satisfy your customer needs, it’s time to focus on your hardworking elves, the employees. Maria Letizia elaborates on what really makes Signify a great place to work. This includes topics such as engagement, commitment, and ensuring your employees see a personal value in what you do so that they can channel it into their work. It’s important to increase diversity, inclusivity and creating an environment where people feel they can learn and grow. And of course, regular check-ups also don’t hurt.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But how were one to do this in crazy times like today? With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people were forced to switch to working from home. Well, it went in stages, and the realities of remote working looked different for everyone. Whether some were alone, others trying to desperately juggle homeschooling their kids, one thing was common: a high level of solidarity. Maria Letizia goes to explain that employees were very supportive, flexible and the creativity was flowing. From a work perspective, they’ve proven they can manage well. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although we can safely say we’re all superheroes for coping through this, there’s still something missing those online meetings can’t replace. As Maria Letizia mentions, when you meet your colleagues face-to-face, you unleash a unique level of creativity with unexpected and unplanned ideas. This shows the importance of being physically together, to give and receive energy. But, improvise, adapt, overcome… In the words of Maria Letizia, we have to be kind, and grateful. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now to finish off with some quality entertainment, we’ll Segway into the alternative questions section of the podcast, where we finally talk about all things NOT work-related! The discussion ranges from favorite memories such as authentic Italian cuisine enjoyed with family, to people Maria Letizia would invite to a fantastic dinner party. By staying tuned, you also get some book recommendations that may or may not include Harry Potter. You’ll also receive some great advice regarding your career, and being yourself, but we don’t want to give everything away, so just go listen.&lt;/p&gt;
 </description>

Host Ryan Millar chats with Maria Letizia Mariani, Signify's Chief Commercial Officer. The discussion is centered on serving your customers and how to best utilize customer feedback. Maria Letizia and Ryan also talk about Italian cuisine and Harry Potter,

Host Ryan Millar chats with Maria Letizia Mariani, Signify's Chief Commercial Officer. The discussion is centered on serving your customers and how to best utilize customer feedback. Maria Letizia and Ryan also talk about Italian cuisine and Harry Potter, among other things.  

Customer Focus, with Maria Letizia Mariani

The podcast features illuminating conversations between host Ryan Millar and a selection of innovators and decision-makers at the world leader in lighting.

The podcast features illuminating conversations between host Ryan Millar and a selection of innovators and decision-makers at the world leader in lighting..

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