13 years ago, the last 'old style' Volkswagen Beetle rolled off an assembly line in Mexico. Whereas in the rich world, the Beetle achieved a more fleeting popularity as the transport of choice for the counter-culture; in a country such as Mexico it was the car's qualities of robustness and reliability that ensure its continuing appeal. While beloved, the love bug disappeared because innovation unlocked new value. To stay aligned with the future, here are the most important innovation and leadership stories of the week. Last week the World Economics Forum released its annual Global Technology Report, which, among other things, ranks 139 nations in the world on "Network Readiness," measuring the capacity of countries to leverage technologies for increased competitiveness and well-being (Spoiler Alert: Singapore is #1). It's a great report thoughtful and data-laden, summarized in this blog post. Banking Industry still falling short of consumer expectations. “While the majority of banked consumers continue, for now, to place their primary financial provider as their first choice when a significant life event occurs, the move to digital transactions (and digital interaction) can quickly change this advantageous competitive position. Consumers are increasingly expecting quick responses, instant access to insight, more control of their financial lives and increased personalization.” Customer Experience vision dictates value. "Create shared vision between your customers' definition of customer-centricity and your customer experience management practices. Bridge silos across everyone's vision of customer experience excellence throughout your company and beyond. Consistency will propel the growth you're seeking." Why Innovation tourism is killing big companies. "Big companies should stay fluid, building flexibility into their organizations so that they can adapt and change at the same rate as new technology. And by being strategic in setting up a corporate innovation program, they can steer themselves in the direction of smart technological evolution. Their future, after all, may depend on it." John Gardner, a former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare delivered this amazing speech to McKinsey 1990 and it is as relevant as ever. "We have to believe in ourselves, but we mustn't suppose that the path will be easy, it's tough. Life is painful, and rain falls on the just, and Mr. Churchill was not being a pessimist when he said ‘I have nothing to offer, but blood, toil, tears and sweat.’ He had a great deal more to offer, but as a good leader he was saying it wasn't going to be easy, and he was also saying something that all great leaders say constantly – that failure is simply a reason to strengthen resolve."