Separating Breakthroughs from Distractions

5/11/2026

Paul Mandeville, Chief Product Officer at Iridio by RRD

Constant technological change makes it important to distinguish world-changing innovation from mere distraction. In this episode of The Orchestration Podcast from Iridio by RRD, Chief Product Officer Paul Mandeville discusses how marketing leaders can move their businesses forward by balancing market noise with authentic client feedback.

From the rapid rise of paid social advertising to the speculative hype around the Metaverse, Mandeville shares real-world case studies on when to go "all in" and when to pivot to a thought-leadership approach rather than a product investment.

Key takeaways include:

  • Why your existing client surveying infrastructure is your first line of defense against poor investments.
  • How to apply frameworks to manage a balanced portfolio of core products and high-risk incubations.
  • The importance of moving from concept to test-and-learn environments quickly to gather quantitative and qualitative data.
  • How to shift from a "firefighting" mindset to a culture that supports rule-breaking within designated incubation zones.

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About the series

The Orchestration podcast, presented by Iridio by RRD, highlights how modern marketing gets done. This podcast explores how to navigate an evolving and increasingly complex marketing landscape shaped by data, technology, and macroeconomic pressures. The Orchestration Podcast offers a guide for marketing leaders on using integrated, data - driven strategies for greater efficiency and impact.

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