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Saratoga Sampler
High-tech guru Schwaderer writes book about innovation
By Mary Ann Cook
INNOVATION: W. David Schwaderer is fascinated by innovation, all the hurdles it entails and why we humans fear change so. This high-tech guru has closely studied and explored the phenomenon and has written a book about this provocative subject called Innovation Survival--Concept, Courage and Change.
The book is made up of examples from six different categories--the ones dealing with industry and sports have already been written. The idea is to help innovators improve the chances of their inventions being accepted and used. Schwaderer, a Silicon Valley veteran, is a consultant on strategic innovation.
He gave a presentation at a Stanford forum recently about the section on industry. The innovation example he used was the creation of the Voyager, an experimental airplane designed to circle the globe on one tank of fuel. After 67 test flights, the plane took off Dec. 14, 1984, from Edwards Air Force Base.
It returned Dec. 24, four days longer than planned. On board were pilot Dick Rutan and his then fiancée Jenna Yeager. Something disastrous happened almost daily. The rear engine dropped off, leaks developed, malfunctions and nonfunctions were routine, unexplained electric sparks, smoke, fuel fumes.
Yeager, at 98 pounds, had to recline, hunched, during the entire flight. The conclusions to be drawn from this venture were amazing, the author says. One in particular: Expect the unexpected. Some 98 percent of the fuel had been used up: A gas leak was discovered after landing.
The aircraft, now housed in the Smithsonian, took six years to build. Considering all the nasty surprises, it's amazing that it made it at all. The designer was Burt Rutan, the pilot's brother. The two labored under misconceptions throughout the planning and design. They thought others would be eager to underwrite such an exciting endeavor and they'd acquire plenty of funding to have it built. Wrong. The Rutans had to build it themselves and continually scratched for financing. They were wrong, too, about the flight's direction and whether oxygen and pressurization would be needed.
The entire episode is a mirror of a Silicon Valley startup, one reason it fascinates Schwaderer and was chosen for the series. Innovation Survival will cover six categories, and each gets "progressively more brutal," he says, citing the one on medicine, in particular.
It's book No. 11; he's already written 10 high-tech tomes. The sport chosen to be featured was surfboarding. Subjects still to come: the arts, science, the military and medicine.
HOMELESS IN SILICON VALLEY: The annual English Tea sponsored by the AAUW Committee on Homeless Women and Children delivered its usual superb potpourri of noshes and auction items, as well as talks from two women living at the Georgia Travis Center. Their examples came with an underlying and chilling warning.
That message was that homelessness could happen to any of us. The two--Maria Rodriguez and Stacy Woodward--spoke about how their homelessness happened. From economic and emotional depression, they sank into alcohol, drugs and even served jail time, in one case.
The two also talked about their eventual turn-around, thanks to the center. There they found solace and a home, and learned to face their misfortunes in healthier ways. Next challenge up for them is to find jobs.
The AAUW committee has 20 members, has held this tea fundraiser for 19 years and has contributed time and supplies to the Georgia Travis Center during those years. Georgia Travis, now deceased, was the founding member of the committee.
The Voices of West Valley College, music students and alums of the college entertained at the gathering. Sumi Tanabe, chairman of the AAUW committee, was emcee.
HONOREE: Gigi Firenzi, who joined the Montalvo Service Group in 1957, was recently honored as the longest-serving active member--a 50-year service stint. The service group was founded in 1954, and Firenzi joined three years later.
Next up for the service group is its Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at the villa on May 13, with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $50, adults; $25, children 4-10; free for those under age 4. Reservations are required at 408.961.5823.
Proceeds benefit the Montalvo Arts Center. The spread covers the culinary map--hot and cold buffet, assorted desserts, champagne, coffee, juice.
VIP BENEFIT: Sue Fitzpatrick and Tricia Niederauer head up the VIP League brunch to be held May 4, 10:30 a.m., at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. The event is a benefit for EMQ. Featured speaker Carolyne Roehm, lifestyle expert, is the author of A Passion for Parties.
Other chairwomen include Susan Boyce, Donna Butcher and Linda Snider of Saratoga; Jeanne Case, Sandy Flores, Caryl Pozos and Susie Schechter of Los Gatos; and Susan Fredkin of Monte Sereno. Pozos and Butcher, both of Saratoga, are table designers. This VIP stands for Volunteers Inspiring People.
HAIKU: Jim and Betty Arnold are two haiku poets featured at the Teahouse Reading and Workshop May 19 at the Japanese Friendship Garden, Kelley Park, San Jose, starting at 10 a.m.
Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to mac@impruve.com.
