About Bruce
Bruce sees patterns others miss, drawing on decades of practice and research to guide clients who play the long game, seeking to survive and thrive.
A track record of impact
As a hands-on bench engineer …
During his graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bruce was a key contributor to the pivotal first demonstration of a quantum-well laser, which has since grown into a global market exceeding $5B.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Bruce optimized novel device fabrication technologies using advanced characterization techniques and computational methods to understand the underlying differences in operation when various failure modes were observed. The group later set a performance record for state-of-the-art transistor switching frequency, resulting in part from these contributions.
As an executive …
At Motorola, having inherited a failing product architecture, Bruce placed bets on and provided cover for innovators who identified and advocated for a pivotal new design. This renewal resulted in electronic subsystems that were significantly less expensive, smaller-footprint, and more rugged, materially extending the life of over half the product portfolio of his $150 million global business unit.
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bruce—as an Associate Dean in the Grainger College of Engineering—placed a bet on and supported a direct report teaming with a leading faculty member to establish the Information Research Institute. A $0.3 million startup investment yielded over $61 million in total sponsored research expenditures and nearly $90 million in total sponsored research bookings in the first decade of operation—a significant result in an academic setting.
As an innovation researcher …
In sharp contrast to prevailing perspectives, Bruce—as an adjunct faculty member in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—and colleagues Abbie Griffin and Ray Price reframed innovation by taking a “people” view, a novel, impactful approach successfully embraced by mature companies.
Recognizing the unique position and needs of mid-sized mature companies, Bruce and colleague Walter Herbst laid out a concise framework helping those willing to bet on renewal survive and thrive.
As an innovation advisor and board member …
Building on a career-long, multiply deep and broad foundation of experience and expertise, Bruce guides clients in their pursuit of renewal, helping them establish and maintain the capabilities needed to survive and thrive.
A career at the intersection of technology, business, and innovation.
Bruce Vojak has spent his career exploring how established companies convert technical knowledge, individual capability, and strategic intent into meaningful business value.
A Connected
Professional Journey
Bruce’s perspective on innovation has developed through several distinct but closely related chapters of his career.
He began as a technical contributor, experiencing firsthand the challenge of transforming market insights and technical capabilities into results that matter to customers and companies. He later moved into technology leadership and business development roles, gaining a broader understanding of how organizations evaluate opportunities, allocate resources, and manage technical work.
A subsequent transition to academia allowed Bruce to examine innovation across a much wider range of companies and industries. His research focused particularly on innovation inside mature organizations and on the exceptional individuals who repeatedly create and deliver important innovations.
Today, Bruce applies that experience through consulting, executive advising, facilitation, workshops, writing, and board service.
Innovation Practitioner and Executive
Bruce served on the research staff at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and later held research and business-development positions of increasing responsibility at Amoco Corporation.
He subsequently served as Director of Advanced Technology for Motorola’s non-semiconductor components business.
These experiences gave him direct exposure to technical problem-solving, customer and market development, corporate decision-making, and the practical realities of pursuing innovation inside established organizations.
Innovation Researcher and Educator
Bruce later served as Associate Dean and Adjunct Professor in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
There, he studied how innovation occurs in mature companies and how organizations can better understand the individuals responsible for exceptional innovation outcomes.
This work led to Serial Innovators, co-authored with Abbie Griffin and Ray Price, and later to No-Excuses Innovation, co-authored with Walter Herbst. Both books were published by Stanford University Press.
Advisor and
Board Member
Through Breakthrough Innovation Advisors, Bruce works with owners, directors, executives, technical leaders, managers, and innovators.
He advises companies, facilitates leadership discussions, leads workshops, speaks to professional and industry audiences, and contributes through board and advisory roles.
Depending on the engagement, Bruce may work independently or collaborate with colleagues from a network of experienced professionals whose expertise complements the issue being addressed.
Published Work
Bruce has also co-authored book chapters, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations related to innovation, as well as his earlier technical work.
No-Excuses Innovation
Co-authored with Walter Herbst and published by Stanford University Press in 2022. The book examines the particular innovation challenges facing small- and medium-sized mature enterprises and offers practical guidance for leaders who cannot rely on the resources and specialized functions available to large corporations.
Serial Innovators
Co-authored with Abbie Griffin and Ray Price and published by Stanford University Press in 2012. The book examines the individuals who repeatedly create and deliver important innovations inside established companies, along with the organizational practices required to identify, develop, support, and retain them.
Credentials and Education
Managing Director, Breakthrough Innovation Advisors LLC
Senior Fellow, The Conference Board
Board roles with JVA Partners and The Polanyi Society
Former board roles with Midtronics, Inc. and Micron Industries Corporation
Former Adjunct Professor, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Former Associate Dean, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Former Director of Advanced Technology, Motorola
Former research and business-development leader, Amoco
Former research staff member, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
BS, MS, and PhD degrees in engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
How Bruce Works
Bruce brings care, precision, and curiosity to his work.
He listens closely, asks questions intended to clarify rather than impress, and helps clients distinguish between the apparent issue and the underlying challenge. He is comfortable with complexity but works to make the path forward understandable and practical.
His objective is to help clients develop an approach they can act upon and sustain, rather than creating unnecessary dependence on an outside advisor.