John Krewson | Vistage Speaker | Agility, AI, Software, and Business

I already knew my (admittedly brief) time with SNL had shaped my approach to innovative product development more than my MBA and my work as a software development leader. The show's famous principle, "We don't go on because we're ready, we go on because it's 11:30" makes sense in industries beyond comedy. It's a powerful mindset for fostering innovation in product development.

Tested by the best

10 years later, we've validated that the same approach works for startups, SMBs, and even the Fortune 50.

A little more about me

Vistage member and speaker
Founder and President of Sketch Development
Published author
Works with Fortune 50 companies to 50-person enterprises
25-year software development veteran
Life-long fan and devotee of sketch comedy
Claim to fame: A Saturday Night Live appearance amongst the masters

Book John

Reach out to find a time for me to come speak to your Vistage group.

Contact me

Fresh perspective on pressing business problems

About the program

Innovation has never been more necessary — and never felt more frustrating. Many organizations talk about innovation constantly, yet struggle to translate those conversations into sustained execution. At the same time, AI and rapid technological change are increasing pressure on leaders to act, even as the risks of “big bang” initiatives grow.

What will John talk about?

Learning objectives

In this interactive session, Vistage members are introduced to a different way of thinking about innovation — one that treats it as a routine leadership discipline, not a disruptive side project. Drawing lessons from Agile thinking, systems theory, and the operating cadence of Saturday Night Live, the program reframes innovation as a continuous, empirical process built around empowered teams, short feedback loops, and disciplined execution.

Tailored to your challenges

Adaptable methodologies for any industry

Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all framework, the session helps members understand why certain counterintuitive practices work in complex environments—and how leaders can apply those principles at the right scale for their role and organization. Through facilitated discussion and concrete examples, participants explore how people, process, and tools must align to make innovation repeatable instead of episodic.

Who is this for?

Speaker for Vistage groups

This session is especially valuable for leaders who feel pressure to innovate but want a more grounded, sustainable way to turn intention into action. Anyone can benefit from infusing their business with more agility. I've seen it first-hand in organizations ranging from cybersecurity startups to Fortune 50 healthcare giants. Whether you're in finance, insurance, manufacturing, or any other industry, you can benefit by taking a page from SNL's book.

Value for Vistage members

What you get

The result is a practical mental model leaders can use to evaluate initiatives, design better operating rhythms, and make consistent progress, without betting the business on the next big idea.

Members will leave this session with:

A clear mental model for making innovation more routine, predictable, and manageable
A better understanding of why innovation efforts stall, even in well-run organizations
Practical insight into how small, disciplined bets outperform large initiatives in uncertain environments
A leadership lens for evaluating AI and emerging technologies without chasing hype
Shared language they can use with their teams to align execution, learning, and accountability

Read the book

Pitch, Sketch, Launch

I wrote an Amazon best-selling book that explores how the creative energy of sketch comedy can revolutionize software product development. The goal is to infuse our delivery processes with the same engagement and passion found in sketch comedy teams. This way, we can dismantle creativity-stifling corporate culture to create more dynamic, effective teams and genuinely inspiring work environments. Learn more here.