The Innovation Meets Leadership Podcast

Natalie Born
The Innovation Meets Leadership Podcast

We exist to empower your innovation and leadership transformation journey. Collaboration, innovation, and transformation are not just concepts they are how business gets done.

  1. 4 天前

    3. No-Excuses Innovation with Bruce Vojak

    Innovation is often seen as the domain of tech giants and industry disruptors, but what about small and medium-sized enterprises? Are they at a disadvantage, or do they have unique opportunities to innovate faster than their larger competitors? Bruce Vojak, founder of Breakthrough Innovation Advisors and author of No Excuses Innovation, joins the podcast to discuss why mature businesses struggle with innovation, the fears that hold them back, and the simple, low-cost steps they can take to start thinking differently. He breaks down the myths surrounding innovation and provides practical insights for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. [00:01 - 05:48] The Innovation Struggle for Small Businesses Why mature enterprises often avoid innovationUnderstanding the S-curve and business growth cyclesThe danger of focusing only on efficiency instead of renewal [05:49 - 10:33] The Three Barriers to Innovation Expertise gaps in mature companiesFinancial mindsets that resist risk-takingThe role of fear in preventing new ideas [10:34 - 15:24] Culture as the Key to Innovation How company culture can either unlock or stifle innovationThe balance between empowerment and accountabilityLessons from Hewlett-Packard’s Medal of Defiance [15:25 - 20:00] Innovation Without Big Budgets Why innovation doesn’t have to be expensiveSmall but effective ways to start innovating todayThe power of listening to customers for ideas [20:01 - 24:12] Practical Takeaways for Business Leaders Looking for patterns in customer behaviorTurning small workarounds into real innovationsThe importance of a discovery mindset in leadership "A lot of companies excel at streamlining operations, but few have the expertise to truly renew their business." – Bruce Vojak "Innovation doesn’t have to be a massive initiative. It starts with asking the right questions and listening to your customers." – Bruce Vojak Connect with Bruce: Website: https://www.breakthrough-innovation-advisors.com/bruce-vojak/ LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bvojak  LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    24 分鐘
  2. 2月9日

    2. Revenue Through Relationships with Brandon Lee

    Are you building a personal brand that attracts opportunities, or are you hiding behind your title on LinkedIn? In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie speaks with branding expert and serial entrepreneur Brandon Lee about the power of reputation in driving business success. Brandon shares insights from his decades of experience in personal branding, content marketing, and sales. He challenges leaders to step out of obscurity, leverage platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and build meaningful connections that create revenue opportunities. [00:01 - 07:26] From Employee to Entrepreneur Brandon’s journey from being an unsatisfied employee to launching multiple businesses The excitement of startup culture and embracing uncertainty Learning the power of personal branding before it had a name [07:27 - 14:38] The LinkedIn Networking Mistake Most People Make Why people treat LinkedIn differently than in-person networking events The dangers of “pitch-slapping” connections How traditional sales tactics are failing in a digital-first world [14:39 - 21:53] Relationship-First Selling in a Digital World Why personal branding is essential for sales and leadership How posting valuable content creates trust before a sales conversation The power of authenticity in networking [21:54 - 28:30] Why CEOs Need to Show Up on LinkedIn The impact of a CEO’s presence on business growth How executives can effectively use LinkedIn without feeling overwhelmed Lessons from iconic leaders like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk [28:31 - 33:47] Practical Steps to Overcome Posting Fear How to ease into content creation without overthinking The benefits of live shows and podcasts for thought leadership Why consistency is more important than perfection Quotes: "Everything for me has always been relationship first, business second." - Brandon Lee "You only fist bump people you have a connection with, but you'll shake hands with anybody." - Brandon Lee Connect with Brandon: Website: https://getfistbumps.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonleedigital LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    34 分鐘
  3. 1月26日

    1. Sweet Innovation with Crumbl Cookie’s COO, Grace Chadwick

    What does it take to lead innovation at one of America's fastest-growing dessert brands, rotating an entirely new menu weekly across 1,200+ locations? In this illuminating episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Grace Chadwick, COO of Crumbl. Grace shares her fascinating journey from technology consulting to leading major food industry brands, ultimately landing at the helm of Crumbl. She reveals the complex operational challenges behind Crumbl's weekly rotating menu, the role of technology in scaling innovation, and how the company's mission to bring friends and family together drives every decision. The conversation offers valuable insights into balancing rapid innovation with operational excellence while maintaining a culture that thrives on constant change. [00:01 - 5:00] From Tech to Treats: An Unexpected Journey Transitioned from technology consulting to food industry through Burger King Found passion in seeing entire business cycle play out in single day Embraced continuous learning and new challenges [05:01 - 10:26] The Art of Weekly Innovation at Scale Manages rotating menu across 1,200+ locations weekly Implements precise training systems for consistent execution Balances innovation with operational complexity [10:27 - 15:45] Technology as the Innovation Backbone Built proprietary POS system from ground up Leverages tech for seamless menu rotation and training Applies AB testing principles to product development [15:46 - 21:17] Evolution Beyond Cookies Expanding from Crumbl Cookies to simply "Crumbl" Partnering with celebrities like Jimmy Fallon Focusing on creating meaningful moments for customers [21:18 - 27:50] Leadership in a Fast-Paced Innovation Culture Cultivating adaptable team members who thrive on change Balancing relationships with results Emphasizing action as the key to innovation Quotes: "It's all about the people that you have and the actions that you take every day to ensure that your people know how much you care about them." - Grace Chadwick "With innovation, you won't know anything until you try. It is all about the action..." - Grace Chadwick Connect with Grace: Website: https://crumblcookies.com/index.html LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracielachadwick LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    28 分鐘
  4. 2024/12/08

    36. The Best Robot Wins with Krystal Parker

    How can businesses prepare for an AI-driven future without losing the human touch? In this insightful episode, Natalie Born sits down with Krystal Parker, a former Fortune 200 executive and award-winning author of The Best Robot Wins. Krystal shares her remarkable journey from a small-town college dropout to a leader in the oil and gas industry, and now as a prominent figure in business consulting. They explore the evolving role of AI, balancing people and processes, and why adaptability is crucial for longevity. From sharing leadership lessons to discussing the future impact of AI on the workforce, Krystal's insights challenge businesses to innovate while maintaining a culture that values people. [00:01 - 06:29] From Temp to Executive: Krystal’s Journey Embrace the opportunities right in front of you Persistence and asking for growth lead to unexpected career advances Career shifts can open doors to leadership in unexpected ways [06:29 - 12:19] Writing "The Best Robot Wins" Effective leadership is a balance of people, processes, and systems Krystal emphasizes the importance of structure for efficient management The book's message is even more relevant in today’s AI-driven landscape [12:20 - 18:31] The Balance of People and Processes Overemphasis on either people or processes can hurt a company Aligning analytics and human elements creates a sustainable environment AI can aid, but not replace, the human touch in business operations [18:32 - 24:50] AI's Impact on Jobs and Customer Service AI is transforming industries, but human interaction remains essential Reskilling and upskilling employees are vital for long-term success Businesses need to adopt AI while fostering human engagement [24:51 - 29:31] Practical Steps for Companies and Individuals Companies should explore AI tools specific to their industry Identifying employees’ hidden skills can optimize productivity Individuals must stay proactive in learning to adapt to industry changes Quotes: “When people are in their right spots, working in their passion, innovation thrives.” - Krystal Parker "Personality is the first line of diversity in a company." - Krystal Parker  Connect with Krystal: Website: https://intentandimpact.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-parker-mba-65962475/  LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    30 分鐘
  5. 2024/10/27

    35. Innovative Products with Shannon Roddy

    What does it take to not only launch a product on Amazon but to actually protect and scale it in the ever-changing e-commerce world? In this episode, Natalie Born interviews Amazon expert Shannon Roddy. Shannon shares his journey from learning web design to becoming a trusted authority on Amazon brand success. He dives into the critical aspects of launching innovative products, creating demand, and defending against copycats. He highlights the importance of building a defensible brand and how to leverage influencers and video for impactful product launches. From launching his own marketplace seller course to being acquired by Avenue7Media, Shannon offers valuable insights on navigating the complexities of Amazon and succeeding in e-commerce. [00:01 - 06:49] A Journey from Web Design to Amazon Expertise Shannon's transition from web design to Amazon consulting The challenges of learning Amazon from scratch and building an online course The key to becoming an educator and explaining complex concepts clearly [06:50 - 12:27] Creating Demand Before Supply The importance of creating demand before launching a product Strategies for testing products with smaller audiences before going live on Amazon How customer feedback shapes product iterations [12:28 - 16:53] Protecting Your Brand from Copycats The rise of copycat products on Amazon How to build a defensible brand and product The role of patents, manufacturing barriers, and regulatory compliance in product protection [16:54 - 24:28] The Power of Branding and Customer Trust Building emotional connections with customers to foster brand loyalty Why people prefer brands they trust, even when cheaper alternatives exist The story of how brands became successful through innovation and customer insight [24:29 - 29:36] Influencers, Video, and Innovative Product Launches Leveraging video content and influencers to promote innovative products How influencers help reach target audiences and build trust in new brands The viral success of the Wisp product, driven by video marketing and influencers Quotes: “The best thing you can do is build brand equity and awareness. People have to love, know, and trust your brand.” - Shannon Roddy "You can't find the search volume for a product that doesn't exist; you have to create demand before you create supply." - Shannon Roddy Connect with Shannon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-roddy/ Website: https://avenue7media.com/ LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    30 分鐘
  6. 2024/10/13

    34.Tackling Global Challenges with Ed Fidoe

    What if the key to revolutionizing education lies in interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving? In this episode, host Natalie Born is joined by Ed Fidoe, the founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), an innovative institution tackling global issues like inequality, sustainability, ethics, and AI through an interdisciplinary curriculum. Ed shares his journey from co-founding a K-12 school focused on project-based learning to creating LIS, the first UK institution in decades with degree-awarding powers from inception. Together, they explore the changing landscape of education, the role of AI in academia, and the importance of developing communication skills. The conversation touches on Ed’s belief in solving real-world problems through education and the impact of interdisciplinary expertise on modern challenges. [00:01 - 05:14] From TV Shows to Education: Ed’s Journey Belief in possibilities began with acting Launched School 21 to focus on project-based learning Emphasized oracy to improve speaking skills [05:15 - 10:00] Project-Based Learning & Oracy Project-based learning can be powerful when done well Speaking skills are critical but often neglected Over 1,000 UK schools now focus on oracy [10:01 - 16:34] AI in Education at LIS Students must use and explain AI tools like ChatGPT AI improves student creativity and critical thinking Higher expectations for academic work with AI [16:35 - 22:44] Tackling Real-World Problems LIS organizes learning around real-world issues Students work with companies to solve global problems Prepares students for messy, real-life challenges [22:45 - 27:22] The Role of Interactional Expertise Interactional expertise bridges knowledge gaps Middle leaders benefit from understanding multiple fields Developing this expertise is essential for complex problem-solving Quotes:  “If we’re preparing students for the world of work, we must have them using the AI tools of the day. Otherwise, we’re setting them up to fail.” - Ed Fidoe "You need to show what you value if you want people to actually kind of work on it and commit time to it." - Ed Fidoe Connect with Ed: Website: https://www.lis.ac.uk/team/ed-fidoe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fidoe?originalSubdomain=uk LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    27 分鐘
  7. 2024/09/29

    33. The Generosity Mindset with John Ray

    How can shifting your mindset about pricing transform your business and unlock greater value for your clients? In this episode, John Ray dives into the challenges service providers face when it comes to pricing and value creation. They explore how a mindset shift can help professionals, from consultants to attorneys, understand and communicate their value better, avoid common pricing pitfalls, and confidently present their services. John shares insights from his book, The Generosity Mindset, explaining how generosity and value-based pricing can empower businesses to succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your pricing strategies, this episode is full of actionable advice. [00:01 - 05:29] Welcome and Introduction Introduction to John Ray and his work with service professionals John's expertise in pricing and business development Highlighting his national bestseller, The Generosity Mindset [05:30 - 10:15] Why Pricing is Often Misunderstood The scarcity of pricing education in business schools The common mindset issues around pricing for service providers The emotional barriers that prevent correct pricing decisions [10:16 - 15:48] The Generosity Mindset and Its Impact on Pricing The "Mother Teresa syndrome" and its negative impact on business The importance of focusing on the value to clients Understanding and aligning client perceptions of value [15:49 - 20:33] Redefining Value Beyond Tangible Deliverables Differentiating between tangible and intangible value The ripple effect of the value created for clients Encouraging clients to dream bigger with their savings and profits [20:34 - 26:57] Self-Confidence as a Key to Business Success The connection between self-confidence and successful business negotiations How to bring clients along in the pricing journey Understanding that pricing is a marketing signal for value Quotes: "You create more value than you believe yourself." - John Ray "If you price too low, you’re signaling inferiority, even if the quality of your work says otherwise." - John Ray Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnray1 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Generosity-Mindset-Journey-Business-Confidence-ebook/dp/B0CPJZBHC2 LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    27 分鐘
  8. 2024/09/15

    32. A Culture of Innovation with Robyn Bolton

    How can leaders foster innovation even in challenging economic times? In this illuminating episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Robyn Bolton, founder and chief navigator at MileZero. Bolton shares insights from her extensive experience at companies like P&G and BCG, offering practical advice on structuring innovation within organizations and empowering employees to contribute meaningfully. The conversation touches on the importance of leadership in driving innovation, strategies for maintaining innovation during economic downturns, and the delicate balance between operational excellence and breakthrough thinking. Robyn M. Bolton is the founder and Chief Navigator of MileZero, a consultancy dedicated to helping medium and large companies drive revenue growth through innovation. With a rich background spanning Procter & Gamble, Boston Consulting Group, and Innosight, Bolton brings a unique blend of expertise to her clients. Her approach emphasizes flexibility, focus, humility, and humor, combining proven frameworks with practical, collaborative strategies. Bolton's mission is to unlock business potential, deliver tangible results, and build lasting innovation capabilities within organizations, all while maintaining high standards of work and a commitment to impactful involvement. [00:00:00 - 00:05:59] The Innovation Imperative: Navigating Corporate Challenges 1. Innovation is often a leadership problem, not an idea problem. 2. Short-term incentives can hinder long-term innovation efforts. 3. Brave leaders are needed to invest in innovation for future viability. [00:06:00 - 00:10:59] Weathering the Storm: Innovation During Economic Uncertainty 1. Economic downturns can be opportunities to double down on innovation. 2. Focus on innovations that align with current strategies and priorities. 3. Engaging in innovation can boost team morale during challenging times. [00:11:00 - 00:15:59] Ownership and Integration: Making Innovation Work 1. Different types of innovation require different ownership models. 2. Bridging the gap between innovation teams and core business is crucial. 3. CEO ownership of innovation is vital for organizational buy-in. [00:16:00 - 00:20:59] From Ideation to Implementation: Structuring Innovation Processes 1. Provide a focus for innovation efforts tied to organizational strategy. 2. Require detailed rationales and plans for innovative ideas. 3. Always provide specific feedback on submitted ideas to encourage improvement. [00:21:00 - 00:25:00] Looking Ahead: The Future of Corporate Innovation 1. Economic pressures may spark a renewed focus on innovation. 2. Leadership behaviors and organizational culture are critical for innovation success. 3. Encourage creative thinking balanced with critical analysis to unlock potential. Quotes: "Innovation is I always think of it as a means to an end and when you're in a company and you're innovating, that end has been defined by the company of, you know, what are its short term and long term goals." - Robyn Bolton "Be brave. When you make mistakes, admit it, because that actually gives your team a lot of courage and comfort to make mistakes themselves." - Robyn Bolton Connect with Robyn:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmbolton/ Website: https://www.milezero.io/about/ LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

    24 分鐘
    5
    (滿分 5 顆星)
    34 則評分

    簡介

    We exist to empower your innovation and leadership transformation journey. Collaboration, innovation, and transformation are not just concepts they are how business gets done.

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