Innovate Where You Are

Kristy Venne

Welcome to Innovate Where You Are—a podcast about real people creating meaningful change, often without permission, certainty, or a clear roadmap. I’m Kristy Venne, and each episode, I sit down with innovators from all walks of life and industries—leaders, educators, students, and entrepreneurs who are experimenting, learning, and building in real time. We talk about the real journey behind innovation—the doubts, the detours, the failures, and the ideas that made it worth continuing. You’ll hear what our guests are most proud of, what they’re working on next, and what they’ve learned along the way.

  1. Oct 5

    What Kids Need to Thrive with Steven Shapiro

    Kristy Venne talks with educator, experiential learning leader, and Our Family Culture co-founder Steven Shapiro about what young people need to thrive in school, at home, and beyond. Drawing on more than three decades in education, Steven shares how meaningful experiences help young people develop confidence, independence, and real-world skills. The conversation explores the hidden costs of over-scheduling, the importance of unstructured play, and how families can become more intentional about the culture they create. In this episode: Steven’s journey from uninspired student to experiential learning leaderWhy young people deserve meaningful work, respect, and a voiceSteven’s concerns about over-scheduling, competitive pressure, and youth mental healthWhat children learn through unstructured play, negotiation, and making their own decisionsThe connection between childhood experiences and the skills employers seekHow two students continued a community action project and changed a local curfew lawWhy culture starts with clarity about what mattersThe origins of Our Family Culture and its approach to parenting with purposeTurning values such as resilience and integrity into language children can useBuilding family habits through small, repeated conversations and actionsInviting older children to help shape family culture and hold adults accountableUsing a weekly family huddle to acknowledge one another, plan ahead, and reconnectWhy Steven believes young people need more agency, autonomy, and ownershipResources mentioned: Our Family Culture: A system for helping families identify shared priorities and practice them through everyday conversations and activities.Experience Matters with Steve Shapiro: Steven’s podcast exploring the experiences that shape learning and lives.Harold and Maude: The film Steven names as an influence on how he thinks about youth and living.Connect on LinkedIn: Steven Shapiro Kristy Venne Show Sponsors Early Lead: Workshops and individual career coaching for ages 16–24.Support Innovate Where You Are: Help support future podcast conversations through Buy Me a Coffee.

  2. Sep 15

    The Hidden Cost Of Convenience with Terry Gromes

    Kristy Venne talks with Terry Gromes Jr., founder and CEO of the Canary Project, about how technology shapes our habits, attention, relationships, and daily lives.Terry shares his journey from building industrial technology to helping families, schools, and communities develop healthier relationships with digital devices. This thoughtful conversation explores why technology itself is not the enemy—and why learning to use it with intention, discipline, and wisdom may be one of the most important skills of the digital age. In this episode Terry’s transition from industrial robotics to technology-awareness workThe personal experience that showed Terry how strongly social media habits can influence behaviorWhy the Canary Project is focused on balance rather than eliminating technologyHow smartphones have become tools we carry into every part of lifeThe comparison between smartphones and kitchen knives—and why powerful tools require boundariesWhat Cleveland’s first traffic light can teach us about adapting to disruptive technologyWhy every invention creates a “second invention” through rules, ethics, and social normsThe difference between learning how to operate technology and learning how to relate to itHow phones affect memory, boredom, curiosity, and self-controlWhy attention is a limited currency that cannot be recovered once spentWhy awareness, patience, discipline, and self-control can be more effective than restriction aloneHow families and communities can build healthier technology habits togetherWhy adults model technology behavior for children, whether they intend to or notThe benefits of putting your phone away before bed and after waking upHow to ask, “What am I here to do?” before unlocking your phoneThe relationship between artificial intelligence, creativity, and lived human experienceWhy innovation can include small human breakthroughs—not just new technology Resources mentioned The Canary ProjectModern Wisdom podcastDaily Stoic by Ryan HolidayJordan Peterson Connect with Terry Gromes, Jr. - LinkedIn Connect with Kristy Venne - LinkedIn Today’s episode sponsor is Early Lead Early Lead helps young people ages 16-24 build practical career skills, strengthen their professional presence and move toward their next opportunity with greater clarity and confidence. Learn more at www.classroom-to-career.com/early-lead

  3. Sep 2

    Turning Ideas into Impact with Dr. Heidi Coia

    Kristy Venne talks with Dr. Heidi Coia about the messy middle between research and commercialization - the years of uncertainty, funding pressure, policy shifts, leadership challenges, and decision making that turn a promising idea into something usable. They also dig into how scientists can grow into leaders, when to pivot or quit, and why humility and ownership matter in startups. In this episode: Dr. Heidi Coia shares how her career has moved across government-funded research, biotech startups, GMP manufacturing, academic partnerships, commercialization, and consultingThe conversation centers on the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact, and why bench science alone is rarely enough to reach customers or patientsHeidi explains why she intentionally built a broad skill set across science, business, leadership, software, and team management to stay ready for changing conditionsThey discuss the "trench" between idea and product, including the startup "valley of death," failed experiments, funding barriers, and policy delaysHeidi describes how environmental changes like COVID, market shifts, and regulations can completely reshape whether an innovation succeedsThe episode explores leadership in diverse teams, especially the importance of understanding that not everyone is motivated by the same goals or works from the same life circumstancesHeidi shares her rule of not asking others to do anything she would not do herself, especially in high-stakes environments like GMP manufacturing and clinical researchThey talk about how ego can help people start ambitious projects, but can also become a barrier when it turns into stubbornness or sunk cost thinkingHeidi emphasizes the ability to pivot, pause, or quit when the evidence says a path is not working, rather than treating quitting as failureA personal story about a startup shutdown, family stress, and a stolen car becomes a turning point that helped her separate her identity from her work and eventually build her consulting businessThe discussion closes with advice for technically brilliant people who want to move into leadership: do the uncomfortable things, build breadth, and develop yourself beyond one narrow specialtyHeidi also reflects on curiosity, ownership, and decision making under uncertainty, including how frameworks like poker thinking and risk management shape how she approaches work now Resources How I Built This — https://www.npr.org/series/490248027/how-i-built-thisAnnie Duke — Thinking in Bets https://www.annieduke.com/books/thinking-in-bets/Annie Duke — Quit https://www.annieduke.com/books/quit/Connect with Dr. Heidi Coia - LinkedInConnect with Kristy Venne - LinkedInIf you’d like to support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenneNominate a show guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16

  4. Aug 18

    Turning Difference into Purpose with Aaron Westbrook

    Aaron Westbrook shares how growing up with a limb difference shaped his confidence, problem solving, and commitment to creating better adaptive solutions. In this conversation, I trace his path from a curious student to the founder and CEO of Form5, with a focus on community, co-design, and leadership that puts lived experience at the center.We discuss how Form Five moved from one-off solutions to workshop-based innovation, why listening to people with limb differences changes everything, and how Aaron is thinking bigger about national impact, product scaling, and advocacy. Key topicsAaron’s early experience growing up in a two-handed world and how it made him a natural problem solverHow his parents helped him build confidence by role-playing responses and teaching self-advocacyWhy Aaron believes people with limb differences know best what solutions they needThe origin of Form5’s approach: starting with listening, not assumptionsHow community connection changed his perspective as a teenager and became the anchor for his missionThe Cofab workshop model, where people with limb differences co-design solutions alongside students, engineers, and mentorsHow Form5 grew from a high school senior project into a nonprofit that is preparing for its 10th anniversaryWhy Aaron sees the organization as bigger than prosthetics and now broader than limb difference aloneThe bike arm adapter story, including Jody’s goal of riding Pelotonia and how that experience helped shape Form Five’s growth strategyAaron’s leadership philosophy: learn like a junior, lead like a seniorHis 2018 advocacy work on regulatory reform in Ohio to include 3D printing in prosthetic assistive technology languageHow Form5 uses community events, committees, and mentorship to build an ecosystem around disability innovationResourcesCofabAlive with Five BlogMiles That Matter — Form5’s long-distance cycling fundraiser, if there’s a campaign or recap pageForbes 30 Under 30 Connect with Aaron Westbrook - LinkedInConnect with Kristy Venne - LinkedInIf you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenneKnow someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16

  5. Aug 5

    Young Leadership in Action with Rhea Ojah

    Discover how a young innovator like Rhea Ojah harnesses her creativity and resilience to make a meaningful impact. From founding a nonprofit to navigating personal loss, she shares insights on embracing failure, exploring diverse interests, and shaping a future rooted in service. Key topics  How Rhea views innovation as the intersection of creativity and community serviceThe founding of the NeuroNext Foundation and its role in community engagementThe importance of adaptability and exploring multiple interests in high schoolHow experiencing loss fostered emotional maturity and artistic expressionLessons learned from overcoming setbacks, such as academic challenges and personal lossThe empowering role of failure and resilience in personal growthThe influence of community service on understanding diverse human experiencesRhea’s vision for a future in biomedical engineering to improve global healthcare accessThe need to challenge societal stereotypes and promote curiosity and empathyPractical advice for young people to take initiative and make a difference regardless of ageResourceshttps://neuronextfoundation.org/about/Rhea’s award winning artwork of her grandmother “Fear of Goodbye”Connect with Rhea Ojah - LinkedInConnect with Kristy Venne - LinkedInIf you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenneKnow someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16

  6. Jul 10

    Workplace Well-being with Dr. Christine Fonner

    Explore the critical aspects of healthy leadership, organizational culture, and fostering authenticity in workplaces. Dr. Christine Fonner shares insights from her extensive research on toxic leadership, radical care, and the importance of emotional intelligence, emphasizing how these elements can build more resilient, safe, and innovative environments. Main Topics Covered: The prevalence and impact of toxic leadership, especially on womenThe concept of radical care and its role in effective leadershipHow decision-making rooted in love versus fear affects organizational healthCultivating psychological safety and trust in teamsPractical strategies for giving and receiving constructive feedbackThe influence of workplace culture on innovation and performanceLeadership practices to combat toxicity and promote accountabilityThe importance of integrating emotional and holistic approaches to leadershipEarly warning signs of eroding team cultureOne habit organizational leaders should immediately stop In this episode: Dr. Fonner discusses her research findings that women in leadership face 65% more toxic experiences and how organizations can address this.The idea of radical care: caring authentically while holding people accountable for high performance.How fear-driven decisions undermine workplace safety and innovation.Costco’s example of how employee feedback led to tangible cost savings through small innovations.Tools and frameworks for fostering honest, respectful feedback, including the “Think” model.The challenges of holding leaders accountable without falling into retaliatory or dismissive behaviors.Practical approaches leaders can adopt to nurture their team’s growth while managing inevitable conflicts.The significance of leadership style diversity and cultural shifts towards more compassionate, holistic leadership models. Resources & Links: Demon Haunted World by Carl SaganLast Child in the Woods by Richard LouvThe Fellowship: Dr. Christine Fonner Connect with featured guest, Dr. Christine Fonner, on LinkedIn Connect with host, Kristy Venne, on LinkedIn

  7. Jun 24

    Unlocking the Power of Effective Communication with Dr. Jenny Rankin

    In this episode of Innovate Where You Are, Dr. Jenny Rankin shares her insights on communication strategies, the importance of listening, data storytelling, and embracing vulnerability to foster trust and innovation. Whether you're an educator, leader, or entrepreneur, the lessons here are invaluable for making a meaningful impact. KEY TOPICS The non-linear journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing following passions and random experiences.The critical role of communication in leadership, including understanding psychology to influence others positively.Strategies to improve listening skills, such as asking questions, listening to understand, and using motivational interviewing techniques.The significance of data storytelling: simplifying, contextualizing, and embedding empathy when presenting data.The impact of ego and implicit bias in workplace innovation and ways to mitigate these barriers through self-awareness and diverse engagement.Practical advice on preparing for public speaking, including having a clear bio and managing nerves with organization.The importance of flexibility, feedback, and perseverance, especially when facing setbacks or rejection.How authenticity, humility, and making concessions enhance credibility and trust in communication.Tips for communicating across diverse audiences: customizing messages and using hierarchy-appropriate language.The power of intentional social media presence and visual tools like Canva to amplify your message. RESOURCES: Project Debater by IBMImplicit Association Test (IAT) by HarvardCanvaEgo is the Enemy by Ryan HolidayMistakes Were Made, But Not by Me by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson Connect with Dr. Jenny Rankin - LinkedIn Connect with Kristy Venne - LInkedIn If you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne Know someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16

  8. Jun 9

    Unlocking Creativity with Jason Blair

    Discover how creativity can transform education, community, and personal growth through the inspiring insights of educator Jason Blair. From childhood realizations to systemic changes, this episode explores how nurturing creative confidence can lead to more meaningful learning and living. In this episode: Jason shares the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of creativity as a way of being.The importance of environment and relationships in fostering creative potential.How boredom and distraction hinder creative development—and how to combat them.The impact of societal efficiency demands on originality and imagination.Practical ways to cultivate creative confidence, including feedback phrases and structured processes like design thinking.The vital role of arts—and their marginalization—in a holistic education system.Examples from "Agents of Change" and other initiatives promoting student agency.The rise of third spaces for social connection and their influence on creativity.The relationship between emotional expression and problem-solving.Future challenges and opportunities with AI, neurodiversity, and integrated learning. Resources & Links: The Creative Act by Rick RubinDeeper Learning in Schools — Joel Mehta & Sarah FineIDEO’s Design Thinking ResourcesAgents of Change  Connect with Jason Blair: LinkedIn Connect with Kristy Venne - LInkedIn If you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne Know someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16

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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Innovate Where You Are—a podcast about real people creating meaningful change, often without permission, certainty, or a clear roadmap. I’m Kristy Venne, and each episode, I sit down with innovators from all walks of life and industries—leaders, educators, students, and entrepreneurs who are experimenting, learning, and building in real time. We talk about the real journey behind innovation—the doubts, the detours, the failures, and the ideas that made it worth continuing. You’ll hear what our guests are most proud of, what they’re working on next, and what they’ve learned along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristy Venne
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kristy Venne
  • Show Website
    Innovate Where You Are

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