Council on Innovation 2023: How might we lead from where we are?

Last week’s Council on Innovation (COI) event was an opportunity for Mount Vernon students, faculty, and esteemed industry leaders to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on critical issues related to the future of leadership. This year's event welcomed executives representing Fortune 50 companies, including heavyweights like Coca-Cola and Mercedes Benz, as well as leading tech companies, consultants, organizational psychologists, and non-profit leaders. The day began with introductions from 19 leaders across various sectors, setting the stage for insightful discussions and collaborative working sessions. Origin and Purpose of COI Initiated by Mount Vernon Ventures, the COI aims to blend external executive expertise with the school's educational goals, focusing on inquiry, innovation, and impact. Past events have led to practical applications like 'reverse mentoring' in the school's Innovation Diploma program. The event, now in its seventh year, fosters collaboration and shares ideas on leadership's future. 2023 Highlights Dr. Brett Jacobsen discussed Mount Vernon's growth strategy, and the Mount Vernon Ventures team led a panel on organizational challenges, emphasizing hybrid work, multi-generational workforces, and emotional well-being. Using McKinsey’s article The State of Organizations?to kick off the interactive discussion among the panelists. Students actively participated, offering their perspectives and working alongside executives in a Design Thinking Flashlab to envision future leadership trends. Impact and Future Directions The event showcased intergenerational collaboration, with students and executives brainstorming and prototyping leadership ideas. With the exchange of ideas, the synergy of thought, and the commitment to innovation, the Council on Innovation event has proven its significance as a driving force in the ongoing dialogue about the evolving landscape of leadership. The future is in the hands of those who dare to envision it, and COI 2023 has set the stage for a brighter, more innovative, and inclusive future of leadership. Here’s what the students had to say

“Most of the time I’ve been to the C-suites it has been to present, but it was fun to get to hear these leaders and executives speak and share ideas with us as equals.” ?- Stephan Yazvinski, iD Grade 12 ?

“I learned that executives at the top are not as intimidating as I thought.” ?- Herris Fentress, iD Grade 11 “It felt, not only like we were part of the Council on Innovation but like we saw eye-to-eye with all of these executives and they were interested in OUR ideas.” - Locke Dimmock, iD Grade 12

Stay tuned for Mount Vernon Ventures next upcoming R&D report, which will offer further insights into the evolving landscape of leadership, highlighting COI 2023's role in shaping a more innovative and inclusive leadership future.