Is it time for Innovation to take the lead?

It’s time to disrupt the status quo—innovation is your only path forward.

Derek Sweeney, this is a great framework for leaders as they enable innovation in their orgs! What I wish more leaders understood is that there are so many very real invisible forces like fear, uncertainty, and doubt that create powerful undercurrents that if unaddressed slow or stall progress altogether. Leaders need to recognize when anxiety about AI is creating resistance, when fear of failure is blocking experimentation, or when uncertainty about the future is hampering adaptation. Being skilled at identifying and then practiced enough to address these emotional undercurrents isn't just helpful - it's critical for innovation. Leaders who master the ability to engage in these unseen dynamics are the ones who will have the advantage in creating environments where people feel safe enough to take risks and confident enough to experiment.

Derek, your post on innovation is a timely reminder to embrace change. I’d add that collaborative ecosystems—networks of companies, startups, academia, and even competitors—often drive the most groundbreaking advancements. Open-source platforms and industry consortia, for example, have accelerated progress in AI, renewable energy, and biotech. Innovation also requires cultural and structural adaptability. Companies that foster experimentation, like Google’s 20% time policy or Amazon’s “two-pizza teams,” empower creativity and ownership, leading to breakthroughs. Lastly, innovation must be sustainable. As we push boundaries, we must consider long-term environmental and societal impacts. Circular economy models and green tech show how innovation can align with ecological responsibility. Integrating sustainability into core strategies—through energy efficiency, waste reduction, or ethical sourcing—future-proofs businesses while contributing to a healthier planet. How can we better balance rapid innovation with sustainable practices? This intersection is where meaningful progress will thrive.

Great share, Derek! And I do believe the future of work is very human. Our interpersonal skills, ability to be adaptable and flexible, and collaboration can often times outpace the greatest of AI. I love Danielle’s point of openness to learning something new. And Garrison’s point about AI forgetting is brilliant. We have, and always will, drive innovation by creating psychologically secure atmospheres where all our teammates feel empowered to share way “outside the box” ideas. It could be the CEO or an intern that provides brilliant insight! I love this! ??

Great article and insights, Derek Sweeney. I would add that to embrace change and adapt quickly, you need to assess and understand your capacity for change. People think it's about risk tolerance, however, I believe it's about knowing your risk capacity.