Who’s an Innovator?

Dean and I were out for a walk yesterday, talking about the launch of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft . We couldn’t help but come back to one key thought: a lot of people won’t believe this book is for them. They don’t see themselves as “innovators.”

We disagree.

In our view, we’re all innovators. Look around—there’s proof everywhere that people are creating value in all kinds of ways. But maybe that’s not enough for some. Maybe it feels like “other people innovate” and you "just execute." So let’s get to the core of what innovation actually means.

What is an innovator?

Simply put, innovation is value creation. So, an innovator is anyone who creates value for others.

Does it have to be “for others”? We think it does.

We open our book with a favorite quote from Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine. Diesel shares his perspective on the differences between ideation, invention, and innovation. He describes innovation as “... a time of struggle against stupidity and envy, apathy and evil, secret opposition, and open conflicts of interest. The horrible period of struggle with man, a martyrdom even if success ensues.”

In a nutshell, innovation is what happens when an invention collides with reality and sticks around to create value. If we can agree on that, let’s revisit the question: Are you an innovator?

If you’re creating value, you’re innovating

Let’s make it practical.

• If you’re a developer writing code that contributes to a bigger product that others use, you’re innovating.
• If you’re a marketer finding ways to make a product stand out so it’s found, bought, and used—yep, you’re innovating.
• If you’re leading sustainability efforts, using collaboration and fresh thinking to create lasting value for both the environment and the organization, you're innovating.
• If you’re on the frontlines of customer support, helping people get the most out of a product or service, you’re creating value—and innovating too.

Of course, some people work in the early phases of innovation—the “nothing to something” phase. This is the part where there’s a blank page, an idea, and Diesel’s “happy period of creative work” that’s still far from reality. But unless people bring that idea to life in the market and help others realize its value, it remains “just a cool idea"—how Julia Liuson , President of Microsoft Developer Division, aptly put it in the book.

So, before you decide that you’re not an innovator—or that this book isn’t for you—ask yourself: In any part of your life, are you creating value for others?

And remember, value isn’t just about money. It can mean joy, learning, efficiency, or anything people care about. So, give yourself credit. Are you creating value in some way? Odds are the answer is yes.

A Book for Everyday Innovators

If you’re already creating value, our book is just the tool you need to amplify it. We've packed it with insights, stories, and strategies from Microsoft’s journey, making this a practical guide for anyone ready to innovate more and better.

And here’s the best part: all proceeds go toward supporting STEAM education for the next generation of innovators.

Pre-order your copy today and join us in empowering ourselves and tomorrow’s innovators. Let’s inspire more people to see their own contributions—and build on them in new ways!

Learn more and join our free Insider's community at InnovationAtMicrosoft.com

Find the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or buy in bulk (and at a discount) at Bulk Books.

#STEAM #BookLaunch #Innovation #Microsoft Dean Carignan Debra Englander Ethan Drigotas Kemi Johel, PE Teri Sun