What is Innovation?

Hosted by Jared Simmons

Business Careers EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

142

Latest episode

Jul 2025

Language

About the show

Conversations with innovation experts and practitioners about what innovation is and how we can all get better at it.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 31, 202427 min

Innovation is when solving a problem creates value :: Joia Spooner - Fleming

In a world where the term 'innovation' risks becoming a buzzword, understanding its true essence is crucial. Joia Spooner-Fleming, a seasoned innovation executive with a decades-long track record of developing people and products at Procter & Gamble, joins the show to discuss what innovation looks like in practice. Throughout the process of transforming ideas into value, it's critical to distinguish invention from innovation. Joia emphasizes that true innovation requires a solution that is not only novel but also significantly improves upon existing alternatives. ------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 0:00 - Intro 0:57 - What is Innovation? 2:48 - Market's Feedback Loop 4:53 - Decision Making Process 6:18 - What isn't innovation? 8:11 - Human Curiosity and Solution 9:41 - Organizational Innovation 10:32 - Holistic Innovation Strategy 14:43 - Sustainability Innovation 17:31 - Innovation in Life 25:00 - Advice to Innovators ------------------------------------------------------------ Joia Spooner-Fleming is an innovation executive and independent consultant, after a 22 year successful career with P&G. Most recently she was R&D VP for Gillette. Joia has a proven track record of transformational innovation leadership and results. She is adept at partnering with leaders across the business to build unified strategies that capitalize on emerging trends and grow brands. Joia excels at building innovation organizations. She holds a chemical engineering degree from MIT. Outside her professional life, Joia is a voracious reader, devoted mother of two children, and loves walking with her dog. More about our guest: Joia Spooner-Fleming OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

November 16, 202332 min

Innovation is revolutionary change :: Doug Patton

🎙️ This week’s “What is Innovation?” episode brings us an engaging conversation with Doug Patton, renowned inventor and author. Listen in as Doug expands on his simple definition of innovation—revolutionary change—and its connection with an inspiring environment. He highlights passion as the essential spark of innovation and discusses how cultivating the right atmosphere contributes to the creative process. More about our guest: Doug Patton is a consummate inventor whose work has spanned over four decades, his efforts generating products in over 20 markets ranging from biomedical equipment to fragrance. He has garnered over 200 patents and design awards in having innovated for companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, and Bausch + Lomb. Patton Design, his company, currently serves as the genesis of many products sold worldwide. He consulted with the USPTO as part of the Patent Public Advisory Committee and was the featured inventor in Simon Cowell’s American Inventor on ABC. His affinity for innovation led to his books Conquering the Chaos of Creativity , released in 2021, and Inspirations of Creativity , released in April 2023. Know more about him here: Doug Patton Company: Patton Design ------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - What is Innovation? 1:36 - Defining "revolutionary" 3:38 - Innovation and the environment of inspiration 5:45 - Book chapter: Incredible sensitivity of creative power 7:24 - Spark of Innovation: Passion 10:52 - Book: Conquering the chaos of creativity 18:23 - An environment of fun and the essence of listening 27:53 - Advice to innovators and change makers -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

March 3, 202135 min

Innovation is doing new things with confidence :: Jeff Wiguna

Jeff Wiguna, Co-Founder of Kuju Coffee, describes how confidence and bravery boost innovation in music and business. More about our guest: Prior to brewing up Kuju, Jeff was sales & marketing director at Good Paper, a fair trade consumer goods company, where he led a turnaround from declining sales to national distribution at Whole Foods Market. Jeff is passionate about building brands that have a scaled and relevant impact on the world. His favorite Kuju? "I love all of them, literally. But if I had to pick - Single Origin Papua New Guinea on the daily and Bold Awakening for when I need a real pick me up." His favorite brew: Single Origin Papua New Guinea His favorite place to indulge in it: Anywhere with a view. ------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 1:50 - What Is Innovation 3:40 - Target in itself 5:20 - Overplaying in Music and Business 6:02 - Trying to impress 6:19 - Adding bravery and sense of humanity 6:44 - Destructive products 8:00 - Bill Evans' intentionality and building on 9:12 - Human temptation of trying to impress 9:32 - Making connections than impressions 9:40 - Impression by definition 9:54 - Jazz Improv 11:09 - Human nature: impressing and 'woodshedding' 11:53 - Leading with a hard part as a business 12:34 - "Are we connecting with what we wanted to do in the beginning?" 13:07 - Focusing on Brand Message 13:44 - Cap table and institutional fundings 14:09 - Staying true and building on as a VC 15:00 - Bravery: connotation of positive ends 20:12 - Innovation is a form of change 22:07 - Innovation like a jazz solo 29:23 - Art of listening 30:00 - Staying true to form 32:51 - What is not innovation 33:37 - Advice to Future Innovators -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

April 29, 2025Episode 13629 min

Innovation is getting "unattached" to outcomes :: David Greer

What if innovation isn't about having the best idea — but about letting go of the need to be right? In this episode, Jared Simmons talks with entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator David Greer about the power of thinking differently and acting differently. They explore the critical role belief systems, fear of success, and perfectionism play in holding back innovation — and why real innovators treat life like an ongoing experiment. If you're an entrepreneur, executive, or innovator stuck between ideas and action, this conversation offers simple, powerful ways to move forward. About David Greer: David Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author of Wind In Your Sails , and a catalyst for business transformation. He specializes in working with entrepreneurs facing challenges — offering coaching rooted in action, growth, and personal transformation. Episode Guide: 00:00 — Introduction: Meet David Greer 01:10 — Innovation is any new way of thinking or doing 03:19 — Innovating through business processes 07:42 — Show, don’t tell: Why demonstrations matter 10:55 — The hidden beliefs that block innovation 13:00 — Why failure is part of real innovation 15:15 — Getting unattached to the outcome 18:21 — Efficiency culture vs. creativity culture 21:32 — How environment fuels or stifles innovation 23:44 — Learning from different industries 24:41 — Finding simple solutions to complex problems 26:38 — Advice for innovators: Take one step this week 28:40 — How to connect with David Greer More about David David J. Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author, andfacilitator. He is the catalyst who gets you to fully live your dreams now. Spend one hour reading his book Wind In Your Sails, attend a one hour talk with him, or get one hour of 1-to-1 coaching and you will have 3 concrete action items that will shift and accelerate your business within 90 days. David specializes in working with entrepreneurs challenged with alcoholism or addiction. He and his wife Karalee are committed to each other and their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with. They live in Vancouver, Canada. About the Host: Jared Simmons is the founder of OUTLAST Consulting and the host of What is Innovation? After building a career at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and The Coca-Cola Company, Jared now helps organizations and individuals unlock their potential through innovation and intentional action. He’s passionate about making innovation practical, personal, and accessible — whatever that means for you.

October 12, 202329 min

Innovation is bringing an open mind to the right problem :: Paul McEnroe

Paul V. McEnroe, the engineer behind the ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode. Paul’s definition centers around an open mind, technical capability, and teamwork. Hear the fascinating story of how the barcode transformed the retail category from the man who was there from the beginning and his advice on the value of patience, returning favors, and how we all can leave a lasting impact in the world of innovation. More about our guest: Paul McEnroe is best known for his primary role in developing the Universal Product Code (UPC) , the barcode used on every product in supermarkets and the retail industry, and the scanners that read them. In 1974 he received the IBM SCD President’s Award for the development of the Supermarket System including the Barcode “. . . from inception through shipment.” He was co-inventor of the handheld “pistol-grip” scanner that reads barcodes from a distance, developed the magnetic code for stock keeping unit (SKU) marking, and later managed the development of the Token Ring Local Area Network (LAN). In 1984 McEnroe became president of Trilogy Systems Corporation and developed other multi-chip technologies. Know more about her and her company here: Paul V. McEnroe (CalState) Book: The Barcode: How a Team Created One of the World's Most Ubiquitous Technologies ------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 0:00 - Intro 0:48 - What is Innovation? 2:07 - Importance of bridging an open mind and the elements of science and technology 3:20 - Modern education and innovation 4:44 - Importance of teamwork 5:39 - What we now know as "barcode": the Universal Product Code (UPC) 7:50 - IBM's role in the creation of UPC and NCRs 11:13 - Working on Magnetic Strips for transit systems 12:34 - The Store Loop and Token Ring 14:52 - IBM, funding, problem-solving, and barcode scanning 20:42 - Gene Amdahl and IBM System 360 22:26 - Winchester Technology: The floppy disk 23:44 - Patience and returning favors 25:39 - Advice for Innovators and leaving impact -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

October 19, 202234 min

Innovation is a purpose mindset for self, work, and community :: Dr. Akhtar Badshah

Dr. Akhtar Badshah is Chief Catalyst at Catalytic Innovators Group , where he advises organizations and individuals to catalyze their strategy focused on social and philanthropic investments. In this episode, they discuss his purpose mindset view of innovation: self, community, and work. This episode also unpacks his five principles of a purpose mindset. More about our guest: Dr. Akhtar Badshah also conducts Purpose Mindset Leadership Workshops with organizations to help individuals articulate their strengths and values, and craft their purpose statement. A seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in international development, managing a corporate philanthropic program and co-founding a global nonprofit for social enterprise, Dr. Badshah led Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts for ten years, where he administered the company's community investment and employee contributions. He was instrumental in launching both Unlimited Potential and Youth Spark, the company’s focus to bring digital technology to underserved communities and youth all over the world. Dr. Badshah serves on the boards of Microsoft Alumni Network, Global Washington, Restart Partners and The Indus Entrepreneurs, Seattle Chapter. A Distinguished Practitioner at the University of Washington at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, the Business School, at the Bothell campus, and a faculty advisor at the START Center in the Department of Global Health, he is the founder and curator of the University’s Accelerating Social Transformation program, a mid-career professional development certificate course on social impact. In May 2020, Dr. Badshah and his colleagues launched Restart Partners, funded by the Department of Commerce, WA State, and supported by Facebook to increase confidence in mask adoption and vaccines with the goal of helping to restart the economy. He is an accomplished artist, a doctoral graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and author of the 2020 release, Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World (HarperCollins Leadership). Dr. Badshah and his family are very active philanthropists in the Seattle area. ------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 2:09 - What is Innovation? 4:07 - Trinity: Sales, Community, and Work 6:04 - Capitalist Societal Environment 6:54 - Unfolding from Capitalism: Questioning and Recognizing 'Meaning' 10:25 - The Purpose Gap: reducing tension and friction 12:25 - Deriving value and purpose in life journey 14:16 - Purpose alignment 16:05 - What Catalytic Innovators Group works on 17:00 client stories: corneal transplant 20:02 - Five principles of purpose mindset: work from your strengths 20:58 - 2nd principle: Lens of Abundance 22:33: 3rd: focus on the effectiveness vs efficiency 24:03 - Working with formerly incarcerated people 26:09 - Scalability and feasibility of working with formerly incarcerated people 28:46 - Advice for innovators / movement starters -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

May 26, 202233 min

Innovation is daring to say, "Is this really working?" :: Geneva Pritchard

Geneva Pritchard, Move92' s Executive Director, curates relationships between grant makers (donors) and grassroots organizations around the world in a way that is rooted in the core philosophies of trust-based philanthropy. More about our guest: Relationship-building is at the center of everything Geneva does. Her devotion to connecting real people to real solutions has been the heartbeat of her work for her entire career. Having worked for large NGOs and grassroots organizations for nearly 20 years, Geneva knows the subtle landscapes of both. Her broad experience includes being involved in water and sanitation programs with CARE International in Nicaragua, drug-resistant malaria solutions among migrant communities, vocational incentive projects for people living with HIV, innovative education systems for mobile populations on the Thailand/Myanmar border, and diabetic retinopathy among marginalized populations with The Fred Hollows Foundation in Nepal and the Pacific Islands. Geneva holds a degree in International Studies from Seattle University, and a Master’s in Public Health from Thammasat University in Bangkok. When she isn't on zoom calls with extraordinary grassroots leaders around the world, you will find her training for a wild adventure race on the trails of Christchurch, New Zealand (or adventuring with her husband and 4 and 6 year old daughters). ------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 1:36 - What is Innovation? 2:04 - What makes it courageous? 3:35 - Provoking the thought 4:50 - Difference on the ground vs main offices 8:15 - The Australian project 8:50 - Move92 and changing philanthropy 9:57 - Move92: bridging the philanthropist and local organizations 13:50 - Curating the process 16:15 - Core-values of Move92 18:12 - Being Agile and Move92's brief history 21:59 - Empowering the local leaders in Nepal 23:13 - The "Western lens" 25:08 - Female empowerment and leadership 27:23 - What isn't innovation? 30:56 - Advice to innovators ------------------------- Resources Mentioned: Companies/Institutions: Move92 The Fred Hollows Foundation -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

March 29, 202326 min

Innovation is the connection between choices, risk and trust :: Ahmad Thomas

Ahmad Thomas, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group , the region’s most dynamic business association. In this episode, he shares his view of innovation as paradigm-breaking ideas, and he discusses the impact of innovation on personal career growth. More about our guest: Ahmad Thomas, partners with the organization’s member companies to promote entrepreneurial solutions to strengthen Silicon Valley business competitiveness, bolster its innovation ecosystem, and create shared economic value throughout the greater Bay Area. A hallmark of his leadership is in catalyzing industry-leading initiatives to operationalize change around diversity, equity, and inclusion from the Boardroom to the C-suites and beyond. A former investment banker and senior Congressional aide, he brings nearly 20 years of experience working both in and on behalf of non-profit social enterprises, governments, and businesses, where he has honed a deep understanding of the essentiality of public-private partnerships and the intersection of equity, policy, and technology that drives Silicon Valley’s innovation infrastructure. Thomas holds a B.S. from Cornell University, Master’s degree from the London School of Economics, and M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. ------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 0:00 - Intro 1:50 - What is innovation? 3:13 - Professional background 4:34 - What isn't innovation? 5:38 - Paradigm breaking 8:41 - 2023, the year of grace 12:44 - High burnout work 16:37 - Innovation impact to personal career 18:41 - Progress in lived experience 23:43 - Advice to innovators ------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

December 9, 202141 min

Innovation is a collective sport :: Dr. Ann Kowal Smith

Dr. Ann Kowal Smith is Founder and Executive Director of Reflection Point , which facilitates story-based conversations in workplaces to foster inclusion and collaboration. Dr. Smith shares how creating environments outside of the framework of seniority creates ripples of empathy that drive lifelong learning. More about our guest: Dr. Ann Kowal Smith serves as Founder & Executive Director of Reflection Point. Reflection Point facilitates story-based conversations that deepen the quality of relationships and foster inclusion and collaboration at every level of the workplace. Ann has also served as Principal with Heidrick & Struggles International and Strategy Expert with McKinsey & Company. Prior to joining McKinsey, Ann practiced corporate and securities law in private and corporate settings. Ann earned her AB from Bryn Mawr College, her MA from the University of Michigan, and both her JD and DBA from Case Western Reserve University. Her dissertation examined organizational learning and innovation. ------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 0:00 - Intro 1:25 - What Is Innovation? 3:23 - Enabled by a Web of Social Networks 4:17 - The HUMAN social network 5:08 - Corporate ladders and disconnect 8:31 - Generalists vs Specialists 9:51 - Are we over-specializing? 10:56 - Establishing a common language: Specialists and Generalists 11:41 - What is Reflection Point? 16:22 - Technically inclined employees in Reflection Point environment 19:19 - Changing a leaders' comfort level of communication 23:51 - Empathy for people and not things 25:20 - Empathy: A driver 26:32 - Garnering insights through the years 28:03 - Reflection Point: The Origin 28:49 - Lifelong learning 32:22 - Hard and Soft Skills: Visible and Invisible 35:08 - Collective Sport: Immersive and Ongoing 37:17 - Effective Service: Iterative process 38:17 - Advice for Innovators -------------------------- Resources Mentioned: Book Mentioned: The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

March 13, 202430 min

Innovation is the practice of bringing new things to life :: Katrin Zimmerman

🎙️ Join us for this week's episode with Katrin Zimmerman, CEO of TLGG USA, on "What is Innovation?" Katrin shares her perspective on innovation types—evolutionary vs. revolutionary—and dives into innovation portfolios, values, and the delicate balance between investment and ROI. She also offers advice on navigating innovation cycles, confronting AI resistance, and applying innovation across various industries. What's the impact of 'today's money' on innovation? Considering their innovation portfolios and values, how should companies balance investment and ROI? -- Katrin launched TLGG’s New York office. As Managing Director, she is responsible for consulting services with global clients. At TLGG, Katrin has served and mentored clients on business strategy, digital transformation, marketing transformation and innovation up to the C-suite. Prior to joining TLGG, Katrin co-created the Lufthansa Innovation Hub (named as best digital lab by Capital Magazine in 2017 and 2018) with global responsibility for business innovation where she developed ventures in the services and mobility field from Seoul to Berlin. She has a deep knowledge of digital marketing and growth hacking techniques which enabled new ventures to scale quickly and incumbent players to strategically maximize their ROI. Know more about her here: Katrin Zimmermann Company: TTLG ------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Guide: 0:00 - Intro 0:49 - What is Innovation? 1:20 - Defining "New" 2:53 - Innovation portfolio and values: Investment vs ROI 4:33 - Innovation cycles and evolution 6:59 - Artificial Intelligence: resistance, fear, and legislation 9:57 - Nuclear power, AI, and GMO 13:04 - Innovation for cross functional teams and environments 15:22 - Innovation cycles in modern large organizations 18:50 - Innovation in different industries, consumer expectations, and Wall Street expectations 24:28 - Katrin's impact to companies 26:44 - Money and Innovation 28:08 - Advice to Innovators -------------------------- OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management