From Second Place to Center Stage: Innovation Lessons from 2024

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Hey there, innovation champions!

 

Remember that old saying about how to make God laugh? 

Make plans.

 

Well, looking back at 2024, I can’t help but laugh at how my biggest breakthroughs came from saying “yes” to things that weren’t in my carefully crafted business plan.

 

Let me take you back to March. I’m standing “on stage” (my virtual stage at home) for the National Speakers Association/Northern California Chapter storytelling competition. I’ve just finished performing my story about overcoming the “not creative” lie, and I win second place.

 

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The first-place winner – instead of being a competitor – became a collaborator. One Zoom call led to another, and suddenly I found myself saying “yes” to opportunities I hadn’t even imagined at the start of the year.

 

This experience perfectly illustrates what I believe is the most powerful innovation lesson of 2024: Innovation isn’t just about saying “yes” to good ideas – it’s about saying “yes, and” to unexpected opportunities.

 

Think about it. In the tech world, we often get caught up in careful planning and strategic roadmaps. But some of the most powerful innovations come from embracing the unexpected.

 

Let me share three surprising ways this played out in my own journey this year:

 

1. Teaching Improv to Fourth & Fifth Graders

When I was offered the chance to teach improv to middle schoolers, my first thought was, “How does this fit into my business strategy?” But I said yes anyway.

 

What I discovered was revolutionary. These kids naturally embodied everything I try to teach tech leaders about innovation. They Play Hard without self-consciousness, Make Crap without fear, and Learn Fast without overthinking.

 

Watching them jump into creative challenges reminded me of an essential truth: We don’t need to teach people how to be creative – we need to help them unlearn what’s blocking their natural creativity.

 

2. From Ancient Art to Modern Innovation

Speaking of unexpected combinations, my final gig of the year involved teaching calligraphy at a corporate holiday event. Yes, you heard that right – this innovation consultant is a former professional artist/calligrapher (and teacher), and I broke out my penmanship skills!

 

But here’s the thing: In a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital tools, these ancient practices offer something uniquely valuable. They remind us that innovation isn’t just about technology – it’s about human connection and expression.

 

3. The Power of Cross-Pollination

Between filming my course on “Driving Change Through Impactful Communication” and developing new online learning content on preventing creative blocks (stay tuned!), I’ve seen firsthand how ideas from seemingly unrelated fields can spark breakthrough innovations.

 

This is what I call “reading the label from outside the jar” – sometimes you need to step completely outside your usual context to see fresh possibilities.

 

So what does this mean for you and your team as we head into 2025?

 

Here are three practical ways to apply these lessons:

 

1. Create “Yes, And” Spaces

Dedicate time in your team meetings for sharing ideas that seem “off-topic.” You never know which random connection might lead to your next breakthrough.

 

2. Value Diverse Skills

Look beyond traditional tech credentials. That team member’s hobby in woodworking or passion for poetry might offer exactly the fresh perspective you need.

 

3. Embrace Unexpected Combinations

Try combining practices from different fields. What might agile development learn from improvisational theater? How might ancient artistic practices inform modern innovation?

 

As we enter 2025, I challenge you to reflect: What unexpected opportunities are you saying “no” to? What seemingly irrelevant skills or interests might actually be your hidden innovation superpower?

 

Remember: The next big breakthrough might come from the last place you’d expect to look.

 

Stay curious, stay playful, and keep creating the impossible!

 

I’d love to hear from you. What unexpected skill or experience led to your biggest innovation breakthrough this year? Click here to share your story!

Senior Leaders: Ready to unlock unexpected innovation potential in your team? Let’s explore how we can help you Create the Impossible™ in 2025. Book your complimentary Innovation Strategy Session here.