Innovation is often seen as the domain of tech giants and industry disruptors, but what about small and medium-sized enterprises? Are they at a disadvantage, or do they have unique opportunities to innovate faster than their larger competitors?

Bruce Vojak, founder of Breakthrough Innovation Advisors and author of No Excuses Innovation, joins the podcast to discuss why mature businesses struggle with innovation, the fears that hold them back, and the simple, low-cost steps they can take to start thinking differently. He breaks down the myths surrounding innovation and provides practical insights for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.

[00:01 - 05:48] The Innovation Struggle for Small Businesses

• Why mature enterprises often avoid innovation
• Understanding the S-curve and business growth cycles
• The danger of focusing only on efficiency instead of renewal

[05:49 - 10:33] The Three Barriers to Innovation

• Expertise gaps in mature companies
• Financial mindsets that resist risk-taking
• The role of fear in preventing new ideas

[10:34 - 15:24] Culture as the Key to Innovation

• How company culture can either unlock or stifle innovation
• The balance between empowerment and accountability
• Lessons from Hewlett-Packard’s Medal of Defiance

[15:25 - 20:00] Innovation Without Big Budgets

• Why innovation doesn’t have to be expensive
• Small but effective ways to start innovating today
• The power of listening to customers for ideas

[20:01 - 24:12] Practical Takeaways for Business Leaders

• Looking for patterns in customer behavior
• Turning small workarounds into real innovations
• The importance of a discovery mindset in leadership

"A lot of companies excel at streamlining operations, but few have the expertise to truly renew their business." – Bruce Vojak

"Innovation doesn’t have to be a massive initiative. It starts with asking the right questions and listening to your customers." – Bruce Vojak

Connect with Bruce:

Website: https://www.breakthrough-innovation-advisors.com/bruce-vojak/

LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bvojak



LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

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Are you building a personal brand that attracts opportunities, or are you hiding behind your title on LinkedIn?

In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie speaks with branding expert and serial entrepreneur Brandon Lee about the power of reputation in driving business success. Brandon shares insights from his decades of experience in personal branding, content marketing, and sales. He challenges leaders to step out of obscurity, leverage platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and build meaningful connections that create revenue opportunities.

[00:01 - 07:26] From Employee to Entrepreneur

• Brandon’s journey from being an unsatisfied employee to launching multiple businesses

• The excitement of startup culture and embracing uncertainty

• Learning the power of personal branding before it had a name

[07:27 - 14:38] The LinkedIn Networking Mistake Most People Make

• Why people treat LinkedIn differently than in-person networking events

• The dangers of “pitch-slapping” connections

• How traditional sales tactics are failing in a digital-first world

[14:39 - 21:53] Relationship-First Selling in a Digital World

• Why personal branding is essential for sales and leadership

• How posting valuable content creates trust before a sales conversation

• The power of authenticity in networking

[21:54 - 28:30] Why CEOs Need to Show Up on LinkedIn

• The impact of a CEO’s presence on business growth

• How executives can effectively use LinkedIn without feeling overwhelmed

• Lessons from iconic leaders like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk

[28:31 - 33:47] Practical Steps to Overcome Posting Fear

• How to ease into content creation without overthinking

• The benefits of live shows and podcasts for thought leadership

• Why consistency is more important than perfection

Quotes:

"Everything for me has always been relationship first, business second." - Brandon Lee

"You only fist bump people you have a connection with, but you'll shake hands with anybody." - Brandon Lee

Connect with Brandon:

Website: https://getfistbumps.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonleedigital

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

What does it take to lead innovation at one of America's fastest-growing dessert brands, rotating an entirely new menu weekly across 1,200+ locations?

In this illuminating episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Grace Chadwick, COO of Crumbl. Grace shares her fascinating journey from technology consulting to leading major food industry brands, ultimately landing at the helm of Crumbl. She reveals the complex operational challenges behind Crumbl's weekly rotating menu, the role of technology in scaling innovation, and how the company's mission to bring friends and family together drives every decision. The conversation offers valuable insights into balancing rapid innovation with operational excellence while maintaining a culture that thrives on constant change.

[00:01 - 5:00] From Tech to Treats: An Unexpected Journey

Transitioned from technology consulting to food industry through Burger King

Found passion in seeing entire business cycle play out in single day

Embraced continuous learning and new challenges

[05:01 - 10:26] The Art of Weekly Innovation at Scale

Manages rotating menu across 1,200+ locations weekly

Implements precise training systems for consistent execution

Balances innovation with operational complexity

[10:27 - 15:45] Technology as the Innovation Backbone

Built proprietary POS system from ground up

Leverages tech for seamless menu rotation and training

Applies AB testing principles to product development

[15:46 - 21:17] Evolution Beyond Cookies

Expanding from Crumbl Cookies to simply "Crumbl"

Partnering with celebrities like Jimmy Fallon

Focusing on creating meaningful moments for customers

[21:18 - 27:50] Leadership in a Fast-Paced Innovation Culture

Cultivating adaptable team members who thrive on change

Balancing relationships with results

Emphasizing action as the key to innovation

Quotes:

"It's all about the people that you have and the actions that you take every day to ensure that your people know how much you care about them." - Grace Chadwick

"With innovation, you won't know anything until you try. It is all about the action..." - Grace Chadwick

Connect with Grace:

Website: https://crumblcookies.com/index.html

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracielachadwick

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!