The Superpower Project

Redefining Innovation

Blaise Hunter | Communications Expert

“Diversity is Innovation

Innovation is a popular term these days. It has become a cultural buzzword that its true meaning is misplaced in the noise of being a hustler. Most times being innovative relates to the tech industry or changing for change’s sake; but the definition of “innovation” is more about evolving into something or repositioning the core business of an organization that leads to growth. It’s like we have become stuck in a linear definition of innovation itself which is a contradiction of the very word.

The Superpower Project is about highlighting various challenges or “kryptonites” facing people and helping us neutralize their effect on us. A deadly kyrptonite facing us these days is we all buy into the idea of innovation but aren’t embodying the diversification of it. Being innovative seems to be the thing that we all love to hate. We know we need to do it, but we either resist it, struggle to define it, aren’t open to expand it, become safe in it, or don’t grasp how to fully measure its impact. We have head knowledge of why creative and revolutionary ideas are essential to sustainability and progress, but we are also creatures of habit. To be in the cutting-edge zone, one must take risks and that isn’t familiar or comfortable to us. Our hearts get the rush from the risk, and it knows where we need to go, but our heads get in the way. The logic side doesn’t want to take the

risk. It involves doing something new, making something new, or being something new. It takes us into uncharted territory and stretches us in a variety of ways. We love the concept but hate the process. Entrepreneurs live off telling stories of how they went all in to pursue an innovative idea. And bold policy makers are applauded for social change brought about by new ways of governing. But the standard in society is not that bold. We generally do what we’ve always done because it’s easy.

How do we marry the entrepreneurial spirit with the common mentality? Is there a way to manage the risks related with innovation in a way that is systematic and suitable to all of us? I’m addicted to change. I thrive on pushing myself in all facets of my life and yet I’ll admit, I still experience fear within it. The fear doesn’t make me less brave or revolutionary;

it just makes me honest. I have learned to co-exist with the anxiety of the unknown and the risks amongst my desire to go to new heights. There was a time though that the “what ifs” and risk factors kept me in the comfort zone. But we don’t grow there. I was the person that was innovative bet yet kept security close by. But now I’ve abandoned the safety net. I’ve realized even if the worst thing happens with the calculated risk, I’m still ok and I also learn valuable information. The risk is always worth it. I take on Nelson Mandela’s potent words, “Either you win, or you learn”. My blunders and missteps are more advantageous than anything. The intelligence I absorb from those lessons makes risk safe for me. Let’s multiply the meaning of innovation and challenge ourselves to diversify our creative portfolio in our businesses. This allows for the confidence to be able to survive, pivot, and progress. Innovation offers organizations four main gains:

and getting ahead of potential disruption

Be a visionary. Proactive not reactive. It doesn’t matter if you are a small business, a corporation, grassroots initiative, nonprofit, or a big conglomerate, being ahead of the curve is the linchpin to innovation. When done correctly, business modernization predicts where the market is going due to possible disruptors or changing trends and demands. Businesses use that information to make strategic moves and inspires personnel to be entrepreneurial. Those modifications can include building a concept comparable to what other companies are launching, buying it from others in the same space, or partnering with various groups and startups (known as the “buy, build, partner” model). Or piloting a new concept, partnering with an established entity that can help you launch it, and promoting it in a revolutionary way. This makes you the disruptor and a trailblazer of diversity.

2. Increased efficiency

Most business improvements and reform occur by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and creating pathways of sustainability and longevity. These alterations are timesavers and make it easier for a company to acclimatize to industry transitions with flexibility, which cushions against volatility and risk. Diversity expands the direction in which we can be innovative and then also creates room to pivot and succeed. The quicker we learn from the losses and market tendencies, the more resourceful and effective we become. Innovation Diversity generates efficiency.

Worker attraction and retention

In these times, people are seeking to work for values-driven, forwardthinking companies that they believe have a bright future. Top executives need to recognize that it’s not just on them to be innovative. It needs to be a topdown approach. Every worker no matter the role can play a major part in driving innovation, developing new skills, and bringing ideas to the table. Otherwise, leadership runs the risk of employees jumping ship. To become an innovation leader in today’s battle for talent, companies must be adaptable and consistently evolving to meet the changing needs of employees and future recruits. It’s one thing to hold team building exercises and inspirational conventions once a year, but it’s another to infuse a culture of creativity and out-ofthe-box thinking within the day-today operations. Everyone should feel encouraged to innovate. And programs and opportunities should pave the way for ground-

breaking ideas and collaborative problem solving. Management needs to foster a collaboration environment with safe spaces to try and test fresh ideas. The worker is craving empowerment. This is done with support, accommodation, and investing in upskilling. Flexibility options also can help maintain a healthy worklife balance and prevent burnout in all areas of the company. This is a successful formula that will magnetize people and preserve your business.

4. Brand perception

Consumers are more apt to buy from companies they perceive to be pioneering and socially aware. Being relevant means that your brand is modern, fluid, and in the know. The trick is to meld trustworthiness and stability with being current and possessing a growth mindset. A deeply rooted brand identity inspires staff and consumers as well as propels the success of the business. You can’t have innovation without a solid brand awareness. Refreshing your brand assets with an updated, contemporary edge can re-engage customers and help you stay relevant in our fast-paced world.

The working world is evolving, and our people need opportunities to grow in order to keep pace. Being a leader means providing the necessary means, resources, and pathways for innovation. This will help people lean into disruption and harness its superpower for a successful future. We must continually and consistently diversify how innovation is manifested.

I sometimes struggle with our world’s approach to innovation. How can we send people to outer space, develop technological advancements, push the limits in every realm, and yet we can’t invent a way to end hunger? We still don’t have equal pay. How can we develop new phone technology when there’s nothing that needs fixing? Don’t get me wrong, I applaud these inventions but what about the social issues that are so very broken? We need to diversify and put some major resources to these solvable matters. Let’s put our heads, hearts, and hands together to fuel the innovation of humanity. Be a multitasker innovator. Let’s expand the avenues in which we focus on and let’s revolutionize the world. Diverse ingenuity is our friend and not our foe. For more information about Blaise and her work visit www.blaisehunter.com.