INNOVATION NATION
Q&A with correspondent Alie Ward
The Henry Ford recently spent a little time with Alie Ward, correspondent extraordinaire on The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation TV series. With months of filming now on her resume, we asked her to share some of her favorite innovative moments and what she loves most about The Henry Ford. THF Magazine How did you become a part of the Innovation Nation team? Ward I was approached by executive producer Bryan Curb, who was familiar with my on-camera work and knew that I loved science. I was immediately thrilled about the prospect of being involved. After waiting a few very long weeks (read: excited, anxious) for contracts to be finalized, I got the call that they officially wanted me as a correspondent. When I hung up the phone, I squealed like a lunatic. THF Magazine Were you familiar with The Henry Ford prior to getting this assignment? Ward I was. My sister lived in Dearborn for 10 years, and I’d always wanted to visit. But, on the day our trip was planned, there was a huge freak storm. So I didn’t get to go and regretted it.
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june-december 2015
THF Magazine Now that you have visited The Henry Ford, what impresses you the most? Ward The Henry Ford has such a wonderful legacy of preserving and celebrating American history, culture and innovation. When I had a half-day tour of the museum and village, as well as a mind-blowing behind-the-scenes look at artifacts that aren’t on display, I loved seeing the slice-of-life American history that was laid out. I am also a rabid automotive enthusiast, so I adore the vehicle collection. THF Magazine You’ve got a number of Innovation Nation interviews under your belt. Any particular conversation, innovator that really impressed you? Ward Sara Volz (aka Algae Girl, Page 16), my first interview. She is just the brightest, most focused, passionate, articulate scientist I’ve ever met — and still in her teens. I admire her dedication, passion and commitment to science and biochemistry, and I can’t wait to see what she does with her studies at MIT,
DID YOU KNOW? / Alie Ward is a volunteer at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
financed in part with a $100,000 grant awarded to her for her research on algae as a biofuel. On a personal note: About six years ago, I had a secret list of things I really wanted to do in my life. One was to work on a TV show “that deals with science and learning and bugs and algae and travel and maybe kids.” For me to travel to Boston and interview a teenager ABOUT algae (so random) for my first Innovation shoot was just such a crazy coincidence/dream come true for me. THF Magazine Do you see common personality traits, characteristics, skills among the inventors/ innovators you have interviewed? Ward Persistence is absolutely essential to be successful as an innovator. Because you will fail. Many, many times. Failure is a huge part of success, and every single innovator we meet reiterates that. And persistence is usually fueled by a deep curiosity and commitment to the process, science or goal. These innovators eat, sleep and breathe their projects.
“The greatest lessons I’ve learned from interviewing innovators: 1) Chase what you love. 2) Stay curious and open to change. 3) Don’t give up when it gets hard.” — Alie Ward
VISIT
Abraham Lincoln’s rocking chair, JFK’s limousine and Rosa Parks’ bus in Henry Ford Museum — all artifacts that gave Alie Ward goose bumps when she first visited The Henry Ford.c