In this episode, Tracy Owens, Lean Six Sigma and innovation expert at Ohio State, shares how hiring managers can use quality tools to accelerate onboarding and foster early innovation. He discusses balancing structured training with flexibility, adopting impactful onboarding tools, measuring success, and applying human-centered design to enhance the new hire experience. Tracy also highlights strategies for inclusivity and building cross-functional collaboration to nurture a systems-thinking mindset from day one. Practical insights for leaders aiming to create agile, engaged, and innovative teams.

In this episode, Mark Alarik, Continuous Improvement Project Strategist and Manager at GM Alarik, talks about the concept of systems thinking for driving innovation. Mark shares the foundational principles of systems thinking and explains how understanding the whole system—not just individual parts—can lead to more effective, future-ready solutions. He discusses how organizations can identify hidden constraints, unlock untapped value, and leverage cross-departmental collaboration for innovation. Mark also addresses the leadership mindset needed to remove systemic barriers and embrace transformation, especially during times of crisis. Drawing on over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, he highlights real-world examples and offers strategies for leaders to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

In this episode, Jackie Jolly, Senior Manager of E-Discovery Technology and Quality Management at Fox Rothschild LLP and Chair-Elect of the ASQ Innovation Division, dives into innovation in the legal sector. Jackie unpacks the critical differences between the practice of law and the business of law, discusses the current challenges facing the legal industry, and explores how innovation management principles can help address these issues. She also shares valuable insights about her experience working in the legal industry as an innovation professional and highlights opportunities for driving meaningful change.