In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born continues the Set It On Fire: The Art of Innovation series by diving into Chapter 7: Failure: Innovation's Training Ground. Joined by Moriah Hidden, Natalie explores why failure is not the opposite of innovation, but a necessary part of the process.Together, they unpack the difference between failures and mistakes, the role of psychological safety in innovative cultures, how leaders can create environments where experimentation thrives, and why learning faster is often more valuable than being perfect. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders looking to build resilient teams that embrace risk, learn quickly, and continue moving innovation forward.

[00:00 – 04:12] Why Failure Is Essential to InnovationWhy innovation naturally involves risk and uncertaintyHow failure provides valuable data, insights, and learningShifting the focus from perfection to learning velocityWhy organizations must stop treating failure as a personal flaw

[04:13 – 08:59] Psychological Safety & Learning from SetbacksThe connection between psychological safety and innovationHow fear-based cultures prevent honest conversationsSigns your team may be afraid to speak up or take initiativeWhy leaders must create environments where mistakes can be discussed openly

[09:00 – 15:08] Failures vs. Mistakes: Understanding the DifferenceDefining the difference between a failure and a mistakeWhy leaders should respond differently to eachThe role of accountability, coaching, and learningHow SOPs and clear expectations reduce preventable mistakes

[15:09 – 17:21] Fail Fast, Fail Cheap, Fail OftenWhat “fail fast, fail cheap, fail often” really meansCreating guardrails that encourage experimentationUsing scorecards, decision frameworks, and spending limitsAvoiding costly innovation projects that lack validation

[17:22 – 20:51] Staying Connected to CustomersWhy organizations build products customers don't actually wantThe importance of validating ideas early and oftenListening for customer signals and feedbackRemoving internal bias during the innovation process

[20:52 – 26:20] Building Resilient Teams That Keep InnovatingWhy leaders should model vulnerability and share their own failuresCelebrating learning—not just successful outcomesConducting lessons-learned reviews and after-action discussionsCreating a culture that rewards thoughtful risk-taking and growth

Key Quotes

“Failure is only a waste if we don't learn from it.” – Natalie Born

“If a leader treats a failure as a mistake, innovation will disappear in the organization.” – Natalie Born

“Failure is not the opposite of innovation; it's part of the process that makes innovation possible.” – Natalie Born

Resources & LinksInnovation Meets Leadership Website: iml.howSet It On Fire Frameworks & Resources: setitonfire.co

Natalie Born LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieborn/

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a leader, entrepreneur, or innovator who wants to build a culture where learning, experimentation, and resilience drive long-term success.Be sure to subscribe to Innovation Meets Leadership for more conversations on leadership, innovation, culture, and growth.

In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born continues the Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation series by diving into Chapter 5: Pace, Process & Empowerment. Joined again by Moriah Hidden, Natalie explores how organizations often struggle to innovate because teams are either moving too slowly, operating in chaos, or lacking the empowerment needed to make decisions confidently.This conversation unpacks how leaders can create healthier systems, protect creativity, and build environments where innovation can thrive sustainably.

[00:00 – 02:04] Introduction to Chapter 5

Introduction to pace, process, and empowermentWhy innovation often feels difficult inside organizationsThe importance of healthy systems behind innovation

[02:05 – 05:30] Understanding Pace

Constant urgency eventually creates burnoutInnovation suffers when people operate at full capacity all the timeLeaders need to create margin for creativity and strategic thinking

[05:31 – 08:45] Burnout vs. Sustainable Innovation

Innovation rarely happens in nonstop chaosHealthy organizations allow people room to think“Burn on, not burn out” leadership mindset

[08:46 – 12:10] The Role of Process

Processes should create clarity, not bureaucracyTeams need consistency to move ideas forward effectivelyLeaders should regularly evaluate whether processes are helping or hurting innovation

[12:11 – 15:40] Empowerment & Decision Making

Innovation slows down when every decision requires approvalEmpowered employees move faster and with more ownershipTrust and accountability work together

[15:41 – 19:20] Team Dynamics & CollaborationBurnout impacts communication and collaborationHealthy cultures produce healthier innovationPsychological safety affects creativity

[19:21 – 23:30] Leadership Maturity

Growth requires honest self-assessmentThe maturity index helps organizations evaluate progressInnovation requires intentional leadership development

[23:31 – 28:34] Creating Healthy Systems & Cultures That Innovate

Strong systems support people while creating clear communication and sustainable growthInnovation grows in environments built on trust, adaptability, and experimentationTeams perform best when they have room to learn, adjust, and improve together

[28:35 – 31:23] Final Thoughts & ClosingInnovation requires healthy pace, strong systems, and empowered peopleSustainable innovation is built intentionally

Leaders must create space for creativity and growth

Key Quotes

“When people are operating at 120% capacity, there’s no room left for creativity.” – Natalie Born“Innovation doesn’t thrive in constant chaos.” – Natalie Born“We need leaders that burn on, not burn out.” – Natalie Born“Empowered people move innovation forward faster.” – Natalie Born

Resources & Links

Innovation Meets Leadership: https://innovationmeetsleadership.com/

Set It On Fire Frameworks & Resources: https://setitonfire.co/

Natalie Born LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieborn/