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/

In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born continues the Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation series by diving into the topic of Socializing Innovation. Joined again by Moriah Hidden as guest-host, Natalie explores why innovation is no longer about brilliant individuals—it’s about building brilliant teams.

This conversation unpacks how leaders can break down silos, involve cross-functional voices early, and create environments where ideas can actually grow. Natalie shares practical insights on collaboration, communication, psychological safety, and the importance of involving others throughout the innovation process instead of operating in isolation.

[00:00 – 03:00] Introduction to Socializing InnovationContinuing the Set It on Fire seriesWhy socializing innovation is a “superpower” for leaders and entrepreneursThe difference between having great ideas and successfully implementing themInnovation requires more than creativity—it requires collaboration

[03:01 – 06:00] Breaking Down SilosWhy organizations struggle when teams work in isolationThe importance of cross-functional collaboration early in the process“Innovation is no longer about brilliant individuals, it’s about brilliant teams.”Why some leaders avoid socializing ideas due to unhealthy environments or fear of resistance

[06:01 – 09:00] Creating Environments Where Ideas Can Thrive

The impact culture has on innovation successPsychological safety and encouraging honest feedbackWhy leaders cannot surprise teams with innovation and expect buy-inHow collaboration builds ownership across departments

[09:01 – 12:00] Perfectionism vs. Progress

Why waiting for perfection slows innovation downThe importance of iteration and feedback loopsLearning to test, adjust, and improve ideas over timeHow innovation grows through refinement instead of isolation

[12:01 – 15:00] Communication & Buy-In

The importance of communicating vision clearly and consistentlyHelping people understand the “why” behind innovationWhy teams support what they help createCreating momentum by involving others throughout the process

[15:01 – 18:00] Collaboration Across Teams

Practical examples of cross-functional collaborationWhy diverse perspectives strengthen ideasAvoiding tunnel vision when building products, services, or strategiesThe role of leadership in unifying teams around a shared goal

[18:01 – 21:00] Feedback as a Gift

Why customer and team feedback matterLearning from how people actually use products and servicesListening instead of defending ideasUsing feedback to improve innovation outcomes

[21:01 – 22:26] Leading Innovation Forward

Building cultures that support experimentation and growthEncouraging curiosity, adaptability, and collaborationWhy leaders must create space for innovation conversationsInnovation succeeds when people feel included in the process

Key Quotes

“Innovation is no longer about brilliant individuals, it’s about brilliant teams.” – Natalie Born“People support what they help create.” – Natalie Born“Feedback is a gift if you’re willing to listen.” – Natalie Born“The best ideas become stronger when other people are invited into the process.” – Natalie Born

Resources & Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebornWebsite: https://innovationmeetsleadership.com

Frameworks & Resources: https://setitonfire.coIf this episode challenged your perspective on leadership and innovation, share it with someone building a team, leading a company, or trying to launch a new idea.

Don’t forget to explore Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation for more insights on creating innovative cultures, building aligned teams, and turning ideas into action.

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 3: Culture Killers for Innovation. Joined again by Moriah Hidden as guest-host, Natalie explores the internal cultural dynamics that either fuel or shut down innovation inside organizations.This conversation unpacks the importance of alignment, team health, and empathy — highlighting how misalignment, unhealthy behaviors, and lack of customer understanding can quietly destroy innovation efforts. Natalie shares practical frameworks and real-world examples to help leaders build stronger teams, foster collaboration, and create environments where innovation can actually thrive.

[00:00 – 02:30] Continuing the Series: Culture & Innovation- Introduction to Chapter 3: Culture Killers for Innovation- Focus shifts to internal team dynamics and alignment- The “rule of seven” and repetition in communication

[02:31 – 05:40] The Power of Alignment- Focusing on 3–4 core priorities instead of 20- The role of incentives and milestones in team motivation- Quarterly checkpoints and celebration culture

[05:41 – 8:00] What Defines a Healthy Team- Signs of healthy vs. unhealthy team dynamics- The danger of surface-level agreement (“smiling but resisting”)- Why unaddressed behaviors become culture killers

[8:01 – 9:45] Self-Awareness & Leadership Growth- Recognizing when you might be the “lid” on growth- Skill vs. will: what’s really holding teams back- Knowing when to grow vs. when to step aside

[9:46 – 12:07] Teamwork & Shared Vision- The Gladiator example: moving as one- The power of a shared goal or “common enemy”- Why teams fail when they turn against each other internally

[12:07 – 14:00] Empathy & Customer-Centered Innovation- Why organizations often build for themselves, not customers- Introduction to the empathy map framework- How understanding customer needs improves products and services

[14:01 – 16:37] Listening to the Customer- Practical ways to gather customer insights- Why direct interaction is more valuable than assumptions

[16:37 – 20:51] From Empathy Maps to Personas- Turning insights into actionable customer personas- Keeping the customer at the center of innovation- Using frameworks to guide product and service development

Key Quotes

“The moment you’re tired of repeating yourself is usually the moment your team is finally starting to understand.” – Natalie Born

“If you can’t get along, you’re not ready to grow—and if you can’t grow, you can’t innovate.” – Natalie Born

“We build better when we actually understand the people we’re building for.” – Natalie Born

Resources & Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebornWebsite: https://innovationmeetsleadership.com

Frameworks & Resources: https://setitonfire.coIf this episode challenged your perspective, share it with a leader or team working to build a healthier, more innovative culture.

Don’t forget to explore Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation — your guide to building aligned teams and turning ideas into action.

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 2: Get Out of My Sandbox. Joined again by Moriah Hidden as the co-host, Natalie unpacks one of the biggest hidden barriers to innovation inside organization, ownership silos.While many organizations believe innovation belongs to a specific department or select group of “creative thinkers,” Natalie challenges this mindset by introducing the concept of the “sandbox.” When innovation is confined to a single team, it limits collaboration, creates resistance, and prevents organizations from reaching their full potential.This conversation explores how leaders can break down silos, invite cross-functional collaboration, and shift organizations from isolated idea ownership to shared responsibility. For organizations ready to move beyond resistance and into action, this episode offers a practical look at how to create a culture where everyone sees themselves as an innovator.

[00:00 – 02:30] Continuing the Set It on Fire Series· Natalie introduces Chapter 2 and the concept behind “Get Out of My Sandbox”· Moriah returns as interviewer to guide the conversation· The focus shifts from foundation (Chapter 1) to organizational barriers

[02:31 – 06:30] What Is the “Sandbox”?· How organizations unintentionally assign innovation to specific people or departments· Examples: innovation living with leadership, tech teams, or “creative” groups· Why this creates exclusivity around idea generation

[06:31 – 10:30] The Problem with Silos· How “ownership” of ideas leads to resistance from other teams· Why employees hesitate to contribute outside their role or department· The connection between silos and stalled innovation

[10:31 – 14:30] Moving from Resistance to Action· Why Chapter 2 is the “resistance chapter” in the innovation journey· How leaders can identify where resistance is showing up internally· Shifting mindset from protection to participation

[14:31 – 18:30] Innovation as a Team Sport· Why innovation should not be independent—but interdependent· The importance of cross-functional collaboration· How diverse perspectives strengthen ideas and execution

[18:31 – 22:30] Creating Shared Ownership· Encouraging every team member to see themselves as an innovator· Breaking the belief that only certain roles are “idea people”· How leaders can invite contribution across all levels

[22:31 – 25:30] Leadership’s Role in Breaking Silos· Modeling openness to ideas from any department· Removing barriers that limit collaboration· Building systems and culture that support shared innovation

[25:31 – 27:30] First Steps for Organizations· Identify where innovation is currently “owned”· Create opportunities for cross-team idea sharing· Reinforce that innovation is everyone’s responsibility

Quotes

“Innovation doesn’t belong to a department—it belongs to the organization.” – Natalie Born

“When we protect our sandbox, we limit what’s possible.” – Natalie Born“The best ideas don’t come from one team—they come from collaboration.” – Natalie Born

Connect with Natalie Born:

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

Website: https://innovationmeetsleadership.com

Book: Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation

Book & Resources: https://setitonfire.co

If this conversation challenged your perspective, share it with a leader or team that’s ready to break down silos and rethink how innovation really happens.

🎙️ Don’t forget to check out Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation—a guide for leaders ready to move from isolated ideas to organization-wide impact.Visit innovationmeetsleadership.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

🔥 Don’t just get out of the box—break the box and set it on fire.