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  • 25. Frequency of Excellence Scott Millson

    25. Frequency of Excellence Scott Millson
    2026/01/25
    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with author, keynote speaker, and former executive Scott Millson to explore what it truly means to operate at the Frequency of Excellence. Drawing from decades of leadership experience—from the U.S. Navy to global consulting—Scott shares how excellence isn’t accidental, but something leaders must intentionally tune into every day.Together, Natalie and Scott unpack how curiosity, mentorship, presence, and self-awareness shape high-performing leaders and teams. From recognizing when organizations start to drift, to understanding how leaders act as emotional force multipliers, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders who want to elevate standards, strengthen culture, and build influence that lasts beyond titles and roles.If you’re ready to stop operating on autopilot and start leading with clarity, curiosity, and purpose, this episode will help you tune into the signal that drives real excellence.[00:00 – 01:10] Welcome & Introducing Scott MillsonScott’s background as an executive, author, and leadership coach.Introducing Frequency of Excellence.Why leadership today requires deeper intentionality.[01:11 – 05:58] Why Scott Wrote Frequency of ExcellenceGratitude, mentorship, and life’s “second curve.”Turning 30 years of lessons into a book.Sharing wisdom instead of keeping it locked away.[05:59 – 12:30] What It Means to Tune Into ExcellenceExcellence as a “frequency” leaders must tune into.The radio metaphor for mindset and awareness.Learning to speak with purpose and intention.[12:31 – 14:06] Leaders as Force MultipliersWhy team behavior mirrors leadership behavior.“Calm is contagious” in high-pressure environments.How leaders amplify culture—good or bad.[14:07 – 17:34] Mentorship, Especially for Women LeadersThe impact of female mentors on Scott’s career.Why mentorship should be organic, not forced.The mentorship gap and how to close it.[17:35 – 20:31] Choosing People Over PositionsWhy leaders should choose a leader, not just a job.Surrounding yourself with people who elevate standards.Addition through subtraction in relationships.[20:32 – 23:25] Raising Your Leadership StandardWho you surround yourself with shapes your future.Reflection as a leadership habit.Aligning with people who operate at excellence.[23:26 – 25:15] Curiosity as a Leadership SuperpowerWhy curiosity is underused in leadership.Being truly present with others.Making curiosity your leadership advantage.[25:16 – 27:48] Better Questions, Better LeadersWhy “What do you do?” is the wrong question.Asking what excites and motivates people.Listening instead of waiting to talk.Quotes – from Scott“Excellence surrounds us, but we have to be tuned into the right frequency to pick it up.” – Scott Millson“As leaders, we are force multipliers. Our behavior gets amplified through our teams.” – Scott Millson“Curiosity is the most underutilized superpower leaders have.” – Scott MillsonGuest Links for Scott MillsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-millson/Website: https://scottmillson.com/Book: Frequency of Excellence (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major retailers)If this conversation resonated with you, leave a review and share this episode with a leader who’s ready to raise standards, lead with curiosity, and tune into the Frequency of Excellence.🎙️ And don’t forget to check out Natalie Born’s book, Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co—a powerful guide for leaders who want to transform how innovation really happens.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.🔥 Let’s go transform something!
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    28 分
  • 24. How Leaders Build Strong, Scalable Organizations with Clifton Dickens

    24. How Leaders Build Strong, Scalable Organizations with Clifton Dickens
    2026/01/11

    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Clifton Dickens, a seasoned information security leader with over 30 years of experience spanning cybersecurity, IT audit, governance, and organizational leadership. This conversation goes beyond technology to explore how leadership mindset, diversity of thought, and healthy conflict directly impact innovation, decision-making, and long-term organizational resilience.Clifton challenges leaders to rethink how teams are built, how processes are designed, and why discomfort is often a signal—not a threat. From recognizing fragile leadership structures to reframing governance and security as strategic advantages, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders who want stronger teams, smarter systems, and outcomes that actually work for everyone they serve.[00:00 – 03:30] Introducing Clifton Dickens & the Evolution of LeadershipClifton’s 30+ years in information security and IT leadership.Why leadership today must account for changing workforce expectations.Passion, flexibility, and purpose as drivers of modern work.[03:31 – 07:00] Vision, Creativity, and Thinking Beyond the BoxWhy innovation starts with the ability to imagine what doesn’t exist yet.The importance of childlike curiosity and asking “why.”How overconfidence and “knowing it all” can stall innovation.[07:01 – 10:30] Identifying Fragile Leadership and Team StructuresEarly warning signs of weak culture and vulnerable leadership systems.Why groupthink is one of the biggest risks inside organizations.The role of leaders in inviting honest input—not silent agreement.[10:31 – 14:30] The Power of Healthy ConflictWhy the best solutions come from differences of opinion.Reframing conflict as constructive friction rather than negativity.How avoiding conflict leads to products and systems that fail in the real world.[14:31 – 17:30] Governance, Compliance, and Security as Strategic AdvantagesWhy leaders often react emotionally to words like governance and compliance.How security and controls accelerate performance when framed correctly.Protecting critical data as both risk management and competitive advantage.[17:31 – 21:30] Process, Accountability, and Organizational ControlWhy leaders must understand where effort, labor, and energy are going.How documented processes create clarity and accountability.Clifton’s approach to periodically re-engineering team processes.[21:31 – 24:30] Diversity of Thought Drives Better OutcomesWhy homogeneous teams create solutions for only a small percentage of users.The danger of designing for comfort instead of effectiveness.How inclusive teams create products and systems that work for everyone.[24:31 – 28:00] Final Leadership TakeawaysWhy leaders must look at the organization from the top down.Understanding contribution, control, and direction.Where to connect with Clifton and continue the conversation.Quotes“If everyone thinks the same way, that’s a sign something is wrong.” – Clifton Dickens“The best solutions usually come out of some sort of conflict.” – Clifton Dickens“Innovation starts with asking ‘what if, even when the answer makes you uncomfortable.” – Clifton DickensConnect with Clifton DickensLinkedIn: Clifton Dickens https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliftondickens/If this conversation resonated with you, leave a review and share this episode with a leader who’s ready to build stronger teams, embrace diverse perspectives, and rethink how systems actually work.🎙️ And don’t forget to check out Natalie Born’s book, Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co—a powerful guide for leaders who want to transform how innovation really happens.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.🔥 Let’s go transform something!
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    28 分
  • 23. The Hidden Dynamics of Business & Family with Rene Sonneveld

    23. The Hidden Dynamics of Business & Family with Rene Sonneveld
    2025/12/28

    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with executive coach, former diplomat, and author Rene Sonneveld for a powerful conversation about leadership, innovation, and the unseen forces that shape both.Rene explores why innovation doesn’t begin with strategy decks or brainstorm sessions—but with the courage to name what everyone feels and no one is saying. From family enterprises to executive teams, he explains how unspoken fears, emotional blind spots, and “elephants in the room” quietly block creativity and decision-making. This episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating complexity, legacy, and high-stakes conversations—at work and at home.

    [00:00 – 02:30] Innovation Begins Where Certainty EndsWhy innovation often emerges from confusion, fear, and discomfort—not clarity.Rene’s global experience working with leaders and enterprise families.The link between emotional honesty and transformational leadership.

    [02:31 – 05:50] The Elephant in the Family RoomWhat leaders lose when they avoid naming the real issue.How trapped energy and unspoken tension collapse creativity.Why this dynamic shows up in families, boards, and executive teams alike.

    [05:51 – 09:40] Leaders Don’t Have Decision Problems—They Have Emotion-Naming ProblemsHow fear hijacks the nervous system and shuts down innovation.Fight, flight, or freeze responses in leadership settings.Why regulation—not fearlessness—creates better decisions.

    [09:41 – 13:30] “Flipping the Lid” and the Amygdala HijackHow psychological threats trigger reactive leadership behavior.Why leaders say “the wrong thing” under pressure.The importance of pausing, breathing, and naming emotions to restore clarity.

    [13:31 – 16:40] Naming Fear as the Gateway to BreakthroughWhy innovation cannot thrive in environments of fear or walking on eggshells.How truth-telling frees energy and reactivates creativity.A real-world example of long-stuck family dynamics unlocking new possibilities.

    [16:41 – 19:20] Authenticity, Messiness, and Modern LeadershipWhy authenticity is becoming increasingly rare.The cost of performative leadership—especially in the age of social media.Why innovation flourishes when leaders allow complexity and humanity.

    [19:21 – 22:50] Stories, Identity, and the Lids We Put on OurselvesHow internal narratives limit leadership capacity.Why the lies we believe quietly cap innovation.Reframing leadership as presence, not perfection.

    [22:51 – 25:10] Ecosystems That Support InnovationWhy environment matters—at work and at home.The connection between place, pace, and creative capacity.Designing a life and leadership context that allows innovation to breathe.

    [25:11 – 27:40] Final Reflections: Innovation as a PracticeWhy innovation is not a performance—but a daily practice.Rene’s parting message on courage, imagination, and trust.How naming truth transforms fear into possibility.

    Quotes

    “Innovation doesn’t start with what we put on paper. It starts with naming the things we are most afraid to say.” – Rene Sonneveld“Most leaders don’t have decision-making problems—they have emotion-naming problems.” – Rene Sonneveld“Naming isn’t confrontation. Naming is liberation.” – Rene Sonneveld

    Guest Links

    Website: https://www.renesonneveld.com/Book: The Elephant in the Family Room – Managing the Complexities of Legacy Business

    If this conversation sparked something in you, trust that spark—because innovation starts there.

    Leave a review and share this episode with a leader who needs the courage to name what’s been left unsaid.

    And don’t forget to check out Natalie Born’s book, Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co—a powerful guide for leaders ready to break patterns and transform how innovation actually happens.

    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.Let’s go transform something! 🔥
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    26 分
  • 22. Value Stream Mapping with Ron Crabtree

    22. Value Stream Mapping with Ron Crabtree
    2025/12/14
    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born welcomes back Ron Crabtree—founder and CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts, global process improvement leader, and one of the most respected voices in Lean and operational excellence. This conversation takes a deep dive into value stream mapping, a powerful visual methodology that helps leaders uncover hidden inefficiencies, reduce cycle time, improve quality, and identify the smartest opportunities for digitization and AI.If you want a clearer view of where your business is wasting time, losing money, or missing value, this episode is your blueprint.[00:00 – 03:00] Why Value Stream Mapping Still MattersRon returns to discuss deeper layers of process improvement and Lean thinking.Deming’s foundational principle: If you can’t describe your work as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing.Value stream mapping as a visual + data-driven methodology to understand workflow end-to-end.[03:01 – 07:00] Defining the Mission: What Problem Are We Solving For?Understanding the organizational challenge: cost, quality, speed, or customer experience.Toyota’s SQDCMP hierarchy (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, Morale).Selecting the scope and granularity of a mapping effort based on the business challenge.[07:01 – 10:00] Where Digitization and AI Fit InWhy not all automation opportunities are equally valuable.Using value stream mapping to identify high-ROI areas for digitization and AI.[10:01 – 14:00] Beyond Manufacturing: Value Stream Mapping for Any IndustryHow even non-technical environments—like historical sites—benefit from mapping their visitor and customer journey.[14:01 – 17:00] Swim Lanes, Roles & the Hidden Complexity in HR ProcessesUsing swim lane diagrams to visualize handoffs, approvals, and compliance requirements.A real-world hiring example showing a six-month cycle time inside a government agency.[17:01 – 20:00] The Power of Hard Numbers in Decision MakingWhy mapping requires both visuals and data to measure true performance.Ron’s example from a defined benefits company: identifying the percentage of time spent on rework, verification, and corrections.[20:01 – 23:00] When Processes Are Physically InefficientHow spaghetti diagrams expose unnecessary movement, travel time, and equipment downtime.Distinguishing internal vs. external activities to reduce waste during machine setup or maintenance.[23:01 – 26:00] The University Email Story: From 17 Steps to ZeroA university’s onboarding process involved 17 steps and two weeks of delays.A powerful demonstration of innovation + efficiency working hand in hand.[26:01 – 27:00] Efficiency vs. Innovation: Why Leaders Need BothMany companies over-index on either efficiency or innovation—but not both.Understanding your value stream helps leaders see where inefficiencies hinder innovation.Ron shares where listeners can find his work, his podcast, and how to connect.Quotes“If you can’t describe what you’re doing as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing.” – Ron Crabtree“Value stream mapping helps you see where to apply digitization and AI with laser focus.” – Ron CrabtreeConnect with Ron CrabtreeWebsite: metaexperts.comLinkedIn: Ron Crabtree, MetaOps & MetaExpertsPodcast: MetaExperts Workforce ExcellenceIf this conversation inspired you, leave a review and share this episode with a leader who’s ready to rethink how their organization creates value.🎙️ And don’t forget to check out Natalie Born’s book, Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co—a proven guide for leaders who want to transform their innovation approach.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.Let’s go transform something!
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    27 分
  • 21. Courageous Investing with Quentin Florence & Doug Vanderlinde

    21. Courageous Investing with Quentin Florence & Doug Vanderlinde
    2025/11/30
    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Quentin Florence and Doug Vanderlinde, the founders of Coplanar Capital, to explore a powerful reframing of wealth, investment, and calling. With a faith-driven mission and a deep belief in stewardship, Quentin and Doug unpack why the future of investing isn’t just about capital — it’s about identity, leadership, and multiplying what’s been entrusted to you.Together, they demystify early-stage investing, share how founders can position themselves for meaningful funding, and introduce their signature framework: I Am. I Have. I Do. [00:00 – 04:00] Introducing Coplanar Capital & the Heart Behind Investing- Why Quentin and Doug see investing as stewardship, not speculation.- How the parable of the talents shapes their view of multiplying what you’ve been given.- Reframing investing as a calling, not just a financial discipline.[04:01 – 08:00] What’s Really Happening in the Investment Landscape- Why big funds are getting bigger — often through marketing rather than performance.- Coplanar Capital’s mission: generate outstanding returns while doing good.[08:01 – 12:30] What Investors Look for First: The Founder- Why leadership matters more than the invention itself.- The I Am. I Have. I Do. framework: clarity of identity, resources, and action.- What your company communicates about who you are as a leader.[12:31 – 16:30] The Psychology of Founders & Investors- Fear, rejection, and shrinking comfort zones — and why both sides experience them.- Why humility, clarity, and emotional security matter during the pitch process.- How investors evaluate founders beyond the pitch deck.[16:31 – 18:30] Identity Investing: Leading With Both Head and Heart- Why metrics alone won’t guide you — and intuition alone won’t protect you.- The shift from public to private markets and why identity matters more there.- Finding investments that “make your heart spark.”[18:31 – 22:00] What Makes a Startup Attractive? Market, Fit & Optionality- Understanding TAM (Total Addressable Market) and why market size matters.- Optionality: the importance of having more than one way to win.- Why agility, pivots, and adaptability matter more than perfect plans.[22:01 – 24:00] The Relentless Mindset Founders Must Have- Why valuing the process over the results is essential for survival.- How to process failure through learning instead of shame.- Why every investor has failed — and founders shouldn’t fear that reality.[24:01 – 28:30] Double-Result Investing: Better Returns and a Better World- Breaking the myth that you must choose between returns and impact.- Why scarcity thinking limits innovation — and how founders can rise above it.Quotes“The leaders who perform the best are the ones completely secure in their calling.” — Quentin Florence“Great investing is both head and heart — metrics matter, but so does what sparks your passion.” — Doug Vanderlinde“You don’t need either great returns or a better world. In the right hands, you can have both.” — Doug VanderlindeConnect with Coplanar CapitalWebsite: coplanarcapital.com LinkedIn – Quentin Florence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentin-florence-750137b/LinkedIn – Doug Vanderlinde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-vander-linde/If this conversation inspired you, don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a founder, investor, or leader who’s ready to grow through innovation.🎙️ Grab Natalie’s book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, at setitonfire.co.These are proven tools to transform your leadership and innovation approach.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.Let’s go transform something!
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    25 分
  • 20. The Power of Play with Jolynn Ledgerwood

    20. The Power of Play with Jolynn Ledgerwood
    2025/11/16
    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Jolynn Ledgerwood, learning and development expert, certified Gallup Strengths coach, and founder of Elevate Your Talent. With over 25 years of experience working with global brands like PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, and Toyota, Jolynn introduces us to a transformative methodology called LEGO® Serious Play, a hands-on approach that sparks creativity, strengthens collaboration, and unlocks hidden insights within teams.Together, Natalie and Jolynn explore how “thinking with your hands” activates up to 80% more brain power, why play is vital for innovation and well-being, and how leaders can create environments where every voice, from the CEO to the intern, has a seat at the table. From high school athletes to corporate teams, this episode proves that the opposite of play isn’t work, it’s stagnation.[00:00 – 03:00] Jolynn’s Journey into LEGO® Serious PlayFrom corporate learning roles at PepsiCo and Toyota to creative facilitation.How LEGO® reinvented itself and how Jolynn discovered its team-building power.Only 100 certified practitioners in the U.S. versus 15,000 in Europe, why Americans still struggle to see “play” as productive.[03:01 – 07:00] The Science of Thinking with Your HandsUsing LEGO® unlocks up to 80% more brain power.The four-step methodology: question → build → share → reflect.How creativity allows all personality types, even quiet thinkers, to express themselves fully.[07:01 – 10:00] Building Trust and Curiosity Through PlayLEGO® Serious Play creates safe, judgment-free conversations.Why every build is “right” for the person who made it.Metaphors and subconscious meaning in simple pieces and the power of asking, “Tell me more about what you built.”[10:01 – 14:00] Real-World Example: A Basketball Team’s TransformationFacilitating a workshop with a high school girls’ team to build unity.How players gained empathy and emotional awareness through their builds.Discovering that supporting teammates means seeing beyond performance.[14:01 – 18:00] Courageous Leadership and Unexpected InsightsWhy it takes a brave leader to invite play into the workplace.LEGO® as a tool for perspective-taking and emotional intelligence.Seeing the same model from different angles and how it changes interpretation.[18:01 – 22:00] Building Culture in Times of ChangeHow LEGO® sessions rebuild morale after layoffs or restructuring.The danger of calling connection “fluff” and why it’s business-critical.Creating “simple guiding principles” from each session to carry forward.[22:01 – 25:00] Play as a Pathway to InnovationThe opposite of play isn’t work, it’s depression.Inviting creativity through LEGO®, Play-Doh, or even watercolor.How play fosters engagement, focus, and retention in teams.[25:01 – 27:00] Final Reflections and Call to LeadersWhy leaders must make space for curiosity and fun at work.Mary Poppins wisdom: “In every job that must be done, there’s an element of fun.”When teams play together, innovation follows naturally.Quotes:“It takes a courageous leader to bring play into the workplace.” – Jolynn Ledgerwood“Leaders who embrace creativity give permission for authenticity.” – Jolynn Ledgerwood“You never know what your team is capable of until you invite play into the process.” – Jolynn LedgerwoodWebsite: elevateyourtalent.coLinkedIn: Jolynn Ledgerwood Podcast: Play for PerformanceIf this conversation inspired you, leave a review and share this episode with a leader who’s ready to reimagine what creativity and connection look like at work.🎙️ Check out Natalie Born’s book, Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co. These are proven tools to transform your leadership and innovation approach.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. Let’s go transform something!
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    27 分
  • 19. Building Better Leaders with Brad McDonald

    19. Building Better Leaders with Brad McDonald
    2025/11/02

    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Brad McDonald — leadership designer, executive coach, and co-founder of Pattern Talent. With a mission to develop one million leaders, Brad brings deep insights from his work with organizations like Chick-fil-A, the U.S. Army, and the City of Phoenix.

    Together, Natalie and Brad unpack the four dimensions of leadership — Character, Chemistry, Competence, and Capacity — and explore how these timeless principles shape emotionally intelligent, high-impact leaders. From building self-awareness to cultivating trust and unlocking the potential in others, this episode is a masterclass in leading with both head and heart.

    [00:00 – 04:00] Brad’s Leadership Journey

    • Growing up in a leadership-centered home and learning from his parents’ example.

    • How early exposure to servant leadership through Chick-fil-A shaped his philosophy.

    • Why Brad chose to dedicate his life’s work to developing leaders across industries.

    [04:01 – 08:00] Character: The Foundation of Leadership

    • Asking the essential question: Who am I as a leader?

    • How self-awareness and emotional intelligence prevent unintentional harm.

    • Why humility, integrity, and consistency build credibility and lasting trust.

    [08:01 – 12:00] Chemistry: Building High-Trust Relationships

    • Redefining “likability” through authentic curiosity and connection.

    • The power of emotional security and presence when entering a room.

    • Why curiosity and trust are the hidden superpowers of relational leadership.

    [12:01 – 18:00] Competence: Knowing Your Unique Value

    • Moving beyond skill to unique value contribution.

    • Engaging both the head and heart of your team for sustainable performance.

    • The difference between teaching and modeling — why imitation builds true capability.

    [18:01 – 24:00] Capacity: Developing Leaders Who Multiply Leaders

    • How to identify and nurture untapped potential in others.

    • The leader’s role in creating “more, better, autonomous” leaders.

    • Why leadership capacity expands through empowering others, not controlling them.

    [24:01 – 29:00] The Refining Fire of Leadership

    • Navigating challenges, setbacks, and chaos with resilience and perspective.

    • How to process leadership growth questions in community, not isolation.

    • Staying grounded and open through curiosity, humility, and feedback.

    [29:01 – 31:00] Closing Reflections

    • Brad’s call for leaders to invest deeply in both themselves and those they lead.

    • How community, trust, and transparency unlock lasting transformation.

    “Low self-awareness can unintentionally make or break a leader.” – Brad McDonald“Great leaders cultivate genuine curiosity about the people around them.” – Brad McDonald

    “If you want infinite capacity as a leader, it’s found in your ability to develop the capacity of others.” – Brad McDonald

    Website: patterntalent.coPodcast: The Daily Leader

    If this conversation inspired you, don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a leader who’s ready to grow through innovation.

    🎙️ Check out Natalie’s book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co. These are proven tools to transform your leadership and innovation approach.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.Let’s go transform something!

    QuotesConnect with Brad McDonald
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    31 分
  • 18. Leading with Courage with Louisa Loren

    18. Leading with Courage with Louisa Loren
    2025/10/19

    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Louisa Loran, former Google executive and author of Leadership Anatomy in Motion. With an impressive career spanning Diageo, Maersk, and Google, Louisa has redefined what it means to lead across industries—from building billion-dollar supply chains to transforming legacy business models.Louisa reveals how curiosity, courage, and emotional intelligence fuel lasting transformation.

    She shares stories of stepping into roles before she felt “ready,” challenging corporate norms, and helping leaders unlearn habits that limit potential. Whether you’re navigating rapid change or seeking to inspire courage in your team, this episode will help you unlock your own leadership evolution.


    [00:00 – 04:00] Louisa’s Journey Across IndustriesFrom Diageo to Maersk to Google—how curiosity guided her bold career transitions.Lessons from moving between consumer goods, logistics, and tech.Understanding brand legacy and the courage to step into unfamiliar worlds.

    [04:01 – 08:00] The Power of Curiosity and Self-BeliefWhy curiosity is a leader’s greatest asset.Louisa’s seventh-grade dream of joining LVMH—and how it came true.Taking chances on roles you’re “not qualified” for and learning through action.

    [08:01 – 11:00] Courage in Leadership TransformationWriting Maersk’s transformational strategy amid major restructuring.Why success isn’t just about having the right answers but addressing hidden fears.How courage and curiosity unlock organizational change.

    [11:01 – 13:00] The Art of Asking Better QuestionsHow to ask questions that invite reflection instead of resistance.Building emotional intelligence and influence through curiosity.Positioning ideas for buy-in and collaboration at the executive level.

    [13:01 – 16:00] Lessons from Google: A New Way of ThinkingShifting from hierarchical strategy to platform-based innovation.Learning to hold back as a leader and empower teams through exploration.Merging traditional business discipline with digital-era agility.

    [16:01 – 21:00] The Four Pillars of Future LeadershipVisioning – Envisioning ambitious futures beyond current limits.Expanding – Leveraging collective intelligence to grow faster.Steering – Prioritizing and staffing for the future.Embodying – Becoming the leader your future organization needs.

    [21:01 – 23:00] Transforming from the Inside OutWhy every transformation must start with the leader themselves.How fear and comfort can silently limit organizational growth.Encouraging leaders to unlearn and relearn continuously.

    [23:01 – 24:00] Closing ReflectionsLouisa’s call to unlock “lost potential” within organizations.How to continue the conversation and bring courage into your own leadership journey.

    Quotes:

    “Curiosity is the driver that unlocks both courage and innovation.” – Louisa Loran

    “It’s not about having the right answers—it’s about understanding what’s holding people back from acting on them.” – Louisa Loran

    “Any business led by someone unwilling to start the transformation within themselves is wasting its greatest resource.” – Louisa Loran


    Connect with Louisa LoranWebsite: louisaloran.comLinkedIn:

    Louisa LoranBook: Leadership Anatomy in Motion

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help another leader grow through innovation by sharing this episode, or click here to catch up on past episodes.

    🎙️ Check out Natalie’s book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co.

    These are proven tools to transform your leadership and innovation approach.Visit our website at innovationmeetsleadership.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

    Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review.Let’s go transform something!
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    24 分