What if you didn’t have to start from scratch to spark real innovation?

In this episode, I talk with Natasha Munshi, a former cancer researcher turned strategist and business school dean, now driving impact through executive education. With roots in science and strategic leadership, she’s reshaping how leaders learn and innovate by blending social impact with smart business thinking. From her early work in breast cancer research to launching programs for minority women entrepreneurs, Natasha’s journey shows what’s possible when purpose meets creativity and resourcefulness.

We unpack what social innovation looks like, and it’s not limited to nonprofits or large-scale initiatives. Natasha shares how using existing resources, forging unlikely partnerships, and thinking creatively can lead to sustainable, meaningful change. We explore cross-sector collaboration, the value of generalists, and how even tools like sketch-noting and doodling can unlock big ideas.

This conversation is full of insights on rethinking potential, the future of education, and the deeply human traits that still matter most in an AI-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

Social innovation isn’t just for nonprofits.

Cross-sector partnerships are powerful.

You don’t need to start from scratch to be innovative.

Education should meet people where they want to go.

Both generalists and creative thinkers are crucial in today’s fast-changing world.

Human traits like empathy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence are more valuable than ever.

Resources Mentioned:

Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques by Michael Michalko: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Thinkertoys-Handbook-Creative-Thinking-Techniques-2nd/dp/1580087736⁠

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484⁠

Connect with Natasha:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-munshi/⁠

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

If you’re doing all the things in your business and still feel stuck, this one’s for you.

I sat down with Andrea Liebross, a powerhouse business coach who helps women entrepreneurs build businesses and lives they love. We went deep on what it really takes to delegate well, not just the systems and processes (though we talk about those too), but the mindset shift that has to happen first.

Andrea breaks down the 5 levels of delegation, why letting go feels so uncomfortable, and how to move forward even when you don’t feel ready. She also shares her acronym T.R.U.S.T., which is such a game-changer if you’ve been white-knuckling your to-do list.

We also talk about what to do when delegation doesn’t go as planned, and how clear communication is everything when you’re building a team or scaling your work.

If you're growing a business and constantly find yourself thinking, “It’d be faster if I just did it myself,” this conversation is for you. Andrea brings the perfect mix of strategy and mindset, and you’ll walk away with real, practical steps to start thinking bigger and leading with more clarity.

Key Takeaways:

Entrepreneurship is a journey in personal development.

Delegation is essential for business growth.

Clear communication is key to successful delegation.

Embracing the unknown can lead to greater opportunities.

Mindset plays a crucial role in delegation.

Delegation can be practiced and improved over time.

Having a vision makes delegation easier.

Resources Mentioned:

Turn That Ship Around by L. David Marquet

Connect with Andrea:

Website: https://andrealiebross.com/links/⁠

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

If you think creativity is just for artists, this episode will absolutely change your mind.

I sat down with Cyndi Burnett, an incredible creativity specialist, to dig into the real power of creativity, not just in art, but in how we solve problems, lead teams, educate others, and even take care of our own well-being. We talked about how science and art intersect in the creative process, how AI can be a partner in creativity rather than a threat, and why the environments we create (at home, at work, in schools) matter so much for innovation.

Cyndi also walked me through her five-step framework for bringing creativity into organizations, and let me tell you, it’s both practical and inspiring. Whether you think of yourself as creative or not, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to tap into a powerful tool we all have access to.

Key Takeaways:

Creativity is a mindset and approach to life.

Bridging the gap between research and practice is essential.

Creativity is vital for problem-solving in complex situations.

Mindfulness and being present enhance creativity.

Tolerating ambiguity is a teachable skill.

AI can complement human creativity, not replace it.

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for creativity.

Integrating creativity into daily routines enhances engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

Infusing Creating Thinking Into Higher Education by Cyndi Burnett & John Fitzgerald Cabra: https://creativityandeducation.com/product/infusing-creative-thinking-into-higher-education/

My Sandwich is a Spaceship by Cyndi Burnett & Michaelene Dawson-Globus: https://www.amazon.com/My-Sandwich-Spaceship-Creative-Thinking/dp/0984979557

More books: https://creativityandeducation.com/our-books/

Connect with Cyndi:

Website: https://creativityandeducation.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-burnett/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndi.burnett/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7b8fknEEI242RotQeKG1aA?si=7a3060c874f2444c

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvd6niIwmsf1Lce8V8jfXg

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.