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  • 9. Leading Innovation in the Digital Supply Chain with Ron Crabtree

    9. Leading Innovation in the Digital Supply Chain with Ron Crabtree
    2025/06/08
    What’s the real reason most digital transformation projects fail—and what are successful leaders doing differently? In this episode, Natalie welcomes Ron Crabtree, founder and CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts. With over 30 years of experience in operations, supply chain, and digital transformation, Ron shares hard-earned insights from his work across industries—from automotive to tech to manufacturing consulting. He explains how emerging technologies like AI and automation are impacting supply chains and operational models, why change management is often an afterthought, and how organizations can better equip leaders and teams to embrace complexity. This conversation offers a practical lens into strategic leadership, future-proofing skill sets, and executing transformation in high-stakes environments.[00:01 - 05:00] From Disney to Digital: Ron’s BackstoryWhy understanding operations from the ground up shaped Ron’s leadership approachHow 17 years of night school played into his move from the factory floor to executive strategyWhat it looks like to build companies that solve real pain points in workforce transformation[05:01 - 10:46] AI Meets Supply ChainThe importance of using AI as an assistant—not a replacement—for strategic thinkingWhy decision support powered by AI improves outcomes without eliminating human judgmentThe significance of having clean, real-time data before relying on automation[10:47 - 15:50] Digital Tools in ActionWhat reverse market platforms reveal about the speed and productivity gains in procurementWhy modeling cost impacts across the supply chain leads to stronger sourcing strategiesThe need for transparency and quick “what-if” modeling when responding to market changes[15:51 - 20:37] The Pitfalls of Digital TransformationWhat most companies overlook when mapping processes for tech adoptionWhy value stream mapping and activity-based costing are crucial to measuring ROIThe importance of business process management and people-first transformation[20:38 - 26:16] Leadership’s Role in ChangeWhy alignment on the "why" must happen before executing the "how"What skills future leaders must develop to lead digital, complex ecosystemsThe need for tech fluency across departments—not just IT leadershipQuotes:"Worker plus AI will always outperform worker without AI." - Ron Crabtree"You can't check out and expect AI to do your thinking. Someone still needs to think critically and question what’s missing." - Ron CrabtreeConnect with Ron:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncrabtreeLEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.coThese are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    26 分
  • 8. Leadership & Reputation Management with Stephanie Craig

    8. Leadership & Reputation Management with Stephanie Craig
    2025/05/25

    What’s the true cost of waiting until a crisis strikes? In this episode, Natalie speaks with crisis strategist and leadership communicator Stephanie Craig about the often-overlooked discipline of crisis vigilance. Stephanie, drawing from her experience in law enforcement families, political campaigns, and corporate turnarounds, shares how organizations can shift from reactive crisis response to proactive crisis readiness. The conversation unpacks the distinction between brand and reputation, outlines how leaders can build a crisis-ready culture, and emphasizes why clarity and trust are essential for strategic speed in moments of uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical ways to safeguard their teams, maintain innovation capacity, and protect organizational value when challenges arise.


    [00:01 - 05:19] Crisis Found Me

    • Why Stephanie’s upbringing shaped her career in crisis
    • The importance of calm during chaos
    • The significance of embracing discomfort to build resilience


    [05:20 - 10:46] Redefining Crisis Work

    • How Stephanie shifted her understanding of crisis roles
    • The gap between risk management and communications
    • What “doing the job right” really means in crisis prevention


    [10:47 - 15:17] Build the Core Crisis Team

    • What leaders overlook until it’s too late
    • The structure of a core crisis team and decision-making models
    • Simulations as a key tool for preparation


    [15:18 - 20:29] Strategic Speed Through Clarity and Trust

    • What clarity and trust enable in a high-stakes situation
    • Ransomware example as a case study in unpreparedness
    • The importance of clear protocols and financial readiness


    [20:30 - 24:44] Making Crisis Readiness Part of Culture

    • Why plans alone don’t work without culture
    • Where Silicon Valley Bank went wrong
    • What mid-level leaders can do today


    "You can’t innovate in survival mode. Without preparation, the cost isn’t just the crisis—it’s the lost future.” – Stephanie Craig


    Connect with Stephanie:

    Website: https://kith.co/innovation-meets-leadership/

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


    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.


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


    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Quotes:“A company’s reputation is 35% of its value. And the IRS even says reputation has monetary worth.” – Stephanie Craig
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    25 分
  • 7. Learning Transformation using Data and AI with Chris Hull

    7. Learning Transformation using Data and AI with Chris Hull
    2025/05/04

    How can schools shift from drowning in data to making decisions that help students thrive? Otus founder and former educator Chris Hull joins Natalie to explain how technology in education isn't just about collecting more data, it's about making it usable. Chris shares how Otis empowers schools to act on assessment results, track student behavior, and support educators with AI-powered insights. He reflects on how the shift from fragmented tools to a centralized profile for every student can transform learning, drive earlier interventions, and tailor education to the individual, all while giving time back to teachers.


    [00:01 - 04:29] From Classroom Frustration to Founding Otis

    • How Chris’s early tech efforts as a 7th-grade teacher exposed gaps in education systems

    • Why more technology led to more chaos, not clarity

    • The significance of creating a “medical chart” model for students' educational journeys


    [04:30 - 08:00] Why Schools Struggle with Innovation

    • The importance of focusing on actual learning outcomes amid competing demands

    • How outdated methods of measuring learning obscure student needs

    • What resumes can teach us about improving student progress tracking


    [08:01 - 13:46] Building a Full Picture of Each Student

    • Why schools need data beyond grades: behavior, attendance, third-party scores

    • How Otis simplifies tracking and reporting for overburdened educators

    • The need for personalized plans that scale across the student body


    [13:47 - 18:37] Real Insights and Impact from Otis Users

    • How earlier identification helped one Florida district reduce absenteeism

    • The importance of comparing teaching strategies and programs using real-time data

    • What schools are discovering by layering AI into trend analysis


    [18:38 - 23:54] Personalization and the Future of Education Tech

    • Why AI acts as a bridge, not a replacement, for educator decision-making

    • The role of Otis as a curriculum assistant in partnership with Discovery Education

    • The importance of capturing and passing along learning insights between teachers and grades


    Quotes:

    “Our goal isn’t to be the innovation. It’s to enable the educator to be innovative.” - Chris Hull

    “AI doesn’t replace teachers—it gives them time back to focus on what matters.” - Chris Hull


    Connect with Chris:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chull9


    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.


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

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.


    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    24 分
  • 6. AI driven Investment Strategies with Andrew Einhorn

    6. AI driven Investment Strategies with Andrew Einhorn
    2025/04/20

    How can you remove emotion from investing — and make decisions backed purely by data?


    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Andrew Einhorn, CEO and Co-founder of Level Fields, an AI-driven fintech platform that analyzes real-world events to uncover investment opportunities. With a career that began in epidemiology and transitioned into defense consulting and software, Andrew shares how his fascination with data and pattern recognition led him to create tools that help everyday investors make informed decisions. He discusses how global events shape financial markets, how to identify reliable investment signals, and why emotional detachment—paired with the right data—can lead to better results.


    [00:01 - 05:00] | How an Epidemiologist Built a Fintech Tool

    • How studying environmental contamination led to software development

    • The importance of following data rather than gut feelings

    • Why building software unlocked a creative and scalable way to solve problems

    [05:01 - 10:49] | Why Past Pandemics Helped Predict the COVID Rebound

    • The importance of recognizing patterns in government and market responses

    • How comparing Zika and swine flu informed COVID analysis

    • Why emotion-free analysis led to accurate predictions while others panicked

    [10:50 - 15:34] | How AI Detects Market-Moving Events

    • The importance of CEO changes, lawsuits, and product failures as stock indicators

    • How AI tools reduce noise and increase clarity for investors

    • Why consistent events provide more reliable signals than black swan moments

    [15:35 - 21:16] | The Importance of Ignoring Headlines and Watching Behavior

    • Why dividend increases and stock buybacks signal strength

    • The importance of ignoring negative media narratives in favor of data

    • How analyzing company behavior reveals internal confidence long before analysts notice

    [21:17 - 26:04] | How to Invest Like an Insider Without Being One

    • How billionaires entering a company often triggers a turnaround

    • The importance of watching early moves like executive changes and layoffs

    • Why Salesforce’s rebound shows the power of understanding corporate playbooks

    Quotes:

    “The market reacts to events, not opinions. Patterns repeat if you know where to look.” — Andrew Einhorn

    “The same events happen again and again—and the market reacts the same way. The data proves it.” - Andrew Einhorn

    Connect with Andrew:

    LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/einhorn

    

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

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

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    26 分
  • 5. Unlocking Innovation with Robyn Bolton

    5. Unlocking Innovation with Robyn Bolton
    2025/04/06
    What does it take to truly transform innovation from a buzzword into lasting business success when most corporate innovation initiatives fail to deliver? In this insightful episode, Natalie welcomes back Robyn Bolton, founder of Mile Zero and author of a brand new book on innovation leadership. Robyn shares her innovative "ABCs of Innovation" framework that addresses why, despite decades of investment and attention, corporate innovation results haven't significantly improved in 30 years. She reveals how successful innovation requires leaders to do the opposite of their instincts, explains why innovation and operations require fundamentally different approaches, and offers practical strategies for overcoming innovation fatigue in organizations.[00:01 - 04:00] The Innovation Challenge: Why Another Book?Robyn explains why she finally wrote an innovation book despite market saturationShe identifies the lack of progress in corporate innovation results over 30 yearsThe limitation of siloed approaches to innovation that fail to address leadership behaviors[04:01 - 08:26] The ABCs Framework: Architecture, Behaviors, and CultureRobyn introduces her comprehensive framework for innovation successShe explains how innovation requires high assumption/low knowledge vs. operational high knowledge/low assumptionLeaders must learn to do the opposite of their instincts to succeed with innovation[08:27 - 12:42] Starting the Innovation Journey RealisticallyThe importance of clearly defining innovation within your organizationRecognizing that incremental innovation is often already happeningHow storytelling and real-world examples can inspire innovation leaders[12:43 - 17:05] The People Challenge: Culture and ChangeWhy culture is the hardest aspect of innovation to define and transformThe critical insight that culture comes from repeated behaviors, not declarationsHow leaders' actions speak infinitely louder than their words[17:06- 23:52] Overcoming Innovation Fatigue Through Real InvestmentStrategies for addressing organizational skepticism about innovation initiativesThe power of meaningful incentives and rewards that show real commitmentWhy innovation leaders need a three-year timeline to create lasting changeQuotes:"Managers use things outside of their control as excuses. Leaders see them as challenges. Innovation leaders see them as opportunities." - Robyn Bolton"Innovation truly is a leadership challenge, and there are leaders who rise to master the challenge." - Robyn BoltonConnect with Robyn:Website: https://www.milezero.io/ LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.coThese are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    24 分
  • 4. Will AI Outcreate Us? The Future of Innovation with Mike Todasco

    4. Will AI Outcreate Us? The Future of Innovation with Mike Todasco
    2025/03/23

    What happens when AI fills 90% of the Internet with junk? The rise of AI-generated content is transforming the digital landscape—but at what cost? Mike Todasco, AI researcher and former Head of Innovation at PayPal, joins Natalie Born to discuss the impact of "AI slop"—a flood of low-quality, auto-generated content—and what it means for businesses, content creators, and consumers. He explores how AI is being used to create books, blog posts, and even fake news at an unprecedented scale. Will AI-generated junk take over, or will human creativity remain indispensable? Tune in to uncover how AI is reshaping everything from online search to personal productivity.


    [00:01 - 06:07] The Evolution of AI & Innovation

    • Mike Todasco shares his journey from finance to AI research

    • His experience running innovation at PayPal after its split from eBay

    • How AI became his focus at San Diego State University’s AI Center

    [06:08 - 12:48] The Rise of "AI Slop"

    • AI-generated content is flooding the internet with low-quality material

    • Many AI-generated books on Amazon are essentially unreadable

    • Gartner predicts 90% of internet content could be AI-generated by 2030

    [12:49 - 16:33] Human vs. AI: What Will Win?

    • AI-generated content lacks emotional depth and true storytelling

    • People are drawn to human-made art and stories over machine-made creations.

    • AI tools will enhance, not replace, human creativity.

    [16:34 - 24:00] AI in Daily Life: Helpful or Harmful?

    • Mike uses AI for personal productivity, parenting, and even healthcare

    • AI can analyze health data, suggest parenting strategies, and help with cooking

    • The future of AI in healthcare will see doctors using AI as an essential tool

    [24:01 - 36:16] How Businesses Should Be Using AI Right Now

    • Companies must set clear AI policies as employees are already using it

    • AI should be integrated into workflows to improve efficiency

    • Organizations should foster knowledge-sharing around AI use cases

    Quotes:

    "AI is great at generating content, but it still struggles to create anything with true heart and experience.” - Mike Todasco

    "AI slop is just junk being thrown onto the internet—words without purpose or artistry." - Mike Todasco

    Connect with Mike:

    LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikesaideas/

    

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

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

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    33 分
  • 3. No-Excuses Innovation with Bruce Vojak

    3. No-Excuses Innovation with Bruce Vojak
    2025/03/09

    Innovation is often seen as the domain of tech giants and industry disruptors, but what about small and medium-sized enterprises? Are they at a disadvantage, or do they have unique opportunities to innovate faster than their larger competitors?


    Bruce Vojak, founder of Breakthrough Innovation Advisors and author of No Excuses Innovation, joins the podcast to discuss why mature businesses struggle with innovation, the fears that hold them back, and the simple, low-cost steps they can take to start thinking differently. He breaks down the myths surrounding innovation and provides practical insights for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.


    [00:01 - 05:48] The Innovation Struggle for Small Businesses

    • Why mature enterprises often avoid innovation
    • Understanding the S-curve and business growth cycles
    • The danger of focusing only on efficiency instead of renewal


    [05:49 - 10:33] The Three Barriers to Innovation

    • Expertise gaps in mature companies
    • Financial mindsets that resist risk-taking
    • The role of fear in preventing new ideas


    [10:34 - 15:24] Culture as the Key to Innovation

    • How company culture can either unlock or stifle innovation
    • The balance between empowerment and accountability
    • Lessons from Hewlett-Packard’s Medal of Defiance


    [15:25 - 20:00] Innovation Without Big Budgets

    • Why innovation doesn’t have to be expensive
    • Small but effective ways to start innovating today
    • The power of listening to customers for ideas


    [20:01 - 24:12] Practical Takeaways for Business Leaders

    • Looking for patterns in customer behavior
    • Turning small workarounds into real innovations
    • The importance of a discovery mindset in leadership


    "A lot of companies excel at streamlining operations, but few have the expertise to truly renew their business." – Bruce Vojak


    "Innovation doesn’t have to be a massive initiative. It starts with asking the right questions and listening to your customers." – Bruce Vojak


    Connect with Bruce:

    Website: https://www.breakthrough-innovation-advisors.com/bruce-vojak/

    LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bvojak

    

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.


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


    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.


    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    24 分
  • 2. Revenue Through Relationships with Brandon Lee

    2. Revenue Through Relationships with Brandon Lee
    2025/02/09

    Are you building a personal brand that attracts opportunities, or are you hiding behind your title on LinkedIn?

    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie speaks with branding expert and serial entrepreneur Brandon Lee about the power of reputation in driving business success. Brandon shares insights from his decades of experience in personal branding, content marketing, and sales. He challenges leaders to step out of obscurity, leverage platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and build meaningful connections that create revenue opportunities.

    [00:01 - 07:26] From Employee to Entrepreneur

    • Brandon’s journey from being an unsatisfied employee to launching multiple businesses

    • The excitement of startup culture and embracing uncertainty

    • Learning the power of personal branding before it had a name

    [07:27 - 14:38] The LinkedIn Networking Mistake Most People Make

    • Why people treat LinkedIn differently than in-person networking events

    • The dangers of “pitch-slapping” connections

    • How traditional sales tactics are failing in a digital-first world


    [14:39 - 21:53] Relationship-First Selling in a Digital World

    • Why personal branding is essential for sales and leadership

    • How posting valuable content creates trust before a sales conversation

    • The power of authenticity in networking


    [21:54 - 28:30] Why CEOs Need to Show Up on LinkedIn

    • The impact of a CEO’s presence on business growth

    • How executives can effectively use LinkedIn without feeling overwhelmed

    • Lessons from iconic leaders like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk


    [28:31 - 33:47] Practical Steps to Overcome Posting Fear

    • How to ease into content creation without overthinking

    • The benefits of live shows and podcasts for thought leadership

    • Why consistency is more important than perfection

    Quotes:

    "Everything for me has always been relationship first, business second." - Brandon Lee

    "You only fist bump people you have a connection with, but you'll shake hands with anybody." - Brandon Lee


    Connect with Brandon:

    Website: https://getfistbumps.com/

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


    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

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

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

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