Perhaps thanks to people such as Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, we tend to think of innovation in terms of big, revolutionary ideas that come about maybe one or twice in a lifetime. Lorenzo Hodges, of innovation strategy firm, Plain White Table, begs to differ. In this episode, Lorenzo discusses how innovation can be systematised in organisations, plus critical elements that must be in place in order for innovation to truly become part of an organisation’s culture.
This episode is also available in Apple iTunes and on Stitcher!
Innovation. Virtually everyone hopes they are considered innovative. Organisations and our societies at large also want to be seen as being innovative, and more importantly, secure the perceived benefits and results. However, there are several myths surrounding innovation that should be revisited and ought to be debunked.
One of those myths is that in order to be innovative, the ideas must produce large-scale, transformational results. However, the definition of innovation is ‘the introduction of something new; a new idea, method, or device’ (Source: Merriam-Webster). It thus means that innovation can also drive small improvements, and not necessarily only be acknowledged when a mammoth initiative is being implemented. In other words, changes that make a certain process, situation, etc., better than it had been before, can be considered innovative.
Another myth is that only a select few of us mere mortals are blessed with being innovative. Admittedly, some might be more inherently innovative that others. However, there are also a broad range of factors, considerations and tools that can be applied that can help to foster innovation in individuals.
Furthermore, we also tend to think that innovation just happens. It cannot be forced. All we need to do is to sit and wait for inspiration to find us. However, again, that is not the case, as this week’s guest will begin to highlight, through our discussion on fostering innovation in the workplace.
Lorenzo Hodges, CEO of Plain White Table
Lorenzo Hodges, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Plain White Table, an innovation strategy and capacity development firm, based in Trinidad and Tobago. A veteran of the tech industry, Lorenzo is of the view that, among other things:
- there is more to being innovative than just sitting and waiting to be inspired
- all areas of an organisation can leverage and enjoy the benefits of innovation, and
- organisations can foster innovation in a systematic and sustainable way.
The above points, and more, are explored in this week’s episode, and some of the questions posed included the following:
- Why the name, Plain White Table, for the company, and why did Lorenzo decide to start such a business?
- What Lorenzo thinks is the biggest misconception people have about innovation?
- Is there a way to systematise innovation in an organisation?
- What services does Plain White Table offer, and who are its customers?
- How is business for Plain White Table? Is there a demand for its services?
- What has been the biggest lesson Lorenzo have had to learn (so far) in running his own business?
- What have been some of the benefits and challenges Lorenzo has experienced in being an entrepreneur and now, versus in his 20s?
- What might 3 to 5 things Lorenzo would suggest an organisation examines in order to determine its potential for innovation?
We would love to hear your thoughts!
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Select links
Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:
Image credits: Wikimedia Commons, L Hodges
Music credit: Ray Holman
