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Let’s be honest—when we think of innovation, we picture brainstorming sessions, sticky notes on walls, and wild ideas flying around. But here’s the twist: real innovation doesn’t start with talking. It starts with listening.Yep, you heard me. The most underrated superpower in leadership today is active listening. And if you’re leading a team, running a small business, or advising on innovation strategy, this one skill could be your secret weapon.<h3>Why Listening Isn’t Just “Nice”—It’s Strategic</h3>Active listening isn’t about nodding politely while someone talks. It’s about tuning in with intention. Leaders who truly listen create space for people to speak up, share ideas, and even challenge the status quo. That’s where innovation lives.When your team feels heard, they feel safe. And psychological safety isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for creativity. Why? Because people dare to take risks, ask questions, and offer bold ideas without fear of being shut down.<h3>Listening Unlocks Hidden Genius </h3>Let’s talk about the goldmine you might be sitting on: your team’s untapped ideas. When you actively listen, you catch the subtle cues—those “what if we tried…” moments that often get lost in the noise. You start noticing patterns, unmet needs, and opportunities that aren’t obvious on the surface.Think of it like this: your team is closer to the day-to-day challenges than you are. They see what’s working, what’s broken, and what could be better. But if you’re not listening, you’re missing out on the insights that could spark your next big innovation.<h3>Listening Builds Trust—and Trust Builds Innovation </h3>Here’s the thing: people don’t share their best ideas with leaders they don’t trust. And trust doesn’t come from charisma or clever strategy decks. It comes from showing up, being present, and listening without judgment.When you listen, you signal that every voice matters. That’s how you build a culture where collaboration thrives and innovation becomes a team sport.<h3>How to Be a Listening Leader (Without Overthinking It) </h3>You don’t need a PhD in psychology to become a better listener. Here are a few simple shifts that make a big difference:<ul><li>Pause before responding. Give space for others to finish their thoughts. </li><li>Ask open-ended questions. “What do you think?” goes a long way. </li><li>Reflect back. Repeat what you heard to show you’re tracking. </li><li>Ditch distractions. Put down the phone. Close the laptop. Be all ears. </li></ul>And if you’re working remotely or across cultures, listening becomes even more critical. Empathy, curiosity, and clarity are your best tools.<h3>Listening Is the New Leadership Currency </h3>Let’s stop thinking of listening as soft. It’s sharp. It’s strategic. And it’s the key to unlocking innovation in your business.Whether you’re leading a startup, guiding a team through change, or consulting on innovation strategy, your ability to listen could be the difference between stagnation and breakthrough.Thank you for reading. Note: In line with my passion for using technology to help humans’ efficiency and creativity, this article has been written with the support of Microsoft Copilot, Adobe &amp; Microsoft Designer. Use “Contact Me Today” to share your comments on this article and suggest topics I could write about next.<h3>🔍 Recommended Additional Reads </h3><ul><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.under30ceo.com/active-listening/" href="https://www.under30ceo.com/active-listening/">4 Ways Active Listening Drives Innovation and Leadership</a> </li><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.aretecoach.io/post/lessons-from-top-ceos-on-active-listening" href="https://www.aretecoach.io/post/lessons-from-top-ceos-on-active-listening">Lessons from Top CEOs on Active Listening</a> </li><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.jointhecollective.com/article/active-listening-a-key-skill-for-cross-cultural-leadership/" href="https://www.jointhecollective.com/article/active-listening-a-key-skill-for-cross-cultural-leadership/">Active Listening: A Key Skill for Cross-Cultural Leadership</a></li></ul>

Listen Up: Innovation Starts Here

<h3>Resilience in Innovation: Why It’s Your Secret Weapon</h3>Let’s be honest — innovation isn’t a straight road. It’s more like a winding mountain trail with unexpected detours, a few dead ends, and the occasional “what on earth just happened?” moment.If you’re leading innovation projects — whether in a startup, a growing business, or a corporate team — you already know that setbacks are part of the deal. The real question isn’t if you’ll face them, but how you’ll respond when you do.That’s where emotional resilience and a growth mindset come in. They’re not just nice-to-have traits; they’re the difference between projects that stall and leaders who keep moving forward.<h3>Emotional Resilience: Your Innovation Safety Net</h3>Think of emotional resilience as your ability to take a punch without losing your balance. It’s not about pretending failure doesn’t hurt — it’s about recovering faster and smarter.Here’s why it matters in innovation:<ul><li>Keeps you from burning out – You can’t lead creative problem-solving if you’re mentally exhausted.</li><li>Helps you make better decisions under pressure – Stress narrows your thinking; resilience widens it back up.</li><li>Builds trust in your team – People follow leaders who stay calm and constructive when things go sideways.</li></ul>Practical ways to build it:<ul><li>Pause before reacting – Give yourself space to respond, not just react.</li><li>Reframe the story – Instead of “we failed,” try “we learned something valuable.”</li><li>Invest in recovery – Sleep, exercise, and downtime aren’t luxuries; they’re part of your innovation toolkit.</li></ul><h3>Growth Mindset: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones</h3>A growth mindset is the belief that skills and abilities can be developed — that failure is feedback, not a verdict.In innovation, this mindset:<ul><li>Encourages experimentation – You’re more willing to test bold ideas when you see mistakes as data.</li><li>Fuels persistence – You keep going because you believe improvement is possible.</li><li>Inspires your team – When you model curiosity and adaptability, others follow suit.</li></ul>How to cultivate it:<ul><li>Ask “What’s the lesson here?” after every setback.</li><li>Celebrate small wins to keep momentum alive.</li><li>Share your own learning curve so your team sees that growth is a process.</li></ul><h3>Resilience + Growth Mindset = Innovation Powerhouse</h3>When you combine emotional resilience with a growth mindset, you create a culture where:<ul><li>Setbacks are expected and planned for.</li><li>Teams feel safe to take calculated risks.</li><li>Innovation cycles speed up because you’re not stuck in fear or blame.</li></ul>The truth? Some of the most groundbreaking ideas are born out of failed attempts. History is full of them — from Post-it Notes to Dyson vacuums. The leaders who made them happen didn’t avoid failure; they mastered the art of bouncing forward.<h3>Your Next Step</h3>If you’re navigating an innovation project right now, ask yourself:<ul><li>How am I building my own resilience?</li><li>How am I encouraging a growth mindset in my team?</li><li>What’s one recent setback I can reframe as an opportunity?</li></ul>The answers might just be the fuel you need for your next breakthrough.Thank you for reading. In line with my passion for using technology to help humans’ efficiency and creativity, this article has been written with the support of Microsoft Copilot, Adobe &amp; Microsoft Designer. Use “Contact Me Today” to share your comments on this article and suggest topics I could write about next.Recommended Additional Reads<ul><li><a data-mce-href="https://fastercapital.com/content/Resilience-and-Innovation--How-to-Overcome-Challenges-and-Setbacks.htmlhttps://fastercapital.com/content/Resilience-and-Innovation--How-to-Overcome-Challenges-and-Setbacks.html" href="https://fastercapital.com/content/Resilience-and-Innovation--How-to-Overcome-Challenges-and-Setbacks.htmlhttps://fastercapital.com/content/Resilience-and-Innovation--How-to-Overcome-Challenges-and-Setbacks.html">Resilience and Innovation: How to Overcome Challenges and Setbacks</a></li><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.jointhecollective.com/article/resilience-and-adaptability-key-elements-of-an-entrepreneurial-mindset/" href="https://www.jointhecollective.com/article/resilience-and-adaptability-key-elements-of-an-entrepreneurial-mindset/">Resilience and Adaptability: Key Elements of an Entrepreneurial Mindset</a></li><li><a data-mce-href="https://differentiatemag.com/resilient-leadership-turning-setbacks-into-innovation-opportunities/" href="https://differentiatemag.com/resilient-leadership-turning-setbacks-into-innovation-opportunities/">Resilient Leadership: Turning Setbacks into Innovation Opportunities</a> </li></ul>

Resilience Wins: Thriving Through Failure

Let’s talk about something that makes most people squirm a little: feedback.Yeah, I know—it’s not always fun. Whether you’re giving it or getting it, feedback can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even downright painful. But here’s the thing: if you care about innovation (and I know you do), feedback is one of your most powerful tools.<h3>Talk It Out, Level It Up</h3>Here’s the deal. Innovation isn’t just about having brilliant ideas—it’s about improving them. And the fastest way to do that? Feedback. Real, honest, constructive feedback.But let’s be clear: not all feedback is created equal. Some of it shuts people down. Some of it sparks new ideas. The trick is knowing how to give and receive it in a way that actually helps.<h3>How to Give Feedback That Doesn’t Kill the Vibe </h3>If you’re leading a team or working with collaborators, you’ve got to know how to give feedback that builds people up instead of tearing them down. Here’s how:<ul><li>Be curious, not critical. Instead of “Why did you do it like that?” try “Tell me more about your thinking here.” It opens up the conversation. </li><li>Be specific. “This isn’t working” is vague and frustrating. Try “What if we tested this with a different audience?” </li><li>Create safety. People need to feel safe to take risks. No blame, no shame—just learning. </li><li>Balance it out. Don’t just point out what’s wrong. Highlight what’s working too. That’s how people grow.</li></ul><h3>How to Take Feedback Without Taking It Personally</h3>Now let’s flip it. Getting feedback can sting, especially when you’ve poured your heart into something. But if you want to grow, you’ve got to lean into it.<ul><li>Listen to understand. Don’t jump into defense mode. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” </li><li>Ask questions. If something’s unclear, say so. “Can you give me an example?” works wonders. </li><li>Say thanks. Even if it’s hard to hear. Gratitude keeps the door open for more (and better) feedback. </li><li>Use it. Don’t just nod and move on. Take what you’ve learned and try something new. </li></ul><h3>Make Feedback Part of the Culture </h3>Here’s the truth: one-off feedback sessions won’t cut it. If you want innovation to thrive, feedback needs to be part of your everyday culture.That means:<ul><li>Regular check-ins (not just once a year) </li><li>Peer-to-peer feedback (not just top-down) </li><li>Safe spaces to share ideas and concerns </li></ul>And if you’re a leader? You’ve got to walk the talk. Ask for feedback. Show how you use it. Make it normal.<h3>Let’s Wrap This Up </h3>Feedback isn’t the enemy of innovation—it’s the secret weapon. When we stop fearing it and start using it, we unlock better ideas, stronger teams, and smarter decisions.&nbsp; Thanks for hanging out with me here. This article was created with a little help from my favorite digital sidekicks—Microsoft Copilot, Adobe, and Microsoft Designer—because I believe tech should boost our creativity, not replace it. Got thoughts on this topic? Ideas for what I should write about next? Hit that “Contact Me Today” button and let’s chat.&nbsp; Want to Dive Deeper? Here are a few great reads if you want to explore this topic more:<a data-mce-href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2025/07/02/16-best-practices-for-giving-and-receiving-constructive-feedback/" href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2025/07/02/16-best-practices-for-giving-and-receiving-constructive-feedback/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">16 Best Practices for Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback – Forbes</a> <a data-mce-href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/07/18/the-power-of-feedback-a-catalyst-for-growth-in-leadership-and-employee-development/" href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/07/18/the-power-of-feedback-a-catalyst-for-growth-in-leadership-and-employee-development/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Power of Feedback: A Catalyst for Growth – Forbes</a>

Fuel Innovation with Feedback

Let’s clear something up right away: curiosity didn’t kill the cat. Nope. It made the cat a founder, an innovator, maybe even the brains behind the next unicorn startup.If you’re in the business of innovation—or trying to be—you already know things move fast. But here’s the thing most people overlook: curiosity is what keeps you in the game. It’s not just a personality trait. It’s a strategy.<h3>Why Curiosity Is Your Innovation Superpower </h3>You know that feeling when you can’t stop thinking about a problem? Or when you ask “what if…” or "why not" for the tenth time in a meeting? That’s curiosity doing its thing. It’s what drives us to explore, experiment, and challenge the status quo.And in innovation ecosystems, that mindset is everything. Curious people don’t wait for permission—they test, learn, and pivot. They’re not afraid to break stuff (in a good way) because they know that’s how breakthroughs happen.<h3>Curious Teams = Better Results </h3>Here’s something I’ve seen over and over again: the most innovative teams aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets or the fanciest tech. They’re the ones that ask better questions.Curious teams are more collaborative, more creative, and way more resilient when things get messy (which they always do). They’re constantly learning, adapting, and spotting opportunities others miss.<h3>Curiosity Loves Company (and Cross-Pollination) </h3>Here’s where it gets even more interesting: curiosity thrives in diverse environments. When people from different backgrounds, industries, or disciplines come together, their questions collide—and that’s where the magic happens.That kind of cross-pollination? It only happens when people are curious enough to step outside their bubble and explore new perspectives. So if you’re stuck, maybe it’s time to look sideways instead of forward.<h3>Curiosity Pays Off (Literally) </h3>Let’s be real—curiosity isn’t just about being interesting. It’s about staying relevant. Curious founders are quicker to pivot. Curious teams are better at spotting trends. And curious companies? They’re the ones building the future.So if you’re trying to grow, scale, or just survive in a competitive space, curiosity isn’t optional. It’s your edge.<h3>So, What’s the Takeaway? </h3>If you’re leading innovation—or trying to spark it—don’t just hire for skills. Hire for curiosity. Don’t just build products. Build a culture where questions are celebrated, not shut down. And don’t wait for the perfect idea. Start with a curious one and see where it takes you.Thanks for sticking with me! Quick note before you go: I’m all about using tech to boost human creativity and efficiency. This article? It was crafted with a little help from Microsoft Copilot, Adobe, and Microsoft Designer. Cool, right?Got thoughts? Ideas? Rants? Hit that “Contact Me Today” button and let’s chat. I’d love to hear what you think—or what you’d like me to write about next.Want to Dig Deeper? Here are a few reads I recommend if you want to geek out on this topic:<a data-mce-href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/10/28/how-curiosity-fuels-innovation-and-the-path-to-discovery/" href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/10/28/how-curiosity-fuels-innovation-and-the-path-to-discovery/">How Curiosity Fuels Innovation – Forbes</a> <a data-mce-href="https://direct.mit.edu/books/monograph/2698/Insatiable-CuriosityInnovation-in-a-Fragile-Future" href="https://direct.mit.edu/books/monograph/2698/Insatiable-CuriosityInnovation-in-a-Fragile-Future">Insatiable Curiosity: Innovation in a Fragile Future – MIT Press</a>

Innovation Starts with “What If?”

You’ve got a brilliant idea. Maybe it’s a product, a service, or a new way of doing things. But here’s the truth: having a great idea is just the beginning. If you want that idea to grow, spread, and actually make a difference, you’ve got to talk about it. Not just once, not just in a pitch deck—but in a way that gets people to care, listen, and act.So, how do you do that? It comes down to three things: telling a great story, listening like you mean it, and communicating with purpose. Let’s break it down.<h3>Tell a Story, Spark a Movement </h3>You know what people remember? Stories. Not stats, not slides—stories. If you want your idea to stick, you’ve got to wrap it in a narrative that people can connect with.Think about it: your audience isn’t just buying into your product or service—they’re buying into the why behind it. What problem are you solving? Who are you helping? What change are you trying to make?A simple way to start: make your customer the hero. Your innovation? That’s the tool that helps them win. Keep it human, keep it real, and don’t be afraid to show the messy parts. That’s what makes it relatable.<h3>Listen First, Innovate Better </h3>Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: listening is just as powerful as speaking—maybe even more.When you’re trying to scale an idea, you need to know what your audience actually wants. What are they struggling with? What excites them? What’s holding them back?The only way to find out? Ask. Then really listen. Not just to respond, but to understand. The insights you get from those conversations can shape your message, your product, even your whole strategy.So before you launch, pitch, or post—talk to people. Customers, partners, even skeptics. Their feedback is gold.<h3>Speak Clearly, Inspire Action </h3>Now let’s talk about persuasion. Not the pushy kind—I'm talking about clear, confident, honest communication that moves people.You don’t need fancy words or jargon. You need clarity. You need to show people why your idea matters, what it does, and how it helps them. And you need to do it in a way that feels real.A good trick? Use the “why, what, how” method:Why does this matter? What is the idea? How does it work in their world? When you hit all three, you’re not just informing—you’re inspiring.<h3>Talk Is How Ideas Grow </h3>At the end of the day, scaling innovation isn’t just about tech or funding or strategy. It’s about people. And people connect through communication.So whether you’re building something new or helping others do it, remember: your words matter. Your story matters. And how you listen? That might be the most powerful tool you’ve got.Thanks for sticking with me! This article was created with a little help from some of my favorite tools—Microsoft Copilot, Adobe, and Microsoft Designer—because I believe tech should boost our creativity, not replace it. Got thoughts on this topic? Or ideas for what I should write about next? Hit “Contact Me Today”—I’d love to hear from you.Want to Dive Deeper? Here Are Some Great Reads:<ul><li><a data-mce-href="https://hbr.org/2023/11/storytelling-that-drives-bold-change" href="https://hbr.org/2023/11/storytelling-that-drives-bold-change">Storytelling That Drives Bold Change – Harvard Business Review</a> </li><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.mckinsey.com/locations/mckinsey-client-capabilities-network/our-work/strategic-and-change-communications/the-communications-exchange/making-meaning-matter-a-conversation-with-david-pearl" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/locations/mckinsey-client-capabilities-network/our-work/strategic-and-change-communications/the-communications-exchange/making-meaning-matter-a-conversation-with-david-pearl">Making Meaning Matter – McKinsey</a></li></ul>

Amandine Devergies

Blog

Listen Up: Innovation Starts Here

Resilience Wins: Thriving Through Failure

Fuel Innovation with Feedback

Innovation Starts with “What If?”

Turn Talk Into Traction

Foster Creativity with Effective Team Coaching