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What Creates a Culture of Innovation?

Published 23 days ago • 2 min read

Dear Reader,

Innovation has become one of the biggest buzzwords in leadership.

Organizations talk about it. Strategic plans prioritize it. Leaders ask their teams to be more innovative. But after working with organizations across the U.S. and Canada, I've realized we're often focused on the wrong goal.

Instead of trying to create innovation, we should be creating innovators.

Some of the most impactful ideas don't come from chasing the next big breakthrough. They come from people who are encouraged to think differently, ask better questions, and challenge the status quo.

The good news? You don't have to be naturally creative to become an innovator. You simply have to be willing to pause, observe, and approach challenges with curiosity instead of rushing toward solutions.

When leaders build a culture where curiosity is valued over quick fixes, innovation stops feeling elusive, it becomes part of how the team thinks, learns, and grows.

🗂️ Programs

MASTERCLASS. Pressure doesn’t just affect performance, it changes how we communicate, collaborate, and lead.

Join our Personality Under Pressure Masterclass and discover your unique stress archetype while learning practical strategies to strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and build a more resilient team.

📅 July 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM Arizona Time 💲 Only $29 per attendee (valued at $200) 🎥 Recording included

We only offer two masterclasses each year, reserve your spot today and equip your team to thrive under pressure.

💡 Leadership Tip of the Month

Ask before you answer.

One of the simplest ways to build psychological safety is to invite input before offering your own solution. Asking questions like “What am I missing?” or “What’s another perspective?” encourages open dialogue and helps teams make better decisions.

Source: What Is Psychological Safety? – Harvard Business Review​

🗓️ Upcoming Events

✨ I’m excited to be speaking at the Arizona Technology Council’s 19th Annual Executive Leadership Retreat on August 10–11 in Prescott, Arizona.

Join me for “Leading in Uncertain Times: How to Inspire Action, Build Resilience, and Drive Impact in 2026,” where I’ll share practical strategies to help leaders inspire their teams and create meaningful impact in times of change.

If you’re a CEO, executive, business leader, or entrepreneur, this retreat is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside fellow leaders. Register today, I look forward to seeing you there!

✨ Join me on Thursday, July 16, for Beyond Words: How Our Stories & Strategies Inspire Leadership Action, an interactive workshop based on my new book, Beyond Words.

Together, we’ll explore how intentional storytelling can strengthen trust, deepen connections, and inspire meaningful action. You’ll leave with practical strategies for using stories to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and impact in your leadership, business, and everyday conversations.

I hope you’ll join us for this engaging session and discover how your story can become one of your greatest leadership tools.

🎙️Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

I recently joined the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast to discuss leadership agility, authentic communication, and why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools leaders can use to inspire action and strengthen their teams.

We also explored intrinsic motivation, onboarding, succession planning, and practical strategies for creating meaningful connections that drive lasting impact.

🎧 Listen to or watch the full episode and discover leadership insights you can put into practice right away.

✨Local? Come hear this!

I'm honored to facilitate the 2026 City of Flagstaff Council Candidate Forum, hosted by the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association.

This community event offers an opportunity to hear directly from the current council candidates, learn about their perspectives on issues impacting Flagstaff, and engage in an informative, nonpartisan conversation.

Whether you're a Sunnyside resident or part of the broader Flagstaff community, I encourage you to join us, stay informed, and be part of the discussion.

3220 W Dannielle Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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