An innovation specialist reveals the unique mix of skills and mindset that lies at the heart of any great changemaker…
‘Women have a sense of passion and relatability; they want to change things,’ says Priscilla Li, leader of frogTech and Applied Innovation Exchange, part of global consultancy Capgemini UK.
As she reflects on what makes someone a true innovator, she acknowledges — refreshingly — that innovation isn’t always easy. But even if you’re lacking the confidence or the tools to really drive change, you doubtless have skills and attributes that you can tap into, says Li.
So what can you learn about how to effectively innovate, from someone who creates creative solutions every day?
1. Surround yourself with people who’ll support AND challenge you
‘The world is always changing,’ Li says. ‘But people don’t like change. That’s just human behaviour.’ Li explains that it’s common to encounter resistance, but believes it helps to have a sponsor on your side, ‘somebody that gets your vision’.
This could be someone outside of your company who can provide a fresh perspective. ‘A third party is always a great voice. They can come in and say they’ve taken a look at your business, and here are things that other companies are doing.’ This might generate fear — but that’s the point. ‘I’ll be honest, a little bit of, “Gosh, we don’t do this now” can be an impetus for change.’
Li also thrives on challenging conversations. ‘I want to approach naysayers,’ she says. ‘I want to get hold of those objections. I love them.’ But once they’ve been voiced, they need to be framed as ‘what if’ questions instead. ‘I say, “What if it wasn’t a technology feasibility issue?” and, “What if it wasn’t a cost issue?” Would they be then willing to open up to actually considering this as an investment and process going forward?’ This often enables people to see what’s been holding them back and allows for progress.
2. Adopt an ambitious mindset
When hiring new team members, Li makes a point of really examining their ambition levels, and asking how strongly they feel a desire to innovate and shake up the status quo.
But ambition is only half of the picture; you have to actually make things happen, not just want to. Li acknowledges that imposter syndrome can strike when we’re trying to change something. ‘I don’t think I’d be good at my job if I didn’t feel a little bit uncertain,’ she admits. But, ultimately, people need to replace their fear of the unknown with learning and then action. This applies whether you want to help companies innovate or innovate within your company. You need to know change should happen, but not always how. That’s when you can go away and learn more. ‘If you already know the solution, then you probably don’t need to innovate,’ Li says.
She also recommends running with what excites you. ‘When something sparks your interest, grab it,’ she says. ‘Have the courage to do something new. Try it out. You don’t know where it’s going to go. But I guarantee that it’s usually the things that get you most excited that will be worth the time.’
3. Lean into the tech you don’t know about yet
Technology is central to innovation, and as a true disruptor you need to have a good grasp on what’s happening out there. ‘Don’t be afraid to get hands-on [with trying new technology for yourself],’ says Li, who recently bought an Oculus Quest VR headset, recognising that thought she’s had the least experience on her team in using this device, ‘I bring a different perspective experiencing it first-hand’.
Remember that you don’t need to be an expert to innovate. ‘Don’t be dissuaded by the fact that you aren’t a programmer, or you are not a technical architect,’ Li says. ‘We can bring in the right people that know how to deliver that technical excellence.’
4. Embrace the diverse thinking in your team
‘I feel very fortunate that we’re in a very big diverse and inclusive momentum,’ Li says, an approach she adopted as soon as she started creating her own team. ‘That’s the way I’ve always been looking for the people that have a different perspective and view.’
This includes people coming to an innovation role from a different industry. ‘I’m very open to [people from] diverse backgrounds looking for a shift, because I know they’re bringing a very different point of view,’ she says.
Li says that diversity isn’t solely about background, race or gender, but cognitive diversity too. ‘It’s not just the most outspoken person that we should be hiring,’ she says. ‘There are people that need time and space to think. When they get that opportunity, they can come back with the best ideas.’
5. Focus on creating a positive impact
Li says it’s vital that we regularly ask ourselves why we’re innovating and what problem we’re solving. ‘Innovation only exists because we have to adapt. It has to have a purpose,’ Li says. ‘We’re innovating and changing because it’s supposed to make a positive impact in some way, shape, or form.’
To ensure you’re always striving for a positive change, you need to keep up to speed with what’s happening in the world. ‘We live in a very unpredictable environment, and the problems we’re facing [now] are more complex than ever,’ Li says. ‘So we really have to root ourselves in the realities of today.’
Paying attention, learning and reassessing your work must be a continuous process. She recommends asking yourself: ‘Is what I’m doing still having the same impact? Are there other implications I’ve not thought about?’ It’s the responsibility of innovators to ensure that they’re making the best decisions for everyone.
