The Innovation Meets Leadership Podcast

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 pr...

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 insig...

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 s...

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 invest...

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 exp...

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...

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. H...

What does it take to lead innovation at one of America's fastest-growing dessert brands, rotating an entirely new menu weekly across 1,200+ locations? In this illuminating episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Grace Chadwick, COO of Crumbl. Grace shares her fascinating journey from technology consulting to leading major food industry brands, ultimately landin...

How can businesses prepare for an AI-driven future without losing the human touch? In this insightful episode, Natalie Born sits down with Krystal Parker, a former Fortune 200 executive and award-winning author of The Best Robot Wins . Krystal shares her remarkable journey from a small-town college dropout to a leader in the oil and gas industry, and now as a prominent figure in business consultin...

What does it take to not only launch a product on Amazon but to actually protect and scale it in the ever-changing e-commerce world? In this episode, Natalie Born interviews Amazon expert Shannon Roddy. Shannon shares his journey from learning web design to becoming a trusted authority on Amazon brand success. He dives into the critical aspects of launching innovative products, creating demand, an...

What if the key to revolutionizing education lies in interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving? In this episode, host Natalie Born is joined by Ed Fidoe, the founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), an innovative institution tackling global issues like inequality, sustainability, ethics, and AI through an interdisciplinary curriculum. Ed shares his journey from...

How can shifting your mindset about pricing transform your business and unlock greater value for your clients? In this episode, John Ray dives into the challenges service providers face when it comes to pricing and value creation. They explore how a mindset shift can help professionals, from consultants to attorneys, understand and communicate their value better, avoid common pricing pitfalls, and...

How can leaders foster innovation even in challenging economic times? In this illuminating episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Robyn Bolton, founder and chief navigator at MileZero. Bolton shares insights from her extensive experience at companies like P&G and BCG, offering practical advice on structuring innovation within organizations and empo...

How can organizations create a security-minded culture where every employee feels responsible for protecting against cyber threats? In this episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with cybersecurity expert Yosef Beck to explore the ever-evolving landscape of digital security. With over a decade of experience consulting for more than 70 clients and a backgrou...

How is artificial intelligence reshaping innovation practices and what does it mean for businesses today? In this thought-provoking episode, innovation expert Katrin Zimmermann shares insights on the evolution of innovation hubs, the transformative impact of AI, and how businesses can navigate the rapidly changing technological landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience across industries, Zi...

How can mastering banking fundamentals transform the trajectory of your small to mid-sized business? In this enlightening episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born is joined by Mary Beth Coke, District Director for Regions Bank, covering Georgia and the Carolinas. Mary Beth shares her extensive background in banking and discusses the critical role that financial strateg...

How can businesses reclaim the customer-centric approach that defined early corporate success and adapt it for the 21st century? In this enlightening episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born engages with Hunter Hastings, an economist and former corporate executive turned advisor and author. Hastings shares his rich experience spanning various roles, including CMO and CEO positions...

What three essential elements can empower women to embrace their leadership abilities and thrive in their careers? In this thought-provoking episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born engages in a captivating conversation with Tinsley English, a recognized expert in female leadership development. Tinsley shares her personal journey and the lessons she learned along the w...

Can remote work revolutionize the way we balance our personal and professional lives, leading to happier, more productive employees and a more diverse workforce? In this episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Sean Campbell, founder of Cascade Insights, a virtual professional services firm. With over 20 years of experience running remote companies, Sean...

How can leaders approach digital transformation differently to increase their chances of success in the rapidly changing business landscape? In this episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born interviews John Rossman, a former Amazon executive and the author of four books on leadership, innovation, and transformation. Rossman also discusses the role of the aging workforce...

Is ESG compliance becoming a necessity for companies to maintain their customer base and grow their business? In this thought-provoking episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Bob Woosley, a national practice leader at Fraser and Dieter, to discuss the evolving landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and its impact on mid-mar...

How can choosing the right leader, not just the job, propel your career to new heights? In this episode, host Natalie Born engages in a discussion with Antonio Garrido, author and founder of "My Daily Leadership". Antonio shares his fascinating journey from architect to successful business leader, highlighting the profound impact that great leaders had on his career trajectory. He emphas...

How can leaders foster a culture of innovation and psychological safety in their organizations? In this episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Tim Fischer, the president of Jackson + Coker, to discuss leadership, innovation, and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. With over 30 years of experience in the staffing industry, Tim share...

Can the complex, interconnected challenges of our era be addressed through traditional innovation methods, or is there a more powerful approach waiting to be unleashed? In this episode, host Natalie Born engages with Dan McClure, a visionary in the field of innovation, to explore his latest book, " Do Bigger Things." McClure delves into the necessity for a new, potent form of innovation...

Have you ever considered how the simplicity of your message could be the key to breakthrough communication? Discover how to cut through the noise and connect more effectively. In this insightful episode of "Innovation Meets Leadership," host Natalie Born sits down with marketing communications expert and author Ben Guttmann to explore the power of simplicity in messaging. Gutman shares h...