Having new or innovative ideas is essential to pushing the world forward and so we asked the community to share stories of the most innovative things they’ve done in their career. Our hope is to inspire folks who think only scientists or tech-wizards can innovate – innovation is possible for everyone, regardless of job title or function, industry or geography.

Logan Crowell

Absolutely, and you’re right to call out the myth. Innovation isn’t just about billion-dollar IPOs or moonshot ideas. It’s about solving problems creatively and sustainably; especially when the stakes are real, and resources are limited. My entire career has been built on that kind of innovation: practical, human-centered, and mission-aligned. Read more>>

Kehla G

The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career wasn’t creating some flashy new app or funnel—it was daring to burn down every “proven” business strategy that was never designed for women like me in the first place. Read more>>

Rachel Gillman Rischall

As someone who is obsessed with the power of introductions, I embarked on a connection journey.

At the end of 2023 during a brainstorming dinner, an industry friend posed a challenge…

What if I tracked the number of connections I made in one year?

I took the bait and started a list, noting every time I put two people in touch over text or email.

Roughly 18 months later, I just made my 252nd intro, ranging from job opportunities, to travel agent referrals, to new business connections, to journalist sources, to a possible collaboration between someone I met on an airplane and a friend of 20 years. Read more>>

Kristiana Daly

Changing my business from event planning to live event painting!
It took the courage to adapt, change and live my dream! Read more>>

Derek Sakakura

In my field—classical ballet—change doesn’t come easy. We’re talking about an art form built on centuries-old traditions, revered for its beauty, discipline, and tradition. But what the public doesn’t see is the quiet cost to the dancers who begin training as children, devote most everyday of their teen years to an extremely demanding physical and mental practice, and often work and retire with chronic injuries, limited financial security, and little support for what comes next. Read more>>

Lorena (Lory) Toledo

One of the most innovative things I’ve done in my career was integrating Organizational Behavior Management principles into businesses that struggled with high staff turnover and inconsistent service delivery. Rather than focusing solely on top-down directives, I led a team-wide initiative that prioritized behavior-based performance systems, real-time feedback loops, and meaningful reinforcement aligned with both organizational goals and employee values. It was innovative not because the science was new, but because applying it in such a practical, sustainable, and human-centered way transformed the entire culture. Read more>>

Amanda Leese

I set out to monetize my passions and after some trial and error ( and a pandemic and a move) it worked! Read more>>

Daniel Paterno

this may not be that innovative, but I do think it’s unique to the storie-s of my careers. I started as a graphic designer, but then trained as a hair stylist. i’ve been doing both businesses successfully since the start of my working life. Read more>>