Between Innovation Podcast

In this episode Kathy and Joe dive into one of the most foundational and often overlooked ideas in organizational development: “self as instrument”.Using humor, real client moments, and lessons from the field, they explore what it really means to walk into a room as a leader, facilitator, or consultant knowing you are the most influential tool you bring with you. From calibrating your energy and reading the room to navigating bias, countertransference, and emotional signals, they unpack how your presence shapes every conversation, every interaction, and every outcome.They also discuss the leadership practices that keep your “instrument” in tune — authenticity, intentionality, modeling behavior, seeking feedback, and the non-negotiable role of self-care. Whether you're leading teams, coaching others, or simply trying to show up with more clarity and impact, this conversation offers practical, and human insight into how to bring your best self to the work.A thoughtful, energizing episode for leaders and learners who know that change starts from within.

In this episode of Between Innovation, Kathy and Joe hold up the mirror to leadership and ask a tough question: What if you’re the biggest barrier to the change you want to see?Drawing from real-world conversations with leaders, they explore how common frustrations—like lack of ideas, weak accountability, or organizational silos—often reflect back on leadership behaviors themselves. Through stories, roleplays, and candid insights, they unpack why change is so hard, and how leaders can build the self-awareness and trust needed to unlock innovation.If you’ve ever thought “my people just don’t…”, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reconsider what’s really happening.Key TakeawaysWhy leaders need to “hold up the mirror” and examine their own role in blocking change.How safety (or lack of it) determines whether ideas surface or stay hidden.The difference between external motivators (bonuses, raises) and intrinsic motivators (autonomy, mastery, purpose).What leaders really mean when they say, “My people aren’t strategic.”How initiative gets unintentionally stifled—and how to avoid “killing the spirit.”Practical ways to transform meetings into spaces for contribution and collaboration.The two types of silos (political vs. unintentional) and how to break them down.Why self-awareness and curiosity are the foundation for innovation.

In this episode we explore Positive Intelligence (PQ) — a powerful framework that helps us understand how our own minds can either propel us forward or quietly sabotage our growth, relationships, and creativity.Building on their recent conversation about emotional intelligence, we discuss how PQ expands that conversation by identifying our internal saboteurs — the mental patterns and voices rooted in early survival strategies that no longer serve us. From the ever-present Judge to pleasers, hyper-achievers, and avoiders, these mental habits can quietly derail our intentions without us even realizing it.Drawing from our own experience completing the Positive Intelligence program, we share personal stories, emotional insights, and favorite tools like the deceptively simple “PQ rep” — a physical practice for shifting from reactive thinking into calm awareness. Learn how PQ aligns with neuroscience, emotional development, and see how to use childhood photos of your three-year-old self to reconnect with joy, presence, and purpose.You’ll also hear about the five Sage Powers—Explore, Empathize, Navigate, Innovate, and Activate—and how these strengths help us move through life with clarity, curiosity, and intention. Whether you’re tackling workplace challenges, navigating difficult relationships, or just trying to quiet that voice in your head, this episode offers a practical and deeply human approach to shifting your internal narrative.Takeaways include:The difference between emotional and positive intelligenceThe Judge: your “master saboteur” and how to recognize itHow simple body-based practices help rewire the brainWhy your childhood survival strategies might be holding you backThe importance of shared language and psychological safety in teamsTips for applying Sage Powers at work and in daily life

In this episode of we discuss emotional intelligence (EQ) and how it is a changeable and learnable skill, unlike IQ, and is crucial for effective leadership, team building, and overall organizational success. We do a deep dive on all four quadrants of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. We also talk about data that demonstrates how organizations focused on both performance and people, including developing EQ, are more profitable and resilient. Learn why EQ involves understanding and managing emotions, not suppressing them, and strategies for improving EQ such as self-reflection, pausing before reacting, observing others, and seeking feedback. 

In this episode we explore what it means to build a learning culture. How do we move beyond compliance and sending people to training sessions? How do we create an environment where curiosity is king, and everyone feels safe to ask "dumb" questions? We discuss how to actually make time for learning when your calendar is a minefield of meetings, and why celebrating "oops" moments can be way more valuable than patting ourselves on the back for successes. We also discuss how to address the information overload we're all dealing with, and how to connect dots and ask the right questions. Join us and learn how to build a resilient team that's constantly growing and adapting. 

In this episode we welcome a new friend from across the pond, Giles Hutchins. An author, coach, and advisor extraordinaire, Giles takes leaders into nature to inspire innovative thinking and regenerative leadership. He discusses his 30-year career of shifting business consciousness, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with nature, and unlocking creative potential and promoting psychological safety in the workplace. He introduces the concepts of "activating our super nature" and embodied knowing, and we discuss the continued importance of emotional intelligence in leadership development. Giles also addresses the shift from mechanistic thinking to living systems, highlighting nature as a valuable resource for research and development and a model for organizational growth and resilience. Hutchins shares his personal journey and awakening, leading him to his current work, and provides insights into how nature can inspire hope and resilience in innovation.Learn more about Giles and his work:https://gileshutchins.com/Video:Nature Works - Activating Regenerative Leadership Consciousness -Giles Hutchins, Galahad ClarkLeading by Nature book:https://amzn.to/4aXylbWLearn more about Switch:https://www.switchinnovationlab.com

This episode of the Between Innovation podcast explores Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a strengths-based approach to organizational change and innovation. Key takeaways: Focus on the positive: Unlike traditional problem-solving approaches that focus on what's broken, AI encourages exploring peak experiences and strengths to fuel positive change. This shift in focus fosters a more hopeful and engaging environment. The 4 Ds: Discover: Identify and analyze high-point moments through carefully crafted questions and storytelling. Dream: Envision a future where these positive experiences are commonplace. Design: Develop actionable steps to achieve that desired future. Deliver: Implement the plan and move towards the envisioned future. Importance of crafting questions: Investing time in formulating the right questions is crucial for eliciting authentic and insightful stories that reveal common themes and shared values. Storytelling as a tool: Sharing stories of peak experiences creates connection, fosters hope, and surfaces the collective wisdom of the group. This approach helps build a shared understanding and commitment to change. Applicability to innovation: AI can be used to foster innovation by encouraging individuals and teams to reflect on their most innovative moments and identify the conditions that enabled those successes. Creating a positive energy shift: By focusing on strengths and positive experiences, AI creates a more energetic and engaging environment that can lead to more effective and sustainable change. Bringing AI into everyday work: Leaders can incorporate AI by framing questions that focus on past successes and strengths, even when addressing challenges or performance issues. Examples and applications discussed: A leadership team from a newly merged organization used AI to build connections, establish shared values, and create a framework for high performance. Reframing performance conversations to focus on past successes rather than shortcomings. Learn more at Switch Innovation Lab

Ever wonder what exactly design thinking is and how it can help your organization? We explore some of the key principles of this often misunderstood methodology. We also discuss how the human-centered principles of design thinking can be applied to any complex challenge — especially those related to people, leaders, and organizations.

Ever heard the phrase “Yes, and …”? Join us as we explore these two powerful words, their origin in improv, and their importance to innovation. We’ll also discuss: Why innovation requires space for everyone to participate and contribute The importance of self-awareness in innovation, including the need for individuals to understand their strengths and how they can contribute to the larger conversation The embodiment of innovation — getting people up and moving and using physical activities to foster engagement and creativity. The power of breathing exercises and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for innovation Why your whole self matters when it comes to innovation. Or anything, really. Innovation is about hope for change and the answers often lie within. Learn how to embrace your creativity and contribute your unique perspectives to drive innovation.

We dive into the multifaceted world of creativity and challenge traditional notions that limit it to artistic pursuits. We discuss how creativity is an innate human capability, applicable to a wide range of fields and essential for problem-solving, innovation, and personal growth.  Creativity is not reserved for a select few. We debunk the idea that only artists or "creative types" are capable of creative thinking, emphasizing that everyone possesses a unique creative potential.  Creativity is not simply a matter of waiting for inspiration to strike. We reveal the often rigorous and intentional process behind creative breakthroughs, highlighting the importance of practice, experimentation, and persistence. Play is not just for kids. We discuss the vital role of playfulness in unlocking creativity, emphasizing how it fosters exploration, experimentation, and joy, ultimately leading to innovative solutions and a more fulfilling life. We discuss how organizations can cultivate environments that encourage creativity in all employees, including psychological safety, belonging, and flexibility in fostering an innovative workforce. By challenging conventional wisdom and offering practical insights, this episode empowers listeners to tap into their own creativity and foster a more inclusive and innovative world.

Joe and Kathy discuss the pervasive language and behaviors that hinder innovation in the workplace. They delve into the overuse of "I" statements by leaders that leave team members feeling unheard and excluded. They also explore the impact of phrases like "I know," which can shut down conversations, and the detrimental effects of silence and lack of acknowledgment. Additionally, they discuss the importance of curiosity and active listening, as well as the power of "yes, and" in fostering collaboration and building on ideas. Kathy and Joe emphasize the importance of self-reflection and vulnerability in creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment that promotes innovation. They encourage listeners to assess their own communication patterns and seek feedback from their teams to identify areas for improvement. Connect with Us: Learn more about leadership and the human side of innovation at www.switchinnovationlab.com  Connect with Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox on LinkedIn

Join Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox, partners at Switch Innovation Lab, on the Between Innovation podcast as they delve into the human conditions necessary for innovation to thrive. In this episode, they tackle the often misunderstood concept of accountability, exploring how it can be a driving force for successful innovation. They discuss the importance of clarity, mutual accountability, and resource allocation, emphasizing that innovation requires a different approach than traditional business metrics. Joe and Kathy share valuable insights, strategies, and real-world examples to help you foster a culture of accountability and drive innovation within your organization. Key Takeaways: Redefining Accountability: Move away from the punitive, top-down model and embrace mutual accountability, where everyone understands their roles and contributions. The Importance of Clarity: Clearly define goals, expectations, and metrics for success — while remaining open to the unexpected nature of innovation. Learning Culture: Invest in continuous learning and development to foster a culture of innovation and intellectual capital growth. Activity vs. Impact Metrics: Measure early-stage innovation through activity metrics (learning, insights, experiments) and assess impact metrics (financial gain, industry transformation) later in the process. Storytelling and Check-ins: Foster open communication and storytelling to share learnings, insights, and challenges within innovation teams. Connect with Us: Learn more about innovation at www.switchinnovationlab.com or connect with Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox on LinkedIn. Let's redefine accountability and unlock the power of innovation together!

This episode of the Between Innovation podcast delves deep into the concept of belonging and its profound impact on innovation, employee engagement, and organizational success. Co hosts Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox explore how feeling like you belong can transform one's experience at work, leading to increased job performance, decreased turnover, and lessened sick days. They argue that creating an environment of belonging involves more than just diversity and inclusion; it’s about celebrating and embracing differences, fostering curiosity, and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued. The conversation touches on the consequences of not belonging, including stress and lack of engagement, and suggests that organizations that prioritize belonging can drive innovation and success. They also discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for people to be vulnerable, share their stories, and feel like they truly belong. This episode concludes by contemplating a workplace utopia where belonging is celebrated, leading to a more productive, innovative, and inclusive organization.

In this episode we chat about the crucial role of clarity in bulding an innovative culture. We discuss multiple levels of clarity, from understanding individual roles and responsibilities to understanding the overarching purpose within an organization. The conversation highlights the challenges of achieving clarity in today's evolving work environments, including hybrid work models and the VUCA environment. Joe and Kathy emphasize the need for intentional communication, frequent feedback, adaptable processes, and rethinking outdated practices like annual performance reviews. We also explore the complexities of clarity within ad hoc teams and offer practical best practices for improving clarity in dynamic environments and connecting clarity to psychological safety for effective innovation.

The episode explores the concept of psychological safety, defining it as a shared belief among team members that taking risks, voicing opinions, and admitting mistakes won't lead to negative consequences. Joe and Kathy discuss how psychological safety allows for innovation, as it enables individuals to speak up, contribute ideas, and learn from mistakes. They examine how leaders can foster a psychologically safe environment through curiosity, communication, and positive reinforcement, rather than punitive measures. Key elements include taking risks, expressing ideas and concerns, asking questions, and admitting mistakes in a supportive setting to drive organizational growth and improve team dynamics.

The episode covers the concept of human innovation in the workplace. Switch Innovation Lab partners Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox discuss the five key factors essential for fostering an innovative environment: psychological safety, belonging, clarity, accountability, and motivation. We explain that innovation involves not just the output but the pathway, requiring human action. Emphasizing the role of each individual, Kathy and Joe explain how innovation should be a collective effort involving a culture of shared responsibility, rather than being relegated to special groups. Discussing the need for reinvention due to rapid change, we discuss the term 'VUCA' (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous), which has accelerated the pace at which organizations must evolve. We also mention research on the speed of organizational reinvention and the necessity of involving all levels of the organization. Throughout the episode, examples within the healthcare industry and leadership behaviors are used to demonstrate these concepts practically.