Innovation Mindset

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Recorded25 Mar 2026

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Innovation is a word we hear often, but how often to we ask what it means in practice? Is innovation focused on technology, product development, and disruption; or is it more about how leaders think, collaborate, and create connections for those new ideas to take root? This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and SystemX MC and FCCS Atlanta Home Lending keynote speaker, innovation coach, and author Steve Lerch. Together they consider the importance of mindset in unlocking the innovation in any industry, how innovation really happens, and strategies for overcoming the obstacles that often hold companies back. Steve shares surprising ways that AI is changing the innovation landscape and strategies that leaders in agriculture and finance industries can employ to foster more innovating thinking on their teams. Episode Insights Include: Becoming an innovation philosophy expert Steve's time as the innovation philosophy teacher at Google didn't start with a job listing. Steve had conversations with internal and external clients about innovation flourishing. Although he's not a technical expert, Steve's passion for innovation was clear. Innovation starts with people, culture, and leaders. Innovation strategies at Google Google employs both explicit innovation platforms and cultural elements. 20% projects allow employees to work on topics they feel are worth pursuing. Immersion Day opened different employees to connect and learn from each other. Innovation is derived from openness and collaboration. Consider what is possible – one meeting a month or one hour a week? Overcoming common innovation failings Many conceptual innovation building blocks are agreed upon but not understood. How do the most junior employees in your organization feel empowered to innovate? Leaders cannont have the best intentions without taking practical steps. Resources and time have to put toward out-of-the-box thinking. Leaders need to communicate their intention to move forward with innovation – a simple email will do the job. Make it easy for employees to share ideas with an ideas email address or suggestion box. Innovation in the age of AI AI is going to change every job function. It allows humans to do everything better and faster and with more resources. Simple brainstorming processes can be accelerated with AI. Consider AI as an idea engine, not just a problem solver. AI is the closest thing to creative that any technology has ever been – utilize it. Innovation and collaboration Best practices and SOPs can be limiting to innovation. Problems that are solved are not always being improved. Imagine every process as a Version 1 that has an improved possibility. Don't automatically assume processes are best practices. Driving innovation in ag Every industry believes they are uniquely resistant to change. Ag is a uniquely lifelong industry, and that presents challenges. Innovation is both scientific breakthroughs and individual routine improvement. Small changes can make a big difference in innovation. Remember, your industry and individual challenges are less unique than you think. The perfect final product should not be the only goal to continually work toward. Utilizing free AI tools now is the first step to mastering expensive AI tools later. Leaders need to set an inspiring example of innovation. This podcast is powered by FCCS and brought to you by AgVantis. Resources Connect with Steve Lerch – Steve Lerch Get in touch – [email protected] "Innovation starts with people, culture, and leaders. The robots and AI come later." — Steve Lerch "Innovation culture is derived from openness and collaboration." — Steve Lerch "Innovation is both scientific breakthroughs and small change improvements." — Steve Lerch "Leaders need to carve out time for innovation conversations." — Steve Lerch

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