Becoming an Innovator: How to Think, Lead, and Grow Differently
May 21, 2025
Becoming an Innovator: How to Think, Lead, and Grow Differently - In a constantly shifting world, innovation isn’t just a competitive edge—it’s a mindset. We’re diving into what it truly means to be an Innovator, inspired by powerful insights from Laura’s visit to the International Maxwell Conference. Whether you lead a team, support a leader, or are charting your own professional path, this blog is for you.
Let’s redefine innovation.
Becoming an Innovator
Innovators Don’t Wait—They Lift
An Innovator doesn’t just create something new—they make what already exists better. They’re constantly lifting people, processes, and performance to the next level. They believe opportunities are everywhere, and they develop the vision to see what others miss.
This mindset shift—from waiting to creating—is where growth begins. As one speaker put it: "You don't look for what you don't believe is possible." Once you believe opportunities are around you, they begin to appear. Innovation starts by training your eyes to look differently.
Opportunity Optimizers: Think, Look, Do
Innovators are what we call Opportunity Optimizers—they don’t just identify potential; they act on it. They:
- Think about ways to add value
- Look for gaps, needs, and solutions
- Do the work to bring change to life
True innovation isn’t passive. It requires curiosity, courage, and the willingness to challenge old assumptions.
Reinventing in Your Strength Zone
Many professionals make the mistake of reinventing themselves in their weaknesses—which leads to burnout and frustration. Innovators reinvent within their strengths. They:
- Get clear on their lane
- Build depth before breadth
- Add new dimensions as growth demands it
Innovation doesn’t mean being everything to everyone. It means becoming exceptional in what you do best—and then layering on new skills, audiences, or delivery methods as needed.
The Power of Curiosity and Courage
Innovators are wildly curious. They ask questions, jump fences, and explore new ideas—because they believe there’s always a better way. They challenge limiting beliefs and keep learning, even when others get comfortable.
There’s a moment every innovator faces: leave behind what no longer fits, or stay stuck in the familiar. Growth often requires separation—from outdated roles, old narratives, or peer groups that resist change.
As one quote shared reminded us: "We say goodbye to who we were, so we can say hello to who we’re becoming."
Innovation in Action: The Lanes Model
One of the most practical ways to think about innovation is by focusing on your "lane."
Start with your core lane—your primary strength. Get great there. Then, as your traffic increases (clients, demand, or influence), you can add new lanes:
- Audience Lane: Who do you serve?
- Subject Lane: What topics do you teach or lead on?
- DNA Lane: What values drive how you deliver?
- Resource Lane: How do you package and share your value?
Stay focused. One excellent lane beats five average ones.
Keep Leader Shifting
Innovation also requires flexibility. Innovators are constantly leader shifting—adjusting in real time, growing on the job, and staying open to change. They value words like:
- Creating
- Improving
- Adjusting
- Pioneering
- Learning
- Wondering
There’s no finish line in innovation. As long as you’re growing, the work will keep evolving—and that’s the beauty of it.
Final Thoughts: Innovators Make Things Better
You don’t need a title to be an innovator. You need vision, curiosity, and the courage to believe there’s a better way.
At Fun2GrowOn, we believe in helping individuals and teams Laugh, Learn, and Grow into that mindset—through powerful workshops, coaching, and real-world development tools.
Ask yourself: What could be better? Then take one step to make it so.
Let’s grow, together.
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