Firstly, happy 2022. If it’s anything like the previous two years – and at one level, let’s hope not – it’s going to be fast-paced, full of change, challenges, and hopefully innovation.

Innovation is a big subject that occasionally floors me, given I’m overwhelmed by the mighty deeds undertaken by the best in the world.

Names like Steve Jobs, Sara Blakely, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos come to mind; the companies they have created, namely Apple, Spanx, Amazon, and Tesla, are credited amongst the most innovative in the world.

Their ability to innovate in rapidly changing times, to identify gaps in existing marketplaces, and then utilise creative and tactical strategies to capitalise on these are the stuff of legend.

If you apply additional research, you’ll find that there are several traits that innovators share.

These include:

Persistence, in the face of objection, and let’s face it, there’s always an objection. This helps forge resilience which, when accompanied by a proactive stance and a creative opportunity, can allow for that eureka moment.

There’s also mention of prudence, in other words, not taking undue risks, which, to be fair, is at odds with what I would have thought. One also needs a high level of emotional intelligence, along with general intelligence and a grasp of their creativity.

On the surface, none of this looks hard, and although it’s easy to be put off by thinking big, too big to get started, it’s equally more likely if you think small.

Start small; we don’t have to change the whole world, just our part of it.

With this in mind, I’m going to be looking to innovate across several parts of my own life and, yes, business too.

I’m looking at opportunities to extend our levels of service, grow our team’s skill and resilience, and maintain our reputation of agility.

Being able to pivot ahead of the market regardless of the challenges, adapt to any and all circumstances, and innovate in whatever way we can.

Don’t be scared off; this city of ours is alive with innovation. Whether it is a big part or a small piece, we all have a role to play.

And if you ever wondered about where inspiration can come from, I’d take a look at Sara Blakely’s story.

Whilst getting ready to go out, she realised she didn’t have the right underwear to provide a smooth look under white pants.

So, using scissors, she cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose, and a billion-dollar enterprise was conceived.

Now that’s some innovation.

AN INVITATION TO INNOVATION