Mar 26 2025 42 mins
Is your team more afraid of sharing a bad idea or missing out on a great one? In this episode, Mike and Kristen dig into what truly makes a culture innovative - and it's probably not what you think. Most companies claim to value innovation, but few actually design their culture to support it. Through a framework Kristen calls the "Improvation Matrix," they explore how openness to new ideas and commitment to execution create the foundation for genuine innovation. Plus, Mike takes a delightful detour through the Museum of Failure (featuring gems like Colgate Lasagna and Limeade Oreos) to illustrate why embracing failure might be the most important element in fostering creativity. Whether your team is stuck in stagnation, drowning in noise, or trapped in rigid thinking, this episode offers practical strategies to shift your culture toward true innovation.
Highlights:
- Kristen introduces the Improvation Matrix with two axes: openness to new ideas and level of commitment
- Teams can exist in four states: Stagnation, Noise, Rigidity, or Innovation depending on their culture
- The "Yes, And" mindset from improv fosters divergent thinking and gives creative ideas room to breathe
- The Museum of Failure showcases products like New Coke and Colgate Lasagna as examples of how even successful companies fail
- Three levels of listening: listening to respond, listening to hear, and listening to understand
- The Golden State Warriors' "Strength in Numbers" philosophy demonstrates how supporting teammates leads to success
- Incorporating play at work reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and enhances creativity
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod
Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/
Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com