198: How to Put Trust At the Center of People First Innovation Equation

Can innovation truly succeed without trust, integrity, and the right team behind it? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show I welcome Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of MarketPoint at Humana, for an insightful discussion on what it really takes to lead big ideas and bold changes.

Tracy shares how her journey began in an unexpected place—retail—where an inventive approach led to record-breaking sales, setting the stage for a career of embracing innovation. Through her remarkable experiences in telecom, notably leading Sprint’s transformative turnaround and groundbreaking merger with T-Mobile, Tracy underscores how calculated risk-taking and bold decisions can radically shift a company's direction.

At the heart of their conversation is the critical role of trust during times of change, especially mergers and acquisitions. Tracy candidly discusses the strategies that built trust with teams she led, emphasizing the necessity of open, transparent communication—even in tough situations. Her relatable story about the "goose in the parking lot" vividly illustrates how addressing seemingly small team concerns can significantly impact company culture and morale.

Transitioning from telecom to healthcare, Tracy brings these leadership lessons to Humana, where she now tackles healthcare’s complex landscape. She reveals her approach to fostering a culture of innovation and shared vision, highlighting that successful innovation isn’t about dictating strategy from above but rather bringing teams along on a collective journey toward clearly visualized goals.

The episode wraps with Tracy tackling my hot-seat questions, revealing her personal thoughts on the greatest innovation of all time, the historical team she'd most love to have joined, and the one innovation she'd love to see next—ideas sure to spark lively debate among listeners.

What role does trust play in your innovation journey? Share your experiences with us after tuning in to this inspiring conversation!