Strategy and Leadership Podcast Why Innovation Fails, and How to Fix It w/ Robyn Bolton
Aug 13, 2025
Robyn Bolton, founder of MileZero and former P&G brand manager, dives into the intricacies of why so many innovation efforts stumble in successful companies. She explains how leaders often stifle creativity by clinging to past successes and highlights the need to balance instinct with innovative thinking. Robyn shares actionable stories, including the importance of flexibility within corporate constraints and cultivating a culture that embraces change. Prepare to rethink how you lead innovation in your organization!
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Leadership Beats Process For Innovation
- Leadership behavior determines whether innovation succeeds beyond having a process.
- Robyn Bolton says the "architecture" is necessary but leadership conduct is the crucial, unpredictable factor.
Operating Instincts Undermine New Work
- Operating instincts that scale existing businesses conflict with innovation instincts.
- Bolton argues leaders must do the opposite of their operating reflexes to succeed at novel work.
Ask Questions Before Making Decisions
- When facing new initiatives, stop giving immediate answers and ask clarifying questions.
- Robyn Bolton advises leaders to shift into learning mode instead of applying operating instincts.
