Innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the lifeblood of long-term business success. But what does it really take to innovate consistently, even in the face of competition and uncertainty?
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Robin Bolton, author of Unlocking Innovation, about the mindset, leadership behaviors, and organizational conditions that make innovation possible. If you’ve ever wondered why some companies thrive on innovation while others struggle to get new ideas off the ground, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Listen to the full episode here:
What innovation really means, and what it isn’t
Why leadership behavior determines innovation success
Balancing operational efficiency with creative experimentation
Stories from Robin’s time at P&G and other major brands
Practical steps leaders can take to foster repeatable innovation
Robin explains that while there are countless frameworks for innovation, processes alone aren’t enough. She calls this the architecture of innovation, necessary, but not sufficient for success. True innovation requires leadership to step out of their comfort zone and act differently than they do in day-to-day operations.
“You’ve got to be George Costanza and do the opposite of your instincts,” Robin says, referring to a famous Seinfeld episode. “Operating instincts are about predictability. Innovation is about uncertainty.”
One recurring theme throughout the episode is how leaders’ behavior directly impacts a company’s ability to innovate. Operational instincts, quick decisions, and reliance on past experience can actually derail innovation, as new ideas require exploration, not just execution. Instead of having immediate answers, Robin suggests leaders shift to asking questions, staying curious, and allowing teams to test and learn.
Robin shares a behind-the-scenes story from her time at Procter & Gamble during the launch of Swiffer WetJet. When a competitor threatened to beat them to market, her team had to rethink established processes, challenge “the rules,” and find alternative ways to launch. The lesson? Sometimes, driving innovation means disrupting your own plans before someone else does.
Innovation doesn’t just apply to new products, it’s also about adapting your existing operations. Robin tells a humorous but powerful story about mowing the lawn too fast as a kid, clenching the mower so tightly that she ended up running over a tree. Many companies do the same thing: hold on to existing processes out of fear, unintentionally stifling future growth. Letting go and reassessing allows for better decisions and more sustainable innovation.
“Innovation isn’t just about creating something new—it’s about minimizing risk, hedging bets, and being willing to let go of the old ways to make space for the new.” – Robin Bolton
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Robin Bolton is the founder of MileZero, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations unlock innovation and drive repeatable growth. A former brand manager at Procter & Gamble, Robin has worked with some of the world’s most recognized companies, blending strategy and creativity to bring big ideas to life. Learn more about her work and download a free chapter of her book Unlocking Innovation at https://www.milezero.io/book/