What’s the point of innovation?
In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck reflects on what innovation actually means—and why the version we celebrate most (flashy tech, hype cycles, moonshots) often misses the point. Drawing from personal experience at Boeing, Bose, and multiple advanced tech sectors, Brandon shares why he’s now more energized leading engineering at a spring company than he’s ever been before.
This isn’t innovation theater. It’s real work, with real people, solving hard problems that actually matter.
Brandon breaks down his first-principles approach to innovation:• Make things better for people, especially operators• Advance the manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in overlooked small/mid-sized companies• Contribute to long-term economic value through a sustainable moat
Along the way, he explores the difference between adding technology vs. creating value, why simple gravity-fed solutions might beat flashy automation, and what real engineering fulfillment looks like in practice.
This is a grounded, honest take on innovation from someone who’s lived both ends of the spectrum—and now knows exactly where the magic really is.
Key Takeaways:
Innovation isn’t about headlines or hype. It’s about solving meaningful problems.
True innovation starts with knowing what you're optimizing for.
Real-world engineering constraints sharpen creativity and impact.
Flashy tech can be a distraction. Simpler, thoughtful solutions often win.
Innovation should create value for people, companies, and communities—not just press releases.
There’s deep fulfillment in solving problems others overlook.
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