We all love a good idea. But what actually makes something innovative, and who gets to decide?
In this episode of Momentum, Bonny and Nora go beyond the buzzwords to unpack what innovation really means, and why so many leaders feel stuck between big ideas and real impact. Is creativity enough? What role does culture play? And how can we balance speed with societal impact?
You’ll hear why innovation is less about finding that one big idea, and more about intentionality, inclusion, and action. From the differences between North American and European models to the role of intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, we explore how innovation shows up in systems, organizations, teams and leadership. We explore how to move beyond the frustration of stalled ideas, and start building momentum that leads to real impact.
Key Takeaways:
➡️ Innovation = idea + action + impact. Creativity sparks ideas, but innovation demands intention, inclusion and follow-through. Without that shift, even the best ideas stay stuck.
➡️ Innovation is a leadership responsibility. You don’t have to be the ideas person to innovate. We’ve seen repeated success with perfect pairings of a visionary and an implementer. As a leader: set the tone, build the system, and surround yourself with the right people.
➡️ The best innovation makes something possible for others. If your idea only serves you or your bottom line, it’s not innovation, it’s exclusivity. Impact starts with inclusion and leads to collective benefit.
➡️ Failure fuels the process. If you’re not learning as you go, you’re not innovating. The best ideas often come from the second (or tenth) attempt. Extract the insight and keep going.
Listener Challenge:
Take an idea you’ve been sitting on.
1️⃣ What’s one small action you could take today to move it forward?
2️⃣ What problem are you solving—and who stands to benefit?
Because innovation isn’t just about what you create, it’s about the impact you make for the many.
Our Co-Hosts
Strategic Thinker. Bold Challenger. Grounded Visionary.
Bonny is a strategist, facilitator, and co-founder of Sidekick Consulting who believes momentum is built in the middle of the mess. With a background as a CMO and over a decade of experience across startup and corporate environments, she’s known for her sharp thinking, no-nonsense mindset, and ability to turn big ideas into grounded action. Bonny brings a calm presence, clear direction, and just the right amount of edge to move things forward—with intention.
People-Centered Leader. Strategic Integrator. Dynamic Optimist.
Nora is a purpose-driven leader, facilitator, and co-founder of Sidekick Consulting who believes that bold and meaningful impact is accomplished when done together. With deep roots in business development and operations, she’s known for her people-first lens and her talent for uncovering insights and ideas that translate swiftly into action, driving both people and performance. Nora brings a rare blend of energy, empathy, and clarity to build momentum that truly matters.
This podcast was produced by PRCPTN and directed by Giuliana DiBonaventura.