When it comes to innovation, sometimes motivation trumps technical innovation. In a moving story about a gentleman who became a quadriplegic after an accident, we learned how determination helped Gerald lead a better life. Though it took 45 years, Gerald never stopped innovating and finally found a way to eliminate bed sores. He found simple ways to continue leading a productive life and do the things many of us take for granted - like using an iPad and turning on a ceiling fan. At the age of 72, Gerald continues to solve his own problems and lead a better life.
What can we learn from Gerald? For him, "failure was not an option, there was too much at stake." And as innovators, we should not forget about all the consumers who depend on us to help them lead better lives. Though the challenges of innovation are pressing (culture, systems, design thinking, lack of time), we can make a difference by doing a better job at breaking through the obstacles that keep us from doing the best we can.
Connect meaningfully, be intentional, lean in!