"Diversity of thought is very powerful. I aggressively seek out people that don’t think like me and are polar opposites of me. That’s the only way to pull yourself out of your own corner."
Mauhan Zonoozy, Founder of Stealth
What if the biggest barrier to innovation isn’t a lack of ideas—but feeling like you need permission to take action on your ideas?
In this last episode of Transformative Leadership Conversations, I sit down with Mauhan Zonoozy, a strategic advisor and expert in innovation and venture building who is currently the founder of Stealth.
Mauhan shares his perspectives on why permission is a sneaky barrier to innovation—and why people often wait for a "green light" before acting.
Mauhan and I also talked about having an “Analog Table” which is essentially creating protected space without technology (think pens, paper, markers, perhaps some simple design tools for inspiration like clay or Legos) to free yourself to think messy and free. I loved this idea!
(Turns out there is also a table actually called the Analog Table).
Here are a few additional highlights from our conversation:
Stop Asking for Permission: Many people feel the need to ask for permission before taking action—but innovation thrives when people are empowered to move forward without it. This shift in mindset can be transformative for individuals and teams.
The Illusion of Wanting Change: Companies often say they want innovation but get cold feet when change feels risky. Leaders need to recognize this pattern, calculate the risks and then push through to create real impact.
Fear is the Real Enemy: Playing it safe is the quickest way to stall innovation. Leaders and teams must be comfortable with the unknown and be willing to face failure head-on. Mauhan reminds us, "If you play scared, that's how you get hurt."
Innovation Isn't a Playbook: While processes and frameworks have their place, real innovation happens when people are given space to think freely. A blank piece of paper and sticky notes may be all you need to spark groundbreaking ideas.
Diversity of Thought is a Superpower: To break out of narrow thinking, you need to bring in diverse perspectives and people who challenge your assumptions. True creativity comes from constructive friction, not echo chambers.
The Courage to Take Big Bets: Revolutionary executives don’t just play it safe—they take risks, often against conventional wisdom. Mauhan points to Amazon’s famous decision to invest in AWS which was a long-term investment that paid off, transforming how businesses manage their technology infrastructure as an example of bold, visionary thinking.
The Hard Truth About Failure: It’s easy to talk about "embracing failure," but living it is much harder—especially when investors or reputations are on the line. True innovators push past the discomfort and stay committed to the vision of innovation.
That’s a wrap for 2024!
Thank YOU for spending your time and attention with me and my guests this year. 2025 will bring MORE fun and engaging conversations on leadership and beyond. Stay tuned!
You are always welcome to take a seat at the table where every conversation has the potential for transformative change.
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