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Why Aren’t Things Improving?
Unlocking Innovation introduces leaders to a framework called the ABCs—Behavior, Architecture, and Culture — by blending personal anecdotes, fictionalized case studies based on real people, and practical tools to guide readers through the psychological, structural, and cultural challenges that make or break innovation efforts. Why was this an important book for you to write?
For a long time, I resisted the idea of writing a book. Having spent most of my career in corporate innovation, the one thing I knew for certain was that the world did NOT need another book about innovation! There are thousands, maybe millions, out there, yet none of them have changed the results that corporates get from their innovation investments.
But then it hit me: If there are so many books about how to improve something, why aren’t things improving?
As I reflected on my experiences, patterns emerged: brilliant executives treating innovation like operations, teams getting crushed by unrealistic expectations, and 90% of corporate labs shutting down within three years. But it all boiled down to one thing.
Innovation isn’t an idea problem. It’s a leadership problem.
We’ve got plenty of ideas. What we don’t have are leaders who understand that everything that made them successful operators will doom them as innovators. This book exists because every executive tasked with innovation deserves better than innovation theater and false hope.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share?
First, do the opposite of your instincts. Like George Costanza, if every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right. It’s a simple concept that is incredibly hard to adopt. After all, your professional success created and honed your instincts, so ignoring them isn’t just difficult, it’s illogical. But innovation and operations are opposite worlds, which is why you need to do the opposite of the instincts that made you a successful operator.
Second, stop obsessing over finding the perfect process or structure for innovation. Those things are necessary but not at all sufficient for success. Instead, take a holistic approach by building the ABCs: Architecture, Behavior, and Culture. And focus on leadership behavior first because that’s what makes or breaks innovation investments.
Third, innovation is not an event. Stop wasting time and money on one-off hackathons, shark tanks, and startup field trips. Innovation ROI requires long-term investment not a one-day offsite.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
“I don’t have time” means “It’s not a priority,” and that’s perfectly fine because not everything can be a priority. As leaders, though, we need to own it and be honest about why we’re not engaging in something. And, as innovators, if we think something should be a priority, we need to work to figure out why it’s not and how to make it one.
Also, reflection isn’t navel-gazing; it’s how you turn experience into wisdom. Make time for it.
What is one thing you hope readers take away?
Success isn’t about beating the odds—it’s about changing lives. Every time you show someone they’re capable of more than they imagined, you’ve won. The real innovation isn’t the product you launch. It’s proving that doing the impossible is actually possible.
Plus, you should definitely have a cookie while doing all this. I recommend chocolate chip.
Only 1 in every 50,000 incubated ideas reaches $1 million in sales. If you ask most corporate executives why their companies’ innovation efforts fail, they’ll blame a lack of ideas or not enough big ideas. Innovation expert Robyn M. Bolton knows that innovation isn’t an idea problem, it’s a leadership problem. To drive real innovation, executives must defy the very instincts and behaviors that made them successful operators.
In Unlocking Innovation, Bolton draws on her twenty-five years of advising leaders to provide a practical, holistic innovation framework. Her ABCs of Innovation show leaders how to reshape their roles, teams, and organizations to create new value and catalyze corporate renewal from within. Using real-life stories, Bolton follows innovation leaders’ trajectories from heading up a new team and generating first results to navigating the inevitable crosswinds, complications, and conflicts—and ultimately delivering success. Unlocking Innovation is the essential guide for any leader tasked with innovating inside an established organization.
Unlocking Innovation: A Leader’s Guide for Turning Bold Ideas Into Tangible Results
After reading Robyn M. Bolton’s Unlocking Innovation, I can confidently say this book is a grounded, clear-eyed roadmap for any leader tasked with driving innovation inside a large organization. Structured around a three-year journey, the book presents a framework called the ABCs—Behavior, Architecture, and Culture—to help leaders navigate the real-world messiness of turning ideas into results. Bolton blends personal anecdotes, fictionalized case studies based on real people (like Hope, Faith, and Victor), and practical tools to guide readers through the psychological, structural, and cultural challenges that make or break innovation efforts. It’s not about dreaming up ideas; it’s about executing them.
Bolton’s voice is smart and strategic without being stiff. She has a gift for calling out corporate B.S. in a way that makes you laugh. Her stories, especially those that show leaders hitting roadblocks or being sidelined, felt familiar. The emphasis on behavior was a refreshing twist. Most business books obsess over frameworks and processes, but this one starts with the leader’s instincts, habits, and emotional resilience. It reminded me that sometimes, the biggest barrier to innovation isn’t the budget or the board, it’s us. Her advice to “do the opposite” of what made you successful in traditional roles resonated with me.
The year-by-year breakdown sometimes felt rigid, but even then, Bolton anticipates this and builds in flexibility. Her “Know Your” sections and TL;DR summaries are smart additions—like breadcrumbs through a dense forest. And the running joke about cookies was both charming and weirdly effective.
Unlocking Innovation is one of the few business books I’d recommend without hesitation to anyone leading innovation inside a complex organization. It’s especially useful for middle and senior managers who feel stuck between the C-suite’s demands and their team’s frustrations. If you’re tired of fluffy innovation talk and want something that respects both your intelligence and your time, this book is for you.
Pages: 223 | ASIN : B0DTRXX23S
Team Spirit: The Power of Purposeful Gatherings
Team Spirit is a hands-on guide to designing and leading team gatherings that are intentional, energizing, and effective. Drawing on years of experience as a facilitator and coach, Antonia Milkop shares practical tools, personal stories, and easy-to-apply frameworks that help managers and facilitators rethink the way teams come together. The book introduces the “3 Ps”—Purpose, Planning, and Presence—as the key ingredients for successful gatherings. Milkop structures her book with engaging metaphors, real-world examples, and repeatable templates (“Cookie Cutters”) that readers can pick up and run with.
I didn’t expect a book about meetings—well, “gatherings,” as Antonia wisely reframes them—to feel this fresh. But it is. Milkop writes like she’s right there in the room with you, rolling up her sleeves, helping you figure out what’s not working and why. Her voice is both warm and firm—like a good facilitator should be—and her practical wisdom feels earned, not theoretical. I loved the way she leaned into real examples, from clunky Zoom calls to stalled leadership retreats. I found myself nodding (and laughing) more than once. The metaphors—yes, even the cooking ones—actually helped. It’s a smart way to talk about structure without sounding stuffy.
What really struck me, though, was how this book made me feel. Inspired, mostly. Seen, a bit. It gave me a sense of permission to take more care in how I design the moments my team shares. Milkop doesn’t just want you to run better meetings—she wants you to build better teams. Her emphasis on rhythm, intention, and emotional presence is something that resonated with me. She reminds us that team culture is created one conversation at a time. The simplicity of her methods is deceptive—this is deep work. And it matters.
I’d recommend Team Spirit to anyone who leads, supports, or shows up for a team. Whether you’re managing your first group of interns or facilitating strategy sessions for execs, there’s something in here that will shift your perspective—and give you the tools to make real changes.
Pages: 184 | ASIN : B0D89PL3CZ
Seeds of Leadership
For over three decades, Will Lukang has successfully led corporate teams, drawing on his vast experience and leadership training from Seton Hall University. In Seeds of Leadership, Lukang distills a lifetime of formal education and informal lessons—spanning from his childhood in his parents’ store to his extensive corporate tenure—into a workbook-style personal development manual. His approach to leadership emphasizes growth through actionable steps, which he aptly describes as “planting seeds.”
The book adopts a practical and straightforward tone, offering readers a structured path toward leadership improvement. Lukang incorporates anecdotes from his life to illustrate key points, though these stories occasionally lack the narrative depth or engagement one might hope for in such a book. The inclusion of interviews with other leaders, along with their perspectives and advice, could have added richness and depth, as well as bolstered the book’s credibility. As it stands, the advice is drawn solely from Lukang’s personal experiences—valuable but somewhat narrow in scope.
Targeted at individuals new to leadership, Seeds of Leadership functions well as an introductory guide. The strategies and exercises it presents are accessible, practical, and easy to implement. However, the concepts remain relatively conventional, unlikely to surprise or challenge seasoned leaders. For those already established in leadership roles, much of the material may feel overly basic, offering little in the way of fresh insights or groundbreaking approaches.
The book’s most compelling feature lies in its personal stories, particularly those highlighting Lukang’s journey overcoming learning challenges and navigating cultural expectations. These moments resonate with authenticity and provide a glimpse into the core values of his leadership philosophy. His emphasis on integrity and authenticity as essential traits for effective leaders stands out as a refreshing and powerful message. Lukang’s argument that leaders who embrace their authentic selves inspire and elevate their teams is both meaningful and underexplored in traditional leadership literature.
Seeds of Leadership is a solid recommendation for emerging leaders seeking to evaluate their skills and embark on a path of personal growth. Its workbook-style format enables readers to actively engage with the material, applying the concepts through exercises and reflections. However, for experienced leaders or those looking for advanced strategies, the book may fall short of expectations. Still, its core principles—grounded in integrity and authenticity—remain universally valuable, making it a worthwhile read for those at the beginning of their leadership journey.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0DPNG49YL
Seeds of Leadership
In Seeds of Leadership, Will Lukang reframes leadership not as a fixed style but as a dynamic attitude, drawing from his personal experiences to craft a compelling narrative. By weaving together reflections on his upbringing, the challenges he overcame, and the values he embraced, Lukang sets the stage for a book that seamlessly intertwines personal growth with professional development. The book is thoughtfully structured around three core dimensions: self-leadership, leading others, and preparing for the future. Lukang explores these themes through vivid anecdotes from his career, highlighting the importance of adaptability, integrity, and mentorship. His real-world examples, such as guiding a colleague toward success or navigating organizational complexities, bring to life the transformative potential of facing challenges with intention and resilience.
Lukang’s approachable and conversational writing style ensures accessibility for readers across diverse backgrounds. He distills complex ideas into clear, relatable insights while fostering an inviting tone that encourages readers to embrace new perspectives. Reflective exercises at the end of each chapter enhance the book’s practicality, guiding readers to engage deeply with the material and apply it to their own lives. These exercises transform the book from a passive read into a powerful tool for introspection and actionable growth. Lukang avoids one-size-fits-all prescriptions, favoring nuanced, experience-based strategies. He invites readers to refine their own leadership styles, grounded in empathy and ethical decision-making. His candid accounts of early struggles and the lessons they taught him foster a genuine connection, adding depth and relatability to his guidance.
The book also underscores the interconnected nature of leadership qualities. Lukang’s metaphorical “seeds” of leadership—embracing change, fostering team cohesion, and planning for succession—are presented as interdependent elements that thrive when nurtured collectively. These simple yet profound analogies provide a roadmap for cultivating a leadership mindset rooted in authenticity and collective success.
Seeds of Leadership, by Will Lukang, offers an enriching perspective on leadership that resonates with both aspiring and seasoned leaders. Lukang combines practical advice, personal narratives, and thought-provoking reflections to create a work that transcends industries and demographics. His book is not just a guide—it is an invitation to grow, lead, and inspire with intentionality and heart.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0DPNG49YL
Lead with Purpose, A Story About Leading In Your Personal And Professional Life
Dr. Kevin McGarry’s Lead with Purpose offers a compelling exploration of leadership, personal growth, and family dynamics, all wrapped in a narrative that feels both deeply relatable and insightful. McGarry shares a story through the main character Eddie who’s journey to understanding leadership came from an unexpected source, as he grappled with balancing his professional and personal lives. Out of this chaos emerged critical lessons, which he skillfully presents to readers. McGarry’s book will especially resonate with those facing similar struggles to the protagonist, Eddie, whose life is a reflection of the challenges many of us face in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world.
McGarry’s writing captures the unspoken tensions within Eddie’s household, portraying a broader theme of disconnection in the digital age and the quest for purpose. The way he transitions from Eddie’s strained family life to the softball field hints at a deeper metaphor. It’s not just about family and sports; it’s about bridging the gaps between our professional and personal aspirations. McGarry’s ability to intertwine elements of corporate leadership within these personal moments adds depth and richness to the narrative, making it more than just a story—it’s a guide for those whose lives don’t fit into neatly tied-up bows. The author blends engaging storytelling with practical life lessons, offering a mix of realism and introspection. McGarry writes with a certain artistic flair, using vivid descriptions and emotional depth to capture the essence of family and work-life struggles without overindulging in flowery language. His focus remains on evoking emotional connections through the characters’ interactions and internal conflicts. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the natural tension between Eddie and his family to unfold, mirroring the subtle yet impactful disconnects that often arise in modern lives. Every element of his writing reflects an intentionality and passion that shines through in every page. The book’s central themes—leadership, family, and personal fulfillment—are thoughtfully woven into a larger conversation about balance and meaning. One of the key takeaways is the importance of remaining open to life’s lessons, which can emerge from the most unexpected places, ultimately transforming both your professional and personal approach. McGarry’s tone and vocabulary are carefully chosen, capturing the weight and emotional complexity of modern disconnection, especially within the family. Yet, he offers a sense of renewal through leadership and engagement. The story’s undercurrent of hope, as Eddie embarks on a journey to rediscover purpose, is balanced with complex emotions like frustration, love, and determination.
Lead with Purpose is a thoughtful, well-written reflection on leadership and life. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to reexamine their life choices, leadership style, or find a better balance between work and family. McGarry’s ability to combine practical advice with an engaging, heartfelt narrative makes this book both powerful and transformative.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0D8LLHW9N
Win the Talent Game: A Guide to Lateral Hiring for Law Firms and Lawyers
Win the Talent Game, by Richard Brock, offers an intriguing exploration of talent acquisition, drawing astute parallels between the dynamics of college football and the legal services industry. Brock’s deep understanding of both sectors provides a foundation for a comprehensive and engaging comparison, illustrating how critical effective hiring is to a firm’s success.
The book opens with an insightful discussion on the nature of talent, challenging the notion that it is purely innate or confined to certain individuals. Brock articulately argues that talent includes a range of attributes such as dedication, perseverance, and communication skills, all of which can be developed through deliberate practice. This perspective is somewhat controversial, but I believe it enriches the book with a fresh and compelling viewpoint on professional growth and adaptability in the legal field.
Brock further delves into the strategic importance of talent in shaping the success of organizations. He likens elite college football players’ impact on their teams to how skilled lawyers influence the trajectory of their firms within a competitive landscape. The narrative is enriched with vivid descriptions and keen observations, positioning talent acquisition as a pivotal element of excellence in both fields. Demonstrating extensive research, Brock retraces the historical shifts in law firm dynamics, notably in compensation models, and their significant effects on firm hierarchy. His analysis of the transition from lockstep to merit-based compensation systems reveals how these changes elevate top performers and redefine roles within firms, underscoring his expertise and passion for the topic.
Win the Talent Game is structured as a practical guide, methodically addressing the complexities of lateral hiring—from identifying and integrating top talent to understanding its broader implications for firm strategy and growth. Brock’s meticulous explanation ensures that readers grasp the nuances of this strategic tool, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the market.
Win The Talent Game is an essential read for law firm leaders, aspiring lawyers, and anyone keen on the sophisticated dynamics of talent acquisition in the legal industry. Brock’s insightful analysis, combined with his engaging narrative style, makes this work an invaluable resource for navigating the changing landscape of law firm human resources and recruitment.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B0CM3V2GBL
Make Your Brand Legendary: Create Raving Fans With the Customer Experience Engine
In the vast landscape of brand-building literature, Make Your Brand Legendary emerges as a compelling guide for organizations keen to establish a formidable brand presence. The central thesis revolves around creating a brand and building one that evokes fervor and emotional resonance among its patrons.
Author Scott Wozniak brilliantly underscores the idea that today’s brands don’t just thrive on transactions but thrive on forging deep emotional bonds. Rather than advocating for brute effort, Wozniak pushes the ethos of working intelligently to cultivate customers who are more accessible to engage with and more profitable.
Wozniak’s lucid and dynamic writing style facilitates an effortless journey through the book’s concepts. Starting with the foundational understanding of what defines a legendary brand, he progresses seamlessly into practical applications and insights. He crafts an interactive and introspective reading experience by prompting readers to reflect on their favorite brands.
What sets this book apart is its inclusivity. It extends its wisdom to commercial enterprises, non-profits, and mission-driven entities, signifying the universality of the principles it champions. With examples ranging from titans like Apple to the more unassuming gas stations and eateries, Wozniak demonstrates that creating a legendary brand isn’t restricted to a particular industry or necessitates boundless resources.
The book’s narrative masterfully intertwines rich storytelling with actionable takeaways. Wozniak’s authority on the subject shines through, ensuring that readers, whether business professionals or those steering non-profits, find value in his insights.
Make Your Brand Legendary is more than just a book; it’s a roadmap for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary in the realm of branding. Wozniak’s offering is a crisp, cogent, and captivating guide. This book promises to be an invaluable asset for those aspiring to elevate their brand to iconic status.
Pages: 223 | ASIN : B0CBKYHV5W
LITERARY TITAN 