Embarking on becoming an innovation consultant is an adventure fraught with challenges and opportunities. The question that often arises is: What kind of experience does diving into the depths of innovation consulting require? Breaking into this highly competitive field necessitates a blend of academic knowledge and real-world practice. Still, the pathway is less about a set timeframe and the rich experiences gained, opening the door to innovation.

Consider the apprenticeship — the age-old tradition of learning by doing —the key to unlocking latent potential. Aligning with a mentor, someone whose accomplishments you respect and aspire to emulate, becomes vital. Through this alliance, the transfer of wisdom is not merely academic but vibrantly alive, fertilized by the flow of ideas born of actual projects and commercial undertakings.

Is there a magic number of years required for mastery, or does the variety and depth of experience trump the span of time? What if success in innovation is not just about the ideas you conceive but also about your capacity to shepherd those ideas through the stages of development to execution?

This pursuit of innovation is not for the faint-hearted. It's for those willing to be tenacious, invest time and effort, and repeatedly return to the forge of creation. So, are you ready to unlock the door?

Venturing into the startup arena is daunting, with roughly 90% failing within their first year. Strikingly, the restaurant industry shares a similar fate, where 60% do not celebrate their first anniversary. Combining these two volatile worlds, as Fisayo has done with Resactly, is a brave endeavor — a testament to her passion and tenacity.

Is two years the minimum requirement for mastery, or can internships and apprenticeships be tailored to individual needs? Not everyone can commit to a two-year apprenticeship, but real-world experience is crucial. Find someone you admire, someone who has the experience, and be part of all aspects of innovation, from ideation to execution.

In conclusion, the journey to becoming an innovation consultant is personal. Whether through internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience, the key is to immerse yourself in the world of innovation. Acquiring the hard knocks of real-world experience is essential, and this practical knowledge sets you apart. Once you've gained this experience, you can confidently unlock the door to innovation and share your insights with the world. So, are you ready to take that first step?

To learn more about unlocking the door to innovation, listen to this week's show: Unlocking the Door to Innovation.