Yes, And! With Avish Parashar

We tend to romanticize innovation as a lightning-strike moment: someone suddenly has a brilliant idea that changes everything.

But what if innovation isn't something you wait for? What if it's something you can deliberately create?

In this episode, I sit down with former Google executive and innovation speaker Steve Lerch, author of INNOVATE: Igniting a Culture of Curiosity and Perpetual Improvement, to explore how leaders can create environments where people continually question assumptions, share ideas, experiment, and improve.

Steve spent nearly a decade at Google, where part of his work involved teaching Google's innovation philosophy to new employees. What I find particularly interesting about his perspective is that he doesn't view innovation primarily as a technology issue. It's a people and culture issue.

We explore the four themes at the heart of Steve's approach—inspiration, curiosity, openness, and structure—and some surprisingly simple ways to put them into practice.

Steve explains why setting an "impossible" 10X goal can generate ideas you'd never discover by thinking incrementally, why labeling something "Version 1" changes the way people think about it, and why sharing unfinished ideas can lead to better collaboration and innovation.

We also talk about psychological safety, Google's famous 20% projects, Paul McCartney brainstorming "Get Back" in front of the other Beatles, and why constraints and structure can actually increase creativity rather than restrict it.

If you're a leader who wants your people to stop defaulting to "this is how we've always done it" and start looking for better ways forward, there's a lot you can take away from this conversation.

• Innovation is a culture, not an event. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, leaders can create systems and environments that make innovation more likely.

• Use 10X goals to force different thinking. An impossible goal doesn't always need to be achieved; it can be a brainstorming tool that forces you beyond incremental solutions.

• Label things "Version 1." Treating processes, reports, meetings, ideas, and systems as Version 1 reminds people that they're allowed—and expected—to question and improve them.

• Share ideas before they're perfect. "Brainstorming out loud" lets other people contribute while an idea is still flexible enough to evolve.

• Psychological safety fuels innovation. People stop contributing ideas when they repeatedly feel judged, dismissed, or shut down.

• Seek perspectives outside your expertise. Sometimes the person who knows less about your specific problem can offer precisely the different perspective you need.

• Constraints can increase creativity. The right boundaries, rules, deadlines, and systems can give creative thinking direction instead of limiting it.

• Innovation needs structure. If creativity is always treated as something to do after the "real work" is finished, it probably won't happen.

• Steve Lerch's website: SteveLerch.com

• INNOVATE: Igniting a Culture of Curiosity and Perpetual Improvement: available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and eBook through Steve's website: https://www.stevelerch.com/book

What if understanding who you're NOT is actually more important than understanding who you are?

In this episode, I sit down with innovation expert, Hall of Fame speaker, and author Stephen Shapiro for a wide-ranging conversation about innovation, goals, productivity, personality, collaboration, and creating cultures where different types of people can do their best work.

Stephen and I go back more than 20 years — although he probably didn't know it at the time! — and I've followed and learned from his work throughout my speaking career. So I took advantage of this conversation to revisit some of his ideas that have stuck with me over the years.

We talk about his counterintuitive philosophy of "Goal-Free Living," why being called "the laziest person" became a compliment that shaped the way he thinks about work, and why he believes most of the best practices we learn from successful people should probably be ignored.

Then we dive into Stephen's Personality Poker methodology and his new book, You're Not Playing with a Full Deck. Stephen explains how understanding your natural strengths — and, more importantly, what's missing from your "hand" — can help you figure out who you need around you.

I even let Stephen analyze my own Personality Poker results, which leads us into a fascinating conversation about the difference between our innate traits and the traits we learn in order to become successful — and whether some of those learned behaviors can eventually start holding us back.

Finally, we explore how these ideas apply beyond the individual to teams and entire organizations, including how leaders can identify what's missing from their teams, improve collaboration, and create lasting culture change.

• Why Stephen prefers using a "compass" instead of a "map" when thinking about goals and the future

• How to "meander with purpose" while still moving your life and business forward

• Why being "lazy" can actually force you to rethink systems and focus on the work that creates the most value

• Why you should be skeptical of other people's "best practices" — even when their advice is good

• How Personality Poker helps you understand both who you are and who you are NOT

• Why the missing "cards" in your hand can reveal the people you most need to collaborate with

• The difference between innate personality traits and traits you've learned in order to succeed

• Why playing to learned strengths might sometimes pull you away from what naturally energizes you

• How teams can diagnose gaps that are hurting creativity, execution, decision-making, and collaboration

• Why the person who annoys you the most may actually be the person you need the most

• How organizations can move beyond one-time training and create culture change that actually sticks

• Stephen Shapiro: theinnovationspeaker.com

• Personality Poker: personalitypoker.com

• You're Not Playing with a Full Deck book by Stephen Shapiro

• Avish's website: AvishParashar.com

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry—but how do we make sure we don't automate away the very thing that makes organizations successful: human judgment?

In this episode, I welcome back keynote speaker, employee retention expert, and author Lisa Ryan to discuss her new book, Smart Plant: Aligning AI, Automation, and People. Although the book is written around manufacturing, our conversation quickly expands into leadership, workplace culture, employee engagement, and the role of trust in an AI-powered future.

We explore why AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for people, how organizations unintentionally erode judgment through a series of small decisions, why psychological safety matters more than ever, and practical ways leaders can introduce automation without losing the experience and wisdom of their teams.

Whether you're leading a manufacturing operation or a knowledge-work team, you'll walk away with practical ideas for embracing technology while keeping people at the center of your leadership.

• AI is most powerful when it enhances human judgment instead of replacing it.

• Human judgment should be treated as organizational infrastructure—not a soft skill.

• Small leadership decisions can quietly erode trust and decision-making over time.

• Veteran employees possess valuable "tribal knowledge" that organizations need to intentionally preserve.

• Psychological safety encourages employees to speak up before problems become crises.

• Before implementing automation, ask "why" repeatedly to uncover the real objective.

• Automate the work employees dislike most before replacing decision-making.

• Introduce AI first in stable, low-risk processes rather than your biggest operational problems.

• Include frontline employees early in technology decisions to increase buy-in and improve outcomes.

• Appreciation and recognition remain powerful leadership tools—even in highly automated workplaces.

• Lisa Ryan's website: https://lisaryanspeaks.com/

• Smart Plant: Aligning AI, Automation, and People: https://a.co/d/05Z0GSHp

• Lisa Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaryanspeaks/

• Manufacturers Network Podcast: https://www.manufacturers-network.com/

• Avish Parashar: https://AvishParashar.com

• Say Yes, And! to Change: https://a.co/d/0dLj8ppw

One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it's about collecting contacts.

My guest this week argues it's about something much deeper: building genuine friendships.

I sat down with business development executive Atul Sood to discuss how authentic relationships have shaped his entire career, from helping McDonald's build technology partnerships to launching startups, navigating personal and professional setbacks, and now thriving as a fractional executive working with multiple companies.

We also dive into practical networking strategies that even introverts can use, why following up matters more than making the perfect first impression, and how openness and authenticity often create opportunities that polished résumés never will.

Whether you're a business owner, leader, salesperson, or simply someone who wants stronger professional relationships, this episode is full of practical ideas you can start using immediately.

• Friendship-first is a powerful business development strategy.

• Treat every new introduction like it could become a lifelong relationship.

• Small, consistent follow-ups are more valuable than one perfect networking interaction.

• Ask new connections who else you should meet.

• Relationships are built through generosity before they create opportunities.

• Authenticity and vulnerability often strengthen professional credibility.

• Difficult seasons don't have to be rushed, sometimes healing requires time.

• Your network becomes invaluable during career transitions.

• Fractional leadership is creating new opportunities for experienced professionals.

• LinkedIn works best when you consistently share value instead of constantly promoting yourself.

• Connect with Atul Sood on LinkedIn: Atul Sood on LinkedIn

• Avish's Book, Say "Yes, And!" to Change: https://SayYesAndToChange.com

• Learn more about Avish Parashar: https://avishparashar.com

What do live television news, improvisation, and organizational leadership have in common?

Quite a bit, it turns out.

In this episode, I sit down with communication expert and former TV news anchor Christina Butler to explore how confidence isn't about being perfect—it's about being prepared, adaptable, and willing to take the next step even when you don't have all the answers.

Drawing on two decades covering breaking news, riots, major court cases, and other high-pressure situations, Christina shares practical strategies that leaders can use to communicate with clarity during uncertainty and change. Along the way, we discover just how similar the worlds of journalism and improv really are.

Whether you're leading a team through change, giving presentations, or simply trying to communicate

• Why confidence comes from experience, not perfection.

• How journalists stay calm under pressure and what leaders can learn from it.

• Why curiosity is one of the most powerful communication skills you can develop.

• How to structure messages so they're clear, concise, and memorable.

• The importance of knowing your audience before you communicate.

• Why leaders should focus on purpose before tactics.

• How repetition builds confidence in presentations and difficult conversations.

• Lessons from improv and journalism about adapting in the moment.

• Practical ways to communicate effectively during organizational change.

• Christina Butler: https://christina-butler.com

• Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinabutler717/

• Learn more about Avish: https://avishparashar.com

• Get a copy of Say "Yes, And!" to Change: https://SayYesAndToChange.com

What happens when you go through 14 reorganizations and 7 managers in just two years?

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Terrence Ryan, a Developer Relations Manager at Google Cloud specializing in AI, to talk about what it really takes to navigate relentless change, without burning out, disengaging, or simply resisting reality.

Terry shares practical strategies he's learned from nearly two decades in tech, including how to manage uncertainty, what leaders get wrong during times of change, and why radical acceptance may be one of the most underrated skills for success.

We also dive into the biggest change facing nearly every industry right now: AI. Terry shares a refreshingly practical take on how to think about artificial intelligence, avoid the hype, and actually start using it in ways that make you more effective instead of more overwhelmed.

Along the way, we also explore improv, adaptability, office politics, empathy, and why learning to say "That's interesting… let me think about it" might be one of the most powerful phrases in work and life.

• A practical strategy for handling uncertainty during organizational change

• How leaders can communicate change without causing unnecessary anxiety

• Why people struggle more with being blindsided than with change itself

• The surprising connection between improv comedy and professional adaptability

• Terry's take on AI: "We're selling power tools, not robots"

• How to start experimenting with AI without getting overwhelmed

• Why empathy may become an even more important skill in an increasingly technical world

• Connect with Terry on LinkedIn

• Learn more about Avish: Avish Parashar Website

• Get Avish's book: Say "Yes, And! To Change.

In this episode I sit down with innovation strategist, improviser, and author Melissa Dinwiddie to talk about her new book, Innovation at Work: 52 Micro-Experiments for Brave Leaders Who Want to Unstick Teams, Spark Ideas, and Build What's Next.

Melissa shares how organizations can build real cultures of innovation—not through giant retreats or complicated systems, but through small, playful, repeatable "micro-experiments" woven into everyday work.

We explore why psychological safety matters, how constraints actually fuel creativity, the hidden danger of perfectionism, and why leaders must create environments where people feel safe enough to experiment, fail, and learn.

As two improv-minded creatives, we also dive into how improvisation principles apply directly to leadership, innovation, and organizational change.

If your team feels stuck, overwhelmed, overly cautious, or trapped in "innovation theater," this episode offers practical ideas you can start applying immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Why innovation often fails inside organizations

• The difference between valuing innovation and practicing innovation

• How "micro-experiments" create sustainable change

• Why psychological safety is foundational for creativity

• The power of constraints in unlocking innovation

• How perfectionism blocks progress and experimentation

• Why "making crap" is essential to breakthrough thinking

• The role of curiosity in leadership and communication

• How playfulness lowers defensiveness and increases engagement

• Why teams underestimate other people's willingness to help

• Melissa Dinwiddie Official Website

• Innovation at Work Book Page

• Melissa Dinwiddie on LinkedIn

• Innovation at Work on Amazon

Today is the day is launch day for my new book, "Say 'Yes, And!' to Change"!!!

You can get it here:

https://SayYesAndtoChange.com

The E-Book is $0.99 during launch week!

Thanks, and keep saying "Yes, And!"

This week I am pulling one of my favorite interviews out from the archives. Why? Three reasons:

1. My last episode with Anish Mahajan really did quite well, so I wanted to follow up with another episode with an "industry veteran."

2. Since that episode did well, I wanted new subscribers to get an episode of a similar format.

3. I have been super busy myself preparing for the launch of my new book, Say "Yes, And!" to Change. You can learn all about that here: http://SayYesAndToChange.com

Here's the episode info:

In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends and longtime ExxonMobil leader, Alexander Bolkhovsky, for a deep dive into leadership, motivation, and navigating organizational change. Over his 27-year career with ExxonMobil, Alex has held roles across engineering, technology, sales, and global strategy. But more than the titles, it's his mindset—curious, adaptable, and people-first—that makes him a standout. We explore everything from leading massive reorganizations and setting "impossible" goals to staying energized when your to-do list feels endless. Whether you're managing a team or just trying to lead yourself, this episode is packed with gold.

• Why adaptability is a learned skill, not an innate trait

• How "bold goals" create breakthrough thinking—even if you don't hit them

• The leadership superpower of assuming positive intent

• How to balance long-term strategy with short-term urgency

• The real reason motivation and fun matter more than discipline

• Simple systems for making your workweek more productive and more enjoyable

• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alexander Bolkhovsky

• Learn more about Avish and the "Yes, And!" approach: avishparashar.com

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend (all the way back to childhood!) Dr. Anish Mahajan for a fascinating conversation about leadership, listening, and leading through uncertainty.

Anish has led at the highest levels of healthcare and public health, from helping implement the Affordable Care Act to leading a major public hospital through the COVID crisis in Los Angeles.

What I loved about this conversation is how much of it applies far beyond healthcare.

We talk about why great leaders listen first, how to navigate skepticism and resistance, what it means to lead with humility, and how to make decisions when the stakes are high and the answers are unclear.

Whether you lead a team, run a business, or are simply trying to respond better to change, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.

• Great leaders listen before they lead

• Relationships are foundational to effective leadership

• Skepticism and curiosity can coexist

• In times of crisis, leaders must return to the core mission

• Leadership requires both collaboration and decisiveness

• Change is easier when people feel heard

• Sometimes the hardest path creates the biggest impact

• Connect with Dr. Anish Mahajan: https://www.anishmahajan.com/

• Subscribe to the podcast: https://pod.link/1767790956

• Virtual Book Launch Party for Say "Yes, And!" to Change: https://avishparashar.com/BookLaunchParty