Yes, And! With Avish Parashar
Avish Parashar
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054 - Say "Yes, And!" to Innovation at Work with Melissa Dinwiddie
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 Relevant Links Melissa Dinwiddie Official Website Innovation at Work Book Page Melissa Dinwiddie on LinkedIn Innovation at Work on Amazon
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