Episodes
In this special compilation episode, Leigh-Ann brings you insights on the four key innovator styles: Connector, Distributor, Disruptor, and Influencer, showing you how to tap into the strengths and overcome the weaknesses of each innovator style! Dive into each innovator style's unique traits and learn how to identify your innovation type to harness your full potential. [QUIZ] Discover your hidden innovator type by taking the Innovation Currency Quiz [BOOK] Discover your hidden innovator...
Published 06/11/24
In this segment, we dive into the complex relationship between imposter syndrome and innovation identity. Aryan shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt while building a business and striving to create exceptional customer experiences. Nadia adds her perspective on living with imposter syndrome as an artist and person of color, discussing how it can be both a hindrance and a motivator. The conversation highlights the importance of self-belief, creative capital, and personal resilience in...
Published 06/07/24
Published 06/07/24
We’re back with another Innovator Blueprint episode where we explore one of the four distinct styles that help you discover your hidden innovator potential. Today, we cover the final innovator style: The Influencer. Tune in as we explore how Influencer innovators wield their power to build inclusive social movements.  We also talk about the Influencer’s incredible ability to transform personal or public perception, the importance of reallocating power more inclusively, and the important role...
Published 06/04/24
In this segment, we explore the vital role of connectors in innovation by learning how they reimagine social connectivity, remove bias, and build trust across diverse relationships. You will also discover their superpowers, secret weapons, and the importance of networks. We also touch on the growth areas for connectors and how to create environments that will help them thrive. Tune in to uncover how connectors can transform the way we relate, innovate, and build a more inclusive...
Published 05/31/24
Sherrell Dorsey, data journalist, speaker, and author, and Riyaad Seecharan, CEO of Tesser Health explore how authentic relationships and our individual superpowers drive successful innovation. Our conversation delves into the personal journeys of both startup founders as they highlight the roadblocks, lessons learned and emphasize the importance of building social capital in a fast-paced business world. Together, we unravel the secrets to building deep, meaningful and value driven...
Published 05/28/24
In this segment, Howard Herring & Tracey Carter Robertson reflect on their experiences and roles as innovators, uncovering the essence of innovation and the remarkable journey it entails. Tune in as they explore the challenges and rewards of innovating, from navigating vulnerability and fostering change in youth advocacy to tackling environmental sustainability goals. Join their candid conversation as they delve into the intersection of personal commitment, environmental stewardship, and...
Published 05/24/24
We’re back with another Innovator Blueprint episode where we explore one of the four distinct styles that help you discover your hidden innovator potential. Today, we focus on the distributor innovator style. We will explore the disruptor style’s ability to reimagine systems and understand the most complex ideas and concepts. Join me as we unpack the critical role disruptors play in reshaping perspectives, removing structural barriers, and accelerating change in the very foundations of...
Published 05/21/24
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of innovation, culture, and identity in this segment as your host Leigh-Ann Buchanan unpacks the often-overlooked barriers to innovation, discussing the impact of culture and identity on one's ability to self-identify as an innovator. From exclusive examples in health and transportation to the intrinsic factors shaping our innovation skill sets, this conversation challenges prevailing norms and sheds light on the systemic barriers hindering inclusive...
Published 05/17/24
In this conversation, Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition, and Matt Haggman, Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer of Right to Start unpack how power, relationships, and innovation intersect.  Tune in to this insightful discussion as we explore how understanding and navigating power structures along with cultivating meaningful relationships can shape our innovator identity. In sharing his experiences with power dynamics and the role relationships have played in his career, Matt emphasizes...
Published 05/14/24
Corey Davis and Dejha Carrington share a thought provoking and insightful conversation about how identity and innovation intersect. We explore the importance of representation, authenticity, and power in harnessing the power of innovation to effectuate social change.  They each share stories of their personal journey of self-discovery and experience as innovators as well as the pivotal role mentors played in shaping their respective paths. Dejha emphasizes how curiosity, creativity, and...
Published 05/07/24
We’re back with another Innovator Blueprint episode where we explore one of the four distinct styles that help you discover your hidden innovator potential. Today’s  focus is the distributor innovator style.  We will explore the distributor’s unique ability to accurately assess the value of just about anything and create access points to the right resources when and for those in need. In addition to understanding distributor’s superpowers and secret weapons, we discuss the concept of worth...
Published 04/30/24
Welcome back to Innovation Currency - Today, I delve into the similarities and differences between creativity and innovation with Chad Bernstein & Marte Siebenhar. Join us as we explore the transformative power of constraints and how they serve as catalysts for inventive breakthroughs. We also redefine the essence of being an innovator, shedding light on how to recognize and nurture one's innate innovative traits.  Marte shares her awe-inspiring journey of harnessing creativity as a...
Published 04/23/24
Today, I am joined by two special guests, Nadia Payan and Aryan Rashed to explore the intertwined themes of resilience, embracing innovator identity to understanding the crucial role of self-discovery.  Nadia and Aryan also share their wisdom on overcoming impostor syndrome by navigating cultural identities, vulnerability, and collaboration. As our conversation unravels the importance of building meaningful relationships, you will uncover the transformative power of innovation in shaping not...
Published 04/16/24
Welcome to The Innovator Blueprint Series, where we dive into the four distinct Innovator styles to uncover your hidden innovator potential. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Connector Innovator style, exploring its profound impact on relationships, networks, and innovation spaces. Join me as we dissect the pivotal role of connectors in fostering trust, building communities, and generating social capital within the realm of innovation. I also draw from personal experiences and...
Published 04/09/24
Welcome back Innovators - In this episode, I am joined by Tracey Robertson Carter, Director of The Carter Project, and Howard Herring, President & CEO of New World Symphony. Together, we dive deep into the dynamics of fostering environments that breed innovation and fulfillment. Tracey and Howard share their profound insights, spanning from the fundamental essence of innovation to the pathways individuals traverse to become innovators themselves. We unpack the critical importance of...
Published 04/02/24
Welcome to Innovation Currency - In this premiere episode, I dive into the transformative power of innovation and how to discover the innovator hidden within you. As an advocate for using technology and innovation to drive equity, I believe that anyone can innovate, and I’m on a mission to make innovation accessible to everyone by offering practical tools to help you discover your innovative abilities.  Join me as I explore the essence of innovation and the profound impact the Innovation...
Published 04/02/24
Get ready to unlock your hidden innovator with the Innovation Currency Podcast! I'm your host, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, and I'm thrilled to guide you on this transformative journey towards discovering the powerful innovator within you.  Innovation isn't just for the tech-savvy or the elite – it's for everyone. Whether you're a natural connector who thrives on building relationships or someone who disrupts the status quo with unique perspectives, innovation is within your reach, and every single...
Published 03/30/24