In this EDGE - Beyond The Stage 1:1, Stella Clarke explains that the hardest part of breakthrough innovation is often not technical - it is getting people on board. Using the example of the color-changing car, she shares how prototyping helped her win buy-in, why organizations need to give creative people space and tools to build, and why fear of failure is often what kills innovation before it even starts. Her message to leaders is simple: embrace innovation early, even if the value is not immediate.
Takeaways:
• The biggest challenge behind the color-changing car was not only technical - it was getting people convinced.
• “prototyping” is her secret weapon for getting buy-in on bold ideas.
• What kills innovation first is often “fear of failure.”
• Leaders should embrace innovation even when it “may not pay off right now.”