What does it take to go from nothing to something—and then scale it into meaningful impact?

I want to introduce you to someone you may not be familiar with, unless you’re in the innovation space: JoAnn Garbin. JoAnn has led innovation teams at some of the world’s most influential companies—including Microsoft, and she is one of those rare minds who can dance between deep technical systems and the human heart of innovation. She has a 25-year track record of turning big ideas into reality and is co-author of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft.

In this episode, we unpack how innovation isn’t some magical gift—it's a process rooted in values, shaped by principles, and fueled by the courage to face fear. JoAnn shares how divergent thinking, psychological safety, and even AI can be used to unlock new futures—not just for businesses, but for each of us as individuals. We also get into the human side of it all—her personal story of resilience, her vision for building ease in the midst of chaos, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.

If you’re looking to innovate and stretch the edges of what’s possible—in work, in life, in your own path to becoming—then this one’s for you.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Navigating Life Choices and Innovation
02:53 Understanding Fear in the Innovation Process
06:13 The Role of Life Design in Innovation
09:10 Creativity vs. Innovation: A Deep Dive
11:53 Personal Growth and Life Versions
15:01 Framing Challenges as Opportunities
17:53 The Importance of Curiosity in Innovation
20:57 Divergence, Convergence, and Synthesis in Innovation
32:03 Exploring the Concept of a Better Mousetrap
34:07 Innovating the Self: A Personal Journey
37:48 Values and Guiding Principles in Innovation
42:10 Navigating Fear in the Innovation Process
50:32 The Intersection of Humanity and AI in Innovation