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When the word, “innovation” gets mentioned, there tends to be two broad reactions: some people love pioneering and creating new things. However, a lot of people immediately think, “I am not creative; innovation is something that comes easily to other people and not me.” If you find yourself in that latter group, today’s interview with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft will hopefully dispel those thoughts and show how innovation doesn’t mean creating something out of nothing. If you’re ready to discover how to give yourself space for innovation, give this episode a listen.
INTHIS EPISODE
0:00 Intro
02:30 How do leaders tend to think about “innovation”?
04:45 Why is it important for leaders to look outside of their own industries to find new ideas?
07:00 How to balance innovation with nostalgia.
09:30 How leaders can rally the troops to open their minds to new ideas.
12:20 What do leaders do when they sense that things are stale, or that there needs to be an injection of new ideas.
17:45 What are some things to consider when rolling out new ideas to a team?
23:30 Some new ways that the GLN will be serving leaders.
27:45 Outro
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
STANDOUTSAND TAKEAWAYS
- It’s important for organizations to think about innovation, but not every leader thinks of themselves as creative or innovative.
- Innovation does not have to be totally new: it can be iterative.
- Creativity expert Fredrik Hären says that creativity can come from simply taking two known items or ideas and combining them together in a new and interesting way.
- “Never stop learning” encourages leaders to find new ideas in unexpected places.
- The point is not to copy another organization or idea exactly. The point is to contextualize ideas for your situation.
- You don’t always need to sell new ideas to your team; simply take them along with you and let them see for themselves.
- Running too hard and too fast can lead to a feeling of staleness. Sometimes taking a trip (to observe another church or organization) serves the purpose of simply giving you time and space to clear your head and reflect.
- Giving people space for reflection adds long-term value.
- Innovation is not always something that is wildly new but even small, iterative ideas can have tremendous impact.
- Sometimes pastors and leaders can frustrate their staff with too many new ideas and suggestions.
- Innovation does not have to mean constantly having new ideas that change your direction; it can mean that you’re constantly getting better at the direction that you’re already heading.
- Collaboration can help organizations accept and implement new ideas more easily.
LINKSMENTIONED
- Website:Team365
- Website:2026 GlobalLeadership Summit
Related
Ep 210: What Leaders Miss About Motivation, Purpose and Progress
In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Chris McChesney, author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, about the difference between employee satisfaction and true engagement. Chris explains why people can have what looks like an ideal job and still feel disconnected from the work, while others can serve in demanding environments and remain deeply motivated. The difference often comes down to progress and purpose.
Ep 208: Leading When the Plan Falls Apart with Craig Groeschel
In this episode, David Ashcraft talks with Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, about how leaders can respond when leadership does not go as planned. Craig reflects on failed ideas, organizational pivots, team conflict, and the ongoing discipline of letting go as leadership expands. He also shares how humility, preparation, prayerfulness, candor and trust have shaped the way he leads through uncertainty.
Ep 207: Leading Through Leadership Hijacks with Edgar Sandoval
In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, about navigating what David calls “leadership hijacks”: unexpected events that reshape both leadership and life.
Leadership That Lasts
Team365 isn’t just a platform. It’s a commitment to grow, lead and live with purpose — every single day. Whether you’re here for content, community or clarity, you’re in the right place. Your leadership matters. Let’s keep going.
