Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions with Rich Braden

Harvard and Stanford educator and co-author of the bestselling book Innovation-ish Richard Braden joins me to discuss how his book can help my students. 

We explore how teens, parents, and aspiring innovators of all ages can develop the mindsets and skill sets needed to thrive in an ambiguous world.

Rich shares how his book demystifies innovation, reframes failure as essential learning, and helps ordinary people unlock their creative potential. Together, we dive into the connection between design thinking and college prep, the power of micro-failures, and how to navigate the real world with curiosity, empathy, and humility.

Whether you're a student trying to design an impact project or a parent guiding your teen through uncertainty, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and practical tools.

 Topics Covered:

• What Innovation-ish really means, and why it makes innovation more accessible
• How “Explore Before Explain” builds lasting learning
• The critical role of ambiguity in growth, creativity, and college prep
• Why the myth of the lone genius is holding us back
• The two types of failure, and how to embrace the kind that leads to success
• Why humility is the single most important trait for innovation, leadership, and impact

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You can find Richard's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-ish-Anyone-Breakthrough-Solutions-Problems/dp/1394318901
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