Episode 10: Why should leaders activate grassroots innovators with Alexis Samuel

Why do most innovation programs generate excitement but deliver nothing? You collect hundreds of ideas. Award the best ones. Then watch them die in handoff limbo. Alexis Samuel has spent decades building grassroots innovation programs at scale in global services firms. He reveals who actually shows up to innovate, how to set transparent evaluation criteria, and how to build scaffolding that carries ideas from submission to implementation. You will learn why doers—not managers—drive the best innovations, how to use AI for screening without eliminating human judgment, and why innovation programs need to rebrand every three years. This episode is for leaders tired of innovation theater and ready to build systems where ideas actually ship. Key takeaways:Broadening the definition of innovation draws everyone in.CEO sponsorship and clear vision are critical for grassroots programs.Ring-fencing problems and setting measurable goals drive success.Training and continuous refreshment of skills are essential.Transparent metrics and psychological safety foster innovation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Innovation Leadership03:21 The Role of Grassroots Innovation05:21 Defining Problems for Innovation09:14 Activating Grassroots Innovators14:13 Who should find the problem to solve?18:21 The Baker's Dozen framework 32:01 How to motivate managers and create psychological safety for engagement in innovation?37:02 How to manage reward and recognition for grassroots innovators?42:05 How to measure the Return on Investment of grassroots innovation campaigns?55:54 Success stories from grassroots innovation01:04 Key Takeaway