My guest this week, Nadeem Ahmad, believes that mindset is everything. He's a testament to how shedding limiting beliefs can unlock our true potential and provides powerful insights into how we can create a growth mindset. Nadeem is a visionary tech leader who has taken his extensive experience as a CTO and pivoted to helping entrepreneurs and start-ups to embrace innovation and technology. He shares his leadership journey, from burnout to bouncing back, and insights from his fantastic book, Becoming an Innovation Navigator. We explore how innovation isn't just for products or services – it's for personal growth too. 

So, are you ready to foster a culture of innovation, embrace a growth mindset, and navigate the exciting journey of curiosity and learning? 

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-innovation-nadeem-ahmad

Key Moments 

Planet Human: Democracies have been shrinking and authoritarianism has been on the rise - this is problematic because abuse of power is rife. 

Planet Zoë: I’m on a writer’s retreat in Bali as my husband takes part in his company’s conference. A change of scene is so inspiring! 

**Introduction to Nadeem Ahmad (00:03:29)**

Nadeem Ahmad, with three decades of experience in technology, discusses innovation and leadership, and his book "Becoming an Innovation Navigator."

**Nadeem's journey to innovation (00:04:33)**

Nadeem shares his career journey, burnout, and transition to the entrepreneurial world, offering insights into his personal and professional experiences.

**Challenges of embracing innovation (00:07:21)**

Leaders struggle with innovation due to limiting beliefs and the need for a growth mindset.

**Innovation as a personal journey (00:11:10)**

Nadeem emphasises that innovation is not just about business and technology; it's about personal growth and human interactions.

**Unlocking your inner leader (00:12:23)**

The importance of leadership in driving innovation, focusing on inspiring and understanding human needs to facilitate smoother innovation processes.

**Overcoming uncertainty in innovation (00:15:43)**

Nadeem discusses the need to balance innovation and uncertainty, emphasising the importance of a growth mindset, informed decisions, diversified projects, and a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity.

**Curiosity and innovation (00:18:53)**

Exploring the role of curiosity in innovation, drawing parallels with children's curiosity and its potential to alleviate uncertainty in the business context.

**The evolution of innovation (00:19:47)**

Discussion on fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and rewarding failure in businesses.

**Understanding innovation (00:20:28)**

Comparison of large-scale organisational transformation and small-scale mindset-based innovation.

**Consolidation vs. constant improvement (00:23:32)**

Debate on the need for stability versus continuous improvement in organisations.

**AI's growth and impact (00:26:35)**

Explanation of the reasons behind the booming growth of AI, including Moore's Law, global data expansion, plummeting training costs, and increased global investments.

**Approach to AI and experimentation (00:28:51)**

Advice on approaching AI, understanding customer needs, aligning with business goals, and keeping up with trends.

**The guardian archetype (00:40:03)**

Explains the role of the guardian archetype in maintaining traditions and balancing innovation in leadership.

**The herald and threshold guardian (00:40:03)**

Describes the roles of the herald and threshold guardian in Joseph Campbell's hero's journey and their relevance in contemporary workplaces.

**Guardians as catalysts for achievements (00:42:19)**

Discusses how guardians can serve as catalysts for great achievements and the importance of preserving values whilst being cautious in innovation and progress.