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Innovation doesnt happen in environments bogged down by rigid rules, excessive oversight, or unnecessary bureaucracy. The most transformative ideas actually emerge when employees have the freedom to experiment, take risks, and truly own their work. As a former executive at Oracle and the current CEO of the software company Incorta, Ive seen firsthand that traditional leadership structures often do more to stifle innovation than foster it. Instead of relying on rigid processes, leaders should focus on creating an environment where employees feel empowered to challenge the status quo. Here are four ways to cultivate that kind of workplace. 1. Hire for CapabilityThen Focus on Outcomes Too many leaders mistake constant oversightlike ensuring employees sit at their desks from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.for productivity. In reality, great innovation comes from hiring smart, capable people and giving them room to solve problems in their own way. But hiring the right people is only part of the equation. Leaders must also focus on outcomes rather than rigid processes. At many companies, leadership unintentionally slows progress by overcomplicating decision-making. Rather than trusting their employees, they create layers of approvals and bureaucratic processes that drain time and enthusiasm. When leaders micromanage, they create a culture of hesitation, and employees become afraid to make decisions, innovation slows, and morale suffers. To build a culture of innovation, leaders must hire for capability and alignment with the companys vision, then trust their employees to make the right choices. Instead of dictating every step, set clear objectives and let talented professionals determine the best way forward. When employees feel ownership, they take more initiative, leading to increased creativity and efficiency. Shifting the focus from rigid rules to impact-driven work fosters an environment where people feel trusted and motivated to find the best solutions. 2. Give Interns the Hardest Problems One of the most surprising lessons Ive learned is that our interns often come up with the most creative solutions. Theyre not burdened by outdated industry norms or ingrained ways of thinking, so they approach challenges with fresh perspectives. We put this philosophy into practice at Incorta by assigning interns some of our toughest projectslike refining AI models with advanced tools and building interactive data visualizations to enhance our marketplace. Time and again, theyve exceeded expectations, offering insights that even senior team members might overlook. The key? Giving them the freedom to explore unconventional solutions. In contrast, companies that limit interns to low-stakes, mundane tasks miss out on a valuable source of innovation and enthusiasm. 3. Encourage Lazy Thinking to Challenge Inefficiencies Some of the best innovations come from questioning the way things have always been doneand sometimes, from those looking for the easiest, most efficient way to get things done. I personally hate unnecessary steps. I dont want to stop at gas stations or sit in traffic for hours. So, I plan my day to eliminate inefficiencies, like living close to work, planning direct routes, and canceling unnecessary meetings. Small choices like these add up to more time for what really matters in my life, like engaging with customers and spending more time with my family. The same thinking applies to business. Many organizations rely on outdated workflows that require extra steps, redundant approvals, and time-consuming processes. Some of the best problem-solvers are those who find ways to work smarter, not harder. I encourage my team to rethink how work gets done, whether its streamlining data processes, cutting out unnecessary steps, or automating tedious tasks. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders should empower employees to identify bottlenecks and experiment with better approaches. Creating space for employees to rethink work ultimately leads to better decision-making, greater efficiency, and stronger business outcomes. 4. Embrace Controlled Chaos True innovation doesnt happen in perfectly controlled environments. In fact, too much structure can kill creativity. Some leaders shy away from chaos, but I believe in structured freedomproviding clear goals without imposing unnecessary constraints. Creativity thrives in environments that allow for experimentation, play, and improvisation. Companies like Apple have long embraced this ethos, recognizing that some of the best ideas emerge when people are given the space to explore without fear of failure. Apples longstanding iterative design process, for example, allows for constant tinkering and refining, which has led to some of the most iconic products in tech history. A great way to foster this kind of culture is to take a page from improv comedy. The yes, and principlewhere participants build on each others ideas rather than shutting them downcreates an environment where creativity flows freely. Play-based work environments lead to higher engagement and breakthrough thinking. Some of the most innovative teams operate with a sandbox mentality, where new ideas are tested, refined, and evolved without judgment. Instead of fearing chaos, leaders should create an open forum for ideas, where employees feel free to test, iterate, and push boundaries without constant oversight. With clear goals and a culture that embraces exploration, teams will feel more confident taking bold steps toward meaningful innovation. The Freedom to Innovate At the end of the day, the companies that thrive are the ones that encourage curiosity, creativity, and calculated risk-taking. By giving employees more freedom, leaders tap into hidden potential and drive innovation in ways they never expected. The world doesnt move forward by following the status quo. It moves forward because people are willing to challenge it. So, if you want to create a truly innovative workplace, start by loosening the reins and letting your people do what they do bestthink, explore, and create.
Category:
E-Commerce
In an era where trust is currency and sustainability is a non-negotiable, shoppers are demanding more than just green labels and vague promises. They want proof. Enter digital product passports (DPPs), a game-changing tool that gives consumers instant access to a products entire journey, from materials sourcing to sustainability credentials. That means, whether theyre buying a pair of running shoes or the latest smartphone, DPPs are making it easier to for them to shop smarter, cut through greenwashing, and support brands that truly walk the talk. The future of shopping is transparent Consumers often wonder where their clothes were made, how much carbon their new shoes emitted during production, or whether that eco-friendly label actually means anything. These passports help consumers answer those traceability questions in seconds. By simply scanning a QR code, consumers can unlock a products full story, from materials, to manufacturing processes, to certifications. DPPs can also be used by brands wanting to go the extra mile by sharing product impact, such as its unique carbon footprint, plus use phase care instructions and even repair or recycling options, helping shoppers take control of their own habits to lower their unique footprint. This isnt just a marketing gimmick. The European Unions new regulations, like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), will soon require brands to disclose detailed impact data. That means transparency is shifting from a nice-to-have to a must-have, and the brands that embrace it now will be ahead of the curve. How digital product passports will help consumers shop smarter Instead of relying on vague sustainability claims, shoppers can view and verify a products impact. Plus, using climate data in marketing is already tried and tested, benefitting both consumers and brands. After an entire career dedicated to sustainability, this is the point I try to drive home most often: Consumers can determine if a product is designed with longevity in mind (think durable, repairable, and end-of-life options like 100% recyclable). Lastly, in an overcrowded market where fast fashion remains dominant, consumers can choose to back brands that are genuinely working to reduce their footprint. Instead of falling for greenwashing tactics or supporting companies that overlook sustainability altogether, consumers can reward those making real progress toward a lower-impact future. Why brands are paying attention For many companies, DPPs arent just about compliance. Theyre about consumer trust and finding a competitive edge. With shoppers becoming more conscious, brands that offer full transparency win loyalty. Instead of empty promises, they can showcase real data about their impact. To power this level of transparency, brands need serious data. By automating carbon calculations across thousands of products, companies like ours help brands seamlessly integrate real-time impact data into digital product passports. Luxury resale platforms are beginning to use DPPs to help consumers make informed second-hand purchases. Sportswear brands will be integrating them to help shoppers compare different material choices. Even electronics companies are adopting them to offer innovative repair and recycling pathways, moving to a more circular economy. Were partnering with forward-thinking companies like British jewelry brand Missoma and global lingerie brand Triumph to share product-level impact data through dedicated passports, ahead of ESPR regulations. These regulations will require DPPs but wont fully mandate them for at least another year. Triumphs first digital product passports are now available to e-commerce customers, says Vera Galarza, Triumphs global head of sustainability. At Triumph, its crucial that the data is completely accurate, she says, as customers want reliable and trustworthy information. For consumers, this means easy-to-understand environmental facts at their fingertips. For businesses, it means more accountability, better design choices, and deeper engagement with sustainability-minded customers. At Missoma, weve always believed in pushing boundaries when it comes to sustainability and transparency, says Marisa Hordern, founder and creative director at Missoma. This technology gives our customers a deeper connection to their jewelry, allowing them to trace every step of its journey, from ethically sourced gemstones to the final handcrafted piece. Missoma plans to expand use of DPPs across more of its collections, to help set a new traceability standard for the jewelry industry. We will also continue to empower our community to make more informed and conscious choices, she says. Shopping in the age of accountability For consumers, digital product passports mean more power, better choices and fewer regrets in the buying process. DPPs are not just a trend. Theyre becoming a legal requirement and will be part of your brands future. Soon, checking a products impact will be as normal as checking its price tag. Thats why its exciting that the brands leading the way today arent just ticking regulatory boxestheyre reshaping the shopping experience. The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.
Category:
E-Commerce
The climate tech sector is at a crossroads. We have the tools we need to fight climate change, but the real challenge is scaling and deploying them. This is where climate-curious outsiders play a crucial role. At Epic Cleantec, a company I cofounded to tackle water scarcity through innovative reuse technology, none of us came from an environmental background. That outside perspective turned out to be a huge advantage. When I began this journey, I didn’t know much about water. I wasn’t a trained environmental or civil engineer, which meant I never even learned about how things were traditionally done. This lack of traditional expertise freed us from being tied down by how things were “supposed” to work, allowing us to find fresh solutions to persistent problems. My path to climate tech was anything but linear. I had flirted with a wide range of disparate career paths spanning veterinarian, chef, club promoter, historian, political lobbyist, and lawyer. I even briefly entertained becoming a rabbi, until my own rabbi convinced me not to take that path. Unsurprisingly, I often faced skepticism at conferences and industry events, where our company’s unconventional approach was met with doubt. But here’s the key takeaway: Solving the climate crisis isn’t just about creating new technology. It’s about turning these innovations into practical, widespread solutions. That’s where operational know-how comes insomething outsiders often bring to the table. People who’ve run businesses, managed complex regulations, and scaled global operations have the experience to make climate solutions a reality. Why climate tech needs outsiders The climate tech industry has largely been driven by environmental scientists and policymakers. But solving the climate crisis calls for more than just scientific advancesit requires major business transformation. To truly deploy climate solutions on a global scale, we need the same expertise that turned industries like fintech, e-commerce, and cloud computing into giants. Investors get it. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink predicts the next wave of unicorns will come from climate tech. But to build these companies, we need more than passion. We need professionals who understand scalingproduct managers who can push out software, operations experts who can optimize supply chains, and strategists who know how to drive rapid market adoption. The idea that climate tech needs deep environmental knowledge is a misconception. Whats truly needed are professionals who know how to turn great ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses, all while navigating complex regulations. The future of climate impact depends on commercial success. The solutions are ready, they just need deployment A lot of the technology needed to curb emissions and build climate resilience is already here. From energy storage to electrification, water reuse to regenerative agriculture, many solutions are ready to go. So, the challenge isnt really about innovation; its about implementation. Just look at how SaaS and fintech industries scaled quickly by leveraging automation, networks, and efficient capital use. If we applied those same strategies to climate tech, we could meet our climate goals much faster. Imagine applying the lessons learned during the rapid growth of ride-sharing or cloud services to solar energy, battery tech, or industrial decarbonization. Climate tech isnt just about better tech; its about changing systems. It requires navigating complex regulations, aligning with ever-changing corporate sustainability goals, and getting entrenched industries on board. Outsiders who have scaled companies in heavily regulated fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation are particularly equipped to drive this change. A crucial moment for climate tech Climate tech isnt a niche anymoreits becoming one of the most exciting frontiers of innovation. As more professionals from traditional tech and business sectors seek out purpose-driven careers, climate tech offers a unique blend of meaning and market opportunity. The influx of outsiders isnt just helpful, its essential. For climate tech to thrive, we need to embrace professionals with diverse and wide-reaching expertise. Industry leaders must actively recruit people with transferable skills, and investors must see the value in teams that blend technical knowledge with business acumen. Solving the climate crisis isnt just about inventing new technologiesits about getting them into the world at scale, fast. The opportunity is huge, but the urgency is even greater. To meet global climate goals, we must think outside the box and bring in the people who are ready to challenge the norms. For those climate-curious, theres never been a better time to dive in because climate tech isnt just the future of innovation, its the future of business. The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.
Category:
E-Commerce
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