Innovation Leader Profile: Darpan Saini
By Deborah Reuben, CLFP
The biggest innovation barrier is inertia—not lack of resources, technology, or ideas. Start small, embrace imperfection, and remember motion, even minimal, is the catalyst for transformation. This is just one of the nuggets of innovation wisdom shared with me during my interview with ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member Darpan Saini.
Darpan Saini is the CEO and founder of App0, a cutting-edge generative AI platform transforming how companies create digital assistants for their customers. A Carnegie Mellon alum and seasoned entrepreneur, Darpan previously co-founded Cloud Lending Solutions, a company that redefined global lending and leasing operations for banks and FinTech’s. Passionate about making complex technology accessible and impactful, he is known for his commitment to human-centered innovation.
As an active member of the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council, Darpan helps shape the future of financial services, blending strategic foresight with a deep understanding of emerging technologies. His leadership exemplifies the power of persistence and curiosity in driving transformative change across industries.
Innovation Approach and Philosophy
“Persistence is maybe the secret to innovation. If you believe technology is the way forward, have strength in that belief and don’t give up—even when the path is unclear.”
Interview Takeaways:
1. What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?
Starting small and embracing experimentation, which not only builds momentum but also fosters team morale—even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
2. What obstacles and challenges are you still working on?
People challenges like inspiring teams to trust and adopt new technologies. Equally pressing are the rapid technological changes that demand agility and foresight.
3. What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?
“Don’t fear failure. Start small and learn quickly.” These lessons taught Darpan the importance of progress over perfection in leading innovative efforts.
4. In your opinion, what’s the secret sauce most others miss?
There’s no secret sauce—it’s just persistence, adaptability, and a lot of hard work. You have to be willing to embrace failure, deal with unpredictable outcomes, and stay committed to your belief in the power of technology. There are no shortcuts. You have to put in the effort, learn from setbacks, and have the grit to keep moving forward, no matter how unclear the path might seem.
5. What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?
Experiment with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Test them personally to discover their potential to augment human creativity and productivity.
At the heart of Darpan Saini’s approach to innovation lies a simple yet powerful truth: the biggest barrier isn’t resources or technology—it’s inertia. By emphasizing persistence and small, actionable steps, Darpan challenges leaders to break free from the fear of imperfection and start moving. His belief that innovation is a journey of grit, adaptability, and learning from failure reinforces the idea that even the smallest motion can spark transformative change, making inertia the first—and most crucial—hurdle to overcome.
If you want to learn more about Darpan’s story, check out episode 28 for the full interview on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Join the conversation and discover how to make awesome happen!
