Innovation is not about technology; it’s about people. Start with culture, build a movement, and focus on creating a human-centered approach that inspires transformation. This is a fraction of the wisdom shared in my interview with ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member, Denis Stypulkoski.
Denis is a visionary leader and founder of Reimagine Advisors, where he helps organizations navigate transformation in the digital age. His career spans more than three decades in technology, finance, and startups. With a proven track record of bridging the gap between business and technology, he is renowned for driving innovation and efficiency at industry-leading organizations like TIAA Bank and CIT Group.
As a member of the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council and a passionate teacher of innovation leadership, Denis brings fresh ideas and bold perspectives to help businesses reimagine what’s possible in today’s ever-changing landscape.
The critical role of human-centered innovation, where people — not technology — take center stage is a primary emphasis. He advocates starting with culture, building a movement that inspires transformation, and fostering empathy and collaboration through design thinking. This approach ensures that innovation is not just a technical endeavor but a comprehensive strategy to support the human side of change within organizations.
At the heart of Denis’s innovation philosophy is the necessity of structure and discipline. Far from being a chaotic or spontaneous process, innovation requires an intentional framework. By implementing structured systems, curated tools, and continuous experimentation, organizations can develop an enduring competency in innovation. Denis highlights the need for a balance of inspiration and discipline to transform creativity into sustainable outcomes.
Lastly, Denis challenges leaders to “think big” as a catalyst for breakthrough innovation. By setting bold visions and aiming for transformative goals, organizations can achieve “escape velocity” from the constraints of past practices and incremental changes. Leadership is key to this process, as it requires intentionality, clear direction, and the courage to inspire teams toward bold and lasting change. Through this lens, Denis reframes innovation as a way of being rather than a one-off project.
“Innovation is not about technology; it’s about people. Start with culture, build a movement, and focus on creating a human-centered approach that inspires transformation.”
Interview Takeaways:
- What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?
Prioritizing a “business-first, not technology-first” mindset. Denis simplifies complexity to inspire teams and align innovation with business goals. - What obstacles and challenges are you still working on?
The hardest part is leading through influence, particularly when driving cultural change. Denis stresses that innovation is a movement, not a mandate, requiring time and deliberate efforts. - What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?
Focus on the how rather than the what. Denis encourages building organizational systems capable of continuously generating outcomes, adapting to change, and ensuring resilience. - What’s one key practice or tactic that you keep coming back to?
“Think big. It’s essential for leaders to inspire their teams by setting ambitious, bold visions of what the future could hold. Innovation is not about small, incremental changes—it’s about stretching your imagination to create transformative possibilities. At the same time, it’s crucial to have the structure, discipline, and process to support this thinking. By focusing on the human side of change and breaking free from the force fields of the past, leaders can achieve ‘escape velocity’ and propel their organizations toward sustained innovation and relevance.” - What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?
Be intentional about innovation. Develop a clear vision, build the processes, and empower your teams to continuously generate and execute ideas.
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The message is clear: innovation isn’t a one-time project or a buzzword—it’s a way of being. By embracing intentionality, focusing on the human side of change, and fostering a culture of experimentation and bold thinking, leaders can build organizations that are not only resilient but also transformative. Denis challenges us to think big, inspire our teams, and create movements that turn ambitious visions into lasting realities.
If you want to learn more about Denis’ story, check out episode 29 for the full interview on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Join the conversation and discover how to make awesome happen!
