Innovation Leader Profile: Jen Martin, CLFP
By Deborah Reuben, CLFP
Innovation isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, embracing failure as a steppingstone, and fostering an environment where diverse ideas can flourish. This principle rang through loud and clear in my interview with ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member, Jen Martin.
Jen is a visionary innovator in our industry and a proven leader exemplifying the TomorrowZone ethos: combining human-centered innovation with forward-thinking technological insight. As Chief Product Officer at LTi Technology Solutions, Jen catalyzes transformation, through her inclusive leadership and empathetic approach to collaboration. With a 28-year tenure at Key Equipment Finance before transitioning to her current role, she cultivated a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience.
As a founding member of the ELFA Women’s Council and a leader in multiple industry committees, Jen’s work inspires professionals striving to foster innovation and inclusivity while navigating complex challenges. She champions experimentation, curiosity, and a human-centered focus to solve business problems and shape transformative futures.
As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Jen’s upbringing instilled in her a profound sense of empathy and problem-solving, foundational to her leadership style. Her ability to connect deeply with others and adapt her communication has driven her success in leading teams and navigating complex transformations.
Reframing innovation as a culture of experimentation, she emphasizes that failure is an integral part of the learning process. She fosters environments where team members feel empowered to try, fail, and iterate without fear.
Jen prioritizes mentoring and developing talent within her teams, understanding the importance of creating space for the next generation to lead and innovate. She leverages her roles within ELFA to champion emerging leaders and ensure inclusivity in leadership pathways.
Whether steering technology transformations or engaging customers, Jen emphasizes listening, collaboration, and understanding the human side of every challenge.
“The secret sauce is dropping the sword—showing up vulnerable and creating a space where everyone feels connected to the strategy. That’s when real innovation happens.”
Interview Takeaways:
1. What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?
Embracing curiosity and experimentation as key tools to navigate uncertainty and foster innovation. Jen’s approach highlights the importance of asking questions and empowering others to contribute ideas without fear of failure.
2. What obstacles and challenges are you still working on?
Transitioning from tactical execution to strategic leadership in her C-suite role, balancing a broad vision with empowering her team to act on operational details. She actively works to overcome the natural pull toward “doing” by fostering others’ growth.
3. What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?
“You are the leader you’ve been waiting for.” This advice reminds Jen to trust her instincts, prepare thoroughly, and step into opportunities to lead decisively and authentically.
4. In your opinion, what is the secret sauce that most others miss?
“The secret sauce? For me, it’s about dropping the sword—letting go of the need to have all the answers and showing up vulnerable and open. Leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about connection. When you build trust and create an environment where everyone feels valued, even if they challenge the strategy, that’s when the magic happens. Innovation doesn’t come from one person; it comes from collaboration, from leaning into the strengths and perspectives of the people around you. When everyone feels empowered to contribute, that’s when you unlock real alignment and engagement. That’s the secret sauce.”
5. What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?
Invest in emerging talent. Leaders should identify individuals who can benefit from mentorship, provide them with space to experiment, and allow them to fail, learn, and grow.
Jen Martin’s journey underscores the power of empathetic leadership, collaboration, and embracing experimentation.
If you want to learn more about Jen’s story, check out episode 14 for the full interview on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Join the conversation and discover how to make awesome happen!
