Innovation Leader Profile: Katie Thompson

By Deborah Reuben, CLFP

Real innovation happens when leaders let go of the need to know all the answers and instead lean into curiosity, active listening, and collaboration to co-create solutions. In my interview with ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member, Katie Thompson, we explored how embracing discomfort and focusing on the customer experience help her to drive meaningful change in her company.

Katie is a trailblazer in the equipment finance industry and a recognized “40 Under 40” leader by Monitor Magazine. As the Product Development and Syndications Specialist at Siemens Financial Services, she bridges strategic sales with innovative product delivery, championing growth and digital transformation.

Beyond her professional role, she serves on the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council and the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation’s Industry Future Council, amplifying her impact as a collaborator and change-maker. Known for her enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset, Katie embodies the spirit of curiosity-driven innovation, making her a dynamic voice in reimagining the future of equipment finance.

A willingness to embrace the unknown is the core of Katie’s approach to innovation. Rather than avoiding it, she thrives on stepping outside her comfort zone, whether by taking on new roles, learning unfamiliar skills, or initiating collaborative projects. For her, discomfort is not seen as a barrier but as an opportunity for growth. She encourages both herself and her team to take calculated risks. This mindset enables her to tackle complex challenges, bridge gaps between departments, and drive meaningful transformation in her organization.

Central to Katie’s innovation philosophy is the practice of active listening. She emphasizes the importance of pausing to understand diverse perspectives, creating a shared context that fosters trust and collaboration. Listening deeply, whether to customers, teammates, or stakeholders, is the foundation for co-creating solutions that resonate. By focusing on empathy and connection, she ensures alignment across teams, laying the groundwork for innovation that is both impactful and inclusive.

Championing a growth mindset and mentorship as key drivers of innovation. She not only models the value of experimentation and learning from failure but actively fosters these qualities within her team. Katie’s dedication to mentoring emerging talent and integrating fresh perspectives reflects her belief that leadership exists at every level. By empowering others and embracing diversity of thought, she cultivates an environment where innovation can thrive, benefiting both her organization and the broader industry.

“Some of the most fun and rewarding outcomes in my career have come from stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the unknown.”

— Katie Thompson

Interview Takeaways

1. What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?

Leaning into discomfort and learning to balance personal strengths with the needs of my organization. Recalibrating priorities and recognizing when to seek help allows us to tackle challenges while fostering resilience.

2. What obstacles and challenges are you still working on?

Controlling what I can influence and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. It’s important to address challenges collaboratively, learn from setbacks, and foster growth while maintaining perspective.

3. What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?

Slow down and take time to understand the current process and system before implementing changes. This approach not only builds shared understanding and stakeholder buy-in but also lays the foundation for meaningful transformation.

4. What’s one key practice or tactic that you keep coming back to?

Centering our work on the customer experience. Whether through formal tools like empathy mapping or simply pausing to understand customer needs, we create solutions that improve alignment and deliver impactful results.

5. What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?

“Pay it forward” by mentoring emerging talent and involving them in meaningful projects. This not only nurtures the next generation of leaders but also brings fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving creative innovation.

Katie Thompson’s journey reminds us that innovation is not just about technology or processes; it’s about people, curiosity, and creating value for those we serve. By leaning into the unknown, fostering collaboration, and mentoring the next generation, she demonstrates how leaders can drive impactful change. Katie’s story is an inspiring example of how embracing growth, listening deeply, and prioritizing the customer experience can help us to make the future more awesome.

If you want to learn more about Katie’s story, check out episode 33 for the full interview on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Join the conversation and discover how to make awesome happen!