Innovation isn’t always about tech or radical disruption; it’s about aligning diverse perspectives to connect the right dots. Often, the most innovative solutions come from seemingly unrelated experiences. This was evident in my engaging interview with ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member Mark Blais.
Mark Blais is the Chief Information Officer at Channel Partners LLC, where he leads the charge in harnessing technology to drive innovation in the equipment finance industry. With a background including roles at top companies like Target, Veritas/Symantec, and Digi-Key, Mark brings unparalleled expertise from diverse fields, including 3D MRI technology, automation, and security software.
A member of the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council, he is known for blending strategic foresight with practical execution. His approach to innovation—grounded in understanding organizational culture and leveraging technology as an enabler—resonates with those eager to transform challenges into opportunities and foster a future-ready business mindset.
Mark Blais’s diverse background and varied experiences have shaped his unique ability to “connect the dots” across disciplines, uncovering new and interesting ways to develop innovative solutions. Whether navigating the complexities of technology, automation, or finance, his cross-industry perspective allows him to identify patterns and opportunities that others might overlook, driving impactful transformation.
Mark’s innovation philosophy centers on understanding context—aligning strategies with an organization’s culture and readiness to embrace change. He believes innovation thrives not through grand gestures but through embedding practical, incremental changes into everyday operations. His approach prioritizes collaboration, assembling diverse teams to leverage a mix of perspectives and skills, and using technology as a tool to amplify human creativity and problem-solving. By focusing on actionable steps rather than abstract theories, Mark consistently fosters meaningful and sustainable transformation.
“The secret to driving innovation is finding the tactical actions that create real change—not just theories or ideas, but tangible steps that inspire progress.”
Interview Takeaways:
- What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?
Understanding organizational context and assembling diverse teams that can “connect the dots” to drive meaningful innovation. - What obstacles and challenges are you still working on
Balancing the use of new tools like AI while ensuring responsible and secure deployment. Mark also emphasizes the need to measure ROI and avoid innovation for its own sake. - What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?
Innovation stems from asking, “Is there another way?” This question challenges assumptions and pushes for creative problem-solving. - In your opinion, what’s the secret sauce that many others miss?
“The secret sauce in innovation is all about tactical action—taking concrete, deliberate steps that actually drive change. It’s not just about big ideas or lofty theories; it’s about figuring out the specific actions that make a real impact. For me, asking the question, ‘Is there another way?’ is a game-changer. It forces you to challenge assumptions, think differently, and uncover practical solutions that truly move the needle.” - What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?
Cultivate a personal and organizational culture of curiosity and resilience, making innovation a part of your brand and DNA.
Mark’s approach to innovation underscores the idea that meaningful change comes from aligning diverse perspectives and focusing on actionable steps rather than abstract theories. His philosophy revolves around asking, “Is there another way?” — a simple yet powerful question that breaks through assumptions and drives creative problem-solving. Innovation isn’t always about flashy technology or radical disruption; it’s about finding unexpected connections between ideas and leveraging those insights to create practical, impactful solutions.
If you want to learn more about Mark’s story, check out episode 20 for the full interview on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Join the conversation and discover how to make awesome happen!
