True innovation is about aligning “imperfect” solutions with long-term goals. Experimentation and adaptability today set the stage for the polished solutions of tomorrow. Leaders must embrace the messy middle as a necessary path to meaningful transformation. We unpacked several principles of successful innovation in an interview with ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member Tawnya Stone.
Tawnya Stone serves as Vice President of Strategic Technology at GreatAmerica Financial Services, where she leads the development and implementation of customer-facing tools across multiple business units. Known for her human-centered approach, Tawnya combines deep technical expertise with a passion for customer-focused innovation. With over 13 years in leadership, she is a driving force in aligning technology solutions with business goals to create impactful transformations.
Tawnya’s influence extends across the equipment finance industry, particularly through her leadership in ELFA’s Operations and Technology Committee. Her ability to connect operational challenges with technological solutions positions her as a beacon for innovation. She helps shape the industry’s future by encouraging collaborative problem-solving, ensuring solutions resonate with the rapidly evolving needs of businesses and customers alike.
Tawnya emphasizes customer centric innovation, embedding herself in customer workflows to identify pain points and opportunities, creating solutions that improve interactions between GreatAmerica and its customers. This dual focus on customer needs and internal capabilities enables seamless, human-centered innovation.
A key to Tawnya’s success is her belief in the power of connection and “seeing the dots to connect the dots.” By seeking diverse perspectives, both within and beyond the industry, she identifies unique opportunities to solve problems with innovative technology.
Tawnya champions a mindset that values experimentation over perfection, acknowledging the necessity of “drafts and edits” in the process of innovation. Her approach encourages her team to embrace learning through failure as a stepping stone to success.
Tawnya’s role as a mentor and industry leader reflects her commitment to developing future leaders. She fosters a culture where collaboration thrives, empowering her team and colleagues to contribute boldly to transformational initiatives.
“In order to connect the dots, you have to see the dots.”
Interview Takeaways:
- What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?
Building connections and seeking diverse perspectives are essential. Tawnya credits her success to immersing herself in both industry trends and customer experiences to identify and solve challenges. - What obstacles and challenges are you still working on?Balancing perfectionism with the need for experimentation remains a key challenge. She strives to prioritize initiatives that deliver immediate value while setting up long-term success.
- What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?
“Don’t let ‘no’ stop you.” Tawnya highlights the importance of persistence and tailoring communication to different stakeholders to overcome resistance and drive alignment. - What’s one key practice or tactic that you keep coming back to?
“For me, it always comes back to focusing on the ‘why.’ Understanding the deeper purpose behind what we’re doing is so powerful. It’s not just about the big picture; it’s about connecting with the individual ‘why’ for each stakeholder. When you can align what you’re doing with what matters to them, you create momentum, and that’s what drives collective success.” - What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?
Leaders should first define their vision of the future, then work backward to create actionable steps. Clarity on what the future could look like enables purposeful decisions today.
By aligning iterative processes with long-term vision, Tawnya’s story underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration in navigating the messy middle of innovation. A powerful reminder that today’s imperfect solutions can become tomorrow’s breakthroughs; embracing the innovation process is what ultimately leads to progress.
If you want to learn more about Tawnya’s story, check out episode #15 for the full interview on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Join the conversation and discover how to make awesome happen!
