SummaryWelcome to our 50th podcast episode! In this episode, we continue to zero in on what it takes to adopt and shepherd innovation through social change organizations. I interview Emma Proud, head of Learning and Adapting at Brink, an agency that coaches and consults on behavioral innovation approaches. Emma’s Bio:Head of Learning and Adapting at BrinkFormer Director of Organizational Agility at MercyCorpsDirector for Center for Adaptive Management at MercyCorpsEmma played other roles at MercyCorps, as well as at Save the Children and in private-sector consulting as well We discuss: Leadership mindsets Emma observes in social change organizations that act as an obstacle when it comes to creating innovation-friendly climates:overconfidencelow-risk appetitegetting distracted by the 'halo effect' of the new or the 'shiny'difficulty in killing your 'darling innovation projects' ( sunk costs phenomena also plays a role in this); in other words, difficulty with stoppingwhen considering the risks attached to innovation, not thinking through the risk of doing nothing as wellIt is helpful to move clients to an innovation portfolio approach (groups of innovation), accompanied by the development of criteria before you intervene in innovations; The importance of aligning innovations with the organization's strategic prioritiesInnovation 'shepherds' are different from those that need to be concerned with the adoption of innovation – the former are more organizational change managers Quotes“Innovation is about better, not necessarily about new” (Ann Mei Chang, author of Lean Impact)” Resources:Emma's TwitterEmma's LinkedInBrink's websiteStanford Social Innovation Review (SSRI) article by Emma Proud and others: 'The Adoption of InnovationYoutube video of this podcastClick here to subscribe to be alerted when new podcast episodes come out or when Tosca produces other thought leadership pieces.Or email Tosca at tosca@5oaksconsulting.org if you want to talk about your social sector organization’s needs, challenges, and opportunities.You can find Tosca’s content by following her on her social media channels: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Youtube