Innovate Where You Are

Reinventing First Responder Training with John Born

Discover how John Born, a veteran public safety leader, is transforming law enforcement training through immersive virtual reality experiences at Ohio University. Learn about the collaborative efforts, innovative approaches, and impact of experiential learning on officer safety, trust-building, and community relations. Main Topics: * The role of innovation within structured public safety organizations * How cinematic virtual reality enhances law enforcement training * Building trust and soft skills such as empathy through immersive experiences * Collaborations across university and public service sectors * The future of experiential learning and its broader applications in education Key Insights: * A crisis is a turning point balancing risk and opportunity; preparation and practice tip the scale * Innovation often originates from the ground up, driven by employees and frontline workers * Simple, cost-effective ideas, such as green windshield tags, can significantly improve officer safety * Virtual reality reduces training time from hours to minutes while improving retention and realism * High-quality storytelling and collaboration with professionals create immersive, impactful experiences * Virtual reality builds empathy, soft skills, and trust, which are crucial for community safety and engagement * Universities are uniquely positioned to lead scalable, research-based innovation in public safety training Resources & Links: * Ohio University Grid Lab [https://www.ohio.edu/technology/physics/virtual-reality] * Ohio 360 Initiative [https://www.ohio.edu/voinovichschool/ohio-360] * Scripps College of Communication [https://scripps.ces.ohio.edu/] Connect with John Born - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-b-937210227/] If you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne [http://buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne] Know someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16 [https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16]

Leadership, Innovation & Resilience with Dr. Tiffany Crosby

Explore how Dr. Tiffany Crosby navigates health crises, transforms the accounting profession, and leads with purpose and faith. This episode offers inspiring insights on resilience, strategic leadership, and innovative thinking amid challenges. ---------------------------------------- Main Topics Covered: * Hidden innovations in the accounting industry * Addressing talent shortages through systemic collaboration * Leveraging constraints to foster creativity and innovation * Personal resilience through health crises and faith-driven leadership * Building and nurturing future leaders within organizations ---------------------------------------- In this episode: * Tiffany discusses the unexpected innovations happening within accounting, such as AI integration and strategic advisory roles. * She shares how systemic collaboration and fact-based coalition-building can address industry shortages. * The importance of working within constraints creatively, using challenges as opportunities for innovation. * Tiffany recounts her remarkable health journey—brain aneurysm, strokes, and overcoming physical adversities—highlighting resilience and faith. * Strategies for leaders to operate effectively on days of weakness include delegation, self-awareness, and emphasizing mindset. * Her approach to leadership rooted in faith, dignity, and purposeful living. * Practical advice for facing personal and professional challenges: viewing them as seasons and focusing on growth. * The significance of habits, intentionality, and community support in shaping a resilient mindset. * Reflection on trusting oneself and maintaining joy amidst adversity. ---------------------------------------- Resources & Links: * The Power of Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/B0FD49GYHN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JWQJKU43K70S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0hHZS6RnjQpYhx8VcpQxY8h6w-P8Orl8iQfddTe-yvrIQsUpkjmoWHP4O9W8mWnCUQUkAagrthF8JtbupaFavy0E5jrZCN8Co1mxXPaQ1nc0W0F8vVwA77UdfcMlGUsbQgEg_UPvvPWHJGsIdx2dQyEq9JkcLiyib2nNIl_Q0phj0pFqB5IRinaXOIDWQnK3C2rP1guQ_oalBTGm1BkQu6uejQ8dJ4TM8EnMyVU9I7M.g9-Wt4rwdgla5ts8hD8VCPzhBqN-kPf-r5glfhdPOkc&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+power+of+habits&qid=1776452171&s=books&sprefix=the+power+of+habits%2Cstripbooks%2C164&sr=1-1] * Ohio Society of CPAs [https://ohiocpa.com/] ---------------------------------------- Connect with Tiffany Crosby:LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanycrosby] ---------------------------------------- If you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne [http://buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne] Know someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16 [https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16]

Innovating Out of This World with Dr. John Horack

Discover how innovation thrives across industries and challenges, especially in high-stakes environments like space exploration. Join Kristy Venne and aerospace expert Dr. John Horack as they explore the messy, courageous, and long-term nature of innovation that starts right where you are. Key topics: * The universal nature of innovation – it’s a struggle everyone faces regardless of environment. * Insights from NASA on pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight and safety. * The importance of translating complex scientific research into everyday life, exemplified by GPS and space technology. * Building resilient, long-term research initiatives in large institutions amid bureaucracy and political landscapes. * Strategies to foster innovation in large organizations: saying yes, sharing ideas, embracing failure, and community support. * The role of positivity, humor, and self-discipline in maintaining emotional resilience for leaders and innovators. * Detail on Ohio State University’s STARLAB and the future of commercial space stations like Starlab. * Protecting visionary ideas in large organizations by fostering a supportive, positive climate. * Lessons from historical figures and modern scientists inspiring courage and perseverance. * The exciting future of space research and the societal ripple effect of space innovations. Links: * NASA [https://www.nasa.gov/] * Starlab [https://voyagetechnologies.com/starlab] * Ohio State University [https://osu.edu/] * Voyager Technologies [https://voyagetechnologies.com/] * Mitsubishi Corporation [https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/] * VISTA Science Park [https://osu.edu/research/vista] Connect with Dr. John Horack: LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/johnhorack] If you’d like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne [http://buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne] Know someone who would be a perfect fit for this show? Nominate them to be a guest here: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16 [https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16]

Choosing Growth Over Comfort with Abbi Failla

What does it look like to choose growth—even when it’s uncomfortable? In this episode, Abbi Failla shares her journey navigating a mid-career pivot into the logistics industry and what it takes to lead with courage in a space that’s constantly evolving. From building credibility in a new field to leading change inside organizations, Abbi offers a practical, grounded perspective on innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement. For leaders, professionals, and anyone considering a career shift, this conversation explores how growth mindset, disciplined risk-taking, and systems thinking can unlock new opportunities—especially in industries undergoing transformation. ---------------------------------------- KEY TAKEAWAYS * Growth often requires stepping into discomfort—not avoiding it * Career pivots can be a powerful form of innovation and reinvention * Building credibility in a new industry requires intentional up-skilling and curiosity * Small, disciplined innovation efforts compound over time * Systems thinking helps translate skills across roles and industries * Leading change requires alignment, communication, and trust * Creating a culture of experimentation allows teams to learn from failure * Women in male-dominated industries can lead with both strength and authenticity * Continuous improvement is built through daily habits—not one-time shifts ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES & LINKS Recommended by Abbi * Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss [https://toolsoftitans.com/] Organizations Mentioned * Ease Logistics [https://easelogistics.com/] Connect * Connect with Abbi Failla [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbifailla/] ---------------------------------------- SUPPORT THE SHOW If you find value in these conversations, you can support the podcast here: buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne [http://buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne] ---------------------------------------- NOMINATE A GUEST Know someone doing meaningful, innovative work? Submit a guest recommendation: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16 [https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16]

Staying Human in an AI World with Aaron Stout

What does it mean to innovate without losing what makes us human? In this opening episode, Aaron Stout brings a grounded, human-centered perspective to one of today’s most urgent conversations: how we navigate rapid advances in AI while preserving creativity, curiosity, and connection. For leaders, educators, creators, and anyone navigating change, this conversation challenges common narratives about innovation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. Aaron makes a compelling case that the future isn’t about replacing humans—but elevating them through thoughtful, human-centered design. You’ll hear how proximity to real problems, humility, and experimentation drive meaningful innovation—and walk away with practical ways to engage with AI without losing sight of what matters most. ---------------------------------------- KEY TAKEAWAYS * Innovation starts with proximity * AI is a tool that works best with human judgment * Curiosity and failure are essential to creativity and growth * Historical disruptions (ATMs, postal service) show technology often augments rather than replaces work * Human-centered goals (HSI) more valuable than AGI alone * Ethical development of AI requires broader dialogue * Critical thinking and authenticity are increasingly important in a digital world * Play, joy, and creativity are foundational to innovation * AI can be leveraged in practical ways, including personal and family health insights ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES & LINKS Recommended * Aaron’s Musings [https://aaronsmusings.substack.com/?r=2rcv9l&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web] (Substack) * Playful [https://casholman.com/book] (Holman) * One Useful Thing [https://www.oneusefulthing.org/] * Jevons Paradox explained [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox] Additional * Which Skills Matter Now [https://www.burningglassinstitute.org/research/whichskillsmatternow] * Connect w. Aaron Stout [https://linkedin.com/in/aaronstout] ---------------------------------------- SUPPORT THE SHOW If you find value in these conversations, you can support the podcast here: buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne [http://buymeacoffee.com/kristyvenne] ---------------------------------------- NOMINATE A GUEST Know someone doing meaningful, innovative work? Submit a guest recommendation: https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16 [https://forms.gle/m8jxdVBKtMmPstK16]