Ep 81 Keynote: ‘Why innovation is rarely authorized’ panel from HOW Design 2019

Show notes

For the first time on The Crazy One podcast, Stephen Gates is joined by two powerhouse guests—Greg Larkin and Sina Mossayeb—for a raw, funny, and fiercely honest panel discussion recorded live at HOW Design Live 2019. This episode unpacks why true innovation rarely gets a permission slip, what real change inside companies takes, and how to lead like a creative outlaw when the system is built to stop you.

Guests:

• Greg Larkin – Author of This Might Get Me Fired, innovation consultant, and intrapreneurship evangelist.

• Sina Mossayeb – Former IDEO systems designer, current managing director at startup incubator Expa, and Stephen’s self-proclaimed spirit animal.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

1. Innovation Happens in Spite of the System

• Most corporate environments are allergic to real change.

• Innovation requires confrontation—both cultural and operational.

• Success doesn’t come from asking permission, but from proving value through bold action.

2. Intrinsic vs. Institutional Risk

• True innovation is “birth and death”: you’re creating something new while threatening the old guard.

• Startup risk is external. Corporate risk is internal—and political.

• You’re often seen as an existential threat inside the system you’re trying to improve.

3. The Fireball Metaphor (Sina’s Super Mario Analogy)

• Don’t try to sell people on “eating the flower” (process change).

• Sell them on the outcome: throwing fireballs (transformation, new power).

• People move toward change when they fear missing out on something better.

4. Don’t Pitch Ideas—Pitch Outcomes

• Ideas are easy to dismiss. Outcomes are harder to ignore.

• Show traction. Prove impact. Make decision-makers say, “How do we keep this going?”

5. Innovation Needs a Godfather

• Change-makers need a C-suite ally willing to take heat, back risk, and create political air cover.

• A visionary leader who builds space—not process—is the single greatest accelerant.

6. Creativity Is a Social Movement

• Stop treating innovation as a project. It’s a movement.

• Internal innovators need to find each other and build collective strength.

• You don’t have to be the punk—but you do have to support them.

7. Being a Design Entrepreneur, Not Just a Designer

• It’s not enough to show up with good ideas—you need ownership, urgency, and follow-through.

• Stop waiting for someone else to create the culture you want.

• You can’t just think differently—you have to act differently.

8. Selfless Design and the Power of Provocation

• Serve the mission, not your ego.

• If you’re not making people uncomfortable, you’re not pushing hard enough.

• Your goal is change, not applause.

Bold Closing Statement:

Innovation is rarely authorized—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Lead with courage, inspire with clarity, and be willing to go first. Whether you’re inside the system or challenging it from the outside, your job is simple: eat the flower. Throw fireballs. Stay crazy.

Explore More:

• Greg Larkin’s Book: This Might Get Me Fired available here

• More Episodes & Show Notes: thecrazy1.com

Tagged as:
change management company culture creative transformation disruptive ideas driving innovation fostering innovation Greg Larkin innovation innovation strategy inspiring leadersh overcoming fear Sina Mossayeb Stephen Gates The Crazy One podcast