Melissa Dinwiddie

Click to watch (11:32) or scroll down to read on… Hey there, innovation champions! It's that time of year when the pace seems to slow down, teams are cycling through vacation schedules, and there's this collective exhale that happens across the tech world. But here's what I've learned: summer isn't a season to coast—it's actually the perfect season to create. Let me tell you a story about the summer after my first wedding, when I accidentally discovered one of the most important principles of...

Click to watch (13:36) or scroll down to read on… The Canvas That Changed Everything Hey there, innovation champions! Imagine this scene for a moment: I'm standing in my studio, holding a pristine canvas I'd owned for years. Still wrapped in plastic. Still untouched. Why? Because every time I looked at it, my inner gremlin whispered, "Who are you to paint on canvas? You're not good enough for canvas." Sound familiar? Back when I was a professional artist, I had grand intentions. I'd subscribe...

Click to watch (14:59) or scroll down to read on… Hey there, innovation champions! Last week at a conference in DC, I heard a story that stopped me in my tracks. It was one of those moments that makes you realize how much you don't know about the world around you. A delegate from Yellowstone was sharing an experience from a community gathering back home. Let me paint the picture she described for me. Picture this gorgeous gathering hall, filled with people from across the region. The energy...

Click to watch (15:47) or scroll down to read on… Hey there, innovation champions! Melissa Dinwiddie here. When you were a kid, did you ever experience a blackout, or a hurricane, that disrupted normal life for a bit? Maybe you had to go without electricity or water for a day or two. If it's for a short time, that kind of thing can actually be almost like a forced vacation in a way. You can't work, because you have no power, and suddenly you have to think of new ways to do things you normally...

Click to watch (15:01) or scroll down to read on… Hey there, innovation champions! My brother and sister-in-law just celebrated their anniversary. Not a "big" one, but as I called to wish them well and asked if they were celebrating, my brother said they were helping their teenage son with homework. So... that would be a no. But every time their anniversary rolls around, it sends me straight back to one of the most stressful—and ultimately transformative—moments of my creative career. The...

🎯 Help shape the future of team innovation. I’m interviewing team leaders to uncover what actually helps (and hinders) creativity, communication, and collaboration. If you lead a team and want to contribute to something meaningful—while learning what others are doing, too—I’d love 15 minutes of your time. 🎤 Just questions. No pitch. No prep. ✅ Hit reply or grab a time here. Click to watch (13:00) or scroll down to read on… Hey there, innovation champions! Picture this: You're staring at a...

Are you a team leader? I’d love to hear from you. I’m gathering insights for a short research project (promise—no sales pitch!) focused on how teams navigate collaboration, creativity, and innovation. If you lead a team—especially in a fast-paced, high-stakes, or highly collaborative environment—I’d be so grateful for 10-15 minutes of your time. I’m listening closely for where people get stuck, and what actually helps move the needle. 🎧 No pitch—just questions and curiosity⏱️ Quick, casual...

Quick question: Do you lead a team? I'm running a quick (and completely non-salesy!) research project, and I’d love your perspective. If you lead a team—especially in complex, creative, or highly collaborative environments—I’d be incredibly grateful if you could spare just 15 minutes for a brief call with me. I'm gathering insights on where teams tend to get stuck and what types of support actually make a difference. 💡 No pitch, just listening and learning.⏳ It’s only about 15 minutes of your...

Quick ask: Are you a team leader? I’m doing a short (non-salesy!) research project and would love your input. If you lead a team—especially in a complex, creative, or collaborative environment—I’d be super grateful if you'd hop on a quick 6–7 minute call with me. I’m gathering insights about where teams get stuck, and what support actually moves the needle. 💬 It’s not a pitch—just questions, listening, and learning. ⏰ It takes ~7 minutes. 🙌 I’ll share what I learn with everyone who helps. If...