Why Innovation Matters Even More Today - Transforming Your STEM Career Through Leadership and Innovation - page 19

for women? These are all questions that need to be answered as the most likely
innovators are those STEM professionals. Thus, the impact that enhancing
innovation can have with this population affects the economic health of a com-
munity, nation, and the world. According to one recent estimate, while about
5% of the U.S. workforce is employed in STEM fields, the STEM workforce
accounts for more than 50% of the nation's sustained economic growth [1] .
The STEM fields and those who work in them are critical engines of innova-
tion and growth. However, having the knowledge alone is not enough. The
most probable innovators are those with the knowledge, access and resources,
as well as the motivation coupled with inspiration to embark upon the path to
discovery.
So what exactly do we mean by innovation? While the word is often thrown
around pretentiously in the media, the term actually derives its meaning from
the Latin word innovatus , which is the noun form of innovare , “to renew or
change.” Innovation generally refers to the creation of better or more effec-
tive products, processes, technologies, or ideas that are accepted by markets,
governments, and society. Innovation differs from invention or renovation, in
that innovation generally signifies a substantial positive change as opposed to
incremental changes. Innovation is where skill and ability meet determination
and passion. While we may already have the passion and determination to turn
an idea into an innovation, often we don't know how to go about doing that. A
large part of the process involves applying your unique skillset to make a dif-
ference in the world.
Suri Poulos is one such woman. Born in America, armed with a BA in Fine
Arts and an MBA, Suri started out in the IT world before branching out on her
own. In 1989, Poulos & Partners began as a management-consulting firm in the
U.K., where Suri was a founding partner. Poulos & Partners provided expertise
in organizational development, coaching, counseling, and team development to
leading organizations.
After many years of consulting for corporations, working with adults, and
with an MSc in Counseling & Psychotherapy, Suri came up with a lucrative cre-
ative business concept: teaching children through play. She saw an opportunity
to make a social contribution while developing a unique business scheme. Suri
knew that it was difficult to penetrate the mainstream school system and alter
the rigid National Curriculum in the U.K. She therefore modified her model to
an after-school activity funded by parents. This led to the birth of the MindLab
after-school program for kids, which emphasizes the development of social and
emotional skills in children through play.
Today, MindLab is well known not only in the U.K. but throughout Europe.
The MindLab program has benefited over 1,000,000 students in 15 countries
internationally. Suri applied the franchise system, providing a business oppor-
tunity to many. Suri's is an example of positive outcomes, as she merged busi-
ness and creativity. Her ability to leverage her skills as well as her innovative
concept, and her determined execution, stand testimony to the entrepreneurial