Shattering the confines of traditional thinking to ignite innovation
How do you spark fresh thinking and light the fire of innovation? You create an environment that inspires team members to break barriers fearlessly.
In its second year, Innovation Ignite is generating that spark. After expanding from early-career professionals in its first year to team members with a mixture of experience levels this year, the program is unlocking opportunities across our firm.
"Last year was a resounding success," said Kristen Russell, managing director of Strategy and Innovation. “This year, we looked to build on that by diversifying our participants and expanding opportunities to grow, learn and challenge themselves and their colleagues.”
Leaning into expertise, learning and new experiences
Innovation Ignite is a dynamic, experiential development program that gives team members an opportunity to grow their innovation and problem-solving skills, work on real business opportunities and build relationships across our firm.
To date, 120 people have experienced Innovation Ignite, ranging from senior managers and directors to early-career professionals — leaning into the power of blended expertise for this round.
"The Ignite program provided a unique opportunity for each of us," said Brian Metuge, senior manager in Assurance. "We acquired new skills and new ways of thinking about innovation and how to approach problems."
Participants spent an intensive week together in our Innovation Lab in the Madison, Wisconsin office, which gave them an opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and, importantly, dedicated focus time.
"My current role is very execution-oriented, where I put my head down and work through items assigned to me," said Will Nummy, an analyst, R/E Valuation on the DCA Real Estate Advisory team. "The week was very refreshing as our work was idea focused.”
"We had time to ‘camp out’ in the problem and were encouraged not to rush to solutions," said Grant Tidmore, senior manager of Resource Management. "That is precisely what I will bring back to my teams and day to day."
Essential skills
Ignite teaches how to bring innovation in our everyday work, as an essential skill that can translate across our firm and client work.
"I liked how each session helped to guide and build on the ideas in working toward a solution to a real problem our clients’ face," added Natalie Cole, an associate in Tax.
At the end of the program, our Innovation Board was on hand to hear presentations and witness the ideas and, yes, innovation, this cohort generated throughout their week.
Principal Nuwandi Trahan, who sits on our Innovation Board, echoed the career-building effect of learning these skills and the power of seeing the resulting ideas taken seriously.
“We need to push them to do what they love doing, what we know they’re capable of doing, what they’re good at and what they are excited about,” said Nuwandi. “When they are excited, they have the initiative, you’re not forcing them, but rather giving them the opportunity to succeed and that will trickle down to great client work."
Limitless
The after-effects of Innovation Ignite paint a positive picture of how the participants bring their newfound innovation mindsets with them after their experience. Team members saw the power in our firm’s investment in their future, sharing an increased confidence in encouraging colleagues to engage in innovative efforts and knowing they can articulate how innovation plays a role in their industry.
"I loved Ignite," said Sylvia Dyke, senior manager in Assurance. "I feel so much more connected to the firm after this experience and so much more supported now that I know we have so many dedicated professionals advocating for a better Baker Tilly."
It’s clear: the opportunity to innovate is all around. Sometimes, you just need a spark to see how far you can go.
"Our future as a firm is limitless," added Kristen.
