The discussion argues that inclusive innovation is a system, not a department, and that many organizations are hindered by overlooking their mid-level managers. These managers should be appreciated as crucial for translating strategy into action and for possessing vital insights from both the C-suite and the front lines. Excluding them from innovation processes leads to stalled initiatives, lost insights, and leadership drain. True inclusive innovation involves not only who is within the company but also innovating for and with consumers, with mid-level managers playing a key role due to their proximity to both. In conclusion the discussion suggests that changing this requires a mindset shift, structural adjustments, and cultural reinforcement to include and value the perspectives of mid-level leadership.

Mid-Level Managers Drive Inclusive Innovation

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen sits down with Dr. John Bamforth and Dr. Roy Zwahlen, co-authors of Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone. Together, they explore how diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive meaningful innovation and create economic opportunity for all.

John and Roy share how their distinct backgrounds — from a coal mining town in England to growing up across the Middle East — shaped their perspectives on innovation and inspired this book. They discuss how untapped communities hold massive potential for creativity, problem-solving, and growth, and how we can unlock that value by rethinking access to capital, ownership, and education.

The conversation dives into the difference between iteration and true innovation, the economic cost of excluding marginalized groups, and why ownership is key to generational wealth creation. They also highlight inspiring examples from communities like Tulsa’s Black Wall Street and showcase new approaches such as venture studios that empower underrepresented founders.

Listeners will also hear powerful insights about how AI is reshaping innovation, making tools and opportunities more accessible than ever — and how the real key to progress lies in understanding problems deeply before creating solutions.

This episode is an eye-opening look into how innovation thrives when everyone gets the chance to contribute, reminding us that the race to innovation is not about competition — it’s about inclusion, collaboration, and shared progress.

🎧 What Listeners Will Learn
The difference between iteration and true innovation
Why diversity and inclusion are crucial for innovation and growth
The economic impact of excluding marginalized communities
The importance of ownership in building generational wealth
How AI and venture studios are empowering underrepresented innovators

Our Guests, John Bamforth & Roy Zwahlen:
➥ Book: Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship For Everyone
➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/ejn7UPk
➡️John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnb1963/
➡️Roy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-zwahlen-abba7112/

Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen:
➥ https://gregvoisen.com
➡️Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/  
➡️Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/
➡️LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ 
➡️Twitter/ X:  https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

Podcast 1264: Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone - with John Bamforth & Roy Zwahlen

MARKETING DEEP DIVES by DENYSE is a Podcast for CPG Executives wanting to attract, delight and retain more consumers.
In each episode Denyse shares her tips, tools and ideas gathered from her more than 30 years experience working in over 125 countries around the globe.
Denyse is: 📈 Advisor to Fortune 100-Inc 5000 | 🚀 Strategist for mid-sized CPGs | 👨‍💼👩‍💼Leadership Coach | 🎤 Keynote Speaker | 📚 #1 Best-Selling Author | 🌍 Former Global Head of Consumer Excellence at Nestlé

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New tracks tagged #Inclusive Innovation