Navigating Innovation in the Corporate Landscape: Insights from Jules Strickland

Introduction to Jules Strickland

In the latest episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas engages in a compelling conversation with Jules Strickland, a mechanical engineer with a storied career at NASA and Northrop Grumman, and the current president of Strawberry Innovation. Jules, who is also the author of Strawberry Innovation: A Practical Guide for Innovators Navigating a Corporate Landscape, shares her extensive knowledge and experiences in the field of innovation. The discussion explores her career journey, the challenges innovators face, and strategies for bridging the gap between leadership and innovation.

Jules' Background and Career Journey

Jules Strickland’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Her journey from a non-traditional path to becoming a mechanical engineer highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passions despite life’s obstacles. She holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in materials science and engineering from the University of North Texas. Her career spans multiple industries, from subsurface oil and gas projects to satellite systems and spacesuit design, reflecting her deep passion for space and technological advancement.

The Importance of Diversity in Innovation

Jules emphasizes the value of diversity in driving innovation, particularly in male-dominated industries like aerospace and engineering. Her experience has shown that diverse perspectives lead to creative problem-solving and breakthrough ideas. She believes fostering inclusivity within teams encourages innovation and strengthens company culture. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire future generations and promote a more inclusive industry.

Working on Spacesuits: A Unique Challenge

One of Jules' most exciting projects was working on the next-generation spacesuit for Collins Aerospace. She describes a spacesuit as essentially the smallest spacecraft, built to protect astronauts in the extreme environment of space. The suit consists of 11 specialized layers, each designed for specific functions such as pressurization, temperature regulation, and protection against radiation and micro-meteoroids.

Designing spacesuits presents numerous engineering challenges, especially when balancing durability, flexibility, and functionality. For example, creating gloves that allow astronauts to perform delicate tasks while maintaining necessary pressurization is a significant hurdle. Jules' passion for space exploration has driven her throughout her career, illustrating the importance of aligning professional work with personal interests.

Innovation vs. Leadership: Bridging the Gap

The conversation shifts to the relationship between innovation and leadership. Jules highlights the need for leaders to support innovation while balancing customer needs and business objectives. Her book, Strawberry Innovation, is dedicated to bridging this gap by helping innovators and leaders collaborate more effectively. She stresses that innovation should not exist in a vacuum but rather be integrated into business strategy. Leaders must foster an environment where creative ideas are encouraged and supported, while innovators should clearly communicate their ideas and be prepared to address critical business concerns.

Evaluating Ideas and Innovation Strategies

Jules introduces the Meyer Catechism, a framework used to evaluate innovative ideas. This method helps innovators articulate their objectives, assess existing industry practices, and justify their approaches with clear business cases. She emphasizes that companies should balance disruptive innovations with sustaining innovations, ensuring both long-term breakthroughs and incremental improvements that drive continuous growth.

Creating a Technology Roadmap for Career Longevity

Jules shares her approach to long-term career planning through technology roadmaps. By anticipating where technology will be in five, ten, or twenty years, professionals can align their skill development and career trajectories with emerging trends. She encourages individuals to invest in continuous learning and adapt to industry changes to stay ahead in their fields.

Intellectual Property: Patents vs. Trade Secrets

Jules addresses the common misconception that patents are the best way to protect intellectual property. While patents can be useful, they also require enforcement and can be expensive to maintain. She highlights trade secrets as an alternative strategy, referencing companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which have successfully guarded their formulas for decades. Companies should evaluate whether patents or trade secrets better serve their long-term business goals and market positioning.

Conclusion

This episode of Product Led Growth Leaders provides valuable insights into the intersection of innovation and leadership through Jules Strickland’s diverse experiences. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to navigate corporate innovation while fostering a culture that encourages creativity and strategic growth. Her book, Strawberry Innovation, offers practical guidance for both innovators and leaders, equipping them with tools to succeed in an evolving technological landscape.

Jules' discussion highlights the importance of embracing diversity in innovation, supporting creative thinking within organizations, and making informed decisions about intellectual property and career planning. By following these insights, innovators and leaders can successfully navigate the corporate landscape and drive meaningful advancements in their industries.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Product Led Growth Leaders – Jules Strickland