Episode summary introduction: Prof Oliver joins us on our podcast to give us a Primer on Innovation. We cover, What is Innovation, When to Innovate and The Process of Innovating. He offers guidance to high schoolers on how to prepare and develop the skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators.

Professor James Oliver, is the University Professor and Director of Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University, Ames Iowa.

In particular, we discuss the following with him:

• What is Innovation?
• When to Innovate?
• Criteria to Pivot
• Skills Needed to be an Innovator

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. James Oliver, ISU [0:49]
• What is Innovation? [2:05]
• Deciding When to Innovate [6:09]
• A Virtual Reality Story [13:06]
• Pivot or Walk Away? [16:03]
• Pivoting from Healthcare to EdTech [19:34]
• Getting Ready to be an Innovator [22:45]

Our Guest: Professor James Oliver is the Inaugural Director of the Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University. Prof. Oliver was awarded the title of University Professor in 2012. Prof. Oliver has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Union College, and a Masters and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. 

Resources: Podcast with Prof James Oliver on ISU's Student Innovation Center.

Memorable Quote: “People don't be afraid to be the new person in this, whatever it is volleyball or, or theater or you know, all these activities, just try them.”

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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