INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP: EMBRACING CHANGE AND DRIVING PROGRESS
The familiar phrase “adapt or die” highlights the need for innovation and adaptability in an ever-changing world. For example, when eReaders, iPads, and digital consumption surged in 2009, many declared, “Print is dead,” and bookstores across the nation closed. Fast forward to 2025, and physical books are more popular than ever. Print didn’t die — it evolved. Leaders in that industry had to recognize and navigate the shift in their traditional business model while identifying opportunities that emerged even when the market seemed dead. Thanks to leadership that embraced change, Barnes & Noble is now undergoing a revival, with 60 new stores set to open by the end of 2025.
So, how do turnarounds like this happen in business? It comes down to the ability to adapt to and embrace change. The most successful organizations are led by people who understand the fragility of the market and know that nothing remains the same forever. They aren’t stuck to the methods that got them where they are; they remain open to adjusting so they’re ready for future changes.
INNOVATION LOOKS LIKE LETTING GO
As leaders, change isn’t our enemy — though it may be uncomfortable. The real enemy is stagnation. A prime example of this is Redbox. At its peak, it disrupted Blockbuster’s movie rental business with a simple, cheap DVD rental model. They were ahead of the curve. But when digital streaming became the next big thing, Redbox hesitated to adapt and clung to its physical rental kiosks. Meanwhile, Netflix embraced streaming and became a digital juggernaut, leaving Redbox in the dust.
Effective leadership means having the vision to see what’s coming and the courage to let go of past methods when necessary.
WHAT INDUSTRY PIVOTS CAN TEACH US
The post-COVID world has seen seismic shifts across many industries. From changing consumer habits to shifting content preferences, many businesses and ministries struggled to catch up. Innovation and adaptability are essential skills that leaders must embrace long before the world shifts.
Ministries, for example, faced unprecedented disruption during the pandemic. But innovative leaders like T.D. Jakes turned obstacles into opportunities — expanding into virtual campuses, mobile apps, and online discipleship models. These leaders proved that faith is not bound by four walls.
Similarly, as malls and retail stores disappear, businesses that adopted multichannel approaches have continued to grow. Leaders can never remain stuck in one method or ignore the signs of change.
PRINCIPLES OF ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP
So, what does this mean for today’s leaders? Whether you’re in ministry, business, media, or education — change is inevitable. The question is: Are we proactively developing to remain competitive in our calling?
Here are some practical keys to flexible leadership:
1. Be Future-Oriented, Not Nostalgia-Driven.
Honor the past, but don’t idolize it. Innovation requires disrupting even your own success.
2. Listen to the Culture, but Don’t Follow the Crowd.
Great leaders study culture. They listen not just to trends, but to the underlying needs behind them.
3. Build for Agility, Not Just Stability.
Create systems that allow your organization to pivot quickly. Stability is important, but agility is essential, especially in a crisis.
4. See Digital as a Tool Not a Threat.
Technology won’t replace human connection, but it can enhance it when used with purpose. Whether it’s AI, streaming, or online platforms — embrace it.