Memories of Inspiring Bosses: Creativity and Innovation in Professional Life

Throughout my professional journey, I have been fortunate to have had two incredibly inspiring bosses who influenced my career in profound ways. Each of them brought unique challenges and opportunities that shaped my approach to problem-solving and creativity. In this article, I will share my experiences with these bosses and how they fostered an environment of innovation and growth.

A Creative and Supportive Environment

My most wonderful boss was a pivotal figure during my time at a children's science museum. During my tenure there, the museum's attendance had been steadily declining due to the inertia and lack of interest in the programming from the previous director. As a dedicated staff member, I initiated efforts to revitalize the programming, doing so in a budget-conscious manner. However, my progress was hampered by a director who was not only uninterested but also inhospitable towards certain groups of children; she even went as far as voicing her prejudice against special needs and inner-city children, which deeply upset me. Despite these challenges, around a year later, that director was terminated, and I became the interim director.

My new boss was the Operations Manager, Vince, a father of nine who shared my passion for bringing back engaging programming. This transition brought about a new era of freedom and opportunity for me. Vince was not only supportive but also actively involved in the creative process. Together, we developed innovative exhibits that align with monthly themes. His hands-on approach, including his involvement in the workshop, scaling materials, and even delving into the museum archives for inspiration, created a vibrant atmosphere of creativity. We even took on minor challenges, like making slime daily and hosting contest events for school groups, which brought a lot of joy and engagement to our community.

Strife and Innovation

Just as promising were the experiences I had shortly after receiving my BSEE and BSMath, as well as a brief stint working for Howard Silverman. Sixty years ago, Howard hired me and immediately promoted me to a low-level managerial position, overseeing multiple engineers and technicians. This early exposure to leadership roles was eye-opening, and it presented its own set of challenges. One particularly memorable instance involved a conversation with an "up and coming" marketing guy who was complaining about another company killing us with a product, even though their product was only of a lower quality.

My initial response was a challenge to the status quo, questioning the experts who said the product could not be improved. As someone with a mathematical background, I believed that the problem was more about a lack of ingenuity than an actual technical impossibility. I proposed a month-long project to prove the concept.

Through this endeavor, I learned the importance of curiosity and the power of innovation. This experience instilled in me a belief that solutions are often within reach if we approach problems with a fresh perspective and rigorous curiosity. It emphasized that innovation often comes from combining different disciplines and perspectives, making me more adaptable and resourceful in my professional endeavors.

Conclusion: The Impact of Inspiring Leaders

Reflecting on these experiences, it is clear that having visionary and supportive bosses significantly influences one's professional growth. Vince and Howard's support and encouragement fostered an environment where creativity and innovation were valued. These positive influences continue to inspire me, encouraging me to seek out challenges and opportunities to innovate in both my personal and professional life.

In conclusion, the memories of these inspiring bosses are cherished, serving as a reminder of the impact that a supportive and creative environment can have on fostering growth and innovation.