Season 5, Episode 28. Teaming and Innovation with Natalie Born
In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born continues the Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation series by diving into Chapter 2: Get Out of My Sandbox. Joined again by Moriah Hidden as the co-host, Natalie unpacks one of the biggest hidden barriers to innovation inside organization, ownership silos.
While many organizations believe innovation belongs to a specific department or select group of “creative thinkers,” Natalie challenges this mindset by introducing the concept of the “sandbox.” When innovation is confined to a single team, it limits collaboration, creates resistance, and prevents organizations from reaching their full potential.
This conversation explores how leaders can break down silos, invite cross-functional collaboration, and shift organizations from isolated idea ownership to shared responsibility. For organizations ready to move beyond resistance and into action, this episode offers a practical look at how to create a culture where everyone sees themselves as an innovator.
[00:00 – 02:30] Continuing the Set It on Fire Series
· Natalie introduces Chapter 2 and the concept behind “Get Out of My Sandbox”· Moriah returns as interviewer to guide the conversation· The focus shifts from foundation (Chapter 1) to organizational barriers
[02:31 – 06:30] What Is the “Sandbox”?
· How organizations unintentionally assign innovation to specific people or departments· Examples: innovation living with leadership, tech teams, or “creative” groups· Why this creates exclusivity around idea generation
[06:31 – 10:30] The Problem with Silos
· How “ownership” of ideas leads to resistance from other teams· Why employees hesitate to contribute outside their role or department· The connection between silos and stalled innovation
[10:31 – 14:30] Moving from Resistance to Action
· Why Chapter 2 is the “resistance chapter” in the innovation journey· How leaders can identify where resistance is showing up internally· Shifting mindset from protection to participation
[14:31 – 18:30] Innovation as a Team Sport
· Why innovation should not be independent—but interdependent· The importance of cross-functional collaboration· How diverse perspectives strengthen ideas and execution
[18:31 – 22:30] Creating Shared Ownership
· Encouraging every team member to see themselves as an innovator· Breaking the belief that only certain roles are “idea people”· How leaders can invite contribution across all levels
[22:31 – 25:30] Leadership’s Role in Breaking Silos
· Modeling openness to ideas from any department· Removing barriers that limit collaboration· Building systems and culture that support shared innovation
[25:31 – 27:30] First Steps for Organizations
· Identify where innovation is currently “owned”· Create opportunities for cross-team idea sharing· Reinforce that innovation is everyone’s responsibility
Quotes
“Innovation doesn’t belong to a department—it belongs to the organization.” – Natalie Born
“When we protect our sandbox, we limit what’s possible.” – Natalie Born
“The best ideas don’t come from one team—they come from collaboration.” – Natalie Born
Guest Links
Natalie BornLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebornWebsite: https://innovationmeetsleadership.comBook: Set It on Fire: The Art of InnovationBook & Resources: https://setitonfire.co
If this conversation challenged your perspective, share it with a leader or team that’s ready to break down silos and rethink how innovation really happens.
🎙️ Don’t forget to check out Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation—a guide for leaders ready to move from isolated ideas to organization-wide impact.
Visit innovationmeetsleadership.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
🔥 Don’t just get out of the box—break the box and set it on fire.
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