Dear Idea Guy,

I lead a 30-year-old manufacturing company here in San Diego. We’ve always been proud of our consistency and craftsmanship, but lately, I’m feeling the pressure to “innovate or die.” Investors want to see modernization, customers want customization, and my leadership team keeps asking what our “innovation strategy” is.

The problem is, we weren’t built for innovation. We have legacy systems and legacy thinking, and let’s be honest, most of our success came from refining, not reinventing. I don’t want to chase buzzwords, but I know we can’t keep doing things the same way.

Where do we start? How can a company like ours build an innovation mindset without blowing up what already works?

— Manufacturing in Miramar

 

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Dear Manufacturing in Miramar,

You’re not alone. A lot of established companies are hearing the call to “innovate” but feel unequipped—or even unwilling—to upend what’s already working.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between what got you here and what gets you there. Innovation isn’t about abandoning the past—it’s about building on it with purpose.

Let’s reframe the issue. You’re not really asking, “How do we innovate?” You’re asking, “How might we evolve without losing what makes us successful?” That’s the right problem to solve.

Here’s how I’d suggest you approach it:

1. Start with what’s not working.

Identify the bottlenecks, pain points, or missed opportunities your team already knows about, but hasn’t addressed. These are your pressure points for innovation.

2. Focus on continuous, not radical innovation.

You don’t need moonshots. Start small. A better process here, an AI-powered tool there. Think of it like compound interest—small contributions, consistently applied, deliver big results.

3. Involve your team early.

Innovation isn’t a top-down manifesto—it’s a conversation. Ask your employees: “What’s one thing that slows us down?” or “What would you fix if you could?” You’ll uncover obvious problems, practical ideas, and build ownership in the process.

4. Modernize your mindset before your machinery.

Digital transformation isn’t just about tech—it’s about culture. Teach people to ask better questions, reward creative thinking, and treat change as a capability, not a disruption.

Innovation doesn’t mean abandoning what works. It means challenging what’s holding you back. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to innovate, it’s already passed.

Start with what’s stuck. Fix what matters. Build what’s next.

— Kevin Popovic, The Idea Guy®

 

Read this column on San Diego Business Journal.

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WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM? is a weekly column by Kevin Popovic, The Idea Guy®—a trusted advisor to CEOs and leaders across industries. Each edition answers real-world business challenges with clear, creative insights you can use to think differently and lead confidently.

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