For my interview, I chose my father. He was accessible for an interview, but more importantly has always been an example of innovation and self-reliance in my life. For as long as I can remember, we was reading a new book, working on a home project, or trying to help my brothers or me with a school project. He is an electrical engineer by trade. My father is not the prototypical example of an innovator, but his problem solving approach has been a model throughout my life and made him an easy choice.
The interview was relatively informal and took place as a Saturday couch conversation while watching college football. Despite the informality, it did provide some unique perspectives I had not originally considered. When asked to define innovation, my father provided the stereotypical engineering definition of solving a problem. Essentially, innovation exists in any unique solution to solving a problem. The solution does not need to be entirely original, perhaps it was just repurposed, but in solving any problem big or small, a level of innovation exists. He went on to explain that a lot of his motivation for any of his personal innovation was simply trying to do something cheaper or more efficiently for the family, or to provide an opportunity for myself or my brothers to learn how to do something. This comment echoed the efforts of LiveWell. When it came to an attitude or process that made his attempt at innovation successful my father’s confidence, or cockiness depending on the project was not lost on me. “Simply figure it out”. He spoke about having both the ability and the desire to learn something new. For an example, he had never build a septic tank drainage field, but he read a lot about it and figured out how to finish it. That particular bit of advice stuck with me. Learning something new always seems to be overwhelming at first, but being able to innovator or produce something unique often requires research and understanding of the current state of the field. As the conversation shifted to issues or problems, I was able to provide a majority of the examples. Knowing your limits was the message he preached. Being able to learn a theory or get the equipment to start a new project does not always compensate for a lack of practice or skill. I have a scar on my ankle from a saw my father was trying to use while I provided a counter weight on the board. Being able to recognize your own limits regarding skills, funds, or time is a crucial part of being a successful inventor or problem solver. Finally, my father’s dream project is to build his own pizza oven at our house. He has several home projects that come before it, but hopes to have it finished at some point in the next 10 years.
My father is certainly not a perfect innovator. The scar on my ankle, the basement renovation entering its 5th year, and the occasional use of duct tape certainly provide examples of that. However, his mission to provide for his family, and give my brothers and I the opportunity to learn have been accomplished. I can change my own oil, and have the confidence to try new things mostly thanks to my father.
The interview was relatively informal and took place as a Saturday couch conversation while watching college football. Despite the informality, it did provide some unique perspectives I had not originally considered. When asked to define innovation, my father provided the stereotypical engineering definition of solving a problem. Essentially, innovation exists in any unique solution to solving a problem. The solution does not need to be entirely original, perhaps it was just repurposed, but in solving any problem big or small, a level of innovation exists. He went on to explain that a lot of his motivation for any of his personal innovation was simply trying to do something cheaper or more efficiently for the family, or to provide an opportunity for myself or my brothers to learn how to do something. This comment echoed the efforts of LiveWell. When it came to an attitude or process that made his attempt at innovation successful my father’s confidence, or cockiness depending on the project was not lost on me. “Simply figure it out”. He spoke about having both the ability and the desire to learn something new. For an example, he had never build a septic tank drainage field, but he read a lot about it and figured out how to finish it. That particular bit of advice stuck with me. Learning something new always seems to be overwhelming at first, but being able to innovator or produce something unique often requires research and understanding of the current state of the field. As the conversation shifted to issues or problems, I was able to provide a majority of the examples. Knowing your limits was the message he preached. Being able to learn a theory or get the equipment to start a new project does not always compensate for a lack of practice or skill. I have a scar on my ankle from a saw my father was trying to use while I provided a counter weight on the board. Being able to recognize your own limits regarding skills, funds, or time is a crucial part of being a successful inventor or problem solver. Finally, my father’s dream project is to build his own pizza oven at our house. He has several home projects that come before it, but hopes to have it finished at some point in the next 10 years.
My father is certainly not a perfect innovator. The scar on my ankle, the basement renovation entering its 5th year, and the occasional use of duct tape certainly provide examples of that. However, his mission to provide for his family, and give my brothers and I the opportunity to learn have been accomplished. I can change my own oil, and have the confidence to try new things mostly thanks to my father.