In the backyard? Well not literally. But innovation isn't always what people think it is. When I tell people my title at Filene Research Institute is Managing Director of Innovation, I often get an intrigued but puzzled look that reads, "Cool … but what exactly does that mean?" Or the "Oh everyone is doing innovation now," response. Both seem kind of hollow.

What is innovation really?

Ask 10 people and you will likely get 10 different responses. The word "innovation" has become such a commonly used buzzword that the online definition reads, "the action or process of innovating." Seriously. It's so common that it is its own definition.