Top 25 Innovators - 2020

Logan oversaw a project at NCH Healthcare System to introduce a new model of care to better address health and well-being for more than 700 organizations including worksites, schools, restaurants, homeowner associations and faith-based institutions. Across the system’s market, well-being rose dramatically, and cardiac mortality dropped more than 8%. An analysis from Boston University showed that medical and well-being savings hit $40 million over five years. Elementary school students added an average of 2.5 hours of physical activity. She also worked with the city of Naples, Fla., to get 92% of employees to participate in biometric readings and use the data to drive improved health.

How do you identify opportunities for innovation?
I believe there is always an opportunity for innovation, but telltale signs include inefficiency and not being able to achieve desired outcomes.

What advice do you have for people who know how to get an idea in front of managers but may be afraid of failing?
I recommend sharing data from ideas that have been successful. Or if your idea has never been implemented, share the data that tells the story of the shortcomings of the current process and the “cost” of continuing with the status quo. If you can reduce leadership’s perceived risk of failure and even show how your idea could make them stand out in positive way, you will likely catch their attention.

How do you stay focused on innovation during a crisis?
Now is certainly a time for organizations to get out of our comfort zones and pivot to meet the changing needs of our customers. We also have to consider our staff during these unprecedented times. To help them perform in an optimal manner and encourage innovation, it is important to help them feel safe and supported. This is a time that is ripe for earning colleague and customer loyalty. Listening, accommodating, communicating clearly and encouraging will go a long way toward achieving that goal, as well as helping to create a culture where innovation is welcome.