Innovation isn’t random—it’s a process. The best growth strategies are built in stages: starting with curiosity about customers and problems worth solving, then shaping opportunities, testing them, and moving forward with clarity. Without that structure, efforts tend to feel scattered, slow, or disruptive. With it, they become focused and productive.

We’re hosting an Executive Spark Session—a practical introduction to the structured innovation process for defining and developing your next phase of business growth.

A common—but fixable—obstacle to growth is the gap between “we should” and “we are.” When the path forward is unclear, hesitation quietly slows progress. This post explains why ambiguity is usually a capacity problem—and how leaders can move forward without overbuilding.

2026 offers a fresh start—but first, it helps to step back and reflect on where growth could be getting stuck. Many organizations have capable teams, loyal customers, and strong products, yet progress still feels slow. Often, the challenge isn’t a lack of ideas but old habits and process gaps that prevent insights from turning into action. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward unlocking momentum and creating meaningful growth.

Recently, I met with an executive responsible for growing a new line of business. They had just wrapped up strategic planning and were ready to launch a marketing campaign. Everything seemed solid - ish. However, after a short conversation, we identified the true audience that could lead to scalable growth. Fresh perspectives are the key to growth. Read about the audience and how we got there.

Too many things competing for attention? It might be time to rein in your focus and do less. When changes have your team spinning and trying to do too much, it’s time to check your strategy. A good strategy will point your team to the things that will have the biggest long-term value for customers.

Leaders who launch new, revenue-generating ideas are the ones who think differently and/or surround themselves with others who do. The key to better ideas is disrupting your current thinking. Here are 6 tactics leaders use to spark good ideas and the 3 things they avoid. 

Innovation isn’t just about coming up with a brilliant idea. It’s about implementing a carefully developed roadmap to generate measurable results. Align's 4 I’s of Strategic Innovation process provides structure for innovation with a repeatable process your team can learn.

Don't avoid a big opportunity just because you don't know where to start.  There's a 5 step process for defining the right problem - the one worth solving.  Whether you’re focused on a social mission or business growth agenda, spend time on the right challenges - ones that can create more value for customers and stakeholders.

Strategic planning has shifted to strategic innovation. And it’s more necessary than ever as customers expect more and problems are more complex and intertwined than ever. CEOs need to lead strategic innovation the right way or risk making the situation worse. First, you need to take stock of where you are and what’s the target of your innovation efforts. Decide to do things differently and take baby steps. Ultimately, there’s a process that startups and corporations know and do, but mid-sized companies that are the last to embrace this way of working will do so at their peril.