Preview: Demystifying Innovation

SEASON 1: FAILING FORWARD!

A New Podcast from the Office of Research & Innovation

IN DEMYSTIFYING INNOVATION: FAILING FORWARD, our host Nathan Whitlock (Professor and Program Coordinator, Creative Book Publishing—FMCA) talks to academic leaders about the challenges and obstacles they’ve faced, the mistakes they’ve made in their careers—and the important lessons they’ve drawn from those moments.

In the first episode, Nathan talks to Frank Cappadocia, Humber’s new Dean of Continuous Professional Learning. After graduating from Humber in 1992, his time as Student Association Council President led him to working with students professionally. After moving around different institutions including Ryerson, York, and Lakehead University, he’s back at Humber with a fresh perspective on innovation.

Here’s a preview of what Frank had to say about his return to Humber:

I’ve been so impressed with the work that has been happening at Humber relative to innovation. Part of the reason I came here was because I was drawn to this kind of an environment where we can have the opportunity to push new enterprises.

I’ve arrived as someone who’s known as a change agent—I love change. I thrive in environments that are fluid, and where there are opportunities abound. There’s no question that Humber is positioned to make some dynamic leaps forward. And so that innovation space that Humber’s already moved into can be actualized. My hope is to actualize it in the professional learning area, and in a more assertive, and highly creative way.

My journey to this place has been a very interesting one with all kinds of twists and turns. I can tell you that some of those twists and turns were shaped by my own design, and some of them were by the environment and the places and spaces I was within. But I couldn’t say that there was really any one job that I didn’t end up shaping or framing by the time I left it. So, shaping and reclaiming opportunities are a key part.

For more about the formative moment that defined Frank as the leader and innovator he is today, keep an eye out for the first episode of Demystifying Innovation: Failing Forward, releasing on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 everywhere you listen to podcasts!