In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I speak with Vanessa Roknic, Senior Commercial Innovation Executive at Novo Nordisk. Vanessa shares her journey from studying medical microbiology and immunology to leading commercial innovation, always driven by her curiosity and desire to understand "why."

We discuss the importance of defining innovation within your team and organization. Vanessa emphasizes that innovation isn’t just about technology or AI—it includes new ways of thinking, working, and building relationships. She introduces three key questions to spark innovation: “How might we?,” “Why not?,” and “What if?”

Vanessa also shares strategies for handling resistance to change, highlighting the value of empathy and asking thoughtful questions to ensure everyone feels heard. We explore the difference between alignment and consensus, where alignment allows teams to move forward even if not everyone fully agrees.

This episode provides practical insights into leading innovation and navigating challenges in healthcare. Vanessa’s advice is invaluable for leaders looking to drive meaningful change in their organizations.

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