10 QUESTIONS for:

Lynn McDonald, Innovation Accelerator

1. How did you get this job?

My capstone project for my MPA degree was on how to create a culture of innovation and I used MIIS as a case study.  I facilitated and evaluated the first "pizza process" and my team thought to really have a culture of innovation you need to have it worked into the staff structure.  Amy McGill then worked her magic and created this position.

2. What is the actual title of your position?

Postgraduate Fellow in Organizational Development - sounds official, huh?

3. What do you do?

It's different every day!  My mission is to have every member of the MIIS community see the possibilities everywhere.  I've facilitated the pizza process where groups meet over pizza to brainstorm innovative ideas but I also just get involved in anything I can to have the innovation perspective represented.  I'm currently working on the website redesign.

4. Your office is in Kade, what really happens there?

Kade is my favorite place!  It is really the place for innovation and creativity of all kinds.  I work with Sarah, Bob and Kristen and they all experiment and work on development of the institute in some way.  Kade is not usually the place for answers, but you might just leave with more interesting questions - it's a conversation!

5. You teach a course called "Digital Media for Change," what does that have to do with innovation?

I believe that you can't just have a good idea, but that the most important part is communicating that idea for impact.  This class explores what your core vision is for the world and helps students see the millions of ways that vision could be communicated.  Innovation isn't always a new idea, but it could be a new idea shown in a new light - it's all about communication.

6. So, what does that have to do with digital media?

Digital media is one form of communication.  We would actually like to rename the class storytelling for change or just communication for change but the fact is that we use fun new tools and we love to have students experiment with new ways of communicating.  Vision comes first but these new digital media tools can really help you articulate your vision.

7. What are your favorite foods?

I'm very serious about this; pizza and cupcakes.  I use pizza to foster group innovation.  The pizza is the right sized food for teamwork and the informal setting of a meal can help facilitate creative thinking.  I love cupcakes because they remind you of being a child and they're personal - a small size made just for one.  Food as a motivator of innovation is a key strategy of mine!

8. What are your plans for this year?

Right now, I'm working on the website redesign project.  After that project, I'll be starting on a Micro-Philanthropy initiative.  Students will be able to submit projects to have put up on a MIIS micro-giving website to fund projects.

9. What's your favorite book?

I'm currently obsessed with A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink and The Art of Possibility by Ben and Rosamund Zander. 

10. What advice would you give incoming students?

Keep your mind open and jump in!  This place is created by the students - be part of the community and continue to shape the school.  You can practice all of the skills you're learning in Monterey.  Bring a sweater.