EP110: Innovation Inside and Out
Innovation is a buzzword beyond the water industry. We met with our innovation guru, Cristina Ahmadpour, and broke open the buzz to get to the nitty-gritty. We discussed concrete ways organizations can create cultures of innovation that result in increased deployment of innovative practices and technologies. Guess what…communication is a key component.
Culture change, gaining buy-in for your innovation program, collaboration, and creativity all require an ability to not only communicate your vision but to do so in a manner that inspires others to come along with you. We also dive into ways you can innovate your team culture, even when managing a fully remote team.
Cristina serves as Managing Director of Isle’s North American business. She leads a team that supports the most progressive water utilities in their interest to identify, evaluate, and engage best-available solutions that drive value to their services and business operations. Facilitating an assessment of needs and identifying solutions that respond to top priorities, and how to build a culture of innovation, is an integral part of how she works with water utility leaders today. Cristina is a graduate of WEF’s Water Leadership Institute and has been recognized by the Water and Wastewater Digest in 2016 and 2018 as a top water professional under the age of 40.
Cristina is married to her middle school sweetheart and enjoys life in San Diego with their cat Vera Rubin. Backpacking and being in nature is her most cherished pastime, followed by traveling, cycling, and tending to her plants.