Author: Garima Vyas
Fundraising Chairperson, AWIS Houston
Practice Director, Indigo Beam
Nov 21, 2024
Hi, I’m Garima, and over my 15+ years in STEM and tech leadership, I’ve learned that in STEM, we’re no strangers to pushing boundaries. One of the biggest challenges we face isn’t just keeping up with technology; it’s ensuring our teams, processes, and mindsets remain adaptable and innovative.
Grace Hopper, a true pioneer in our field, said it best: “The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’”
That’s a powerful reminder. It’s easy to fall into the trap of sticking with familiar processes and routines. But real progress, especially in high-performing environments, comes from questioning the status quo, embracing new ideas, and being ready to adapt.
The Power of Letting Go of “The Old Way”
I remember a time on a project when sticking to the old ways nearly stalled our progress.
We were working on streamlining a client’s internal system. For months, our team focused on refining the same method because, well, it had worked in the past.
But here’s the thing: just because something worked before doesn’t mean it’s the best solution now.
A junior engineer on the team bravely suggested that we abandon an outdated process that had become a bottleneck.
At first, the resistance was palpable. “But this is how we’ve always done it,” echoed through the room. It took some convincing, but after evaluating the data, we decided to give her idea a shot.
That change didn’t just remove a bottleneck—it opened the door to faster iterations and more innovative solutions.
What I learned from that experience is that innovation isn’t always about grand, sweeping changes. Sometimes, it’s about letting go of what no longer works and being open to new perspectives, no matter where they come from.
3 Ways to Foster Innovation in Your Team
So, how can we keep innovation alive and thriving in our STEM teams? Here are a few strategies I’ve used to break free from the “this is how it’s always been” mindset:
- Encourage Fresh Perspectives: Whether it’s from a new hire or a seasoned engineer, every team member has something valuable to contribute. Create a culture where even the smallest suggestions are heard and considered.
- Let Go of the Familiar: Be willing to challenge long-standing processes and consider alternatives. Sticking to the old way can hold you back from discovering better, faster, or more efficient solutions.
- Test, Learn, Iterate: Take a page from Agile’s playbook—create space for quick tests, learn from the results, and iterate. The more your team embraces continuous learning, the more innovative they’ll become.
Final Thoughts: Innovate Like Grace Hopper
In STEM, innovation is more than just a buzzword—it’s the lifeblood of progress. Like Grace Hopper, let’s not get trapped by the “way things have always been done.” The more we push boundaries, experiment, and embrace change, the more we unlock our potential and the potential of those around us.
At AWIS Houston, we’re all about fostering growth through support and innovation. Whether you’re early in your STEM journey or well on your way, there’s always room to grow, learn, and push yourself further. Join us at our next event and become part of a community that thrives on helping each other rise.
Written by Garima Vyas, a seasoned leader in the product and tech industry, former President, and current Fundraising Chairperson of AWIS Houston. Garima is passionate about advocating for women in STEM and helping them succeed through self-advocacy, mentorship, and continuous learning.
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