Big Ideas, Bold Moves: How Side Innovation Fuels Mid-Career Growth

Mid-career can feel like a plateau — promotions slow, lateral moves are limited, and work becomes routine. But what if breaking out of the monotony means stepping into something unfamiliar? Innovation often starts by asking, "why can’t we?", instead of focusing on why something won’t work. Exploring problems outside your expertise forces you to think differently, re-ignite curiosity, and approach your own work with fresh energy. This panel shares how a weekend getaway led us to brainstorm bold ideas, resulting in three patents and a renewed passion for engineering. We’ll discuss how tackling unique challenges — especially outside your daily job — can inspire new ways of thinking, drive career fulfillment, and even open unexpected opportunities. Attendees will participate in a hands-on group exercise to solve real-world problems using proven innovation techniques. If you're looking for a way to re-energize your career, this session will help you take that first step.