The best leaders don’t focus on doing more. They create environments where innovation thrives.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel, CEO of Project Brilliant, shares insights from a recent trip to Cuba and how the systemic challenges observed there can relate to organizational leadership. Drawing from his personal experiences in Cuba, Aaron explores how entrepreneurs and leaders are navigating a complex environment where top-down systems and governmental restrictions often hinder innovation. He delves into how leaders can unlock momentum within their organizations by addressing systemic barriers, such as rigid structures, policies, and metrics, that prevent long-term success.

Aaron shares lessons from entrepreneurs who are working within these constraints, showing how resilience and resourcefulness can drive meaningful change, even in the face of adversity. He reflects on the importance of leaders designing environments that allow for innovation, rather than focusing solely on immediate goals. The conversation touches on the role of systemic change in fostering organizational growth and the key skills that leaders need to create lasting impact.

Key takeaways:

• Addressing systemic issues is key to unlocking momentum
• Leaders must create environments that enable innovation
• Sustainable growth comes from designing systems, not just executing tasks

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Why travel shapes leadership perspective

(02:04) Cuba trip context: entrepreneurs' journey

(03:24) First impressions: Havana’s challenges unfold

(06:25) Entrepreneurship's struggle under communist control

(10:58) Taxes, incentives, and the side hustle

(14:20) Farm success followed by government throttling

(18:21) Leadership agility through Castro’s lens

(21:42) Hope for Cuba: capital, tech, progress

(24:47) CIO lessons in unlocking organizational momentum

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Central Indiana Corporate Partnership: https://www.cicpindiana.com/

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS