Creating an innovation studio is essential for fostering creativity, developing ideas, and transforming concepts into reality. Whether you're an inventor, a designer, or a creative professional, having a dedicated space for your work is crucial. In this episode, we'll walk you through building your innovation studio, inspired by my experience setting up a multifunctional space that caters to various aspects of innovation.

Your innovation studio doesn't need to be a grand space; it can be as simple as a corner in your bedroom or a small office. What's important is having a dedicated area to focus solely on your creative endeavors. When I first started, my studio was a small desk in the master bedroom. Over time, it evolved into a 1200-square-foot space designed to meet my needs.

A dedicated innovation studio allows you to create an environment conducive to your workflow. Whether recording a podcast, designing a prototype, or brainstorming ideas, your studio should be where creativity flows freely.

When designing your innovation studio, consider the different activities you'll conduct in the space. My studio, for example, is divided into several zones, each with a specific purpose:

• Audio and Video Production Zone: We optimized this area for recording podcasts and YouTube videos. It features sound suppression materials, custom-built tuning panels, and suspended lighting to ensure the best audio and visual quality.
• Prototyping Zone: Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other tools, this zone is where I bring ideas to life. Whether I'm building rough prototypes for startups or developing my concepts, I designed this space to facilitate hands-on innovation.
• Zoom Collaboration Zone: As virtual meetings have become a staple of modern work, having a dedicated area for Zoom calls is essential. This part of the studio has a TV, a comfortable seating arrangement, and a setup that ensures seamless communication.

When building your innovation studio, there are several key factors to keep in mind:

• Space Utilization: Make the most of the space you have. If you're working with a smaller area, consider multifunctional furniture and storage solutions that maximize efficiency.
• Sound Management: Whether you're recording audio or want a quiet space to focus, managing sound is crucial. Incorporate materials that suppress and tune the acoustics to create an optimal environment.
• Lighting: Proper lighting is essential, especially for video production. Consider installing a lighting grid to eliminate the need for floor-standing lights, which can clutter the space.
• Flexibility: Your innovation studio should be adaptable. As your projects evolve, so too should your workspace. Incorporate elements allowing easy reconfiguration, such as rolling tool chests or movable desks.

My innovation studio has undergone several transformations since its inception. What started as a simple setup has grown into a comprehensive space where I can ideate, prototype, and collaborate with others. The ongoing process of refining the studio has taught me the importance of flexibility and the value of a well-designed workspace.

As I continue building and optimizing my innovation studio, I encourage you to think about your space. What do you need to bring your ideas to life? How can you create an environment that supports your creative process? Whether starting with a corner of a room or designing a full-fledged studio, the key is to make it your own.

How Travel Impacted Our Family and My Career

Travel has always played a pivotal role in shaping my career and family life. During a recent podcast episode, I shared how travel influenced us unexpectedly. Here's a deeper dive into how embracing travel transformed our experiences and led to numerous opportunities.

Our journey with travel began with a desire to combine work with family time. My wife and I decided to homeschool our children starting in 1987, which allowed us the flexibility to take them on my business trips. This decision wasn't just about education but about enriching our kids' lives with experiences beyond textbooks.

• New York: During a six-month consulting gig, my children explored the city and learned about its rich history and diverse culture.
• London: We spent significant time in the UK, teaching our kids to navigate the London Underground and appreciate British heritage.
• Paris and Milan: These cities offered unique cultural experiences, from Paris's art to Milan's fashion.

This approach gave our children a worldly perspective, preparing them to navigate and appreciate diverse environments. It wasn't just about the destinations; it was about the journey and the invaluable life lessons learned along the way.

Travel has significantly impacted my career trajectory. Early on, I realized the importance of prioritizing experiences over immediate financial gains. This shift in mindset came from a profound piece of advice: focus on the value and experience you bring to your roles, and financial rewards will follow.

1. Adaptability: Traveling for work, whether for consulting or speaking engagements, taught me to adapt quickly to new environments and cultures. This adaptability proved invaluable in various professional settings, from high-stakes negotiations to collaborative projects with international teams.
2. Networking: Attending global conferences and events expanded my professional network, connecting me with experts and innovators worldwide. These relationships often led to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.
3. Work-Life Balance: I maintained a healthy work-life balance by incorporating travel into our family life. This approach ensured that I remained productive without sacrificing precious family moments.

In this episode, I shared insights on creating content, personal growth, and balancing positive and negative feedback. Our mobile studio, the Prevost bus, has been a game-changer. It allows us to travel and produce content simultaneously, ensuring we never miss an episode. The bus has impacted my career and our family priorities, enabling us to explore and learn together.

As has been the topic of recent episodes, listeners must prioritize their values and make career choices that align with them. The choice my wife and I made in homeschooling our kids back in 1987 allowed the family to travel extensively and gain valuable experiences. While my early career was as a consultant, my family benefited by traveling with me to major cities like New York, London, Paris, and Milan, providing our kids with a global perspective and their role.

Travel is more than just a career tool; it's a lifelong learning experience. It's about gaining insights, building resilience, and understanding the world from different viewpoints. Travel has been a way to stay connected, learn continuously, and grow personally and professionally for my family and me.

If we boil down my advice, it is vital to prioritize career and family goals, take breaks to recharge, and return from time away ready to change the world. Embrace travel, prioritize your values, and watch how it transforms your life and career.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions or topics you'd like me to address in future episodes. Here's to more adventures and continued growth, both on the road and in our careers.