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Innovation Starts With I
“This book is filled with vivid images and insights to spark ideas. It might just help you see the world—and yourself—differently.” Adam Grant, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Are you in the process of reinventing yourself or your organization? Innovation Starts with I will help you future-proof yourself through a transformative journey of self-discovery.
In this awe-inspiring work that explores self-awareness as an integral prerequisite to an innovative mindset, Saleema Vellani, entrepreneur and innovation strategist, serves to re-envision innovation.
As we navigate the current Reinvention Revolution, one thing has become crystal clear: innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about being human.
Every day, we are bombarded with the need to rebrand, revamp and redesign ourselves to adapt to the rapidly-changing atmosphere.
In all this chaos, how can you build self-awareness, authenticity, and empathy into what you put out into the world?
As part of her research, Saleema embarked on a 100 Coffee Challenge, conducted design thinking workshops around the globe, and created innovative and collaborative solutions to problems in her various capacities. Along the way, she found herself developing tools and frameworks that truly reflect the ripple impact of conversations, collaborations, and compassion for the self and others.
Designed as part-self help, and part-business, Innovation Starts With I is an inspiring and thoughtful exploration of the power of innovation, reinvention, and entrepreneurship as tools and agents of change for the future.
Narrated through captivating storytelling coupled with practical guidance from trailblazing thought leaders, such as Arianna Huffington, Alex Osterwalder, and Nina Ansary, this book will give you the tools and tips to master the art of reinvention and maximize your impact.
Are you in the process of reinventing yourself or your organization? Innovation Starts with I will help you future-proof yourself through a transformative journey of self-discovery.
In this awe-inspiring work that explores self-awareness as an integral prerequisite to an innovative mindset, Saleema Vellani, entrepreneur and innovation strategist, serves to re-envision innovation.
As we navigate the current Reinvention Revolution, one thing has become crystal clear: innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about being human.
Every day, we are bombarded with the need to rebrand, revamp and redesign ourselves to adapt to the rapidly-changing atmosphere.
In all this chaos, how can you build self-awareness, authenticity, and empathy into what you put out into the world?
As part of her research, Saleema embarked on a 100 Coffee Challenge, conducted design thinking workshops around the globe, and created innovative and collaborative solutions to problems in her various capacities. Along the way, she found herself developing tools and frameworks that truly reflect the ripple impact of conversations, collaborations, and compassion for the self and others.
Designed as part-self help, and part-business, Innovation Starts With I is an inspiring and thoughtful exploration of the power of innovation, reinvention, and entrepreneurship as tools and agents of change for the future.
Narrated through captivating storytelling coupled with practical guidance from trailblazing thought leaders, such as Arianna Huffington, Alex Osterwalder, and Nina Ansary, this book will give you the tools and tips to master the art of reinvention and maximize your impact.
- GenresBusiness
316 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2021
About the author
Saleema Vellani
1 book2 followersSaleema Vellani is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, adjunct professor, and the author of Innovation Starts With “I”. At the age of 21, Saleema co-founded and launched Brazil’s top-rated language school to finance an orphanage and social development programs. Shortly after, she co-founded and ran a leading online translation agency in Italy to help companies expand their digital presence globally. For over 12 years, Saleema has led 100+ international organizations, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies to their next stage of growth and innovation.
Currently, Saleema is the Founder and CEO of Ripple Impact, which is an accelerator and community that helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and platforms. She also consults as an innovation strategist to the World Bank, teaches Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University, and is a frequent guest lecturer at business schools.
Currently, Saleema is the Founder and CEO of Ripple Impact, which is an accelerator and community that helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and platforms. She also consults as an innovation strategist to the World Bank, teaches Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University, and is a frequent guest lecturer at business schools.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2021
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of this book, and I have to say, Vellani's book is vulnerable and full of engaging stories. Each chapter is packed with quick concepts and tools- where you may see your approach validated or be inspired to take a microstep today. Then I hit chapter 3 and thanked the stars I had picked up the book- after years of struggling to fit my "master generalist" self into one sentence covering what I am & do, it was a treasure to see myself reflected in the idea of Hybridpreneur. The concept of "originality" also turned on a lightbulb for me. The read is so easy I wanted to gobble up the book, but made an effort to pace myself in order to soak it all in.
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November 1, 2021Saleema Vellani believes deeply in the power of sharing of stories.
In her new book, Innovation Starts With I (2021, Ripple Impact Publishing), she tells the very personal story of her entrepreneurial journey from graduate student at Johns Hopkins University to Founder and CEO of Ripple Impact, her successful accelerator, community and consulting firm. And she shares her story as “full processes -- the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Along the way she cleverly creates an entertaining and valuable collection of tools and techniques, as well as a useful framework, for conscious assessment, re-invention and development of oneself, one’s team and one’s startup enterprise.
Saleema stakes out her domain at the outset. “Innovation isn’t about technology. It’s about being human.” is her foundational principle, and she explores that human side of innovation from just about every angle, using herself and her many successful (and occasionally unsuccessful) ventures as case studies.
The narrative is refreshingly honest. Saleema is not shy about discussing her misses as well as her hits, and like any successful entrepreneur, she works hard to extract valuable learnings from every “failure.”
In the course of the narrative, she provides a clear, concise and well-organized compendium of all the best soft-skill tools and methods that successful entrepreneurs need to have in their tool kit.
I especially liked her Business Positioning Canvas. It is a useful adaptation of Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas, optimized for innovators in the pilot stages of building a business. Other especially good tools among the scores of tools and methods described in the book are Sweet Spot Mapping and the Feedback Matrix.
Her voyage of discovery and the twelve Future-Proof Capabilities that she distilled from it are organized into three buckets: one each for individuals, teams and, ultimately, world markets.
Innovation Begins With I, is a fun, easy read beginning-to-end, and it will also serve as a handy reference guide. It is a resource that can help any early-stage (especially, idea-stage) entrepreneur bound up the learning curve.
At the same time, it is an insightful guide for charting a personal path to becoming a Thought Leader and then transforming oneself into a resilient Active Leader, who has real impact
In her new book, Innovation Starts With I (2021, Ripple Impact Publishing), she tells the very personal story of her entrepreneurial journey from graduate student at Johns Hopkins University to Founder and CEO of Ripple Impact, her successful accelerator, community and consulting firm. And she shares her story as “full processes -- the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Along the way she cleverly creates an entertaining and valuable collection of tools and techniques, as well as a useful framework, for conscious assessment, re-invention and development of oneself, one’s team and one’s startup enterprise.
Saleema stakes out her domain at the outset. “Innovation isn’t about technology. It’s about being human.” is her foundational principle, and she explores that human side of innovation from just about every angle, using herself and her many successful (and occasionally unsuccessful) ventures as case studies.
The narrative is refreshingly honest. Saleema is not shy about discussing her misses as well as her hits, and like any successful entrepreneur, she works hard to extract valuable learnings from every “failure.”
In the course of the narrative, she provides a clear, concise and well-organized compendium of all the best soft-skill tools and methods that successful entrepreneurs need to have in their tool kit.
I especially liked her Business Positioning Canvas. It is a useful adaptation of Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas, optimized for innovators in the pilot stages of building a business. Other especially good tools among the scores of tools and methods described in the book are Sweet Spot Mapping and the Feedback Matrix.
Her voyage of discovery and the twelve Future-Proof Capabilities that she distilled from it are organized into three buckets: one each for individuals, teams and, ultimately, world markets.
Innovation Begins With I, is a fun, easy read beginning-to-end, and it will also serve as a handy reference guide. It is a resource that can help any early-stage (especially, idea-stage) entrepreneur bound up the learning curve.
At the same time, it is an insightful guide for charting a personal path to becoming a Thought Leader and then transforming oneself into a resilient Active Leader, who has real impact
January 21, 2022
“Innovation Starts With I: Increase Your Influence. Ignite Your Impact,” by Saleema Vellani, is a compelling, dynamic self-help book to start your transformation. If you are tired of looking at life the same way, and know that you can succeed and gain more in your personal, financial, and social life this book can offer the keys to unlock it all. Yes, you can change the way you think and act, and this author shows you how. Let’s face it, sometimes we need change to shake things up, whether from boredom, failure, or stagnation. This can apply to your personal or professional life. But it doesn’t start “out there,” it starts with you—or, in the case of this book, it starts with “I.” If you’d like to begin a journey of self-discovery and shake up your life—or, perhaps, even the world—then keep reading, because this author lets you in on the secrets to innovation and transformation.
What I like about the book is the author’s writing style and attitude, and how she places the concept of change squarely on the reader’s shoulders. It isn’t about how many degrees you have attained, or how many pro mentors you have in your life; it’s about you and your uniqueness. It’s about having the right mindset of doing things differently—the human way. The world is changing so fast that to keep up with it, you need new strategies, but still hang on to the attributes that make you authentic.
Vellani launched worldwide workshops to study innovation and facilitate collaboration, and came away with the realization that compassion and positive communication are key ingredients in today’s entrepreneurial, managerial, and creative endeavors. This author skillfully leads you through the ideas, and sprinkles them with actionable advice from noted innovators, like Ariana Huffington. It isn’t too late to make a difference, and the book is upbeat about how to face today’s challenges. The content is inspiring, wise, and useful on a personal level. This isn’t your mother or father’s motivational speech; the takeaways are amazing, making it a true desk reference you can turn to repeatedly.
“Innovation Starts With I: Increase Your Influence. Ignite Your Impact” is the book you need to jumpstart the rest of your life.
What I like about the book is the author’s writing style and attitude, and how she places the concept of change squarely on the reader’s shoulders. It isn’t about how many degrees you have attained, or how many pro mentors you have in your life; it’s about you and your uniqueness. It’s about having the right mindset of doing things differently—the human way. The world is changing so fast that to keep up with it, you need new strategies, but still hang on to the attributes that make you authentic.
Vellani launched worldwide workshops to study innovation and facilitate collaboration, and came away with the realization that compassion and positive communication are key ingredients in today’s entrepreneurial, managerial, and creative endeavors. This author skillfully leads you through the ideas, and sprinkles them with actionable advice from noted innovators, like Ariana Huffington. It isn’t too late to make a difference, and the book is upbeat about how to face today’s challenges. The content is inspiring, wise, and useful on a personal level. This isn’t your mother or father’s motivational speech; the takeaways are amazing, making it a true desk reference you can turn to repeatedly.
“Innovation Starts With I: Increase Your Influence. Ignite Your Impact” is the book you need to jumpstart the rest of your life.
April 18, 2024
Must Read for anyone going on a reinvention journey!
I was honored to be interviewed for this book, and to meet the author in person. Innovation Starts with I is a pleasure to read/listen to - one of the rare self help books that's also a page turner.
Saleema masterfully blends her own story, practical frameworks, and actionable advice into a book that's both entertaining, inspiring, and genuinely transformative. Anyone who is going through a period of reinvention would find this book immensely valuable, and I find myself referring back to it often as I'm going through my own period of reinvention.
Saleema has achieved a lot of successes in her career, but she doesn't talk down at the reader (like self help books sometimes do). Instead, Saleema presents herself as a relatable, caring friend that genuinely wants what's best for you, and generously shares everything she's learned to make your reinvention journey as smooth and productive as possible. As a result, you'll leave the book feeling like you too can achieve great things, no matter the challenges you may have encountered in your life. Meeting Saleema in real life further reinforced this impression, as she cam across as wise beyond her years, but also humble, generous, caring and down-to-earth.
I appreciated how Saleema structured the book, emphasizing the importance of introspection and starting with "I", then branching out to collaboration and empathy - the "we," with the ultimate goal to get very clear on how we can have a positive impact beyond ourselves - and leave the world a little better than we found it.
This book is a must read for anyone going through a reinvention journey. It'll give you a clear path to follow, useful frameworks to use along the way, and an encouraging friend to support you throughout.
I was honored to be interviewed for this book, and to meet the author in person. Innovation Starts with I is a pleasure to read/listen to - one of the rare self help books that's also a page turner.
Saleema masterfully blends her own story, practical frameworks, and actionable advice into a book that's both entertaining, inspiring, and genuinely transformative. Anyone who is going through a period of reinvention would find this book immensely valuable, and I find myself referring back to it often as I'm going through my own period of reinvention.
Saleema has achieved a lot of successes in her career, but she doesn't talk down at the reader (like self help books sometimes do). Instead, Saleema presents herself as a relatable, caring friend that genuinely wants what's best for you, and generously shares everything she's learned to make your reinvention journey as smooth and productive as possible. As a result, you'll leave the book feeling like you too can achieve great things, no matter the challenges you may have encountered in your life. Meeting Saleema in real life further reinforced this impression, as she cam across as wise beyond her years, but also humble, generous, caring and down-to-earth.
I appreciated how Saleema structured the book, emphasizing the importance of introspection and starting with "I", then branching out to collaboration and empathy - the "we," with the ultimate goal to get very clear on how we can have a positive impact beyond ourselves - and leave the world a little better than we found it.
This book is a must read for anyone going through a reinvention journey. It'll give you a clear path to follow, useful frameworks to use along the way, and an encouraging friend to support you throughout.
October 31, 2021
A powerful guide to innovation presented in a biography-style of storytelling. Saleema does not shy away from vulnerability, courageously revealing her true self through stories of failure and shocking life turns that she calls a “lifequake”.
The book is based on Vellani’s “Ripple Impact Framework” for a meaningful life: I, We, World. The author spends 12 chapters guiding readers through the layers of self — “innovation starts with I”, after all. Each chapter is rich with tools that are simple enough to be practiced and powerful enough to be life-changing. I loved the visuals in the book and appreciated the summaries at the end of each chapter.
I hungrily sped through the pages as Vellani detailed how sweet spots are not just discovered, but mostly developed, and shared her own story of developing her sweet spot as a hybridpreneur. An advocate of the “100 Coffee Challenge”, the book is based on insights from interviews with the world’s top innovators.
This is not your average innovation book. The author even debunks Simon Sinek’s approach of “Starting With Why” in a true rebellious fashion against mainstream perceptions of “innovation”. Instead, Vellani professes that things start with What and happen with Who. Once you’ve discovered those two, the Why’s come naturally.
The book is based on Vellani’s “Ripple Impact Framework” for a meaningful life: I, We, World. The author spends 12 chapters guiding readers through the layers of self — “innovation starts with I”, after all. Each chapter is rich with tools that are simple enough to be practiced and powerful enough to be life-changing. I loved the visuals in the book and appreciated the summaries at the end of each chapter.
I hungrily sped through the pages as Vellani detailed how sweet spots are not just discovered, but mostly developed, and shared her own story of developing her sweet spot as a hybridpreneur. An advocate of the “100 Coffee Challenge”, the book is based on insights from interviews with the world’s top innovators.
This is not your average innovation book. The author even debunks Simon Sinek’s approach of “Starting With Why” in a true rebellious fashion against mainstream perceptions of “innovation”. Instead, Vellani professes that things start with What and happen with Who. Once you’ve discovered those two, the Why’s come naturally.
October 28, 2021
No matter at what stage of your career or life you are at, "Innovation Starts With I" will be highly relevant to you. The author shares her own life experiences which allows you to connect with the subject in a deeper way and leaves no room for monotony. I personally found this book very valuable as it gives a unique perspective to innovation, focussing on the inner aspects emphasizing the "human" element and not merely the end outcomes. This book will help you develop a more practical framework to innovation tailored to your unique circumstances and facilitate a deeper insight into your life situation which will help you improve at a personal level and allow you to build more productive network of relationships which will be key to your growth and development. The author encourages open and genuine conversations which will bring out the most authentic version of yourself to the rest of the world and this will enable more genuine feedback and improve your ability to tackle your life challanges. I found these elements particularly unique and interesting. Overall, i would highly recommend "Innovation Starts with I" to anyone who wishes to innovate or improve at a personal and/ or professional level.
October 31, 2021
This is the perfect book for the 'Great Resignation.' Saleema Vellani speaks with authenticity to those looking to shift careers, become entrepreneurs, scale their businesses, or improve their job performance.
Saleema's gift is that she puts the readers first. Specifically, her work demonstrates that she thought about their needs, challenges and doubts and then found a way to meet and overcome each one. She does this by discussing her successes and failures, her experience discussing these challenges with top business leaders and then synthesizing the data with clear-cut visuals and programs. Saleema also demonstrates how she has applied various business leadership theories and then critiques them - which separates this book from much of the business leadership echo chamber.
Looking forward to hearing more from Saleema 3.0!
Saleema's gift is that she puts the readers first. Specifically, her work demonstrates that she thought about their needs, challenges and doubts and then found a way to meet and overcome each one. She does this by discussing her successes and failures, her experience discussing these challenges with top business leaders and then synthesizing the data with clear-cut visuals and programs. Saleema also demonstrates how she has applied various business leadership theories and then critiques them - which separates this book from much of the business leadership echo chamber.
Looking forward to hearing more from Saleema 3.0!
November 5, 2021
This book really is terrific. I happen to know just how much care, love, effort, and passion went into its writing, and all of that radiates from every page. It is not your typical book on Innovation. It is so much more than that. It catalogues Saleema's life journey after experiencing her "life quake" a few years ago - and how she reinvented herself to be who she is today using a clear 12 step process, unrelated to the addiction recovery process and yet - well, it's still 12 steps. You can follow her input on how to reinvent yourself, then attract a community, then impact the whole world. Or you can take just one part of that, or even just one of the four steps in each element of the journey. Whatever you do, reading this book will change your life. Don't hesitate. Grab it, open it, and get on the path.
November 2, 2021
What a breath of fresh air!
I picked up this book while in the middle of reinventing my own career. I was facing some fork-in-the-road decisions, and didn't know which path would be most "true to me."
This book helped me see my own situation from fresh eyes. The best part is the set of activities/tools in the book that help you apply what you're learning. They're frameworks to help you reflect on yourself and create new possibilities on paper.
I soaked up many lessons from this book, and they've stayed with me - helping me think differently in so many ways!
I recommend this to anyone who wants a practical guide to better understanding their strengths and building self awarenessthat can be applied in work and in life.
I picked up this book while in the middle of reinventing my own career. I was facing some fork-in-the-road decisions, and didn't know which path would be most "true to me."
This book helped me see my own situation from fresh eyes. The best part is the set of activities/tools in the book that help you apply what you're learning. They're frameworks to help you reflect on yourself and create new possibilities on paper.
I soaked up many lessons from this book, and they've stayed with me - helping me think differently in so many ways!
I recommend this to anyone who wants a practical guide to better understanding their strengths and building self awarenessthat can be applied in work and in life.
November 6, 2021
Innovation Starts with I, is an eye opening, beautifully written, must read book. It has broad applicability to aspects of your personal and professional life and relationships. It take a humanistic approach to thriving as an innovator and entrepreneur, which we learn through the author, Saleema that we can all be. Through storytelling and practical, easy to use frameworks it facilitates the readers mindset to be open to the art of what is possible. It is written in such a way that readers can take in components, step away to reflect and test out some of the ideas and frameworks then return to glean relatable insights. Innovation Starts With I is simultaneously raw and refined, as Saleema shares her journey, honestly, openly and humbly.
October 31, 2021
I was a beta reader for Innovation Starts with I. There is so much depth and value on every page. This book is such a clever take on innovation. It makes complete sense that there should be a prerequisite for being an innovator and that it should be self-awareness before anything else. The importance of the I, We and the World in the Ripple Impact Framework. As weird as it sounds this book was really easy on ‘eyes’, it was an easy read, loved the graphics, the flow of information, and the organization of information. I really appreciated the summary of the Tools and Frameworks at the end of the book. Great read/five stars/worth the read.
October 31, 2021
Finally, a "business" book that doesn't focus solely on the advances of Apple, IBM or large scale Unicorns with intangible steps to success for most entrepreneurs. Saleema takes 250 pages to illustrate (figuratively and literally) a series of down-to-earth tools to move your career and overall life towards creating meaningful, truly uncontained work. Perfect resource for those questioning a new pivot in a post-COVID19 world.
November 5, 2021
I love a book that challenges me to think differently and "Innovation Starts With I" did just that. I particularly enjoyed the exercises scattered throughout, which made for a more interactive experience. By sharing her experience and offering a new lens through which to look at oneself, Saleema empowers the reader to gain a whole new perspective on how they can regain control to design the life they want.
November 2, 2021
"Innovation Starts With I" demonstrates how to use imagery, tools, frameworks, and most importantly, personal experience to build self-awareness. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to grow in their personal or professional life. Innovation does truly start with oneself. The author presents that well, then provides the tools to build on that.
November 2, 2021
I have followed Saleema’s journey as she was writing this book. I'm truly inspired by the insight and value that she shares through all the tools and frameworks, through her personal and professional storytelling. Leadership at a human level!
April 16, 2024
If you are in the early stages of navigating your career, or if it's time for a mid-career adjustment, then this book will provide you with all the thought starters, mental maps, questions, and thinking trees that you need to work out a satisfying career or career shift. Highly recommended.
November 5, 2021
As a business leader, I appreciate the actionable advice and real frameworks for harnessing the capabilities that drive innovation.
November 2, 2021
This is a must read book. There is so much we hear and read about innovation all the time, but this books is not just another read. It comes with perfect combination of the author Saleema's personal journey and practical tools on approaching our life. Reading this book,took me back to my own life's journey and how the tools could have helped me retrospectively. I am sure I will come back to this book again and again.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews