The Lego Theory of Innovation

FutureProof Advisor Podcast

Breakthroughs rarely come out of nowhere. What looks like an “overnight success” is usually the result of years of iteration, timing, and assembling familiar pieces in a new way. In this episode of The FutureProof Advisor, I explore the real nature of innovation—especially in financial advising—and why the magic isn’t in inventing something completely new, but in seeing what already exists through a different lens. Whether it's the rise of the iPhone or the quiet pivot from Webvan to Instacart, the most successful ideas often emerge when the market, the technology, and consumer behavior finally align.

The good news? Innovation isn’t just for visionaries or tech founders—it’s a skill we can all develop. I talk about how becoming a sharper observer of failure, a student of other industries, and a strategist with timing can make any advisor more innovative. It’s not about building from scratch; it’s about recombining existing tools and ideas in ways that meet today’s moment. And it’s often the firms that pay attention to how consumer expectations are shaped outside our industry that gain a real edge.

If we can shift away from the pressure to create the next big thing and instead focus on finding timely, relevant solutions using what’s already in front of us, we’ll open the door to more consistent innovation. The firms that win in the long run aren’t necessarily the most inventive—they’re the most curious, the most observant, and the most willing to rethink how the pieces fit together.