Joe Kincaid

• How is your presentation relevant to the theme of this year’s BBC conference: Innovation in the Fast Lane?

When BlueKC decided to try something new, we looked ahead and saw numerous obstacles to success just based on our industry and our position within the industry. We had a nonnegotiable deadline of January 1st. We had large area employers who value reliability and consistency. We had a multitude of regulations from many different federal agencies, state agencies, and our own association. And these were just the issues we knew about. Despite all of that, we opened our doors on time by staying in the fast lane and not letting the scenery on the side of the road distract us from our goal.

• What are your top tips for companies or employees wishing to innovate?

Innovation starts with an idea and a great idea will get people charged. If that idea solves a problem for some group of people, the idea will create a lot of momentum by itself. But that momentum has to translate into execution and the quality of that execution will ultimately determine the success of the idea. Create a strong execution by staying focused on the central way that the innovation solves the problem. Work outward from that center and be prepared to adjust course as you learn more about where the journey will take you.