What's one unconventional source of inspiration you turn to for business ideas or leadership insights?

Question

Seeking inspiration from the unconventional, we have compiled thirty unique perspectives from CEOs, Founders, and other creative minds. From finding motivation through YouTube to learning patience from landscape photography, these leaders share their most unexpected sources of inspiration for business ideas and leadership insights.

AL Tran · Answer

Watching YouTube videos is where I find inspiration for business ideas. I often watch content related to my industry, but YouTube creators are always thinking outside the box and finding new or old ways to make money. These ideas spark my creativity—sometimes I adopt their methods, and other times I build on them to create something entirely new and unique.

Nick Valentino · Answer

One area that has been a surprising source of inspiration for me is history. I listen to a lot of medieval history podcasts, and one of the things I'll get a lot of is an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of different monarchs. While improving our marketing KPIs is a bit different than keeping vassals in line, I still find that history has a lot to teach me about how to adapt to shifting conditions and be a good leader.

Connor Gillivan · Answer

Reading about leaders like Marcus Aurelius or military strategies from centuries ago gives me a unique perspective on business and leadership. Stoicism, in particular, helps me keep calm and make better decisions when running multiple businesses or facing challenges. I apply the principle of focusing only on what I can control and ignoring external factors. It's not a typical business book, but these timeless lessons have helped me stay grounded and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Juan Carlos Munoz · Answer

Podcasts are one of my favorite sources of inspiration. I find shows like the All-In Podcast and My First Million incredibly helpful. They offer fresh takes on business strategies and leadership insights, often from entrepreneurs and investors who share real-world experiences.
Hearing different perspectives and discussions around current events, business challenges, and creative solutions keeps my thinking sharp and helps me stay open to new ideas. It's a great way to stay inspired while picking up actionable insights for both business and personal growth.

Craig Focht · Answer

I have found a rather unconventional source of inspiration in an unexpected place: the world of improvisational, or simply improv, theatre. Much like the business world, improv requires lightning-fast thinking and cogent decision-making on the fly. When actors take the stage without a script, they have nothing to rely on but their wits and the chemistry of the moment with their co-actors, and must create something worthwhile and watchable on the spot.
I learned lessons in flexibility and in creating with other people's ideas in that work—the kind of thing that improv demands; it is also exactly what is needed in business leadership. "Yes, and..." —a foundational principle of improv—defines how you accept what is given to you by another actor, and add something of your own to further the scene. I learned to apply this in brainstorming and strategic meetings with a team; in these situations, I encourage all members to build on each other's ideas before adding their own. This has enhanced our creativity and also made us way more flexible in pivoting when business challenges hit out of nowhere. This can only happen if the team culture allows for it.

Alari Aho · Answer

Documentaries about ecosystems, such as those exploring the depths of the ocean or the intricacies of rainforests, serve as a metaphorical inspiration for organizational dynamics in business. Observing how different species adapt to their environment and interact with each other provides insights into sustainability, adaptability, and the interconnectivity of systems. This helps me visualize our company as a living ecosystem, where each team member plays a crucial role in our collective success. It's a reminder of the delicate balance needed to sustain growth and harmony within a company.

Dr. Gregory Gasic · Answer

Looking for new business ideas or leadership insights? Chess often serves as an unconventional but powerful source of inspiration. This classic game teaches strategic thinking, patience, and adaptability. Every move you make on the board mirrors the decisions you face in business: carefully calculated, yet flexible enough to change course if needed.
One approach from chess that I apply to leadership is the concept of "thinking a few moves ahead." In business, outlining a set of potential outcomes for each decision can help anticipate challenges and prepare for various scenarios. This method not only enhances strategic planning but also builds resilience in navigating unexpected changes.

Rick Hovde · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I embrace is the world of design thinking. While typically linked with product development and innovation, design thinking provides valuable insights into problem-solving and leadership. By applying its principles—like empathy, ideation, and prototyping—to our legal practice, we can tackle challenges from fresh angles and craft creative solutions.
For example, integrating design thinking techniques has allowed us to rethink how we interact with clients and refine our internal processes. It prompts us to truly grasp our clients' experiences and requirements, resulting in more client-centric services and heightened satisfaction. This method also nurtures a culture of ongoing improvement and experimentation within our firm, ultimately leading to superior outcomes and innovative strategies in our legal practice.

Alex King · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I turn to for business ideas and leadership insights is psychology. Particularly, I delve into studies on human behavior and decision-making. Understanding the psychological motivations behind people's actions has proven invaluable in managing the firm and creating effective defense strategies. It has not only enhanced my ability to connect with clients and colleagues but has also sharpened my negotiation and argumentation skills.
This understanding of human behavior greatly influences my leadership style. By acknowledging the emotional and psychological needs of my team, I create a supportive and motivating work environment. This approach enables me to anticipate challenges, resolve conflicts, and cultivate a culture of empathy and open communication within the firm. Applying these psychological principles to business decisions and leadership has provided us with a unique advantage in navigating the complexities of criminal law.

Antoinette Jackson · Answer

One of my less likely sources of ideas for businesses and business insights is having a chat with the local artisan or small business owner. It works. Talking with people deeply connected to their communities is one of the best sources of ideas for how to do things differently. In talking with them, you could find out how they overcame some key challenges in business - the stories are really meaningful and relevant.
For instance, talking to a local baker about how they tweak their recipes based on seasonal or customer feedback can prompt me to reflect on how we might be more responsive and agile in our own practices. Their enthusiasm and energy might spark me to think of new ideas; it could remind me again that much of the best and most innovative ideas are not born out of larger corporate strategies, but out of grassroots creativity. It is this sense of local connection that nurtures much-needed inspiration - yet at the same time reminds me of the value of building relationships and understanding the needs of those around me.

Matt Gehring · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I turn to is science fiction literature. The genre often explores innovative technologies, futuristic societal structures, and creative problem-solving in ways that can spark fresh ideas and perspectives. By imagining how advanced concepts and scenarios could evolve, I gain insights into how emerging trends might impact business and leadership. This imaginative approach helps me think outside the box and anticipate changes in the industry, leading to innovative strategies and solutions for both business challenges and leadership development.

James McNally · Answer

The one resource I find inspiration from for ideas and leadership is reality shows about competition and innovation, such as "Shark Tank" or "The Great British Bake Off." These are some of the best examples I have seen where you can get a rare insight into how entrepreneurs and competing players think under pressure. Just seeing how they work through obstacles, pitch ideas, or adjust to criticism can teach you something very concrete that applies to business.
On "Shark Tank," for example, I watch closely how the entrepreneurs respond to difficult questions and criticism from investors. Their capacity to improvise and change their pitch in real-time proves once again how critical flexibility in leadership can be. "The Great British Bake Off" is no different; the bakers have to think fast and can't let go while holding on - exactly like running a business. Such shows motivate me to build a team spirit of adaptability and innovation within my own team and get them to be willing to learn from their own mistakes. And it's a great, engaging way to learn and come up with innovative ways to think about and implement new strategies at work.

Danilo Miranda · Answer

I find inspiration for both business ideas and leadership insights by taking time to visit local escape rooms. This might seem a little weird, but an escape room is about teamwork, communicating, and solving problems cooperatively under pressure. As a team in an escape room, you're given a scenario - maybe you're locked in a room and have to solve riddles to make your escape.
What's most inspiring for me is seeing how the groups tackle the problem in different ways. Some work more quickly than others; some are quiet and focused, while others are more talkative. By observing how teams interact, I think about how to better leverage the strengths of my own team. Diverse people have diverse perspectives; their ideas are bound to produce innovative solutions. Escape rooms are also fun and - at least for the first half-hour - chaotic. They remind me that work doesn't have to be so serious; adding a hint of playfulness can make us all more creative and collaborative. Then we go back to the 'real' business problem with renewed energy and a smile.

Swena Kalra · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I turn to for business ideas is nature, especially when hiking or exploring new trails. Being in the outdoors helps me clear my mind and think creatively. For instance, while trekking in the mountains, I noticed how different ecosystems thrive by adapting to their environment. This reminded me that businesses must be flexible and responsive to market changes to succeed.
One specific moment was during a hike when I saw how a tree had grown around a boulder. It struck me as a powerful metaphor for resilience and innovation. This insight led me to implement more adaptive strategies in my marketing approach, allowing my teams to pivot quickly when faced with challenges. Nature teaches us valuable lessons about growth and adaptation that can be applied to business and leadership.

Alex LaDouceur · Answer

I'd suggest the Jobs-to-Be-Done (JTBD) framework as an inspiration for discovering and validating a viable business idea. JTBD is an effective process for idea generation in business contexts. You first imagine a goal or 'job' a customer is trying to achieve, and then try to understand the reasoning that would enable a customer to use your product or service to complete that job.
Here is an example of it in action: automation. For our customers, the creation of more efficient services, elimination of manual tasks, is a key focus. I picked up this way of thinking from a startup that saw the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to automate the airport experience, including checking temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate to provide an automated solution to a huge problem. There was a $10 million funding round just for further airport improvements.

Mark McDermott · Answer

Urban exploration, or 'urbex,' has unexpectedly provided me with valuable business insights. Navigating through old buildings and abandoned places reminds me of the importance of seeing potential where others see none. This hobby influences my leadership style, pushing me to innovate and revitalize overlooked opportunities in the digital signage market, much like finding beauty and utility in forgotten architectures.

Tammy Sons · Answer

As an entrepreneur, I draw unconventional inspiration from nature for my business ideas and leadership insights. Being the owner of TN Nursery, I am constantly immersed in the intricate balance of ecosystems, and I have come to see how this harmony mirrors effective leadership. Observing how plants adapt, grow, and thrive, even in challenging environments, has taught me valuable lessons in resilience and patience. 
Nature serves as a constant reminder that growth is a process that requires the right conditions, but when those conditions are met, the results are nothing short of flourishing. This profound insight profoundly influences how I manage my business, support my team, and approach problem-solving. I often liken leadership to tending to a garden—knowing when to let things progress naturally and when to provide that extra care to help them reach their full potential.

Soubhik Chakrabarti · Answer

Watching Montreal Mural Fest a few years back fueled the idea of thinking outside the box. Street artists had created unconventional designs perfectly on such an enormous, uneven canvas - house walls and urban installations.
The idea struck, and I decided to introduce a travel app for travel enthusiasts to feel the true essence of Canadian culture and landscapes. It was like a trailblazing idea to add an e-commerce feature to my travel platform.
Earlier, we only offered travel-based content to our audience. To share my travel expertise with them, I created a travel app where they could receive the latest updates about various Canadian destinations and book self-guided tours. This strategy worked and drove traffic to my website.
Now, users not only enjoy our helpful content but also explore places themselves through our app. Indeed, the innovative idea from Montreal Mural Fest to showcase your expertise unconventionally changed the whole face of our platform.
Entrepreneurs who are struggling to find something innovative for their business, try to see things around you. Who knows? You might find a natural or creative idea that does wonders for you.

Nicole Farber · Answer

As an entrepreneur, I find inspiration in unlikely places. One of my favorite sources is actually song lyrics. The stories and emotions conveyed through music fuel my creativity. For example, the song "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten inspired me during a difficult time starting my business. The empowering message of overcoming challenges against the odds resonated with me.
In terms of leadership, I reflect on experiences from my past jobs to gain insight. Working in HR taught me the value of open communication and addressing problems directly. Having difficult conversations in a compassionate, solution-focused way has been key to leading my team. An example was when two employees were in conflict. I met with them separately to understand the issue from both sides before bringing them together. We were able to have an honest discussion and find common ground.
An unconventional source of ideas for me is also observing leaders in other fields. For instance, I admire coaches who build winning teams through motivation, trust, and accountability. I try to emulate those qualities to inspire peak performance from my team. We celebrate wins together and learn from losses as a team.

Van Lai-DuMone · Answer

My son is often an unconventional source of inspiration for business ideas and leadership insights. Kids in general offer a refreshing lens through which to view the world, and they consistently remind me of key principles that can drive both business and leadership success.
First, children are naturally curious. Their questions, that start with “Why,” “What if,” or “How” reflect a desire to explore the world around them with a sense of wonder. In my book, What if Pigs Can Fly? A Practical Guide to Follow Your Curiosities to Achieve Impractical Possibilities, I talk about how my son’s curious nature helps me to slow down to wonder and wander to find new ideas in the ordinary and mundane. And by encouraging curiosity in the workplace, leaders can foster a culture where new ideas are valued, and questions are welcomed, helping to uncover opportunities and solutions that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Second, children embrace learning and failure with remarkable resilience. When a child tries something new, whether it’s riding a bike or building with blocks, failure is part of the process—but they don’t get discouraged. Instead, they try again, adjusting their approach. This is a powerful leadership lesson: failure is not final. In fact, it’s a stepping stone to success. As adults we often feel failure. If leaders could nurture the mindset and team culture where experimentation and learning from mistakes are encouraged, it would create an environment that fosters growth and innovation.
And finally, my son’s ability to confidently express his needs and expectations is something I deeply admire. As a keynote speaker and facilitator in leadership and team development, I travel frequently. One day, my 11-year-old son sat me down and told me plainly that he wanted me home more often. Instead of brushing off his request, I applied the very principles I teach—valuing all ideas and truly listening. By embracing his honesty, I was able to develop new offerings and marketing strategies that would allow me to reduce my travel. His lesson in asking for what he wants didn’t just reshape our relationship—it opened up new professional opportunities for me as well. 
In short, children inspire me to lead with curiosity, resilience, and creativity—qualities that are essential for thriving in both business and leadership.

Piotr Lewandowski · Answer

I operate a Telehealth Sports Physiotherapy clinic, and given the niche nature of my business, I often have to look outside the typical physiotherapy field for inspiration.
One unconventional source I turn to is the world of online personal training. Although physiotherapy and personal training are distinct fields, they share a lot of commonalities, in particular client engagement, program delivery, and long-term health outcomes. The online personal training space is large and competitive, with numerous experts, programs, and evolving strategies that are often highly innovative. Many of these strategies can be adapted to my telehealth practice.
For example, personal trainers manage client accountability and progress rigorously. I've drawn on their methods to improve my client follow-up systems, making sure patients feel supported and motivated to continue their rehabilitation.
Another area I find valuable is content creation. Personal trainers are masters at leveraging social media and digital marketing to build their brands and engage with their audience. I've adopted similar strategies for creating educational content, which not only helps build my brand but also establishes trust with potential clients.
By looking to adjacent industries, such as online personal training, I'm able to stay ahead of trends, innovate in my own space, and find inspiration that translates into effective business strategies and leadership insights for my clinic.

John Cheng · Answer

Game design principles have been an incredible source of inspiration for PlayAbly.AI. We've applied concepts like progression systems and rewards to enhance user engagement in e-commerce. It's fascinating how the psychology behind game mechanics can drive consumer behavior. This unconventional approach has led to some of our most successful features, proving that sometimes the best business insights come from unexpected sources.

David Primrose · Answer

As a metal marker manufacturing company, I usually look into museums and architectural wonders for inspiration. Museums, with their vast collections of art and history, offer unique insights into how different materials have been used and displayed through the ages. I think observing the intricacies and craftsmanship in sculptures or metal artifacts sparks innovative ideas for design and function.
In addition, architectural marvels provide a wealth of inspiration, showcasing how metals like steel and bronze are integrated into grand structures, balancing strength with aesthetic appeal. The seamless combination of durability and beauty found in buildings like the Eiffel Tower or the modern lines of the Guggenheim Museum guides our approach to creating products that are not only functional but also visually striking.

Jay Soni · Answer

One of the more unconventional places I find inspiration for both business ideas and leadership lessons is on my travels. But more specifically, I look to see how local business ecosystems in the locations I visit run. Whenever I travel to a new place—be it a large city or small town—I try to spend time at local markets and in small shops, as well as talk to the proprietors of these stores. You'll be amazed at how differently people think about business, many times out of absolute necessity or through generations-old tradition, which you just would not see in corporate environments.
For instance, on a trip to a small village overseas, I observed how the market traders dealt with their customers, not just the sale of the product but the longer-term relationship and the community. It helped to inform how I think about customer loyalty. Even though someone else may have had the thought before, it was the experience that shifted it in a new light for me as someone who runs a business and deals with problems of customer loyalty. These are the sorts of things that make for new insights—subtle, emergent, but derived from real life, not just what you read in a book or hear in a conference room.

Amaury Ponce · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I turn to is soccer. Having played the sport for years, I have learned the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and strategy - skills that translate directly into business leadership. In both soccer and business, you need a solid game plan but also the ability to pivot quickly when things change. The discipline and resilience I developed on the field have been invaluable in running Ponce Tree Services. It is a constant reminder that success is about staying focused and working together as a team.

Brandon Bryler · Answer

I find that observing the natural world can provide valuable lessons in leadership and business strategies. For example, the concept of symbiosis, where different species work together for mutual benefit, can be applied to business partnerships and collaborations.
I discovered this method during a scuba diving trip in Tobago, where I witnessed the symbiotic relationship between clownfish and sea anemones. The clownfish protects the sea anemone by deterring predators, while the sea anemone offers shelter and food to the clownfish. This demonstrates a win-win scenario, where different strengths complement each other.
By applying the concept of symbiosis, our team has become noticeably more productive. Leaders can encourage collaboration and recognize the unique strengths of different team members or departments. Like the clownfish and anemone, teams with complementary skills can work together to protect and support each other, enhancing overall effectiveness.

Ben Walker · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I often turn to is tennis. The sport teaches me valuable lessons about strategy, adaptability, and resilience—skills that directly apply to business and leadership. In tennis, every match requires quick thinking, adjusting to your opponent, and managing pressure, much like navigating business challenges. These insights help me stay focused, pivot when necessary, and approach leadership with a mindset of continuous improvement. The discipline and mental toughness developed on the court often inspire fresh ideas and strategies in my business.

Dr. Amanda Dee Richardson · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration for my business ideas and leadership insights comes from observing nature, particularly the strength and resilience of plants. As a chiropractor and an athlete, I often draw parallels between the adaptive qualities of nature and the human body's remarkable capacity for self-healing and growth. For instance, watching a tree weather storms and continue thriving reminds me of the perseverance necessary in both health and business. This natural observation inspires me to approach challenges with a mindset focused on resilience and holistic balance, much like how I guide my patients toward wellness by nurturing their innate potential.

Kevin Watson · Answer

One unconventional source of inspiration I often turn to for business ideas and leadership insights is stand-up comedy. It might sound surprising, but the way comedians structure their sets offers brilliant lessons in communication, timing, and audience engagement—skills essential for effective leadership and innovation.
Great comedians know how to read a room, adapt their delivery, and make complex points simple and relatable. They also take risks, not knowing how each joke will land, but trusting in their ability to pivot if needed. As a leader, those same qualities—knowing your audience, taking calculated risks, and being adaptable—are key to driving success in any business.
By observing how comedians connect with their audience, I'm reminded of the importance of authenticity and clear messaging in leadership. Whether I'm supporting a leader with a new business idea or refining their leadership strategy, this unconventional approach helps people think outside the box.

Greg Ghia · Answer

As a business leader with three decades of experience, I've found an unconventional yet powerful source of inspiration: landscape photography. This hobby, which I pursue through my website, offers far more than stunning visuals—it provides insights applicable to business and leadership.
The solitude of nature photography offers a unique perspective. When I'm in the field before sunrise, the quiet allows my mind to reset and gain clarity, crucial for problem-solving in business.
One valuable lesson is the art of patience and timing. Just as I wait for the perfect light, in business, timing is everything. Knowing when to launch a product, make a move, or pivot can make all the difference. Photography has honed my ability to seize critical moments.The craft teaches continuous improvement and attention to detail. Each shot refines technique, just as each decision enhances leadership skills. The pursuit of the perfect image mirrors the drive for excellence.
Photography has taught me to embrace failure as part of the process. Not every shot succeeds, just as not every business initiative does. However, the experience gained often leads to future breakthroughs, making me more resilient.
Nature photography reinforces adaptability. Weather conditions can change rapidly, forcing quick adjustments. This translates to the business world, where market conditions can shift suddenly, requiring swift strategic changes.
Landscape photography reminds me of the bigger picture. When facing a challenging decision, I reflect on the vast landscapes I've photographed. It helps maintain perspective, reminding me that most problems are temporary and solvable when viewed broadly.The creative process has enhanced my ability to see potential where others might not. This skill is invaluable in identifying opportunities and innovative solutions.
In conclusion, landscape photography has become integral to my approach. It's not just about the final image; it's about the journey, lessons learned, and perspective gained. By stepping into nature, I've found a wellspring of creativity and insight that continually shapes my leadership style.

What Unconventional Source of Inspiration Do You Turn to for Business Insights?

What Unconventional Source of Inspiration Do You Turn to for Business Insights?

Find Inspiration Through YouTube

History Podcasts Offer Leadership Lessons

Ancient Wisdom Guides Modern Decisions

Podcasts Provide Fresh Business Perspectives

Improv Theatre Enhances Team Creativity

Ecosystem Documentaries Inspire Organizational Insights

Chess Teaches Strategic Business Thinking

Design Thinking Shapes Legal Innovation

Psychology Influences Firm Management

Local Artisans Spark Grassroots Creativity

Science Fiction Fosters Innovative Thinking

Reality Shows Reveal Entrepreneurial Tactics

Escape Rooms Encourage Team Problem-Solving

Nature Hikes Inspire Business Flexibility

Jobs-to-Be-Done Framework Spurs Innovation

Urban Exploration Unlocks Hidden Potential

Nature's Ecosystems Reflect Leadership Harmony

Street Art Sparks Travel App Innovation

Song Lyrics Fuel Entrepreneurial Spirit

Children Inspire Curiosity and Resilience

Online Training Influences Telehealth Strategies

Gaming Mechanics Drive E-Commerce Engagement

Museums and Architecture Ignite Creativity

Travel Reveals Local Business Wisdom

Soccer Teaches Teamwork and Strategy

Scuba Diving Highlights Symbiotic Partnerships

Tennis Offers Strategy and Resilience Lessons

Nature's Resilience Influences Chiropractic Approach

Stand-Up Comedy Provides Communication Insights

Landscape Photography Teaches Business Patience