How “Quirky” Innovators Break the Mold | DisrupTV Ep. 93

In Episode 93 of DisrupTV, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar speak with Dr. Mark Lombardi (Maryville University), Melissa Schilling (NYU Stern) and Gunther Sonnenfeld (Novena Capital) about what it takes to be a breakthrough innovator. Below are the important takeaways, memorable quotes, and actionable lessons from the discussion.

Key Takeaways

The nature of “serial breakthrough innovators”
Melissa Schilling’s book Quirky: The Remarkable Story of the Traits, Foibles, and Genius of Breakthrough Innovators Who Changed the World examines eight innovators—Einstein, Tesla, Jobs, Curie, Franklin, Edison, Musk, and Dean Kamen—to unearth what makes them repeatedly achieve big breakthroughs. 

Traits & foibles that enable (and complicate) innovation

  • A strong sense of separateness — feeling disconnected or not fitting neatly within norms. This often gives space to challenge assumptions. 
  • Self-efficacy — believing in one’s ability to achieve despite obstacles and skepticism. 
  • Intense drive / idealism: many of these innovators pursued “impossible” or ambitious goals not for status or material gain, but to solve a large or pressing problem. 
  • Exceptional cognitive traits — such as high intelligence, strong memory, and capacity for deep focus (and often, the ability to work in solitude) are common. 

Nature vs. nurture
While some traits seem innate (e.g. intelligence, memory, temperament), many aspects of being “quirky” can be nurtured. For instance: granting individuals solitude, enabling idealistic goals, supporting autonomy rather than forcing conformity.

The importance of environment and resources
It’s not just trait-based. The right timing (“situational advantage”), access to intellectual and technological resources, supportive relationships, and an environment that tolerates failure or unconventional paths are crucial. 

Challenges & trade-offs
Being a “quirky” innovator often means social isolation, misunderstanding, pushback, and sometimes personal cost. Balancing personal life, societal expectations, and the radical nature of one’s ideas can be hard. But many of the innovators discussed embraced or accepted those trade-offs.

Final Thoughts & Lessons

  • Leaders & organizations: cultivate environments that allow for separateness, autonomy, and even unconventional thinking. Don’t just reward conformity or incremental improvement — prize bold ambition and support risk-taking.
  • Individuals: reflect on your own “quirky” traits — those parts of you that feel different or odd — and consider how they might be strengths. Explore what big, idealistic goals you care about, even if they seem improbable.
  • Innovation is not just about dichotomies: It’s not always nature versus nurture. Many breakthrough innovators had both inherent traits and environments that nurtured them. Recognizing that interplay helps you shape both yourself and your context.
  • Embrace trade-offs: Social isolation, misunderstanding, and personal sacrifice often accompany disruptive innovation. Being clear on values and purpose helps weather those costs.

Why This Episode Matters

Even though DisrupTV Episode 93 aired in 2018, its themes are more relevant than ever: in a fast-changing world, organizations that can tap into unconventional thinkers stand to leap ahead. As AI, remote work, and digital disruption accelerate, being able to recognize, support, and harness “quirky” innovation is a competitive advantage.

Related Episodes

If you enjoyed this conversation on the traits and mindsets of breakthrough innovators, you might also like these episodes:

 

Business Research Themes

Future of Work, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Digital Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Technology Officer