The Forgotten Heroes of Innovation: Middle Managers

Why Middle Managers Are the Backbone of Innovation — And Why They Need Superpowers Now More Than Ever

I've been away for a while, listening, learning, and realigning with what truly matters. Now, we’re back, fully renewed.

For the past three weeks, I've been traveling the world, meeting people from different working cultures in 🇬🇧, 🇪🇸, 🇦🇿, 🇹🇷, and 🇺🇸.

I've been very observant, careful, and respectful of how:

• People conduct their everyday business

• Engage with one another

• They use words and body language

• Replicate habits and strive for self formation (or from others)

Here’s what I realized: Middle managers are the unsung business heroes. They’re expected to balance operations, lead teams, manage upward, and deliver groundbreaking results. And now? They’re also tasked with building the future.

All with the same old skills (learned at your preferred business school) with knowledge created during the Industrial Revolution.

200 YEARS AGO!!

But let’s be honest — traditional management skills are no longer enough. The pressure is mounting, the strain is real, and it’s affecting results. Middle managers are trying to deliver innovation with outdated tools. It’s time they got the recognition, support, and skills they deserve.

That’s why we’re doubling down on empowering middle managers with the innovator’s DNA — the tools to work smarter (not harder), manage talent as well as bosses, and finally claim their place as the true drivers of change.

This isn’t about more management. It’s about NEW SKILL SETS.

The question that kept popping in my mind:

HOW ARE MANAGERS SUPPOSED TO MANAGE THE FUTURE?

IT'S THE FUTURE! IT DOESN'T EXIST, YET!

I was going to finish this delivery off with some tacky phrase like, "Are you ready to equip yourself or your middle managers with the superpowers to thrive, innovate, and grow?"

But let's face it. No one is ready. You're just ready enough!

What's certain to me is that current management practices, beliefs, and habits that make up working cultures what they are (all over the world) will not get anyone through the next 25 years.

Stay tuned — we’ve got something powerful coming your way.

Let’s go all in on the heart of organizations. Middle managers, this one’s for you.

P.S.: What’s the biggest challenge you or your middle managers are facing right now? Drop us a comment or message — we’d love to hear from you.