Innovation is often seen as a function of big ideas and long-term investments, but in today’s fast-changing world, organizations must rethink how they approach problem-solving and experimentation. In this episode, I sit down with Shellery Ebron and Annice Kim from RTI International to discuss how one of the world’s most respected research organizations is embedding innovation into its culture and operations.
RTI International is known for its groundbreaking research in science, health, and public policy. But what sets RTI apart is its commitment to making innovation a core value, not just an occasional initiative. Shellery and Annice share how RTI has shifted its approach, moving away from traditional, multi-year innovation cycles to a more agile, adaptable framework that allows for quicker experimentation and real-world impact.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the challenges organizations face when trying to implement innovative ideas. One of the biggest hurdles is inertia—the resistance to change that exists in every industry. Shellery and Annice discuss the importance of storytelling as a tool to overcome resistance, emphasizing that getting buy-in requires painting a vivid picture of the future. Whether talking to business leaders, researchers, or policymakers, framing innovation in a way that speaks to their priorities is key.
Another critical aspect of RTI’s innovation strategy is breaking down ambitious ideas into smaller, testable projects. Instead of waiting for full funding or a perfect plan, they encourage teams to start with small experiments that confirm key assumptions and build momentum. This step-by-step approach ensures that innovation is not just a one-time effort but a continuous process that drives real change.
From embedding innovation into corporate values to fostering a culture where experimentation is encouraged, this episode provides a fascinating look at how RTI International is shaping the future of research and social impact. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, there are valuable lessons to be learned from their approach to making innovation a sustainable, organization-wide practice.
About the guests.
Shellery Ebron
Shellery Ebron is Senior Director of Corporate Innovation at RTI. She is a strategic leader who combines 15+ years of expertise overseeing innovation and digital health initiatives to surface, prioritize, and solve mission-driven problems for federal and healthcare clients.
With expertise in qualitative and mixed-method research, she evaluates projects that use information technology to inform health care policy. Shellery connects ideas and cross functional teams to challenge existing processes and create new value from innovations.
She has supported a variety of federally funded projects related to electronic health records, community-based interventions, alternative payment models, and medical homes. Shellery puts equity, diversity, and inclusion into action by building engaging communications, ensuring equitable access to innovation resources, and including diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Annice Kim
Annice Kim PhD is the Senior Director of the Center for Communication and Media Impact at RTI International. She leads teams that examine the impact of health risk communications and public health education campaigns for federal, state, and local health agencies. She is passionate about developing novel methods to accelerate public health research and practice to meet the demands of today’s modern world. She believes that we should embrace new technologies with cautious optimism and build digital fluency as a muscle we exercise daily so that we can help shape the design and application of new tools to address the public health challenges of today and tomorrow.
