Innovation is often discussed, yet many organizations struggle to embed it into their core. Too often, it’s treated as a project, an afterthought, or something to pursue “when the time is right.” The reality is that innovation is discipline and not a cliché, as Scott D. Anthony put it in a Harvard Business Review article. It requires systematic practice, a shift in mindset, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a company-wide commitment to continuous improvement.

At SRKK Group, we’ve seen firsthand that true innovation isn’t about chasing trends or waiting for perfect conditions. Instead, it’s about creating a culture that empowers people to drive change. Because in today’s world, standing still is the fastest way to fall behind.

As a Chief Operating Officer, here are a few ways to build a culture of innovation within an organization.

Leading by Examples

Innovation starts at the top. According to The Leadership Mission, leading by example builds credibility, inspires action, and creates a positive culture. Leaders must be willing to explore new solutions, invest in promising technologies, and take calculated risks. When faced with challenges, the right approach is to engage with experts—whether through industry forums, conferences, or advisory sessions. This allows organizations to assess emerging trends before committing to large-scale implementation.

Take AI-powered tools, for example. When we first considered integrating Microsoft Copilot, we started small, subscribing to a few licenses. Of course, there were doubts. However, by testing its capabilities, evaluating its impact, and understanding its advantages and limitations, we gained confidence in its potential. Now, not only have we incorporated Copilot into our workflows, but we also empower our customers by offering workshops that help them maximize their AI investments.

This approach applies to everything. Leaders need to be the first to explore, to invest, and to seek expert insights. Once a solution proves its worth, we integrate it into our organization and help others do the same.

Creating a Safe Space for Innovation

One of the biggest barriers to innovation is fear. The fear of failure, of making mistakes, of not getting things right the first time. But failure, when managed well, is a catalyst for progress. The key is to create an environment where people feel safe to test ideas, take risks, and learn from setbacks. McKinsey highlights the importance of mechanisms and a culture that embrace new technologies and ease barriers to creativity.

At SRKK, we make this a priority. We regularly sit down with our consultants, listen to customer pain points, and ask a simple but powerful question: How can we do better? Through brainstorming sessions, feedback loops, and open collaboration, we create a culture where employees take ownership of innovation. Because real progress doesn’t come from avoiding mistakes but learning how to bounce back faster and smarter.

The goal is not just to encourage new ideas, but to create a platform where those ideas can be refined and executed effectively.

Alignment with Core Values & ESG practices

A culture of innovation means nothing if it doesn’t align with core values. At SRKK, one of our guiding principles is growth, which naturally extends to our commitment to innovation. Growth requires change, and embracing new ideas is essential for sustainable progress.

To ensure we’re making smarter, more responsible choices, it’s crucial to align innovation with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. In a Falcony article, it states that embedding ESG into business practices ensures long-term value and aligns with sustainability goals. Thus, at SRKK, we prioritize sustainability by adopting energy-efficient LED lighting, encouraging recycling within the workplace, and advocating for cloud-first strategies that reduce electricity consumption. Our hybrid work model further supports this commitment, promoting reduced energy usage while enhancing employee well-being.

Our dedication to innovation is also reflected in our pursuit of advanced certifications, meeting the highest industry standards. Our Microsoft Analytics on Azure Specialization made us the first in Malaysia to achieve this distinction, while our ISO 27001 Stage 2 Audit for FatNinjas | An SRKK Group Company demonstrates our dedication to strengthening cybersecurity practices. These milestones reinforce our credibility and ensure our customers trust us not just as a service provider, but as a long-term innovation partner.

Fostering Continuous Learning at Every Level

Innovation is an ongoing journey, and not just a one-time effort. That’s why we’ve embedded learning into our culture. According to Forbes, Gartner’s Corporate Executive Board (CEB) defines a culture of innovation as one that fosters an open mindset, promotes independent knowledge-seeking, and embraces shared learning—ensuring alignment with both the organization’s mission and goals.

Every month, we host knowledge-sharing sessions where different teams exchange insights on engaging customers and closing deal. The Tech Update sessions with our Chief Technology Officer, Wai Yin Phang , ensure that both internal teams and external clients stay informed about the latest technological advancements. These discussions also build credibility, strengthen trust, and empower everyone to be part of this innovation journey.

Continuous learning builds credibility and trust, reinforcing our reputation as thought leaders in digital transformation. When employees and customers alike feel empowered with knowledge, they become active contributors to the culture of innovation.

Building a culture of innovation isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about creating an environment where innovation is the natural next step. It starts with leadership, thrives on empowerment, and aligns with a larger purpose (whether it’s customer success, sustainability, or industry leadership). And most importantly, it never stops.

At SRKK, we firmly believe that AI and digital transformation are the way forward, and we remain committed to driving innovation that benefit both our team and our customers. That’s why we don’t just embrace change—we are leading it. Because the real risk is in failing to evolve.

So, let me ask you this: will you be the one leading innovation, or will you be struggling to catch up?

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you build a culture of innovation in your organization. And if you’re curious about what we do at SRKK, check us out here.