Seton Hall University's In the Lead Explores Innovation in Leadership

Seton Hall University’s In the Lead magazine has released its Spring 2025 edition, centering on the theme of "Innovation in Leadership." This issue explores how forward-thinking leaders across industries are redefining leadership through technology, strategy and bold decision-making. Thought-provoking articles examine the advantages and challenges of founder-led companies and draw connections between strategic risk-taking life choices and business success.

“This issue of In the Lead explores the many faces of innovation, offering a rich collection of perspectives from leaders across industries. You will find that innovation takes on many definitions — each shaped by the unique context of its contributors,” explained Ruchin Kansal, M.B.A., in his Letter to the Editor.

In the Lead magazine is a collaboration between the University's Buccino Leadership Institute and the Stillman School of Business’s Department of Management. The publication reaffirms Seton Hall’s commitment to fostering innovative, ethical and impactful leadership, noted Kansal, the founding editor. It is a semi-annual magazine focused on sharing leadership perspectives from the field, with
content that is curated from leaders across industries. In the Lead seeks to inform future leaders, generate global dialogue on leadership and build a community that sees more effective leadership as a prerequisite to building a better world.

Kansal is a professor of practice at the University's Division of Continuing Education and Professional
Studies, as well as teaches Management at the Stillman School, and is the founder of Kansal & Co., a business advisory practice. Prior, he led the Business Leadership Center at the Stillman School, and held senior leadership roles at Siemens Healthineers, Boehringer Ingelheim & Deloitte, with a distinguished record in strategy and innovation, digital health, strategic partnerships, and business launches.

He writes, “Innovation takes on many definitions – each shaped by the unique context of its
contributions. Some focus on product innovation, while others emphasize process innovation or the broader innovation ecosystem,” adding, “Despite these variations, two challenges confront nearly all organizations: overcoming resistance and measuring impact. It is one thing to innovate; it is another to actively dismantle outdated systems, processes and mindsets to create space for new possibilities.”

Among industry thought leaders featured in the edition are Softbank Robotics’ Jordan Sun, Reena Dayal Yadav, founder and CEO for QET Council of India, Mike Grandinetti 8X serial tech entrepreneur helping co-lead two companies to NASDAQ IPOS, Apurv Gupta, physician and VP of advisory services at Premier, MWBE Unite Inc.’s Pay Wu, Monica Jain, M&Ms®, Snickers®, Skittles® and Tetley Tea® consumer brand strategist, 43-year Wall Street veteran Stephen Wood, Andrew Felbinger, principal at the Urban Innovation Fund, and Seton Hall Provost Katia Passerini, 27th president-elect of Gonzaga University.

Read an in-depth discussion on quantum technology leadership, a case study on how empathy fuels
organizational growth, lessons from the poker table to see how to apply strategic thinking and risk management to drive innovation success. and a compelling review of The Illusion of Innovation, challenges conventional wisdom on efficiency and creativity.

Embracing Innovation

The Founding Factor (Leadership Lessons): Mike Grandinetti, 8X serial tech entrepreneur, explores the merits and challenges of founder-led leadership and the path to scaling innovation responsibly.

In Focus With: Andrew Felbinger '12, Seton Hall valedictorian and venture capitalist, shares his journey from Wall Street to investing in startups, emphasizing the power of innovation, leadership, and forging one's own path.

Quantum Leap: Reena Dayal Yadav, founder CEO for QET Council of India, on building innovation
pathways and shaping the future of quantum technology in India.

Real Estate's Next Frontier: Pay Wu, co-founder of MWBE Unite Inc., on redefining spaces for changing society by creating inclusive and sustainable communities.

In the Lead With: Jordan Sun, vice president of product at Softbank Robotics American, discusses the importance of human-centered, problem-solving approach to innovation and leadership.

From Poker Hands to Business Plans: Monica Jain, global consumer products brand strategist,
discusses Lessons from the poker table: how to apply strategic thinking and risk management to drive innovation success.

Reluctantly Innovative (In the Crucible): Seton Hall University's Provost Katia Passerini, and
incoming president-elect of Gonzaga University, asks: Will universities survive the GenAI-learning revolution?

The Heart of Innovation (Case Study): Apurv Gupta, internal medicine physician and VP of
advisory services at Premier, looks at how empathy, compassion and human connection drive organizational growth.

Embrace the Chaos: Paula Alexander and Stephen Wood provide a point-counterpoint review of The Illusion of Innovation: Escape “efficiency” and Unleash Radical Progress by Elliot Parker, corporate consultant and founder of High Alpha Innovation. They look at why efficiency is the enemy of true
innovation by breaking free from the constraints of short-term gains.

Kansal invites institutions and organizations to partner on the Fifth Edition of “The Future
of Leadership Survey,” designed to survey and capture cross-cultural insight and foresight on leadership from 18 to 30-year-old professionals from around the world. Emerging professionals from around the world are encouraged to share their insights here through April 15, 2025. Learn more about the survey here.

“We strive to be the publication of choice on leadership. We welcome interest in writing for the
magazine,” said Kansal, inviting author inquiries be sent to ruchin.kansal@shu.edu.

The Spring Edition: Innovation in Leadership, can be accessed here.