WEBVTT 00:02.528 --> 00:10.111 In January of 2013, Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, released a new Air Force vision. 00:10.330 --> 00:14.044 An Air Force powered by Airmen, fueled by innovation. 00:14.044 --> 00:23.103 In line with this new vision, 7th Bomb Wing Commander, Col. Michael Bob Starr, hosted a leadership and innovation forum at Dyess Air Force Base. 00:23.414 --> 00:28.536 Col. Starr dialogued with West Texas innovation network director Michael Mikeworth. 00:28.632 --> 00:31.228 to discuss innovation in the Air Force. 00:31.553 --> 00:36.777 Col. Starr also encouraged audience participation via Presentain. 00:38.512 --> 00:41.796 Later he describes how he motivates innovative thinkers at Dyess Air Force Base. 00:42.177 --> 00:50.265 I think the most motivating thing that we can give an entrepreneur or someone who is innovative by nature or by experience, however that happens. 00:51.520 --> 00:58.043 someone who has that character trait. Is giving them the chance to implement their idea. 00:58.354 --> 01:04.989 and to actually see it through to fruition or failure, because to them it doesn't matter. 01:05.266 --> 01:07.084 Because if it fails they can still learn from it. 01:07.653 --> 01:13.016 After the forum, Mr. Mikeworth summarized his philosophy on how to cultivate innovation. 01:13.296 --> 01:18.799 An idea is more organic than it is mechanical in my estimation. 01:18.981 --> 01:27.754 The idea has to be more or less watered if you will and receive nutrients and receive space and have breathing room. 01:27.933 --> 01:40.016 I think it's more of the job of supervisors and people of management to say what can I do to take away the barriers, clear away a path, so this organic thing can actually grow and be healthy. 01:41.569 --> 01:45.183 Overall, Col. Starr and Mr. Mikeworth's dialogue was a success. 01:45.311 --> 01:49.484 Promoting innovation among co-workers and even in families. 01:49.608 --> 01:56.125 Both Tom Zipperich, 7th Operations Support Squadron supervisor and his son gave new insights. 01:56.442 --> 01:59.745 I've known Col. Starr, I've worked for him in the past when he was the OSS commander. 01:59.884 --> 02:04.972 and I know he is someone who develops leaders, that is one of his passions. 02:04.972 --> 02:12.557 and one of his goals and so when he advertised this it would be something worth coming to. 02:12.711 --> 02:19.241 I came to just get, you know, to hear what he had to say and what he said was very, very interesting. 02:19.590 --> 02:22.536 Not just interesting, but I'm leaving this place with something, I've learned something. 02:23.913 --> 02:26.471 Each year leadership and innovation forums will be held monthly. 02:26.550 --> 02:30.054 To find out more about the next Commanders, Leaders and Innovation Forum. 02:30.288 --> 02:42.385 Contact Master Sgt. Jeremy Pickett at 325-696-5222 or Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Mann at 325-696-2239.