The Innovation Edge: What the Arctic Taught Me About High-Performing Teams

What do Arctic wildlife photography and high-performing executive teams have in common?

More than you’d think—and the connection might just reshape how you lead.

When we talk about innovation, “boundaries” rarely make the list. But for Sheri Jacobs—wildlife photographer, leadership strategist, and founder of Avenue M Group—boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re catalysts.

On a recent episode of The Enlightened Executive, Sheri shared what photographing polar bears at minus-40 degrees taught her about cultivating team creativity and resilience. Her message? Limits don’t hold us back. They focus us forward.

Here are three takeaways from our conversation—and how you can apply them to lead smarter and unlock your team’s potential.

1. Boundaries Don’t Kill Innovation—They Spark It

Sheri’s Arctic expedition was anything but easy: extreme cold, strict wildlife proximity rules, and gear that failed in subzero temperatures. But instead of shutting her down, those limitations sharpened her strategy.

It’s the same in business. One study of children on a playground found that when there was no fence, they stayed huddled near the equipment. With a fence, they explored the entire space. The structure gave them freedom.

Leadership Insight: If your team is hesitating, it may not be a creativity problem—it may be a clarity problem. Boundaries aren’t micromanagement. They’re guidance.

Put it into practice

• Define the sandbox: Be clear about constraints (budget, time, compliance).
• Share the “why”: Transparency builds trust and motivation.
• Grant autonomy within the frame: Don’t dictate the how—let your team explore it.

2. Your Best Ideas Aren’t in the C-Suite

Across 300-plus companies, Sheri found that innovation rarely starts at the top. One story stood out: a barista created a simple system for custom drink temperatures after hearing repeat complaints—no approval chain needed, just smart initiative within boundaries.

The closer someone is to the customer, the more valuable their insight.

Leadership Insight: Innovation thrives when frontline voices are heard—and empowered.

Put it into practice

• Ask those closest to the work: What’s not working? What ideas do they have?
• Create visible feedback loops: Share when their input drives change.
• Celebrate smart risk-taking: Highlight initiative, not just outcomes.

Failure Isn’t the Enemy. Fear Is.

Sheri missed dozens of shots before landing the perfect photo. That trial-and-error is how she leveled up her skill. Yet in many organizations, failure is punished—killing the very experimentation that drives innovation.

Leadership Insight: You can’t expect bold thinking in a culture that punishes mistakes.

Put it into practice

• Define acceptable risk: What’s reversible? What’s off-limits?
• Reward learning, not just results: Try a “Best New Mistake” award.
• Encourage micro-experiments: Low-stakes tests build confidence and insights.

Sheri also shared powerful metaphors leaders can borrow:

• The photojournalist mindset—leadership isn’t about talking more. It’s about observing more.
• “Insert like a needle, expand like a sail”—start with precision, scale with creativity.
• Her upcoming book? A challenge to expand your playground—not just your to-do list.

Ready to break out of the safe zone and into your growth zone?

Listen to the full episode of The Enlightened Executive and discover how the right boundaries can become your team’s best competitive advantage.