Hi Reader,

What’s the last idea you borrowed?

Not the kind you stole—but the kind that opened your eyes to a better way of doing things.

The best leaders don’t limit themselves to their own industry or expertise. They borrow ideas from unexpected places—finding genius in what others overlook.

Here’s the truth: innovation is rarely born in isolation. It’s sparked by connections, unlikely partnerships, and a willingness to explore what’s worked elsewhere.

Take a look at these leaders who mastered the art of borrowing:

Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician)​
Katherine’s groundbreaking calculations weren’t just rooted in aerospace. She applied principles from academic disciplines like advanced mathematics and physics to solve one of NASA’s greatest challenges: how to safely send humans to space and bring them back. Her innovative thinking directly enabled the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 and transformed how NASA approached space exploration forever.

Bryan Stevenson, Founder of Equal Justice Initiative​
As a lawyer and social justice advocate, Bryan borrowed from storytelling and visual arts to drive systemic change. The Equal Justice Initiative didn’t just focus on legal representation for marginalized communities—it also created the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, using architecture and design to educate millions about racial injustice. By combining advocacy with cultural impact, Bryan’s work has helped overturn over 135 wrongful convictions and reframe conversations about equity and justice in America.

Indra Nooyi, Former PepsiCo CEO​
As PepsiCo’s first female CEO, Indra borrowed heavily from consumer trends in adjacent industries like fashion and wellness to transform the company’s product portfolio. She championed healthier snacks and drinks, including products like Naked Juice and Quaker Oats, which grew PepsiCo’s revenue by 80% during her tenure, reaching $63.5 billion by the time she stepped down. Her focus on sustainability and health also positioned the company as an early leader in social responsibility.

Kenneth Chenault, Former CEO of American Express​
Kenneth transformed American Express by borrowing lessons directly from the hospitality industry. He focused on elevating the customer experience, believing that AmEx wasn’t just a financial services company—it was a premium service provider. This approach drew heavily on hospitality principles: anticipating customer needs, creating memorable experiences, and building loyalty through personal connection. Under his leadership, AmEx launched initiatives like Membership Rewards, which drove customer retention and helped double revenue to $30 billion during his tenure.

Borrowing ideas isn’t just for CEOs or industry leaders—it’s for anyone who wants to create impact.

How to Borrow Like a Leader

1. Step outside your bubble.​
Look beyond your industry for solutions. The best ideas often come from unexpected places—scientists studying nature to design technology, chefs using logistics principles to streamline kitchens, hospitals adopting airline safety checklists. Read, watch, and learn from fields that have nothing to do with yours.

2. Ask unexpected questions.​
Innovation starts with curiosity. When facing a challenge, don’t just ask what others in your industry would do—ask:

• How would an athlete train for this?
• How would a filmmaker tell this story?
• How would a teacher simplify this concept?​
  The best solutions come from shifting your lens.

3. Find inspiration in partnerships.​
Some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when different worlds collide. Think Nike x Apple, where tech met athletic performance. Or the way Starbucks took inspiration from Italian espresso bars to redefine American coffee culture. Who outside your space could bring fresh insight to what you’re building?

Innovation starts with the courage to borrow. What could you learn from someone else’s multiverse of experience?

Rooting for you,
Ify

P.S. Borrowing brilliance starts with broadening your perspective. What’s the best idea you’ve borrowed from another industry, field, or partnership? Hit “reply” and share your story—we’d love to hear it. And if you’re ready to dive deeper, explore our premium resources—your first month is on us.​