Democratizing & Empathy – Sisirnath Sangireddy on Innovation and Cultural Transformation

How can innovation in a global industrial company become more than a top-down initiative and instead a shared responsibility across the organization?

In this English-language episode, Sisirnath Sangireddy, Global Innovation Enabler at Epiroc, and recognized as the “Innovation Leader of the Year in Sweden for 2024” by Swedish Innovation Agencies, shares how innovation is being democratized within the company. He talks about empathic leadership, practical frameworks, and explains why innovation is not an add-on, but a vital part of company culture.

🔗 Our guest on LinkedIn: Sisirnath Sangireddy
🎙️ Our host on LinkedIn: Giordano Koch

Episode Chapters

Start & Introduction (00:00–00:02)
Host Giordano introduces Sisirnath Sangireddy and his unique background and role at Epiroc.

What Innovation Means to Sisirnath (00:02–00:05)
How he transitioned from design to innovation with the belief that it's better to join the effort than complain from the sidelines.

Democratizing Innovation at Epiroc (00:05–00:13)
How Epiroc defines innovation: from machinery to business models, culture, and organizational systems.

Methods & Mindset (00:13–00:22)
How innovation is practically supported in the company with empathy, accessible language, and a structured framework.

People & Motivation (00:22–00:36)
Why innovation isn’t an extra task and how colleagues can be activated through their interests and strengths.

Design Thinking & the Secret Sauce (00:36–End)
The value of a designer’s perspective in innovation and why Sisirnath’s personal "secret sauce" is enabling others without expecting anything in return.