What It Takes to Build the Next Big Innovation: Career Lessons from Dyson Leaders

GWI participants pose in the conference room of Dyson’s SoHo Offices (left); attendees talk with James Fishler, President of Dyson USA, and take a tour of the Dyson demo store.

Innovation is about more than new technology. It's about curiosity, resilience, and perhaps most importantly, it's about solving real problems for real people.

Those were some of the biggest lessons Girls With Impact participants took away during the latest stop on the Summer of Success Tour, where young women visited Dyson's SoHo Demo Store and offices for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most innovative companies.

Participants heard directly from James Fishler, President of Dyson USA, and Kristen Buttolph, Head of Communications for Dyson Americas, before touring Dyson's immersive Demo Store, and participating in a networking activity. Two lucky participants even won highly-coveted Dyson AirWraps! But the biggest takeaway was a new way of thinking about careers, innovation, and what's possible.

Innovation Starts by Solving Real Problems

When people think about innovation, they often picture revolutionary products or cutting-edge technology. James Fishler challenged participants to think differently.

"Innovating is about doing something that's useful to the end user. We want to innovate things that make people's lives better."

That philosophy has guided Dyson since its founding and continues to shape every product the company creates.

Fishler also shared the perseverance behind the brand's success, reminding attendees that inventor Sir James Dyson famously created thousands of prototypes before perfecting his first vacuum.

The message was clear: innovation doesn't happen overnight. It comes from persistence, continuous improvement, and refusing to give up when something doesn't work the first time.

Why Storytelling Is One of the Most Valuable Business Skills

One of the event's most memorable moments came when Fishler challenged participants to think differently about communication.

"My biggest advice is to be a storyteller. Know your numbers and know how to tell the story around them."

He illustrated the point with a relatable example: convincing your parents to extend your curfew isn't just about asking for something, it's about providing context, making a compelling case, and communicating the value behind it.

Whether you're pitching an idea, presenting data, interviewing for a job, or launching a business, storytelling helps transform information into influence.

Fishler encouraged participants to master both storytelling and the art of selling, describing them as skills that can "unlock unlimited potential" throughout their careers.

Failure Is Part of Every Breakthrough

For many attendees, one lesson stood out above all others: failure isn't something to fear.

Fishler's story about Sir James Dyson's thousands of unsuccessful prototypes resonated deeply with participants, reinforcing that setbacks are often an essential part of innovation.

Participant Soumya Kalapati reflected on how that perspective changed her own thinking.

"I'm someone who really does not like failure, but I learned that it's okay to fail over and over again before you succeed because you're eventually going to find success or something you're happy with."

In a world that often celebrates only the finished product, Dyson's leaders reminded participants that every breakthrough begins with countless attempts to get it right.

Career Growth Begins with Curiosity

Kristen Buttolph, Head of Communications for Dyson Americas, offered practical advice for young women just beginning to explore their careers.

She encouraged participants not to feel pressured to have every answer immediately.

"Early in your career, just try things. Don't take rejection as a negative thing, just have the courage to ask questions and see what you can learn from every opportunity."

She also shared how communications plays a critical role within Dyson, serving as the bridge between innovation and consumers.

From launching products to navigating customer feedback, communications professionals help shape how people experience the Dyson brand every day.

Her advice reminded participants that discovering the right career often begins with curiosity and a willingness to explore opportunities that may not have been part of the original plan.

Entrepreneurship Starts with Confidence

Girls With Impact graduate Rashana Weerasinghe also took a few moments to share her story with the group, which illustrated what happens when young women are equipped with entrepreneurial skills and the confidence to lead.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut and Harvard University, Weerasinghe shared how Girls With Impact inspired her to think differently about business and innovation.

Today, she is the founder and host of Beyond Harvard, a media platform and podcast that shares the stories of students and professors to help make pathways to higher education more accessible.

Reflecting on her experience, she shared: "Girls With Impact gave me the skills and the expertise to really launch my own venture."

Her message perfectly complemented the day's theme: innovation isn't reserved for inventors or engineers. It's a mindset that empowers people to identify problems, create solutions, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Real-World Experiences Build Future Leaders

Participants explored Dyson's interactive Demo Store, experiencing firsthand how engineering, design, and technology come together to create products used by millions around the world.

They also practiced professional networking with Dyson employees and fellow participants, putting into action many of the lessons shared throughout the day.

For GWI graduate Emma Radecki, the experience reinforced the importance of communication and relationship-building.

"My biggest takeaway from the event was learning how important communication is and networking."

Another participant, Karishma Latchmansingh, left inspired by the willingness of professionals to invest in the next generation.

"There are people behind the scenes who are so happy to help you become a leader."

The experience gave participants something they can't find in a classroom: direct access to leaders, meaningful conversations, and a firsthand look at how innovation comes to life inside a global company.

The Summer of Success Tour Continues

The Dyson experience marked another inspiring stop on Girls With Impact's Summer of Success Tour, connecting young women with leaders across technology, finance, beauty, science, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Each event is designed to help participants build the skills employers value most: communication, networking, confidence, leadership, and problem-solving, all while expanding their professional networks and exploring careers they may never have considered.

Because as we learned from Dyson’s professionals, the next big innovation could come from anywhere, from any conversation, and from any opportunity.

Learn more about upcoming Summer of Success Tour events and register today atwww.girlswithimpact.org/summer-of-success.