Innovation is often perceived as a race to disrupt. But what if the real challenge lies not just in the act of innovating, but also in our own development through the process? Drawing from history and my experience in engineering design and startups, I’ll share key tensions innovators must navigate to create sustainable progress. Advanced tools are ineffective if users lack the readiness or context to utilize them; therefore, we need a new paradigm of innovation that considers both what to build and who we—as creators and users—must become. Brannon is a Senior Hardware Engineer with over 15 years of experience across several companies within the technology industry. He is passionate about using engineering to address societal challenges, and has dedicated his career to harnessing technological advancements to create meaningful change.As the first electrical engineer hire at ICON 3D, an Austin-based startup revolutionizing housing with 3D-printed technology, Brannon played a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking solutions. His contributions in this space earned him a patent for 3D-printed housing technology. Brannon also collaborated with the City of Austin on homelessness initiatives, leveraging his engineering expertise to tackle critical community issues.Throughout his journey, from developing cutting-edge housing solutions to his current work in industrial automation, Brannon has seen the transformative potential of technology. However, he recognizes that true innovation must prioritize the human element, ensuring that progress addresses the needs of individuals and communities. Brannon remains deeply committed to applying his skills and knowledge to solve complex problems while ultimately driving sustainable change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx