---
type: Keynote
title: The Innovator's Playbook — How to Drive Growth in Any Economic Climate
description: Turning volatility into opportunity with an aggressive innovation posture.
resource: https://jimcarroll.com/signature-keynotes/
tags: [keynote, innovation, growth, resilience]
timestamp: 2026-06-14
---

A signature keynote by [Jim Carroll](/identity/jim-carroll.md), based on his book "Dancing in the Rain: How Bold Leaders Grow Stronger in Stormy Times." Draws on companies that thrived during downturns to provide frameworks for turning volatility into opportunity.

**Core message:** Economic volatility is not a reason to pause innovation — it is the reason to accelerate it. Bold leaders grow stronger in stormy times.

# Audience

CEOs and C-suite leaders, board retreats, association leadership, and strategy/innovation teams in industries facing consolidation or regulatory disruption.

# Takeaways

- Case studies of organizations that grew market share during disruption.
- Maintaining a bold innovation agenda in uncertain conditions.
- Frameworks for identifying counter-cyclical opportunities.
- The psychology of bold leadership — optimism as a competitive skill.

Related to Jim's book "Dancing in the Rain" (https://dancing.jimcarroll.com). Part of the full [keynote topics](/speaking/topics.md). To engage, see [booking & fees](/speaking/booking.md).

# Citations

[1] [Signature keynotes](https://jimcarroll.com/signature-keynotes/)