236. Igniting Innovation: Inclusion and Generosity in the Patent World with Yvette Thornton

"Everybody has value to give."

“It’s not a game breaker, it’s a game changer.”

“How are you doing that differently? How are you going to stand out from the crowd?”

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Yvette Thornton, a registered patent agent and advocate for innovation and women in leadership. Yvette shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Virginia to her career in intellectual property, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, empowerment, and generosity. She discusses her advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society, her experiences in patent law, and the lessons learned from her upbringing that shape her leadership style. The conversation also touches on navigating career transitions, the power of community, and the significance of recognizing one's own value and strengths.

 

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

• Leadership is about recognizing and valuing everyone's contributions.
• Empowering women in leadership roles is crucial for industry transformation.
• Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome is about recognizing their abilities.
• Intellectual property protects innovations and encourages creativity.
• Listening and asking the right questions are key skills in patent law.
• Transitioning careers involves self-discovery and recognizing one's strengths.
• Generosity can come from unexpected places and has a ripple effect.
• It's important to grieve the loss of a job and give oneself time to heal.
• You are enough; own your strengths and contributions.

 

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Yvette Thornton and Her Journey

03:20 Growing Up on the Farm: Roots and Values

06:16 Influence of Family and Community on Leadership

08:59 Empowering Women in Leadership through WICT

11:57 Advocacy for Down Syndrome Awareness

14:48 Understanding Intellectual Property and Patents

15:43 The Journey to Becoming a Patent Agent

18:23 Innovations and Patents: The Impact of Ideas

21:21 Listening and Questioning: Keys to Innovation

23:10 Navigating Project Management and Innovation

24:34 Advice for Innovators: Protecting Your Ideas

26:34 Understanding Patents and Intellectual Property

27:48 The Power of Generosity in Professional Transitions

31:14 Embracing Career Transitions and Self-Discovery

35:27 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Your Value

39:00 The Importance of Asking for Help

42:15 Empowerment and Believing in Your Worth

43:21 Recharge and Leadership Style

 

Guest Bio |

Yvette Thornton, a registered patent agent, is the driving force behind Clarke Innovations LLC, where she advises organizations on innovation strategies, operational improvements and intellectual property (IP).  Her work focuses on the intersection of engineering and IP, expanding access to patenting, and fostering innovation-driven cultures. 

In her previous role as Director of Patent Development at Comcast NBCUniversal, Yvette collaborated with engineers and senior leaders to identify and capture innovation across the company. Yvette's impact extended beyond idea generation; she developed internal patent process, launched an Employee Recognition Program and created “Girl Storm” a program supporting women in patenting.

Yvette began her IP career as a Primary Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She holds a M.S.  in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and a B.S. from Norfolk State University, where she was a Dozoretz National Institute for Mathema