Innovation is defining your own domain :: Shawn Nelson

What does it mean to build something enduring in a world obsessed with fast growth and quick exits?

In this episode of What is Innovation?, Jared Simmons sits down with Shawn Nelson, CEO and founder of Lovesac, to explore the deeper layers of innovation in business, leadership, and life. From making beanbags in his parents’ basement to running a public company approaching a billion in revenue, Shawn shares how clarity of purpose and long-term thinking can turn small product decisions into disruptive innovation.

The conversation dives into how leaders can define their own innovation “domain,” why originality isn’t a requirement for progress, and how the tension between ambition and patience can shape entire organizations. Shawn also unpacks the real cost of growth — from taking outside capital to making tough calls on talent and timing.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to “do something new,” this episode offers a grounding and practical lens for building, inventing, and innovating — one step (and one season) at a time.

Guest Bio:
Shawn Nelson is the founder and CEO of Lovesac, a public company known for its patented, high-performance modular furniture. A product designer, entrepreneur, and TV personality, Shawn holds a master’s in Strategic Design and Management and teaches at Parsons, The New School for Design. His recent book and podcast, Let Me Save You 25 Years, distills lessons from his two-decade journey scaling Lovesac from startup to publicly traded brand.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why innovation can be organizationally specific — and why that matters

• How to balance quarterly demands with long-term vision as a public company

• Why originality is overrated, and domain clarity is crucial

• What “patient ambition” looks like in real leadership

• How to use purpose to attract talent and guide product innovation

Highlighted Insight:“Innovation doesn’t have to be original. It just has to be new to you, your team, or your company. And it has to move you forward.”

Quote to Remember:“Maintain top ambition with infinite patience. That’s the hardest part and the secret to building something real.”

Resources & Links:

• Let Me Save You 25 Years (book + podcast)

• Lovesac – Modular furniture with a mission

About the Host:
Jared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.