What if the key to unlocking innovation and leadership performance is as simple as movement?
In this compelling episode of Transformational Thinkers with Sara Sheehan, Sara welcomes Joel Heath, entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of FluidStance, a company focused on creating products that bring movement into the workplace.
Joel shares his transformative journey from concept to company, illustrating how his innovative leadership is reshaping our understanding of workplace culture and education. As we explore the challenges many face in static environments, Joel candidly reflects on his experiences as a father witnessing his son’s transition from a playful preschool to a rigid kindergarten. This pivotal moment ignited his passion for creating products that promote movement and enhance creativity. Joel set out to design solutions that restore dynamic movement in modern workspaces. The result was FluidStance, a brand built on the belief that physical movement fuels cognitive performance, emotional engagement, and innovative thinking.
He highlights the critical role of innovation in fostering environments that empower employees, emphasizing how physical activity can lead to greater productivity and a thriving workplace culture. One of the most powerful frameworks he discusses is the 70-20-10 innovation model, which allocates resources across three strategic areas.
- Seventy percent should focus on the core business that drives revenue today.
- Twenty percent should support adjacent innovations that expand existing offerings.
- Ten percent should fund transformational ideas that shape the long-term future.
Throughout our conversation, we touch on essential themes such as the delicate balance between innovation and operational stability, the importance of teamwork, and the cultivation of a culture that embraces both performance and play. Joel’s insights into leadership excellence and transformational leadership provide valuable lessons for executives and aspiring leaders alike, offering a roadmap for navigating the complexities of organizational growth and business transformation.
We also delve into the challenges of over-innovation and the necessity of emotional intelligence in leadership. Joel’s perspective on maintaining a dynamic balance in life and business serves as a clarion call for all leaders striving for real-world change. He shares actionable strategies for enhancing communication in leadership and optimizing talent, ensuring that organizations not only adapt but thrive in extraordinary times.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in change management, employee empowerment, and the transformative power of creativity in the workplace. Joel emphasizes the value of what he calls the one percent rule, intentionally safeguarding a small portion of time dedicated to reflection, exploration, and renewal. This protected time often leads to breakthrough ideas and deeper clarity for leaders. Join us as we uncover the innovative leadership strategies that can help you and your organization master change management and achieve audacious goals.
This episode offers a powerful perspective for leaders embracing innovation, driving meaningful change, and facilitating business growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
If you are ready to rethink how leadership, creativity, and performance intersect, this episode will challenge you to move forward in new ways. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the brightest business executives in the world.
Key Moments:
00:00:00 – Movement Sparked the Business
A personal pain point led to FluidStance—and a new way of thinking about work and performance.
00:01:40 – The Problem with “Sit to Focus”
Why traditional environments suppress energy, creativity, and human potential.
00:03:20 – Why Movement Improves Thinking
How physical movement unlocks better ideas, clarity, and collaboration.
00:04:45 – When You Lose Your Creative Edge
Joel shares how stillness in corporate life drained his energy—and how he reclaimed it.
00:05:50 – Entrepreneur vs. Artist Mindset
Why embracing creativity changed how Joel leads, builds, and innovates.
00:08:10 – Creativity Needs Structure
The balance between big ideas and execution—and why both are essential.
00:09:10 – The Athlete Mindset in Business
Applying performance metrics and discipline to long-term business success.
00:10:25 – The Truth About Building FluidStance
Early wins, scaling challenges, and lessons from growing a product company.
00:12:40 – The Danger of Too Many Ideas
Why over-innovation creates chaos—and how focus drives real growth.
00:15:35 – The 70-20-10 Growth Framework
A proven model for balancing core operations, expansion, and future innovation.
00:20:30 – Designing Workplaces That Move
How to create environments that support physical, emotional, and intellectual flow.
00:22:35 – Avoiding Chaos or Stagnation
Finding the balance between innovation and stability without burning out.
00:24:20 – Why Play Is a Leadership Advantage
How play, movement, and shared experiences strengthen teams and ideas.
00:28:30 – The 1% That Drives Performance
Protecting energy, recovery, and meaningful moments for sustained success.
00:36:15 – Grit, Growth, and What Leaders Leave Behind
Redefining grit and embracing dynamic balance as the true legacy of leadership.
About Joel Heath:
Joel Heath is a consumer brand and product architect, front-end innovator, and CEO. He develops insight-led strategies that shape category-defining products, reposition brands, and drive growth with purpose. He is the Founder and CEO of FluidStance, and he also advises companies in the biotech and outdoor categories. FluidStance is reimagining the workplace by bringing movement, energy, and well-being into static environments. Joel is also taking on select fractional and board roles where he can contribute to brand, product, and growth strategy within his leadership role.
Previously, he helped lead the turnaround of Teva as part of the Deckers Brands (NASDAQ: DECK) leadership team. His first successful exit was an experiential brand agency in Vail, Colorado, where they created campaigns for Volkswagen, Native Eyewear, Payday Candy Bars, and Sports Illustrated. Joel conceived of and created the GoPro Mountain Games, the largest outdoor adventure event in the world, broadcast on NBC and CBS. In addition to athletic events, the GoPro Mountain Games include a mountain photography competition, adventure film school, film festival, interactive exhibition, live music, and mountain lifestyle parties.
Joel works as a strategic advisor, helping organizations clarify their why, develop disruptive product concepts, and build authentic connections with their audiences. His leadership spans startups, global brands, and purpose-driven organizations, with a focus on long-term value creation.
Beyond business, he is a founding board member of First Descents, a nonprofit that delivers life-changing outdoor experiences for young adults surviving cancer and other serious health challenges.
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Resources discussed in this episode:
- The 70-20-10 Innovation Framework
- “Grit” by Angela Duckworth
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Contact Joel Heath | FluidStance:
- Website: FluidStance.com
- Joel Heath on LinkedIn
Contact Sara Sheehan | Sara Sheehan Consulting:
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