We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Kittle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholas, how do you think about risk?
Risk is misunderstood and I’ve used that throughout my career as an innovator, photographer and speaker. What others perceive as “safe” is oftentimes risky and vice-versa. I’ve leaned in where others have shied away and found a way to live an exceptional and unusual life by using that to my advantage–and I try to help others do the same. Yes, I’ve “failed” many times, but it has fueled my desire to do better over and over again and I’ve lived an extraordinary life as a result.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sustainovation is about building sustainable innovation into what we do, something I spent the better part of my early career doing. For the last 7 years, I’ve been working with local governments and large bureaucracies across the country to help them become more innovative in their approaches, while pushing the boundaries of organizational comfort. Since starting Sustainovation, I’ve been blessed to work with over 100 organizations to expand on this message and help train/develop employees across the globe. The process of moving out on my own wasn’t easy, but my reputation as an award-winning innovator, coach and speaker helped me secure my first few professional engagements and ever since then, I’ve been blessed to have my work opportunities spread through word-of-mouth. I’m busier than I’ve ever been and we’re continuing to find new ways to increase the value to our customers, including our new Partners page and the Beyond The Smoke events.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friend visits for the week or weekend, we’re heading to a Rockies game, then to Breckenridge Brewery–maybe a concert or workout at Red Rocks, a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, some whitewater rafting or skiing and a game of disc golf would round out the activities. And yes, we’ll likely hit Smokin’ Yards BBQ for some burnt ends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t have made it this far into my career without tremendous support from so many mentors along the way. In my engagements, I often talk about “Team Us” which is all about those who lift us up and inspire us. I’ve been blessed to have so many of those influences throughout my career, including transformative support from LeeAnn Kittle, Penny Culbreth-Graft, Nancy Johnson, Manny Navarro, Jay Anderson, Brandi Rank, Carrie McCausland, Brian Conly and so many more.

Website: www.sustainovation.us

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kittlent/

Other: www.sustainovation.us www.beyondthesmoke.net

Image Credits
I have the rights to all images

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