Most CEOs think innovation happens in boardrooms.
Think again.
I had the absolute joy of a conversation with Derek Gable, an inventor with multiple patents who worked alongside the Handlers at Mattel. And what I discovered will challenge everything you think you know about creating breakthrough culture in your organization.
When Real Innovation Meets Real Humanity
Here’s what stopped me cold: Derek didn’t want to talk about his 60+ patents. He didn’t lead with his 16 years at Mattel creating Masters of the Universe, Barbie items, and Hot Wheels. He didn’t even mention being described as “human WD40” for his ability to help organizations become unstuck and more productive.
He wanted to talk about P.I.E.
Not Product-Innovation-Execution. Not Performance-Impact-Excellence.
Positive Interactive Energy.
And honestly? In a world obsessed with digital transformation and AI efficiency, this landed like a revelation.
Everyone loves P.I.E. And the best part is you don’t need permission, money, or a title to share it. You just pass it forward.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Energy Leadership
I love talking with people who don’t just think about innovation, but live it. Especially the kind of innovators who make things you can hold, play with, and remember. Derek has spent over 55 years creating tangible magic, from toys that spark imagination to security systems that protect families.
But here’s what most leaders miss: The same principles that create memorable products create memorable cultures.
Derek’s approach isn’t theoretical. For over a decade, he’s been a guest speaker in junior high and high schools, presenting to thousands of students. He leads classes titled “I have this great idea but don’t know what to do with it,” mentoring aspiring inventors through the complete development process.
→ Real innovation requires real human connection.
→ Real connection requires intentional positive energy.
→ Real energy requires leaders who choose to be fully present.
In a world that feels more isolated, more negative, and more disconnected by the day, this philosophy stopped me in my tracks. Especially knowing how many executive teams are quietly struggling right now.
The P.I.E. Framework That’s Changing Everything
P.I.E. is simple. Disarmingly so. And maybe that’s why it works.
Here’s Derek’s framework for creating Positive Interactive Energy:
Smile. Your face is a door. Is it open or closed?
Most executives underestimate the power of their physical presence. Your facial expression sets the tone for every interaction, every meeting, every difficult conversation. When Derek worked with high school entrepreneurs through the Chamber of Commerce program, two participants reached National finals, placing fourth and third in consecutive years. Why? Because he taught them that confidence starts with how you show up physically.
Choose happiness. It really is a choice.
This isn’t toxic positivity. This is strategic emotional leadership. Derek describes himself as someone who helps organizations become “unstuck.” But you can’t unstick others if you’re stuck in reactive leadership patterns yourself.
Remember you are human, not a robot. Technology should serve you, not replace real connection.
Derek’s 16-year tenure at Mattel taught him something crucial: the most successful products weren’t just well-engineered. They created emotional connections. The same principle applies to leadership. Your team doesn’t need another perfectly optimized process. They need a leader who remembers they’re leading humans.
Practice gratitude aggressively. Say please. Say thank you. Say it often.
Notice the word “aggressively.” This isn’t passive appreciation. This is intentional, strategic recognition that transforms team dynamics. Derek has mentored countless inventors, and the ones who succeed aren’t just technically skilled, they’re gracious collaborators.
Talk to people you don’t know. A simple “Hi, how are you today?” matters.
When’s the last time you had an unscheduled conversation with someone three levels down from you? Derek’s success as an inventor came partly from his ability to connect with diverse perspectives. Innovation happens at the intersection of different viewpoints.
Go out of your way to be helpful. Small acts count.
Leadership isn’t just about big strategic decisions. It’s about the accumulation of small, helpful interactions that build trust and psychological safety over time.
Be nice, not grumpy.
This seems obvious, but watch any executive team during a crisis. Stress reveals character. The leaders who maintain positive energy during difficult seasons are the ones who inspire breakthrough performance.
Stop focusing on people’s warts. We all have them. Look for the beauty instead.
This is where most performance management systems fail. They’re designed to identify and correct weaknesses rather than amplify strengths. Derek’s approach flips this: find what’s working and build from there.
Why This Matters More Than Your Strategic Plan
What I love most about Derek’s philosophy is that it feels like play. Like something a toy maker would understand deeply. Joy is designed. Connection is designed. Energy is designed.
And here’s the leadership truth most CEOs miss: Your company culture is being designed whether you’re intentional about it or not.
Every interaction. Every meeting. Every email. Every hallway conversation.
You’re either designing positive interactive energy or you’re defaulting to whatever emerges naturally, which is usually stress, politics, and emotional disconnection.
Derek’s work at Mattel aligned with Fisher-Price’s “Purposeful Play” philosophy and the Play-Inspire-Educate approach. The same principles that create toys children love for decades can create workplace cultures people remember as career-defining.
The Real ROI of P.I.E. Leadership
Think P.I.E. is too soft for serious business results?
Consider this: Derek didn’t just create products. He created experiences that generated billions in revenue for Mattel. His real estate security innovations have “shaped the security of the real estate industry” according to industry experts. His teaching and mentoring have launched dozens of successful inventors.
The common thread? Positive Interactive Energy that builds trust, sparks creativity, and sustains momentum.
Here’s what happens when leaders embrace P.I.E. principles:
• Feedback becomes honest instead of filtered
• Focus stays sharp because people feel energized, not drained
• Delegation works because trust levels are high
• Innovation accelerates because psychological safety is real
• Retention improves because people actually enjoy coming to work
Your P.I.E. Implementation Strategy
This season, I’m choosing to share more P.I.E. With my clients. With strangers. And yes, with myself. So I created a scorecard of sorts, call it P.I.E. metrics, to support Derek Gable’s method.
Here’s how you start:
Week 1: The Face Check
Literally ask your assistant or a trusted team member: “How do I show up in meetings? What does my face communicate before I even speak?” Get honest feedback. Adjust accordingly.
Week 2: The Gratitude Audit
Track how often you say “please” and “thank you” in a typical day. Most executives are shocked by how rarely these words appear in their leadership vocabulary.
Week 3: The Connection Challenge
Have three unscheduled conversations with people you don’t normally interact with. Ask genuine questions. Listen to their answers.
Week 4: The Energy Assessment
At the end of each day, ask yourself: “Did I add positive energy to my organization today, or did I drain it?” Be honest about the answer.
The Choice That Changes Everything
Derek Gable has spent over five decades proving that innovation and humanity aren’t opposing forces. They’re complementary strengths that, when combined intentionally, create breakthrough results.
The market isn’t waiting for leaders to feel ready or caught up. And control disguised as leadership is one of the fastest ways to trade momentum for false stability.
But P.I.E. offers a different path. One where you lead with positive energy. Where you create connections that fuel innovation. Where you design culture rather than defaulting to whatever emerges.
Join in if you want. Elevate someone. Feel the difference. And pass it forward.
Your organization’s next breakthrough might not come from your next strategic initiative. It might come from your next human interaction.
The question is: What kind of energy are you designing?
Ready to transform your leadership approach and create breakthrough culture in your organization? People Risk Consulting’s executive programs help leaders implement systematic approaches to positive energy leadership. Learn more about our masterclass and join other executives who are choosing connection over control.
