Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Big 5 Sporting Goods
Search every verified Steven Miller interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Steven Miller, chairman, president and CEO of Big 5 Sporting Goods, appeared on the "Bigger Picture with Innovate Institute" podcast on September 16, 2023, discussing his work with the Innovate Institute, an initiative he described as a "sandbox approved by the Board of Education to experiment with new ideas" for young adult religious education. Miller said the core of the effort is "understanding your audience, especially young adults, and what they need from us," and that the goal is "an ongoing culture of innovation where we're listening and responding in ways that are more effective at meeting needs." He noted that the program has seen "increased enrollments for the first time in seven years, especially in areas embracing innovation." Miller offered several examples of innovative approaches, including using WhatsApp for asynchronous courses, changing class times to evenings or 10 PM to fit young adults' schedules, and creating a virtual choir during lockdown. He advised focusing on "intrinsic motivators like gathering together, being spiritually edified, and providing value" rather than "credit requirements and graduation." Miller also cautioned against "going rogue with innovation," recommending that participants use resources like field innovators and recommendation panels to shape ideas. He attributed success to "faith, hope, charity, and love with an eye single to the glory of God" rather than formal qualifications.
“The core of innovating Institute is understanding your audience, especially young adults, and what they need from us. We hope to have an ongoing culture of innovation where we're listening and responding in ways that are more effective at meeting needs.”
“Innovating Institute is a sandbox approved by the Board of Education to experiment with new ideas, not an approval body itself. Tests must be approved by region or area directors, but the sandbox allows for creative and sometimes unexpected innovations like outdoor experiential classes or podcasts.”
“One of the things we can let go of is the focus on credit requirements and graduation. Instead, we should focus on intrinsic motivators like gathering together, being spiritually edified, and providing value to young adults in relevant and accessible ways.”
“We are seeing increased enrollments for the first time in seven years, especially in areas embracing innovation by understanding their audience and responding to their needs. This correlation between innovation and enrollment growth is very encouraging.”
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