World Poetry Day: Breaking the Box for Innovation

Shahid Bilal is both our newest Innovation Advisor and also happens to be our in-house poetry buff. Focussing on the theme of breaking barriers, Shahid shares his thoughts and knowledge about the connection between his favourite poem and innovation.

In celebration of World Poetry Day on the 21st March 2025, it feels only fitting to reflect on the transformative power of words and ideas. Poetry, much like innovation, challenges us to see the world differently—to peel back the layers of assumption and imagine what could be. And so, I’d like to share some inspiration from one of my favourite poems, It Couldn’t Be Done by Edgar Albert Guest, which I believe beautifully captures the spirit of courage and ingenuity that innovation demands. This timeless piece reminds us that boldness and creativity often begin where others say “it can’t be done.”

But let’s take this a step further. Beyond inspiration, what does it really mean to innovate, to think outside the box? And perhaps more importantly-what do the sides of that proverbial “box” look like?

The Box We Think Within

Often, when we speak of “thinking outside the box,” the phrase itself has become a cliché—overused to the point where its meaning feels diluted. However, if we pause and reflect, we realise that the “box” represents more than just a metaphor. It is the culmination of societal norms, deeply ingrained habits, regulations, policies, cultural expectations, and the ever-present status quo.

The box is comfortable; it feels safe. After all, the box is what we’ve always known. Yet, real change, the kind of change that reshapes industries, rewrites rules, and reimagines possibilities, cannot happen within the confines of that box. The challenge isn’t just to step outside it, but to question and redefine its very boundaries. Ask yourself: What assumptions am I holding onto? What unspoken rules guide my decisions? These are the questions that pave the way to breakthroughs.

Innovation Is More Than “Different”

There’s a common misconception that innovation is simply about doing something differently. And yes, at its heart, innovation does require a shift. But not all change is an improvement, and not all improvement requires radical change. True innovation demands a fundamental shift in thinking—it’s about perspective, not just action.
To innovate is to be unafraid of questioning the rules, to challenge “this is how it’s always been done.” It’s about asking the big, scary “why?” that opens up new possibilities. Why do regulations exist the way they do? Why do cultural norms define success in one particular way? Why not reimagine what could be rather than settling for what is?

For the Game Changers

As an Innovation Advisor, I’m privileged to champion game-changing businesses, supporting them as they stretch beyond limits and discover their full potential. These businesses are reminders of the incredible progress that comes from daring to think differently. And I firmly believe that this same principle applies to us all. Whether you’re leading a team, building a start-up, or simply looking for personal growth, the secret to forward momentum lies in challenging what you know and embracing what you don’t.
So, as we honour the beauty of poetry today, I encourage you to think of Guest’s words not just as inspiration, but as a call to action. Step outside the box. Redefine its edges. Have fun with it. Be bold, unafraid, and most importantly, be curious. Because that’s how we create change—not just by doing things differently, but by daring to think differently.

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done, But he with a chuckle replied, That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.

These opening lines from Edgar Albert Guest’s ‘It Couldn’t Be’ Done capture the spirit of boldness and determination that drives innovation. To read the full poem and experience its inspiring rhythm, you can visit The Poetry Foundation’s website, a trusted resource for poetry enthusiasts.

Speak to Shahid about breaking the box within your business, by emailing sbilal@hethelinnovation.com.