Timeless Lessons in Innovation and Problem-Solving
Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for solving complex challenges—whether in consumer packaged goods, consulting, or now in biotech. From leading brands at PepsiCo and Clorox to helping companies unlock growth through my consulting firm, my experience has always centered on identifying market gaps, optimizing strategies, and delivering solutions that meet real consumer needs. Founding NebulEASE isn’t a departure from that journey—it’s a natural extension of everything I’ve learned about innovation, commercialization, and problem-solving.
When I co-founded NebulEASE, I entered a world that required a deeper dive into scientific research, regulatory considerations, and healthcare market dynamics. While the industry is different, the principles of success remain the same: understanding unmet needs, applying strategic thinking, and bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to create solutions that make an impact.
Lesson 1: Every Great Innovation Starts with a Real Problem
Successful businesses don’t just sell products; they solve real problems. In CPG, I was responsible for revitalizing brands that had plateaued, identifying gaps in consumer needs, and aligning solutions with market demand. The same applies to biotech—NebulEASE was born from an unmet need for a more effective and natural throat relief solution. Identifying gaps and developing solutions isn’t industry-specific; it’s about listening, researching, and deeply understanding the pain points of your target audience.
Lesson 2: Market Gaps Are Often Hiding in Plain Sight
In both CPG and biotech, the biggest opportunities aren’t always about inventing something completely new but rather improving existing solutions. Many traditional remedies for throat discomfort haven’t evolved in decades, despite advances in science and consumer preferences. The same way I helped reposition supplement brands to better align with modern health trends, NebulEASE is rethinking how throat relief is delivered. By paying attention to shifting consumer expectations and emerging science, we found a clear opportunity for innovation.
Lesson 3: Interdisciplinary Thinking Accelerates Innovation
Bringing together expertise from multiple fields is where true innovation happens. My background in business, branding, and commercialization, combined with my co-founder’s expertise in medicine and research, has allowed us to approach problem-solving from multiple angles. In today’s landscape, the most successful companies aren’t operating in silos—they’re integrating knowledge across disciplines to build better solutions.
Looking Ahead
Partnering with Dr. Pitman to launch NebulEASE has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. While the industry may be different, the fundamentals of innovation remain the same: solve real problems, identify overlooked market gaps, and leverage diverse perspectives to create impactful solutions. Whether you’re in CPG, consulting, or healthcare, these principles hold true.
If you’re considering a leap into a new industry or tackling a complex challenge, my advice is simple: focus on the problem, not just the product. The best solutions—and the biggest opportunities—come from thinking beyond traditional boundaries.
- Stanton Brown, MBA