“Everything is patterns. We are pattern seekers,” says Art. We set-up rules before we start a game. We have recipes and standards. We have laws and regulations in our society, so we can live peacefully together. A system of justice is in place for when laws are broken. While you listen you will answer the following question. If we are all pattern seekers, what is easier disrupting one of our behavioral patterns by convincing someone to change their behavior, or creating a new pattern and showing people a new way of behaving? Download

This is an essential conversation about the advantages of having a big curiosity and why us, entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial innovators, need to keep going. You will learn when Art’s invention became a part of who he is, because, with a new appendage or limb, you either get it functioning properly or determine when to cut it off. And habitually, others will try to kill it off or cut it out of you, prematurely. Or leave you, the intensity and focus is that enormous. You will find out about personal sacrifices, about his three adult-children, and how Art protected the Post-it® Note’s creation for our universal benefit.

Art describes himself now as being in the salad portion of his life. Life has treated him very well. You can hear the energy of optimism in his voice. You can hear a growth-oriented mindset through his words and his curious outlook on life. “Inventing the Post-it® Note is like inventing ice cream,” he says, “everybody loves it!” He is treated well. Art is also my favorite inventor so generous and kind! He served Mike Kabeya and I homemade strawberry shortcake when we finished taping! Hear him describe some of the details of what it was like to bring the Post-it® Note to life!

“The more things you know about the more novel things you can put together.”
— Art Fry, an American Inventor and Chemical Engineer

Mentoring Tips

• After listening to our conversation, ask yourself:
  • What other things did Art have to invent in order to produce product samples?
  • What were some critical questions Art asked himself to advance the Post-it® Note?
  • What sells more: magic tape or the Post-it® Note products?
  • What does ‘make a little, sell a little’ mean?
  • After testing the Post-it® Note in four states, what changes were made for the fifth test state that proved the product viable?
  • Why does Art recommend waiting to show people your idea until you have a prototype that works?
  • How did Art continue working on the prototype for Post-it® Note when some thought it should be killed?
  • In what areas can you expand your creativity?

• Overcoming barriers to innovation and to leadership growth are my specialty. Join one of my WeMentor Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mentoring LABs! Become the leader you have always envisioned yourself to be.  Click Here!
• Subscribe to this podcast. You get special discounts on WeMentor activities, especially one-on-one mentoring. Subscribe Here!

Arthur Fry, Inventor of 3M’s Post-it Note, Part II      Episode 144