282. Finding Freedom in Systems: A Journey of Innovation with Doug Hall

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Written By Tammy Gooler Loeb

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282. Finding Freedom in Systems: A Journey of Innovation with Doug Hall

When I sat down with Doug Hall, I was struck by the sheer energy and curiosity that have guided his journey. From his earliest days inventing juggling kits as a child, Doug has always been fascinated with how things work and how they can be made better. That spirit of invention carried him through his years at Procter & Gamble, where he defied the odds as a chemical engineer-turned-marketing innovator, and later inspired him to launch his own ventures.

Doug credits much of his perspective to a pivotal lesson from his father, who introduced him to Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s systems thinking. This shift in mindset taught him that most problems are rooted in broken systems, not people. Applying that wisdom, Doug became known not just for his creative ideas, but for his ability to build reliable processes that turned innovation into repeatable success.

What impressed me most was Doug’s commitment to engagement at every level of an organization. He has seen firsthand how employees thrive when they are invited to “stop the stupid”—removing pointless barriers and fixing small but frustrating problems that sap energy and joy. By addressing these obstacles, teams unlock intrinsic motivation, reclaim pride in their work, and contribute to bigger-picture innovation.

Doug’s work also challenges us to rethink the way we measure progress. Every six months, he has asked himself: “Am I smarter than I was before?” If the answer is no, it is time for a change. That simple yet powerful practice has kept him growing, reinventing, and leaning into curiosity across decades of work, from corporate life to launching a distillery that has won international awards.

At its core, Doug’s message is one of hope and empowerment. Systems don’t have to control us; when designed with intention, they can free us to do work that matters. His story is a reminder that curiosity, engagement, and learning aren’t just nice-to-haves,—they are essential if we want to find joy and meaning in our work.

In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

  • How curiosity drives innovation: Staying curious opens doors to lifelong learning and reinvention.

  • Fixing systems, not people. Most problems lie in broken processes, not individual shortcomings.

  • Why small wins create big engagement: Eliminating everyday frustrations helps employees find pride in their work.

  • Keep asking if you’re growing. Regularly reflect on whether you’re smarter than you were six months ago.

  • Meaningful work fuels joy. Fulfillment comes from work that matters, not just tasks that keep us busy.

Learn more about Doug:

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About Tammy, host of
Work from the inside out

Prior to establishing her practice, Tammy held a variety of positions in mental health services, higher education administration, public policy analysis and fundraising. Her practical knowledge and experience in organizational development, program management and business operations builds a relatable relationship with clients striving for higher performance results.

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Tammy Gooler Loeb
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281: The Power of Pause: Reflections on Loss and Renewal