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I found the list below on EverydayUX.com and agreed with it so wholeheartedly that I though I would re-post and discuss further...

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So which PEOPLE are innovators? And what drives them?

The folks I’ve been impressed with have some key attributes:

• They are better observers than most
• They ask good questions
• They listen deeply
• They are OK working alone or in small groups, but ideally, connect well
• They are fierce about their passions, and believe deeply in their convictions
• They are courageous and hungry
• They aren’t so wedded to your organization that perpetuating the organization (and their place within it and its pecking order) takes priority

and so…

• They often need care and protection most from the same institution that needs them.
  

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I am very interested in the last bullet point because being a creative and a manager in a corporate consulting company I am faced daily with these challenges. I have seen creative teams dissolve due to the lack of innovative projects and the assumption that the corporation doesn't want innovators just assets-someone to help man the oars on the" HMS Crimson Quality Assurance."

The truth is that in times like these what we most definitely need are those who can come up with new, fresh, innovative ideas in terms not only in UX but in corporate culture. The age old problem is that innovators usually don't fit the classic corporate role. Likewise, there is a stigma that being corporate equates to being assimilated.  Is it possible to successfully  nurture an innovative and creative UX consultancy within a traditionally product-centric technology leader? Truly not without creative problem solvers and some thoughtful innovation.