About Us

About Diana Baldi

Born in Appalachia where strip mining was prevalent, awareness of environmental stewardship came only by visiting another state where you could actually see through the water and air! Problem solving and teamwork were traditions in our family, and they became part of my interactions with the larger communities where we lived.

An environmental biology degree expanded to include chemistry and environmental management, with practical application within US Environmental Protection Agency Region III. Oversight of many engineering and laboratory contractors as well as state agencies perfected my systems auditing skills. Highly controversial projects including dioxin were challenges that required the best and the brightest from government, academia, and industry. I became the generalist who could collaborate with geo-hydrologists, public relations, chemists, and many other disciplines.

After a year break in Switzerland, I joined a global chemical company to investigate and solve environmental challenges, but without all the issues that slowed down the government offices. Teamwork was essential as well as creative thinking. The challenges were massive but so was the resolve to overcome them. As far back as 1990, we would perform integrated audits (quality, environmental, health and safety) of our Divisions and suppliers.

Next my career changed to consultant where our team was again outstanding! Creating training, delivering it to thousands of participants from hundreds of companies! What FUN! Conducting many organizational assessments and internal management system audits, and then assisting companies to improve week after week.

In my personal life, we came to know Odyssey of the Mind through my daughter’s participation. In 1999, OM Association, Inc. formed a new program called Destination ImagiNation, Inc. In fact, a significant reason to leave the corporate world was to have more time to devote to Destination ImagiNation^®. Now in a leadership volunteer role as the Far North Illinois Regional Director we are expanding the program into Chicago and several underserved communities.

The eclectic combination of products and services we offer through Innovation Training & Consulting, Inc. reflect the strong partnerships developed through the years and my personal passions of creativity, teamwork, problem solving, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

The Story behind the Logo

The butterfly has been a meaningful symbol to me since childhood. It creates life by sharing pollen. I have often been called the butterfly due to quick exchanging of information and bringing out collaboration in others. The butterfly does not need to stay or camp out to accomplish their mission and neither did I need to camp out with my clients for them to achieve their goals. Quick, as well as meaningful, results brought loyal clients.