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At Autodesk, innovation isn't just a buzzword—it's the foundation of everything we do. It fuels our employees, drives our products, and shapes the future of design and technology. We're proud to be recognized again by Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2023, a testament to the culture of creativity and collaboration we've built over the years.
This recognition highlights how we empower our people to think differently, challenge the status quo, and bring their ideas to life. From flexible work models to inclusive leadership programs and community-driven initiatives, we're continuously looking for new ways to foster innovation at every level.
To celebrate this achievement, I spoke with three inspiring leaders who shared how their programs are shaping the future of Autodesk and beyond.
**Workplace Innovator: Jenny Lum, Director of Global Projects**
One of the key drivers of our innovative culture is our **Flex Forward** approach to work. Unlike many companies that require a return to the office, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first model that gives employees the freedom to work from anywhere in the world where we can legally operate. When in-office, we focus on meaningful interactions that drive connection, collaboration, and impact.
Our offices have been redesigned to support different types of work—spaces for deep focus, collaboration, and social interaction. We also launched the **Autodesk Conference Experience (ACE)**, which acts as a concierge service for in-person meetings, helping teams customize their experiences and make the most of their time together.
The result? A more engaged workforce, increased diversity in our talent pool, and a stronger sense of belonging across the company.
**DEI Innovator: Ramona Blake, Senior Director of Diversity & Belonging**
Diversity and inclusion are not just values—they’re catalysts for innovation. That’s why we created the **NEXT LEVEL** program, a leadership development initiative designed to nurture underrepresented talent and prepare them for senior roles.
In this program, participants receive mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience. One of the highlights was the **Innovation Idol** capstone project, where teams developed ML-based solutions for real-world challenges. This not only gave them valuable technical skills but also showed how diverse perspectives can lead to groundbreaking ideas.
The long-term goal is to build a pipeline of diverse leaders who will continue to drive innovation and shape the future of our products and services.
**Impact Innovator: Christine Stoner, Executive Director of the Autodesk Foundation**
Empowering our employees to make a difference in their communities is another way we fuel innovation. Through a pilot program, we partnered with our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to give them $140,000 in unrestricted funding to support nonprofits they care about.
This initiative allowed ERGs to take the lead in identifying causes that align with their values and the needs of their communities. The results were powerful—funds went to organizations like LatinaGeeks and Techbridge Girls, supporting underrepresented groups in tech and STEM fields.
It's a great example of how employee-led initiatives can create real, lasting impact and inspire a more inclusive future.
At Autodesk, we believe that innovation thrives when people feel empowered, included, and connected. Whether it's through flexible work, leadership development, or community engagement, we're committed to building a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to the next big idea.
As we continue to push boundaries and explore new possibilities, we're excited to see what the future holds—and how our culture of innovation will shape the world around us.