From a position of power, I don’t think many innovative ideas can be acted on. There is too much going on at their work to allow them to meditate on what they have in mind.
Before taking on an influential position, the individual must have a long enough time period of mental capacity to think without pressure. For some, this could take months; for others, years— decades, even.
For many great leaders, this was achieved in their formative years through reading, writing, and experience.
They learned of history, people, cultures, ideas, successes, failures, and much more.
And in most cases, they enjoyed their learning. But more importantly, they learned that they were not yet ready, as there was still too much to learn. Still, they had an end goal.
In other words, they were preparing for the chance to show the world their vision, even if it might never come to pass.
There is a proper path great people take that brings them closer to their lofty dreams. You must be conscious of that path if you want to follow suit.