Through the lens of the Lion Guardians model, we discuss the paradigms of conservation success by focusing on innovation. We posit that a linear view of coexistence is limiting and can reduce conservationists’ ability to successfully understand the conservation context and implement long-term successful initiatives. To overcome this, we can borrow insights from the business world and pedagogy of innovation to elucidate our understanding of how to maintain long-term coexistence in conservation. We work with local communities to protect lions by blending traditional knowledge and values with science. The Guardians monitor lions and mitigate conflicts between livestock and carnivores through various interventions and preventative actions. Through this model, radical innovation was employed, characterized by high risk and high uncertainty, and a focus on unprecedented performance created a dramatic change in the landscape. This resulted in a tripling of the lion population, one of the only places in Africa outside of protected areas with this achievement. This chapter provides an ideal case study to highlight the importance of transformative innovation for communities and lions.