The Accidental Creative

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the concept of “lean learning”—the art of cutting through information overload to focus on what matters and take action that truly moves us forward. We kick off with an intriguing story about the Jefferson Memorial's restoration, showing how asking the right questions unlocks smarter solutions.Joining us is Pat Flynn, entrepreneur and author of Lean Learning, who shares insights from his journey from aspiring architect to online business leader and educator. Together, we explore how to shift from hoarding knowledge to taking deliberate, timely action, supported by real-life examples and practical frameworks.We break down the difference between “just in case” and “just in time” learning, discuss voluntary force functions, and tackle the mental hurdles that keep creatives and leaders stuck in learning mode rather than doing. Pat offers inspiring personal stories—from online experiments to fishing escapades—that bring these principles to life.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Ask Better Questions: The right question asked repeatedly (like “why?”) can unravel complex issues and clear away unnecessary noise, leading to simple, effective solutions.Just-In-Time Learning: Instead of stockpiling information “just in case,” focus on gathering knowledge as you need it to move to the next step—then act on it.Implement Force Functions: Create self-imposed deadlines or accountability measures to compel action and learning by doing, not just by consuming.Leverage Community and Mentors: Surrounding yourself with peers, mentors, and those who've gone before you accelerates learning and provides essential support and perspective.Embrace Failure as a Guide: Strategic, fast failures are key to real growth; mistakes become vital feedback that push you toward mastery and wisdom.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

Ever fantasized about sending a scorched-earth resignation email or confronting that “complicated” colleague head-on? In this episode, we explore the messy realities and hidden costs of revenge in the workplace—and uncover healthier, more powerful strategies for navigating conflict and difficult people.We kick off with a viral real-life resignation email—an employee's “digital declaration of war”—and ask: Is revenge ever the right answer, or just a tempting fantasy? To help us dig deeper, we welcome leadership expert and executive coach Ryan Leak, who shares research and tactics from his new book How to Work with Complicated People. Ryan challenges us to recognize that “complicated” is in the eye of the beholder, and often, the growth opportunity in conflict lies with us.Then, conflict resolution specialist James Kimmel takes us into the neuroscience of revenge. We learn just how a grudge can hijack our brain like a drug—triggering temporary pleasure but lasting destruction. James shares practical, evidence-based steps for breaking the cycle and explains why forgiveness isn't just a virtue but a neurological “wonder drug” for our own well-being. His new book is called The Science of Revenge.Whether you're dreaming of a Jerry Maguire exit or just tired of that one messy team dynamic, this episode will help you turn revenge fantasies into opportunities for learning, integrity, and genuine professional growth.Five Key Learnings:“Complicated” Is Subjective: What you find difficult in a colleague, someone else might find easy—meaning anyone (including ourselves) can be “complicated” to work with.People Over Job Description: Job satisfaction is far more influenced by the people you work with than by the actual work you do.Honest Conversation Heals: Growth and resolution often require stepping into vulnerable, authentic dialogue with colleagues—even if it's uncomfortable.Revenge Is Addictive—And Costly: Neuroscience shows that seeking revenge lights up our reward centers like an addiction, but leaves us feeling worse and traps us in a cycle of pain.Forgiveness as Self-Healing: Quiet, internal forgiveness—without any big announcements—switches off our brain's pain and reward loops, empowering us to make clearer, healthier decisions.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to choose creativity, rather than simply waiting for inspiration to strike. We open with the fascinating origin story of Photoshop—how a grad student's simple problem-solving evolved, through deliberate choices and refinement, into a revolutionary creative tool. This story sets the stage for this episode's exploration of how intentional actions, not just spontaneous bursts, drive meaningful creative outcomes.We're joined by Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the new book, The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. Zorana shares insights from her 25 years of creativity research, focusing especially on the overlooked emotional aspects of creative work. We discuss why creativity is about continuous, intentional choices—both big and small—that help us make progress, manage our energy, and use our emotions as information.Together, we unpack actionable strategies to deliberately foster creativity in high-pressure environments, the science behind emotional rhythms and productivity, and how tools like generative AI fit into the evolving landscape of creative work. Zorana also offers a unique perspective on matching your creative tasks to your emotional state and daily energy rhythms.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Intentional Creativity Over Inspiration: Waiting for flashes of inspiration is risky—real creative progress comes from deliberate, systematic practices and choices.Emotions as Informational Tools: Emotions aren't just happening to us—they're signals we can decode and use to drive creative action and problem solving.Creative Rhythm Is Personal: Everyone's daily emotional and energy cycles are different. Understanding and aligning your creative tasks to these rhythms leads to better results.Build Your Creative Infrastructure: Sustainable creativity requires supportive systems—idea capture, regular review, and collaborative feedback structures are essential.AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Generative AI can assist with certain creative tasks, but the essential human skill of “problem finding”—asking the right questions—remains at the heart of true creativity.Get weekly articles to your inbox at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we dive deep into why optimism is far more than just wishful thinking—it's a practical, essential quality for doing brave, creative work and leading others with clarity. We explore how maintaining optimistic vision, especially in uncertain times, can drive teams forward and inspire decisive action.We also welcome special guest Peter Wilken, branding expert and author of Dim Sum Strategy and The Ten Commandments to Build a Strong Brand and Steer Your Ship By. Peter shares stories from his storied career at the forefront of global advertising and brand consulting, shedding light on the origins and importance of “brand DNA.” Together, we discuss the key components that make great brands resilient, relevant, and unique, and how nurturing breakthrough ideas means protecting them as they grow.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Optimism Demands Agency and Vision: Real optimism is about having perceived agency and a clear, forward-looking vision, not blind faith. Leaders must provide clarity (not certainty) and communicate how their team fits into the bigger picture.The True Nature of Passion: Passion, at its root, means being willing to endure or suffer for a meaningful outcome. It's about committing to a vision deeply enough to overcome discomfort or setbacks along the way.Spotting and Nurturing Great Ideas: Breakthrough creative ideas often begin as small, vulnerable seedlings that need protection and nurturing. Organizations need the courage, craftsmanship, and willingness to let ideas grow—even if they're polarizing at first.Brand DNA Explained: Great brands have a unique “DNA”—a strategic, memorable template outlining their reason for being, core beliefs, promise, customer benefit, and culture. This blueprint ensures long-lasting differentiation and guides consistent brand experiences.Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Brands erode when they try to please everyone, over-invest in superficial touchpoints, or jump to execution before strategy. Strong brands actively exclude those who don't share their values and build on a foundation of unwavering beliefs.Get articles to your inbox each week at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we dig deep into the experience of “stuckness” that every creative pro and leader faces when tackling hard problems. We challenge the typical advice of “just push through,” and instead reveal the true root causes behind creative block. Also, we explore why simply grinding it out doesn't always work and how a more mindful approach can help us regain momentum.We unpack three main reasons why we often get stuck: lack of definition, loss of motivation, and outdated systems. Through relatable examples and practical questions, we show how redefining the problem, reconnecting with our deeper why, and shaking up our routines can reignite progress.Whether you're leading a team, working solo, or just trying to unlock new ideas, this episode guides you to reflect, reset, and recharge your creative drive — so you can move forward with purpose.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Stuckness Is Normal: Getting stuck is an inevitable part of doing creative, challenging work — but it's not something we have to resign ourselves to.Define the Real Problem: We must continuously clarify not just the project, but the actual problem we're solving. This involves empathy, keen focus, and honest reassessment.Reconnect With Motivation: When we lose sight of why our work matters or get caught in “all what, no why,” motivation drops. Reconnecting tasks to a meaningful purpose is essential.Audit Your Systems: Outdated processes or a constant chase after new systems can drain energy. Refresh your workflow, build supportive relationships, and question limiting assumptions.Progress Over Perfection: Stuckness is often a choice. Diligent effort and a willingness to realign or rethink can break the cycle of stagnation and lead to better results.Subscribe to articles like this at bravefocusedbrilliant.com.

In today's episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the crucial distinction between being a collector and a curator in the digital age. With endless streams of information bombarding us daily, it's easy to fall into the trap of hoarding inspiration—saving articles, quotes, and ideas without ever transforming them into something meaningful. We explore how true creativity is about making the complicated simple and turning endless noise into valuable insight.We walk through a practical, three-step framework to move from information overload to actionable insight: casting a wide net, curating what matters, and ruthlessly eliminating the rest. By asking ourselves key questions—what is this really, why does it matter to me, and what can I create with it—we can ensure that our collections fuel creativity and purposeful work instead of stifling it. Plus, we share tips for establishing regular curation sessions so these ideas don't gather digital dust.If you're ready to stop drowning in information and start producing more focused, meaningful creative work, this episode is for you.Five Key Learnings:Collecting vs. Curating: Collecting is about amassing information; curating is about making sense of it, connecting ideas, and generating insight.The Three Questions: Always ask, “What is this really?”, “Why does it matter to me?”, and “What can I create with this?” to turn stimulus into creative fuel.Ruthless Elimination: Don't be afraid to let go of anything that doesn't serve a clear purpose or add value—quality trumps quantity.Regular Curation is Essential: Scheduling time to review, connect, and synthesize ideas is the difference-maker for ongoing creative productivity.Focus on Impact: It's not about the size of your information repository, but what you do with it—what you create is what counts.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appGet free weekly articles by email to help you do your best work at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.

In this episode, we dive into managing uncertainty with Todd Henry and special guest Melody Wilding. We share insights on thriving in uncertain times, including building chaos-proof rituals, asking transformative questions, and thinking countercyclically. We also highlight Melody Wilding's expertise from her latest book Managing Up, which is about how to get what you want from those in charge. Melody shares how creative professionals can align with their managers and navigate workplace dynamics through strategic conversations.Get new articles by email each week at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Build Chaos-Proof Rituals: Establish daily routines that provide stability, support creativity, and enhance mental clarity during chaotic times.Ask Transformative Questions: Shift perspective by focusing on opportunity-seeking questions that can turn chaos into creative endeavors.Think Countercyclically: In uncertain times, adopt a contrarian mindset by identifying overlooked opportunities that others may miss.Practice the Art of Solitude: Embrace solitude to foster deep thinking and creative breakthroughs, making it a secret weapon in chaotic environments.Master Managing Up: Develop the skill of managing up by leading strategic conversations, ensuring alignment with your leaders, and providing and receiving feedback effectively.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

In this episode of Daily Creative, we delve into the concept of "Strategic Indifference," a powerful approach to leadership and creativity. We share insights on how Steve Jobs exemplified this concept when he returned to Apple in 1997 and made bold decisions that transformed the company. The episode explores the difference between prioritization and strategic indifference, highlighting the courage it takes to purposely ignore certain tasks, even when they appear important, to concentrate on what truly matters.We discuss the art of not caring as a superpower, understanding the importance of timing, and how strategic indifference empowers teams to thrive. Additionally, we explain the paradox of priorities, emphasizing that sometimes, saying no to good things is necessary to achieve great things. The episode closes by asking listeners to identify their most important initiative and consider what they can let slide temporarily to focus on achieving long-term value.Five key learnings from the episode:Strategic indifference involves deliberately choosing to ignore certain tasks to concentrate on achieving critical objectives.This approach requires courage and a clear vision, often involving letting go of seemingly essential opportunities.Timing and context are crucial in applying strategic indifference effectively; choosing the right moment can yield significant results.Empowering teams through strategic indifference enhances their independence and capability while enabling focused tactical execution.Prioritizing one or two critical challenges can drive immediate progress and pave the way for long-term growth.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode of Daily Creative, we discuss how to make yourself stand out in a competitive job market by reversing the traditional job search approach. We highlight the inspiring story of Nina Mufleh, who broke through the job market noise with her innovative product listing resume, showcasing the exact qualities employers seek: creativity, problem-solving, and calculated risk-taking. Madeline Mann, our guest and author of the book Reverse the Search, shares insights on transitioning from being a job seeker to a job shopper, a mindset that attracts opportunities rather than chasing them. We explore the importance of focusing on connections during interviews, demonstrating authenticity, and shifting the narrative from telling your story to solving the company's challenges.Key learnings from the episode:Job shoppers focus on presenting their value, creating opportunities for companies to sell them a position.Effective differentiation is key to catching an employer's attention in today's competitive job market.Avoid autobiography syndrome by focusing on how you can solve the company's needs instead of just sharing your story.Reduce perceived risk for employers by being transparent about your strengths and weaknesses.Approach interviews as conversations, emphasizing connection over perfection.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode of Daily Creative we are joined by Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage and former executive at Google. We delve into the concept of mediocrity and how many bright creatives can inadvertently settle for less due to fear and external pressures. Jenny shares her transformative subway moment that led her to embrace "wild courage" and how she has applied this principle to various aspects of her life and work. We discuss the importance of taking action despite fears, and Jenny introduces us to her unique approach to courage, highlighting traits such as being "healthily manipulative" to enhance influence and success.Jenny also explains the idea of "woo with you," a technique to build relationships through empathy and valuing others, while staying rooted in ethical practices. We explore how courage isn't about eliminating fear, but progressing despite it, focusing on subtle yet determined actions that lead to significant change. Jenny emphasizes rejecting imposter syndrome and owning one's strengths proudly. Her book, Wild Courage, encourages readers to pursue their goals with deliberate, courageous steps that defy conventional expectations.Key learnings from this episode:Mediocrity often happens in small increments of settling, driven by fear disguised as wisdom.Wild courage involves taking calculated risks and acting even when fear is present.Influence can be cultivated through empathy and valuing others, embracing a mindset of healthy manipulation.True courage isn't about bravado; it's small, consistent progress toward meaningful goals.Embracing one's strengths and rejecting imposter syndrome is crucial for professional and personal growth.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the essential dynamics of trust within creative organizations and our personal relationship with money. We start with a discussion on how trust is foundational in the creative process, emphasizing the significance of a reciprocal relationship between team members and leadership. When trust erodes, it can lead to workplace inefficiencies and cause talented individuals to leave.We then explore how our internal trust, particularly in the context of money, influences our professional lives. Our guest, Elizabeth Husserl, author of "The Power of Enough," joins us to unravel the complexities of valuing creative work in a financial market. She offers insights into how personal narratives around money can either empower or hinder our careers and stresses the importance of understanding and re-shaping our relationship with money to match our creative aspirations.Key Learnings from the Episode:Trust in creative organizations must be a two-way street—team members need to trust leadership, and leadership needs to trust the team.The natural cycles of creative intensity and recovery must be acknowledged to avoid overwhelming team members.Personal relationships with money greatly affect how creative professionals value their work and handle financial matters.Understanding one's personal money story is crucial for improving financial decision-making and satisfaction in professional endeavors.Separating personal value from monetary value can lead to a healthier, more strategic approach to creative work.Subscribe to Brave, Focused, Brilliant at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode of Daily Creative, we share insights from my recent (grueling, yet rewarding) speaking tour across the United States, where I delivered nine keynote presentations in just 14 days. My travel provided me with valuable lessons and inspiration, captured as quick sketches and observations in my notebook. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to discuss two powerful moments from my recent travels that challenged my thinking and revealed profound insights about creativity and leadership.The first moment comes from a Q&A session following a keynote about The Brave Habit. A client's story about teaching his daughter the importance of bravery and wise decision-making led to an insightful takeaway on agency and optimism. The story of a man repeatedly falling into a hole but eventually deciding to take a different street, inspired us to consider how often we fail to fill the holes in our lives and how an optimistic vision and a sense of agency can prevent repeated mistakes.The second moment of discovery happened unexpectedly during an Uber ride in Houston. Despite exhaustion, a casual conversation with my driver unearthed his aspiration to write. This experience reminded me that meaningful contributions often occur in small, seemingly insignificant moments. Sometimes, our impact on others happens in private, when we choose to be present.Key Learnings from the Episode:Documenting meaningful moments and insights during travels can fuel inspiration and creativity.Bravery often requires an optimistic vision and a sense of agency to embrace challenges and prevent repeated mistakes.Small, everyday interactions can lead to significant inspiration and encouragement for others.Consistency over perfection is vital in achieving creative goals, such as writing a book.Embracing little moments of engagement can enrich our body of work and contribute to the greater good.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

Chances are, you're probably not taking enough shots.In this episode, we explore the importance of starting more and letting go of the pressure to finish everything. We discuss how embracing parallel creation and being unafraid to repeat ourselves can lead to brilliant work. We also hear from Becky Blades, Austin Kleon, Andy J. Pizza, and Ozan Varol about the significance of taking action on our ideas without being paralyzed by the fear of public perception.Key Insights:1. Overthinking can hinder creativity, so it's important to move from imagination to action swiftly.2. Embracing the process of starting multiple ideas can help identify the ones worth persevering for.3. Pay attention to the ideas that won't leave you alone, as they may be the keepers.4. Life is more of a jungle gym than a ladder; sometimes the road ahead only becomes clear as you take each step.5. Taking action on the ideas that resonate with you is crucial, as the world often lights the path ahead only a few steps at a time.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

In this episode we delve into the concept of adopting a brave mindset in our daily lives, drawing inspiration from Todd Henry's book "The Brave Habit." Throughout the episode, we discuss the significance of choosing which narratives to respond to in defining our identities. We emphasize that bravery is not synonymous with bravado; rather, bravery involves self-sacrificial actions that pursue visions outside of oneself. We further explore how acts of bravery can influence those around us, encouraging others to recognize and follow their path to courage.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Bravery vs. Bravado: Bravery is about self-sacrifice and pursuing visions beyond oneself, while bravado is often mere posturing.Choosing Your Narrative: Our true names are not what we're given at birth, but the identities we choose by our responses to life's challenges.Influencing Others: When we act bravely, we inspire and call out bravery in others, raising the collective standard.Bravery in Discomfort: Embracing discomfort for the greater good is a key aspect of living bravely.Individual Impact: While we may not change the world, we are called to transform the world around us by leading bravely.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we delve into the powerful concept of incremental improvement, using the inspiring example of one writer's simple but effective writing routine. We're joined via a 2016 interview by Dan Harris, author of "10% Happier," as he shares his transformative journey from a skeptic of meditation to an advocate, following a live panic attack that stemmed from mounting stress and self-medication. Harris discusses how meditation provided him with mindfulness—an essential tool that enhances focus, reduces reactivity, and promotes calmness.We explore how mindfulness practices can profoundly impact decision-making, creativity, and leadership. By being mindful, we can navigate life's challenges more wisely, transforming how we respond to stress at work and in personal relationships. Dan offers practical advice on starting a meditation practice, emphasizing the importance of consistency, even if it begins with just five to ten minutes daily. Five key learnings from the episode:The Power of Routine: Maya Angelou's disciplined daily writing practice demonstrates how small, consistent actions compound over time into substantial creative work.Mindfulness Benefits: Meditation can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and rewire the brain, leading to improved focus and calmness.Mindfulness in Decision Making: Practicing mindfulness helps break unproductive thought patterns, enabling better decision-making and creativity in challenging situations.Consistent Practice: Starting with just five to ten minutes of meditation daily can yield significant benefits; consistency is crucial to maintaining mindfulness.Grace in Practice: The key to sustaining creative and personal practices is granting oneself grace and understanding that starting again is part of the process.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Fred Cox, a former NFL kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, who transitioned from the football field to becoming the inventor of the Nerf football. His story showcases how innovation can emerge from unexpected places and how outsiders with fresh perspectives often lead to groundbreaking changes.We are also joined by Kim Christfort, chief innovation leader and national managing director at the Deloitte Greenhouse Experience and co-author of The Breakthrough Manifesto. She discusses the concepts of overcoming resistance to change, distinguishing between critical thinking and cynicism, and fostering innovation by maintaining a beginner's mindset. Kim enlightens us on dealing with internal and external skepticism, optimizing team dynamics to promote innovation, and leveraging the language of your organization to advocate for new ideas.Key Learnings:Outsider Innovation:Fred Cox's journey from NFL kicker to the inventor of the Nerf football exemplifies how fresh perspectives can lead to groundbreaking innovations.Critical Thinking vs. Cynicism:Critical thinking involves asking provocative questions and seeking truth, while cynicism is a toxic presence that shuts down new ideas.Beginner's Mindset:Adopting a beginner's mindset helps strip away preconceived notions and encourages openness to new possibilities, crucial for fostering innovation.Dealing with Skepticism:Logical explanations and creating structured environments for discussion can help mitigate the impact of skepticism and keep innovation efforts on track.Leveraging Organizational Language:Framing innovation opportunities in the language of the company (e.g., ROI, culture) can make them more convincing and increase the likelihood of buy-in.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode, we welcome Adam Galinsky, social psychologist, leadership expert, and author of the book "Inspire." Galinsky discusses the concept of the "leader amplification effect" and describes his visionary-exemplar-mentor (VEM) model of inspiring leadership. Through both Abouleish's journey and Galinsky's insights, we explore what makes leaders truly inspiring and how their influence can create lasting change within communities and organizations.Key Learnings:Holistic Vision: Ibrahim Abouleish's vision transcended mere agricultural development, focusing on creating an integrated community that combined sustainable farming, education, and cultural growth.Leader Amplification Effect: Adam Galinsky's concept emphasizes that when leaders are under the spotlight, even their smallest actions or comments are amplified, thus affecting their followers more profoundly.Visionary-Exemplar-Mentor (VEM) Model: Galinsky identifies three essential qualities of inspiring leaders: visionary thinking, exemplary action, and transformative mentorship. These traits universally define inspiring vs. infuriating leadership.Practical Demonstration: Abouleish's hands-on approach, working alongside his team to demonstrate the possibility of transforming desert land, earned him credibility and motivated others to join his mission.Empowering Others: Effective mentorship involves empowering, elevating, and empathizing with others. Leaders who share credit and foster a sense of responsibility and growth in their team members help build a thriving and motivated community.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the subtle yet powerful dynamics that can undermine our creative potential. Imagine you're driving down a familiar road, and your car begins to pull to one side, requiring constant correction just to stay on track. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates how certain hidden forces can slowly erode our creative output and lead us astray from our best work. These stealthy saboteurs are what we call the "Assassins of Creativity".We'll explore how these assassins—Dissonance, Fear, and Expectation Escalation—work quietly behind the scenes to hinder our productivity and innovation. Through a recent keynote from Todd Henry, we break down these assassins and provide actionable insights on how to counteract them. From aligning tactics with strategy and purpose, to taking calculated risks in the face of fear, and managing expectations to maintain creative white space, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on sustaining creative excellence.Five Key Learnings from this Episode:Dissonance - A gap between what we are doing and why we are doing it can create tension and zap our creative energy.Fear - When the perceived consequences of failure outweigh the perceived benefits of success, it prevents us from taking necessary creative risks.Expectation Escalation - Constantly increasing expectations can squeeze out the white space needed for creativity and innovation.Unnecessary Complexity - Overcomplicating problems can introduce dissonance and hinder a creative team's progress.Opacity Phenomenon - A lack of clear reasoning behind tasks can lead to dissonance and reduced engagement from creative professionals.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we explore the nature of taking a stand.Our guest, Dr. Sunita Sah (author of Defy), a professor at Cornell University and an organizational psychologist, joins us to delve deep into the concept of defiance. Dr. Sah proposes a new definition of defiance—acting in alignment with your true values when there is pressure to do otherwise. She reveals insights from her research that suggests most of us are conditioned from an early age to comply and how this conditioning affects our ability to act on our values.We also discuss the five stages of defiance that individuals go through as they act according to their principles. Dr. Sah emphasizes the importance of explicitly knowing and writing down our values to ensure that our actions align with them. Key Learnings:Defiance Redefined: Defiance is not about rebellion but about acting in alignment with your true values, despite external pressures.Conditioned Compliance: From a young age, we are conditioned to comply and this affects our ability to act in alignment with our values.Insinuation Anxiety: We often hesitate to speak up or correct others because we fear insinuating that they are wrong or unethical.Stages of Defiance: The five stages—tension, acknowledgment, escalation, threat of non-compliance, and act of defiance—help us understand the process of standing up to pressure.Value Clarity: Knowing and explicitly writing down our values can help reduce stress and align our actions with our principles.Get full interviews, daily episodes, and more at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode we explore the importance of remaining open to unexpected detours and serendipitous moments in our creative and personal lives.Our guest, Bernadette Jiwa, a recognized authority on storytelling in business innovation and the author of the book Hunch, offers deep insights into how curiosity, empathy, and imagination are vital traits for spotting transformative opportunities. Jiwa explains the crucial difference between ideas and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of addressing real problems rather than merely generating ideas.We explore the concept that sometimes our objectives and goals can act as blinders, preventing us from recognizing valuable peripheral discoveries. Jiwa shares practical strategies for developing better awareness and tapping into serendipity, fostering the kind of curiosity and attention that can lead to breakthrough innovations.Throughout the episode, Jiwa provides examples of how successful entrepreneurs have turned seemingly mundane observations into impactful solutions, reinforcing the value of remaining curious and empathetic in our pursuits.Key Learnings:Unexpected Discoveries: Often, the most significant breakthroughs come from being open to accidents and unexpected findings, as demonstrated by Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin.Curiosity, Empathy, Imagination: These three qualities are common traits among individuals who consistently generate great ideas and can be cultivated by anyone.Opportunities vs. Ideas: True innovation addresses opportunities (problems begging for solutions) rather than just coming up with ideas.The Limitation of Objectives: Strict adherence to goals can limit our ability to see valuable opportunities in our surroundings.The Power of Noticing: Paying attention to the world around us, asking pertinent questions, and listening to our environment can lead to significant insights and innovations.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode, we explore the importance of the narratives we surround ourselves with, as highlighted by our guest, Gabriel Reilich, the head of content and innovation at Upworthy and author of the book Good People. Gabriel discusses the profound effects of uplifting stories and how they can reshape our perceptions and empower us to engage more positively with the world around us.We discuss George Gerbner's "Mean World Syndrome" theory and its modern-day implications, emphasizing the need to consciously balance our media consumption. Positive stories are not just feel-good content; they can fundamentally alter our outlook, creativity, and leadership.Join us as we uncover the power of good thinking and positive storytelling to inspire better leadership, creativity, and a kinder world.Key Learnings from the Episode:The Power of Humility and Generosity: Dale Schroeder's life teaches us that extraordinary impact comes from focused intention, modest living, and generous actions.Media Influence on Perception: George Gerbner's theory of "Mean World Syndrome" highlights how media consumption can distort our view of reality and affect our creativity and leadership abilities.Ripple Effect of Kindness: Positive actions and stories can create far-reaching impacts, benefiting many individuals beyond the initial act.Mindful Media Consumption: Being intentional about the stories and media we consume can help maintain a more hopeful and accurate perspective of the world.Everyday Interactions Matter: Seemingly small acts of kindness can have profound effects on others, offering solace and support during challenging times.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

Show Notes: Daily Creative - "So Emotional"In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the profound impact of emotion in our creative processes. We begin with a captivating story about Walt Disney and how his emotional response to rundown amusement parks sparked the creation of Disneyland—revolutionizing family entertainment forever.We sit down with Greg Hoffman, former Chief Marketing Officer of Nike and author of "Emotion by Design," to delve into the power of creativity and emotion in brand building. Greg shares insights from nearly three decades at Nike, emphasizing that the most successful brands are those that form deep emotional connections with their audiences. He highlights the essential balance between analytical precision and the ineffable qualities of art, urging brands to respect the craft of storytelling rather than just producing content for distribution.We also dive into a memorable story featuring legendary basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), and how his advice to Nike's marketing team parallels the creative journey—seeing what others don't and transforming deep insights into iconic work. Greg discusses fostering a culture of risk-taking and empathy, which is vital in generating innovative and emotionally resonant work.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Emotional Connection is Key: Emotional responses to everyday problems can lead to groundbreaking solutions and innovations.Balancing Art and Science: Effective brand building requires a balance between analytical strategies and creative, human-centric storytelling.Empathy as a Starting Point: Successful creativity often begins with empathy, unpacking layers beyond simple observations to deeply understand the audience's needs.Encouraging Risk-Taking: Incentivizing risk-taking within your team can lead to more innovative and emotionally engaging outcomes.Vision Advantage: Developing a unique vision allows creatives to see opportunities others might miss, turning potential failures into compelling successes.Get full interviews and daily episodes in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we delve into the question of whether it's better to be first to market... or second. Safi Bahcall, author of "Loonshots," discusses the importance of nurturing big ideas and differentiates between product-type (P-type) and strategy-type (S-type) innovators. Through historical anecdotes and industry examples, we explore whether it's more advantageous to be first or second to market, and how to leverage your strengths for lasting success.Five Key Learnings:First vs. Second to Market:Being first isn't always an advantage. Sometimes being second allows you to learn from the first mover's experiences and refine your approach.Importance of Storytelling:Transformers succeeded partly due to a compelling narrative and superior marketing, emphasizing the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences.Innovative Blind Spots:P-type innovators can miss strategic market shifts, while S-type innovators might overlook technological advancements.Ambidexterity in Innovation:Combining product innovation with strategic innovation can significantly enhance the sustainability and reach of your ideas.Self-Awareness:Understanding your strengths and compensating for your weaknesses through complementary skills is crucial in navigating competitive markets.Get full interviews, daily episodes, guides, Q&A segments, and more at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode we revisit Todd's powerful talk delivered at Schermerhorn Symphony Hall in Nashville, TN for the Story Conference. Todd discusses the importance of shunning comfort zones, overcoming fear, and identifying your productive passion to ensure we empty ourselves of our best work by the end of our lives.He also delves into practical questions to help you discover your own productive passion and emphasizes the importance of fighting the right creative battles. With engaging anecdotes and suggestions, this episode is a call to action: define your principles, take bold steps, and strive to put your best work into the world, ensuring you live and ultimately, die empty.Key Learnings:Embrace Innovation Despite Resistance:New and dangerous ideas often face strong opposition, but persevering is key to bringing transformative work into the world.Avoid the Comfort Trap:External validation can lead to complacency. Strive to continuously challenge yourself and push beyond your comfort zone.Overcome Fear:Fear often disguises itself as wisdom, preventing action. Recognize and confront your fears to unlock new opportunities.Identify Your Productive Passion:Discover what you're willing to suffer for—this dedicated pursuit helps navigate the forces of comfort and fear.Live Purposefully to Die Empty:Ensure you don't take your best work to the grave. Live each day with intention, contributing your unique gifts to the world.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of vulnerability and kindness in fostering meaningful relationships, both personal and professional. Our guest, James Rhee, author of Red Helicopter, recounts an impactful kindergarten experience that taught him the value of goodwill and sharing. He likens the power of kindness to the magical world of "Harold in the Purple Crayon," emphasizing our ability to create goodwill through our actions.We then delve into a conversation with Eric Barker, renowned for his book Plays well with Others. Eric reveals surprising insights about our relationships, especially how "frenemies" tend to cause more stress than outright enemies. He discusses ways to engage with difficult people empathetically, and he underscores the importance of vulnerability in building strong, supportive communities.The episode wraps up with actionable advice from Todd's latest book, The Brave Habit, focusing on how to cultivate brave teams through healthy conflict, protection of teammates, and the giving and receiving of feedback.Key Learnings:Vulnerability is Crucial: Being open and honest, even when it's difficult, is key to forming genuine relationships.Goodwill is Powerful: Small acts of kindness can create lasting positive impacts.Manage Ambivalent Relationships: "Frenemies" can be more stressful than outright enemies, so it's vital to manage those relationships carefully.Engage in Healthy Conflict: Effective teams don't avoid conflict—they engage in it healthily and constructively.Empathy and Community: Building communities requires patience, empathy, and a focus on face-to-face interactions rather than digital ones.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode, we dive deep into the intriguing world of perception and communication. It all begins with a story about how a seemingly simple movie night turned into a revelation about differing perspectives. We explore how our interpretations of the same events can vary widely, reflecting our own stories and lenses.Joining us is Tamsen Webster, a message designer with 25 years of experience in marketing and messaging. She shares insights from her new book Say What They Can't Unhear, unveiling why some messages stick while others fail to resonate. Tamsen introduces us to the four primary categories of listeners: actives, ambivalence, indifference, and antagonists. Each category requires a unique approach when crafting messages for effective communication.Tamsen explains the critical importance of understanding the deeper 'why' behind our messages to reach our audience's core beliefs and values. We discuss how influential stories and beliefs can shape perceptions, often leading us to believe in something despite contradicting evidence, as illustrated by the Theranos scandal.We learn that to inspire change and build buy-in, we need to structure our messages around elements our audience already agrees with, support their deeper beliefs, and be patient as change happens in layers.Key Learnings:Our personal lenses and stories shape how we interpret and perceive messages.There are four primary audience categories: actives, ambivalence, indifference, and antagonists.Understanding the deeper 'why' behind your message is crucial for effective communication.Our underlying stories and beliefs significantly influence our perceptions and can be manipulated.Change happens in layers, requiring patience and alignment with deeper principles and values.Get full interviews, daily episodes, Q&A, and more at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode, we explore the stories of two remarkable individuals who took bold steps to seize opportunities in their lives, despite facing incredible challenges.First, we hear from Trey Sheneman, a marketing consultant and a father whose son, Bear, was born with a unique birth defect that severely impacted his hearing. Trey shares the heartwarming journey of how watching Wheel of Fortune became a therapeutic ritual for Bear and led Trey to audition for the game show. Against the odds, Trey's determination and strategic planning not only landed him a spot on the show but also resulted in a life-changing win for his family.Next, we delve into the powerful narrative of Bo Cornelius, who faced a life-altering experience after a car accident that led to a prison sentence. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Bo found a way to inspire and lead from within prison walls. His journey of redemption and his efforts to create a leadership development group in prison culminated in a significant event that continues to impact many lives.Key Learnings:Seize Unexpected Opportunities: Recognize and act on unique situations that can change your life, even if the odds seem against you.Preparation is Key: Thorough preparation and a strategic approach can significantly enhance your chances of success.Take Agency Over Circumstances: Control what you can in any situation to create better outcomes for yourself and others.Transform Adversity into Growth: Even in the darkest moments, there are opportunities for personal growth and leadership.Be Present and Brave: Make the most of every opportunity with bravery and a well-thought-out plan, as these moments can define your life.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we are joined by renowned author and strategist Seth Godin, who shares invaluable insights into understanding and developing effective strategies. We delve into the concept of elegant versus inelegant strategies, with Seth providing compelling examples of how simple, effective solutions can resolve complex problems. He also discusses the critical distinction between strategy and tactics, and highlights the dangers of ignoring systemic inertia while pushing for change.Key Learnings:Simplify Your Strategy: Focus efforts on simplicity and elegance rather than over-complicating strategic plans.Identify Blind Spots: Surround yourself with trusted advisors who can help you recognize and overcome potential blind spots in your strategy.Work With, Not Against, Systemic Inertia: Identify and align with existing systemic dynamics to facilitate change without wasting energy.Separate Strategy from Tactics: Understand that strategy involves forward-thinking and positioning, while tactics are the specific actions taken to achieve strategic goals.Leverage Existing Incentives: Align your desired outcomes with existing incentives within your organization or system to effectively drive change.Listen to the full 30 minute interview at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore a quote from Richard Rohr: "A mouse in a mansion does not need to take lessons in humility." This imagery of a mouse confidently navigating a grand space leads us into a profound discussion on humility, self-awareness, and authentic leadership.We reflect on the importance of striking a balance between confidence and humility, highlighting how true confidence stems from self-awareness rather than ego. By understanding our own worth and limitations, we can operate from a place of genuine humility, fostering trust, respect, and creativity within our teams and personal lives.Five Key Learnings:True Confidence vs. Ego: Confidence acknowledges fallibility and values others, while ego insists on infallibility and self-importance.Self-Awareness: Recognizing our worth and limitations helps us lead with humility and authenticity.Mentorship: The perspectives of trusted mentors can provide valuable insights into our strengths and areas for growth.Consistent Progress: Regularly setting and achieving attainable goals builds creative confidence, as noted by researcher Teresa Amabile.Vulnerability: Sharing struggles and uncertainties with trusted individuals can enhance our confidence and reduce the fear of imperfection.Subscribe to the newsletter at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com

In this thought-provoking episode of Daily Creative, we delve into the concept of safety, its potential illusions, and how it impacts creativity.Chase Jarvis (author of Never Play It Safe) shares his personal journey from a budding second-grade entrepreneur, whose creative ventures were effectively shut down by a well-meaning teacher, to becoming a globally celebrated commercial photographer, director, author, and founder of CreativeLive. He underscores the notion that the best experiences in life are often on the other side of our comfort zones and how societal norms and expectations can steer us away from our true paths.Throughout the episode, we also reflect on the wisdom of 20th-century mystic Thomas Merton on the dangers of imitation and the value of staying true to oneself, even when misunderstood. Jarvis provides insights into the importance of intuition, attention, and constraints as vital elements of creativity that are frequently undermined by societal pressures.Five Key Learnings:1. Illusions of Safety: Perceived safety in stable jobs or predictable careers can often be more dangerous as it puts others in control of our lives.2. Nature of Risk: Avoiding risk does not eliminate problems; it only changes the type of challenges we face and may lead to worse situations.3. Intuition and Creativity: Our intuition, attention, and constraints are powerful tools we have been conditioned to ignore, yet they are essential for creative success.4. Risk as a Portfolio: Taking risks isn't about recklessness; it's about calculated decisions and balancing various aspects of life to ensure growth and innovation.5. Individual Risk Tolerance: Everyone has a different tolerance for risk, and what feels risky to one might feel safe to another. It's crucial to celebrate small wins and respect individual journeys.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

What if failure isn't just something to be tolerated and learned from, but actually something to be designed for?In this episode, we delve into an unconventional approach to success through the lens of failure. We are joined by Manu Kapur, a learning scientist and author of the book "Productive Failure." Manu believes that failure should not just be something we learn from when it happens, but something we should design for deliberately. This proactive stance on failure can accelerate learning and growth. He highlights the distinction between traditional views that stigmatize failure and a more constructive approach that celebrates effort and risk-taking.Understanding our own knowledge boundaries through failure is a central theme discussed. Failed attempts reveal the limit of what we know and spotlight the gaps in our understanding. This awareness is crucial for deeper learning and personal growth.To further illustrate the lessons from failure, Todd shares a personal story about taking up running post-injury. His journey from struggling to run a mile to becoming an avid runner underscores how small, incremental progress—even in the face of failure—leads to significant achievement.Key Learnings from the Episode:1. Redefining Failure: Viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback can lead to greater resilience and success.2. Designing for Failure: Proactively integrating failure into learning processes can accelerate growth and understanding.3. Intrinsic Curiosity: Embracing uncertainty and the desire to figure things out is a natural human trait that fosters innovation and learning.4. Awareness of Limits: Recognizing the boundaries of our knowledge through failure is essential for deep learning.5. Progress Over Perfection: Celebrating small, daily wins and incremental progress, even through failures, fuels long-term success.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode, we explore the significance of understanding your audience. Mike DiMartino, co-creator of Avatar: The Last Airbender, emphasizes the importance of creating content that respects and enlightens the audience, rather than just entertaining them. We delve into Mike's career journey from his art school days to his innovative work in animation and his venture into novel writing. DiMartino shares the creative process behind his novel Both Here and Gone, offering profound insights on grief and loss through a young protagonist's story. We also touch upon the necessity of having creative guardrails to channel artistic efforts effectively, rather than absolute freedom, and discuss the impact of evoking genuine emotions rather than provoking reactions in the audience.Key Learnings:1. Audience Focus: Keeping a specific, real-life audience in mind, like Stephen King did with Tabitha, can ground and humanize creative work.2. Respecting the Audience: Creating content that respects the intelligence and emotional depth of the audience leads to more impactful and memorable art.3. Creative Guardrails: Constraints and clear direction can enhance creativity by providing focus and a framework within which to innovate.4. Evoking vs Provoking: Authentic creative expression aims to evoke deep, lasting emotions rather than provokes temporary reactions.5. Continual Learning: Even seasoned creators like Mike DiMartino continue to study and refine their craft, demonstrating the importance of lifelong learning.Get full interviews and daily episodes in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode of Daily Creative, our guest, Ted Raad, co-founder of Trend Companies, shares his unique journey into the world of social media influence. Originally a bystander in his wife's budding influencer career, Ted was thrust into the business when they realized the power of staying authentic. Together, they built a company centered on maintaining integrity and growing trust with their audience.We discuss the difference between true influence and mere attention-seeking, emphasizing that genuine influence stems from providing authentic value and advice. Ted also shares insights on how creative professionals can foster influence by being authentic to themselves and their audience.Key Learnings:1. Influence can be about calling the best out of others, not just strategy or big plans.2. Authenticity is crucial in maintaining and growing trust with your audience.3. True influence is about guiding others towards what they already want but don't know how to find.4. Being persistent and embracing potential ridicule can lead to long-term success.5. Leadership that leaves a lasting impact focuses on developing and empowering people, creating echoes rather than monuments.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app. Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode, we dive into the motivations of creative pros. Through an engaging discussion with our guest Molly Fletcher, author of Dynamic Drive, we explore the deeper motivations that sustain long-term success in any field. Molly, a former sports agent, provides insights from her own experiences with high achievers, highlighting how true fulfillment stems from a purpose-driven life.Key Learnings:1. Even the most successful journeys begin with vulnerability and uncertainty.2. Long-term fulfillment is rarely achieved through external rewards alone; deeper motivations are essential.3. Dynamic drive involves curiosity, resilience, and connection with others, fueled by intentionality.4. Success often requires asking difficult questions about what truly drives us and aligning our pursuits with our deepest values.5. Constantly seeking improvement prevents complacency and sustains joy and fulfillment over time.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode of Daily Creative, we are joined by Mark Matson, an advisor, wealth manager, and author of Experiencing The American Dream, who has a fascinating personal story. Mark discusses how his father's mindset shift from a scarcity mentality to one of creating value for others significantly influenced his own life and career. He highlights how our psychology around money can either limit or enhance our creative potential.We delve into the intricate relationship between money and creativity, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose greater than financial gain. We also discuss the intersection of human touch and technology in today's economy, and why maintaining human contact can be a key differentiator for creatives in an increasingly automated world.Key Learnings:1. Creative Risk-Taking: The extraordinary outcomes that can result from stepping out of financial fear and investing in bold, creative ideas, as exemplified by the Cincinnati DJs' story.2. Mindset Matters: How adopting a value creation mindset, as Mark Matson's father did, can open pathways to prosperity and success.3. Money as a Tool: Viewing money as a tool rather than an end goal helps creative professionals focus on their work's true purpose and value.4. Human Element: The irreplaceable value of human connection and support in fostering creativity and navigating technology-driven changes in the marketplace.5. Purpose Over Profit: The importance of having a purpose beyond making money, as this drives fulfillment and resilience in both life and career.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the concept of generosity and how it can transform our professional and personal lives. Our guest, Mo Bunnell, author of the new book Give to Grow and founder of Bunnell Idea Group, joins us to discuss the distinction between doing the work and winning the work. Mo shares his insights on how being strategically generous can create raving fans and forge lasting professional relationships. We also explore practical strategies for infusing generosity into our everyday interactions and leadership, ensuring our efforts resonate deeply and generate meaningful connections.Key Learnings:1. Relationship Over Transaction: True professional success involves not just performing exceptional work, but also building lasting relationships by understanding the client's unique needs and priorities.2. Impact of Generosity: Small acts of generosity, like Billy Dean's 20 minutes at an airport, can humanize industries and leave a lasting impact on people, translating into long-term benefits.3. Strategic Giving: Being a strategic giver means giving without expecting anything in return but sizing the give relative to potential payoffs, thus maximizing positive outcomes without depleting resources.4. Effective Client Engagement: Using open-ended questions to engage clients in discussions about their dreams and needs helps in creating tailored solutions that resonate, rather than imposing pre-conceived ideas.5. Practical Phrasing: Simple phrases like, "Would it be helpful if..." can facilitate collaboration and make it easier for clients to say yes, ensuring more seamless and effective engagements.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.

What was the secret weapon that made Star Wars successful? (No, it wasn't the Death Star.) And, which Oscar-winning film's script was almost not even written, if not for some harsh words from a friend?In this episode, we delve into the importance of healthy relationships, radical candor, and effective communication in the creative process. We hear stories of challenging relationships and transformative conversations that led to breakthroughs in creativity and collaboration. We learn about the pivotal role others play in our creative work and the significance of becoming the type of person others need in their creative journeys. Guests include Kim Scott (author of Radical Candor), Charles Duhigg (author of the new book Supercommunicators), and Ausin Kleon (author of Steal Like An Artist).Key Learnings:1. Healthy relationships can play a crucial role in the creative process, and the input of others can be transformative for our work.2. Radical candor, the balance between caring personally and challenging directly, is rare but incredibly impactful in creative collaboration.3. Understanding the kind of conversation we're having, whether practical, emotional, or social, is essential for effective communication and connection.4. It's crucial to be attuned to others' needs and perspectives, and to engage in conversations that foster understanding and alignment.5. Effective communication involves proving that we are genuinely listening and understanding the perspectives of others, which can mitigate conflicts and foster meaningful dialogue.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

In this episode, we explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and what it means to be human in a technological age with our guest, Andy Crouch. We discuss the defining features of technology and how it impacts our ability to be persons in the world. Andy explains the difference between tools and devices, and how devices replace human effort and skill, leading to expanded capabilities but diminished burden.We delve into the hidden bargain of technology, where "you no longer have to" becomes "you no longer can," and eventually, "now you have to." This innovation bargain is illustrated through examples such as music streaming and the controversial Apple ad showcasing the "great flattening" of creative tools into an iPad.Andy shares his thoughts on human taste and how it is developed through difficult encounters with the real. We discuss the dangers of settling for AI-generated content and the importance of maintaining our humanity in the face of technological advancements.Five key learnings from the episode:1. Technology is the defining feature of our age, and it is impacting our ability to be persons in the world.2. Devices replace human effort and skill, leading to expanded capabilities but diminished burden.3. The hidden bargain of technology is that "you no longer have to" becomes "you no longer can," and eventually, "now you have to."4. Human taste is developed through difficult encounters with the real, and it is essential for discerning what is worthwhile in creative work.5. We must actively decide not to surrender our humanity to technology and maintain our ability to think deeply and create meaningful work.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

If a butterfly flaps its wings in India, will your pizza arrive on time?In this episode, we explore the idea of interconnectedness and the role it plays in our lives and creative work. We delve into how the chaos and randomness of the world influence ideas and decision-making, and some strategies for dealing with the uncertainty. Our guests include Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen (co-CEO's of Gensler and authors of Design For A Radically Changing World), and Brian Klaas (author of Fluke) as we discuss the strategies and philosophies they employ to navigate the complexity of interconnections, leverage them for greater impact, and cultivate creativity in the face of uncertainty.Key Ideas:1. Overcoming fixation on the first idea: The danger of latching onto the first idea and missing out on alternative, more profound connections.2. Leveraging randomness to our advantage: The idea of fighting randomness with randomness and increasing experimentation to anticipate unintended consequences and broaden the scope of options.3. Collaborative leadership and embracing difference: How harnessing diverse perspectives and bringing together people with different strengths can lead to innovation and problem-solving.4. Balancing local and global perspectives: The importance of understanding both the specifics and the broader patterns to gain deeper insights and have a greater impact.5. Applying creativity to solve global challenges: Utilizing design and creative thinking to address interconnected global issues such as climate change, housing shortages, and social inequalities.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

Are you white-knuckling a station wagon? Or, is it possible you're just a multi-potentialite and don't know it?In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the theme of paralysis in creativity and decision-making. Featuring insightful interviews with Emily Wapnick and Seth Godin, we uncover lessons about how to get unstuck. We learn about the different work models used by multipotentialites and the benefits of embracing varied interests and pursuits. With a focus on decision-making, the episode provides valuable insights for navigating moments of indecision and finding the courage to push through challenges.Key learnings from this episode:1. Paralysis in creativity can manifest in various forms, such as indecision, fear of failure, and the struggle to choose a specific path.2. Understanding the concept of the "dip" and the "cul de sac" can help in determining whether to push through challenges or quit pursuits that lead nowhere.3. Different work models, such as the group hug approach and the slash approach, offer multipotentialites a framework for integrating diverse interests into their careers.4. The power of choice plays a significant role in overcoming creative paralysis, allowing individuals to make decisive decisions and embrace varied pursuits.5. Embracing varied interests and pursuing multiple passions can be a source of strength and inspiration in one's creative journey.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

In today's episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the fascinating world of games and their impact on our creativity, leadership, and everyday life. Neuroscientist and physicist Kelly Clancy, author of "Playing with Reality," shares profound insights into how games have shaped our world and our thinking.Kelly reveals how play is hardwired into our biology and explores its crucial role in learning, social development, and strategic thinking. She provides vivid examples from tech leaders and businesses, illustrating how game design principles can apply to leadership and incentivizing desired behaviors. Finally, we discuss misaligned incentives in organizations and how to create environments where creativity and strategic thinking can thrive.Key Learnings:Games and Fairness: The story of the Patriots fan underscores the complex nature of fairness in games and life and invites us to question the rules we follow.Biological Roots of Play: Play is an evolutionarily ancient behavior essential for learning, social skills, and dealing with uncertainty.Games in Technology: Many influential tech leaders began by designing games, highlighting the value of games in developing problem-solving and systems-level thinking.Incentive Alignment: Misaligned incentives within companies can lead to undesired outcomes and employee frustration. Effective game design can help correct this.Resourcing Creativity: Brave leadership involves providing the necessary resources and space for teams to thrive, pushing back against unrealistic expectations that stifle innovative work.Get full interviews, daily episodes, courses, and more at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode, we discuss why just having a good idea is not enough. Joined by Wes Kao, a brand strategist and co-founder of Maven, we explore why merely having good ideas won't lead to their adoption, and how to effectively communicate and implement those ideas to achieve success. Wes shares her personal story of learning the difference between insights and actionable suggestions early in her career, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility and advocating for one's ideas.We delve into the concept of having a "spiky point of view" and its significance in standing out and driving impactful conversations. Wes also explains how translating unique ideas into actionable steps can garner the trust and support of managers and clients alike.Finally, we highlight the inspiring story of a young musician who maintained his distinct style in the face of initial rejection, ultimately revolutionizing the music industry.Key Learnings:1. Creative professionals must articulate the value and process behind their work to gain recognition and trust.2. There is a critical distinction between merely having insights and making actionable assertions.3. Advocating for a point of view and backing it up with credible steps can significantly influence stakeholders.4. Maintaining a "spiky point of view" helps in standing out and initiating meaningful discussions.5. Staying true to one's unique creative abilities, even in the face of rejection, can pave the way for long-term success and impact.Get full interviews, daily episodes, courses, and more at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode, we explore the concept of how the sense of time affects our mindset with guest Oliver Burkeman, author of the book "4000 Weeks".We delve into several traps that creative professionals often fall into due to this awareness of limited time, such as procrastination, the efficiency trap, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Burkeman offers strategies to counter these tendencies, including embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) and focusing on fewer but more meaningful endeavors.Furthermore, we discuss the distinction between mapping (planning), making (doing the work), and meshing (personal development), stressing the need for balance among these three types of work to maximize our creative output.Key Learnings:Finite Time Awareness: Recognizing our limited lifespan helps us focus on what truly matters.Overcome Procrastination: Beginning a project can be intimidating, but it's essential to move past the fear of losing control.Efficiency Trap: Simply making processes more efficient can lead to more tasks and overwhelm; balance is key.Joy of Missing Out (JOMO): Embracing the joy of missing out can liberate us from the fear of missing out, leading to more focused and meaningful work.Balanced Work Types: Balancing mapping, making, and meshing leads to effective and fulfilling creative endeavors.Get full interviews, daily episodes, courses, and more at DailyCreative.app. Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

Why do talented, capable people fail to ask the questions that they know they should ask?In this episode, our guest, Jeff Wetzler, author of the book Ask, shares why capable individuals often struggle to learn from others.Throughout the conversation, we explore Jeff's five-part ASK framework, designed to systemize effective questioning and enrich our understanding of those around us.We learn that choosing curiosity, making it safe, asking quality questions, listening to learn, and reflecting and reconnecting are key practices that lead to impactful learning and growth.Join us as we unravel why these practices are crucial and how to integrate them into our daily lives to become more aware, thoughtful, and effective in our personal and professional interactions.Key Learnings:1. Choose Curiosity: We should actively choose to be curious and strive to learn from others, rather than relying on our existing assumptions.2. Make It Safe: Creating a psychologically safe environment encourages others to share valuable insights without fear of judgment.3. Ask Quality Questions: Good questions are those that genuinely seek to learn from others and are asked at the right moment.4. Listen to Learn: Listening with the intention to learn, rather than to respond, leads to deeper understanding and better outcomes.5. Reflect and Reconnect: Post-conversation reflection and subsequent connection ensure that insights are properly understood and lead to actionable steps.Get full interviews, daily episodes, courses, and more at DailyCreative.app.

In this episode, we investigate the necessity of working in harmony with our environment and our own resource constraints. We are joined by Laura Mae Martin, Google's productivity expert and author of Uptime, who shares invaluable insights on productivity, efficiency, and creative flow.Laura recounts her journey at Google, where she transitioned from a sales role to coaching executives and developing productivity strategies from scratch. In a world teeming with tools and technologies, she argues for the need to be selective about the tools we use and deliberate in our approach to productivity. She introduces her five-step funnel framework—Create, Capture, Consolidate, Close, and Calm—that facilitates creative work from ideation to execution while emphasizing the importance of downtime.We also discuss the strategy of zero-based calendaring, which encourages designing your week from a blank slate to prioritize tasks that truly matter. This approach, alongside thoughtful planning and creating buffers in your schedule, can help manage the overwhelming demands of modern work life.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:1. Work in Harmony: Emulate the serene and focused approach of master artisans to produce high-quality work more efficiently.2. Five-Step Funnel: Apply Laura's framework—Create, Capture, Consolidate, Close, and Calm—to streamline your creative process.3. Zero-Based Calendaring: Rethink your schedule from scratch to ensure it aligns with your true priorities.4. Buffers for Productivity: Allocate specific periods free from interruptions to allow for deep, focused work.5. Downtime Equals Uptime: Integrate adequate breaks and periods of calm into your schedule to fuel creativity and prevent burnout.Mentioned in this episode: Maker's Schedule, Manager's ScheduleGet full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

Get full interviews, tools, and daily coaching at DailyCreative.app.Are teams inherently more, or less productive than individuals? And, is there a way to structure teamwork so that it's less cumbersome?In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Philo Farnsworth, the farm boy who revolutionized the world with the invention of electronic television. Despite his humble beginnings and the lack of formal education, Farnsworth's vision and determination enabled him to outpace corporate giants like RCA, proving the power of individual ingenuity. However, this story sparks an important question: do individuals achieve more than teams, or is there a way for teams to function as highly effective, innovative units?We explore this with our guest, David Allen, author of the international bestseller "Getting Things Done" and the new book "Team." David discusses the gap between individual and team productivity and outlines core practices from his book that can help teams function more effectively. These practices include capturing what has the team's collective attention, clarifying and organizing actionable steps, reflecting on progress, and engaging effectively.Key Learnings:Capture Team Focus: Identifying what captures a team's attention helps bring crucial, non-routine issues into focus.Clarification and Context: Clarifying captured points to understand their importance and context ensures the team is aligned on priorities.Organize Information: Having structured methods to organize and store team data and tasks ensures accessibility and streamlined workflow.Reflect Regularly: Periodic reflection, such as daily stand-ups or annual reviews, ensures the team remains current with objectives and progress.Engage Purposefully: Combining these steps allows teams to engage with purpose, rather than reacting to immediate pressures, thus making more informed and strategic decisions.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

Get full interviews and daily episodes in the Daily Creative app.In this episode of Daily Creative, we delve into the fascinating world of questioning and its impact on creativity and problem-solving. We start with a story from the 1980s about A&W Restaurants' third-pound burger blunder, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions.We then welcome Warren Berger, the author of "A More Beautiful Question," who shares his journey from a newspaper journalist to a "questionologist." Berger emphasizes that asking the right questions is a vital skill that often goes untrained, even in fields that rely heavily on inquiry, like journalism.Our discussion reveals how innovators from Silicon Valley use questions not just to gather information but to spark creativity and solve problems. Berger introduces us to three fundamental types of questions—Why?, What If?, and How?—that can guide us through any challenge.We also explore how leaders can cultivate a questioning culture within their organizations by modeling curiosity, transforming mission statements into mission questions, and encouraging open inquiry among team members. Finally, Todd Henry challenges listeners to identify and overcome their own limiting assumptions, or "ghost rules," using curiosity-driven questioning.Five Key Learnings:1. Clear and effective questioning is crucial in marketing and creative work, as illustrated by A&W's third-pound burger mistake.2. Training in the art of questioning is often overlooked, even in professions that depend on it, such as journalism.3. Innovators use questions to understand problems, imagine solutions, and take actionable steps—summarized in the Why, What If, and How framework.4. Leaders can foster a culture of questioning by modeling curiosity, encouraging open-ended questions, and rewarding inquisitive thinking.5. Challenging and reframing our assumptions (ghost rules) can unlock new possibilities and drive innovation.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appMentioned in this episode:Pre-order The Brave Habit, get the audiobook for FREEYou may have noticed that we're currently in the middle of a five part series on creative courage. That's because my new book, The Brave Habit, launches on January 23rd. It's been a multi-year passion project for me, and I really want you to read it. So, if you pre-order the book before January 23rd and then register your pre-order, I'm going to give you the audio book for free along with a PDF of the brave habit workbook, super simple. And you can do it all at ToddHenry.com/brave

Get full interviews and daily coaching in the Daily Creative app!In this episode we delve into the intricacies of managing the spotlight and thriving within it. Our conversations with Michael Port, Tim Schurrer, and Richard Hytner unfold valuable insights on navigating the pressures of high-stakes situations, finding contentment beyond recognition, and fostering healthy dynamics within creative teams.Michael Port shares his wisdom on overcoming self-absorption and neuroses by focusing on being helpful and the need for thorough rehearsal in high-stakes situations. He urges us to rehearse effectively for speeches and critical performances, ensuring we are well-prepared and confident.Tim Schurrer draws inspiration from Michael Collins, the unsung hero of the Apollo Eleven mission, to illustrate the satisfaction found in contributing to a larger cause rather than seeking the spotlight. He defines the "spotlight mindset" and offers strategies to counter its harmful effects, emphasizing the importance of humble confidence and recognizing the contributions of others.Richard Hytner provides a unique perspective on leadership from the shadows, advocating for the value of "C's" (consiglieri) who support "A's" (accountables) in creative organizations. He emphasizes the significance of reciprocal feedback, emotional intelligence, and the necessity for both roles to appreciate and leverage each other's strengths.Key Learnings:Focus on being helpful and well-prepared through thorough rehearsal to overcome self-absorption in high-stakes situations.Find contentment and success by contributing to a larger cause instead of seeking recognition and the spotlight.Cultivate humble confidence and create a culture that values and recognizes everyone's contributions.Understand the importance of the relationship between "A's" and "C's" in creative organizations and how both roles can thrive together.Embrace discomfort in the spotlight as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn moreCraft a brand story that makes sense. Work with Josh Gott. Visit GotClarity.com to simplify your message.

In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the power of storytelling with guest Neal Foard, a seasoned storyteller with a background in advertising. Neal shares personal anecdotes that showcase the impact and importance of the stories we choose to tell. From moments of kindness and enthusiasm to lessons on being relatable and engaging through storytelling, we delve into the art of crafting narratives to create connections and leave a lasting impression.Get the full 60+ minute interview with Neal Foard, as well as daily episodes, guides, courses, access to the full archive of hundreds of episodes, and more in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Key learnings from the episode:The stories we tell reveal a lot about our character and can influence how others perceive us.Life becomes easier when people like you, and storytelling is a powerful tool to cultivate likability.Avoid making yourself the hero of your stories to foster genuine connections and camaraderie.Practice storytelling as a craft to perfect your narratives and create meaningful connections.Pay attention to everyday moments and choose to create stories that inspire, uplift, and connect with others.Mentioned in this episode:Craft a brand story that makes sense. Work with Josh Gott. Visit GotClarity.com to simplify your message.NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode, we delve into the pervasive issue of anxiety and its impact on creative work. Liz Bohannon shares her journey from corporate life to launching Sseko Designs in Uganda. She explains how the narrative of being "special" can foster fear and anxiety, leading to a reluctance to take risks. ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman recounts his experiences with panic attacks, including a career-defining on-air mistake, and the strategies he's used to manage anxiety, which he shares in his book No Time to Panic. Scott Mautz offers insights on building mental strength through fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, and positive messaging, outlined in his new book The Mentally Strong Leader. Finally, Erwin McManus discusses the importance of creating for others and how love can displace anxiety. His new book is called Mind Shift.Five Key Learnings:The Myth of Being Special: Liz Bohannon highlights how believing you are inherently special can actually lead to fear and anxiety, causing you to play it safe and stifling creativity.Techniques for Managing Anxiety: Matt Gutman introduces various modalities, including physical activities and mindfulness techniques, that can help manage anxiety and prevent panic attacks.Mental Strength in Leadership: Scott Mautz outlines six core mental muscles—fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision making, goal focus, and messaging—that leaders can develop to regulate emotions and thoughts.Redirect Rhythm: A simple but effective four-step process called the "redirect rhythm" can help manage negative emotions and improve mental strength.Creating with Love: Erwin McManus emphasizes the importance of creating for the benefit of others and how love can be a powerful force in combating anxiety and enhancing creativity.Listen to full interviews, and get daily episodes, guides, and access to the full archives at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:Simplify your brand story. Work with Josh Gott. Visit GotClarity.com to learn more.NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In this episode we dive deep into what it means to truly commit to your creative project, featuring stories from our guests, Daniel Troia (award-winning filmmaker of We're All In This Together), Brent Underwood (author of Ghost Town Living), and A.J. Jacobs (NY Times author of The Year Of Living Constitutionally). Daniel shares his unique journey of creating an award-winning film with minimal resources while relying on the kindness of strangers across America. Brent recounts his tale of revitalizing an abandoned mining town, investing all his resources despite numerous setbacks, including a devastating fire and the pandemic. And, A.J. Jacobs brings his usual blend of humor and wisdom to our discussion, elaborating on how he brings the lessons of his long-arc creative experiments to the world.Here are five key lessons from the episode:1. Pursuit of Passion Projects: Each guest highlights the personal fulfillment derived from pursuing their unique passion projects. Daniel Troia's filmmaking journey, Brent Underwood's revitalization of Cerro Gordo, and A.J. Jacobs' immersive experiments demonstrate the depths of commitment and the personal satisfaction it can bring.2. Understanding Costs and Setting Boundaries: The experiences of Brent Underwood and A.J. Jacobs shed light on the importance of being aware of the sacrifices involved in chasing ambitious goals. They both stress the necessity of setting healthy boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure sustainability in their pursuits.3. Value of Experiential Learning: Both Daniel Troia and A.J. Jacobs emphasize learning by doing. Whether it's learning filmmaking on the go or experimenting with living by historical documents, these experiences provide unique insights and foster a deeper understanding of their subjects.4. Impact of Deep Engagement: A.J. Jacobs' approach to his projects, such as adopting the tools and methods from the 18th century, illustrates how immersive experiences can lead to profound reflections and unexpected revelations, proving the value of engaging deeply with one's work.5. Community and Support: Across the narratives, there's a recurring theme of the role of community and supportive relationships. Whether it's the strangers who aided Daniel Troia on his journey or the need for people who can offer honest feedback as mentioned by Brent Underwood, the support system is crucial for navigating the challenges of intense, passion-driven projects.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app. Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn moreMentioned in this episodeWork with Josh Gott. Visit GotClarity.com to learn more.