Creative Career Thinking

Hosted by Gisela

Business Careers

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Creative Career Thinking is your thought partner to think creatively about your career in the Entertainment I Media Industry. Its mission is to help you understand your potential, redefine and protect creativity in the workplace and transform social beliefs and barriers that influence people's growth and wellbeing. Creative Career Thinking also brings attention to the often unspoken expat experience for those starting from scratch in a second language. Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinking www.creativecareerthinking.com

Listen to episodes

14 recent

May 28, 2026Episode 1423 min

Is connecting with others really about being extroverted?

Is connection really about being extroverted?We tend to explain our social lives through personality “I’m just not good with people,” or “they’re naturally charismatic.” But what if that’s not what’s actually happening?In this episode, we challenge the idea that connection is a personality trait and explore something more uncomfortable, and more interesting: connection might actually be a set of invisible, learnable skills.From curiosity and attention, to reciprocity, comprehension, effort, and spontaneity, we break down the subtle relational work that quietly shapes every interaction we have. The kind of work we rarely name, but generate a brutal impact when displayed (or when we don't).We also look at how modern adulthood driven by productivity, fragmentation, and exhaustion, makes connection harder because the environment we’re in doesn’t support it. We are not entirely to blame.If you’ve ever wondered why some people feel naturally easy to connect with, or why certain conversations flow while others feel like effort, this episode will make you rethink what connection really is.Lastly I am highly passionate about criticising society or outdated norms, and ways (apologise if I get too enthusiastic :D)If you have any thoughts you are welcome to share through Instagram, at Creative Career Thinking. Hope to see you there!Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

April 30, 2026Episode 1320 min

Stability in Instability; the last two months of my 30s

In the last two months of my 30s, life finally looks stable on paper.The apartment is settled. Work is stable. Milo is adapting beautifully despite his blindness. The routines are back. The chaos of moving countries, rebuilding life, paperwork, identity shifts, and survival mode is less loud.But belonging and walking a path that doesn’t have a particular script… It’s different story.In this episode, I reflect on what happens when your external life calms down, but your emotional and relational life still feels unsettled. When everyone around you seems to have their script already written (marriage, kids, family milestones) and you realize your life is anchored somewhere else.I talk about the difference between the traditional life and what I call the creative life: a life anchored in growth, curiosity, community, and meaning outside the four walls of your house.Sometimes what people call instability is not instability at all, it’s actual clarity. Sometimes it’s just a different life path that no one has named for long enough yet.If you’ve ever questioned whether your path makes sense because it doesn’t look like everyone else’s—this one is for you!Welcome to Creative Career Thinking!Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

March 30, 2026Episode 1222 min

Rejection is not f* redirection

We all have heard it "Rejection is redirection". How does that really hold up? In this episode, I make space to analyze it and explore how trying to spin pain into instant meaning can actually block reflection, thinking and learning (and eventually damage our creative process).Understanding rejection on your own terms matters more than Pinterest wisdom. Claim your own way to process it!This episode is a thinking lab but also a mix of reflection, practical insights, and critique! Join me in getting controversial ;)Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

February 28, 2026Episode 1121 min

Networking: The genuineness pulse (and some venting)

The problem isn’t networking. The problem is pretending there isn’t an agenda when there is actually one. Transparency and genuineness, amongst other factors, is what builds trust.That's why before reaching out to someone we could ask a question, that is very simple, but useful enough to snap out of auto-pilot and crack a window to self awareness in a moment where we may be nervous or under pressure when engaging with others. A question as simple as: Would I still be curious if that person could not help me? Then if the answer is yes, we are not networking, we are Net-learning.Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

January 20, 2026Episode 1029 min

Creativity Returns: A Disney Déjà Vu

What if creativity is less about inspiration and more about conditions?In this episode, I explore the moments, conditions, and patterns that helped me reconnect with a creative flow, first at Disney and now as I am rebuilding my life from scratch in Madrid, Spain.I dive into the main three key factors that ignite creativity for me:Alignment with your surroundings and yourself.Observation and curiosity.Unconventional growth opportunities.Through a few real-life stories- from navigating internal Disney interviews to taking unexpected classes that shaped my communication- I share thoughts on recognizing and cultivating the creative spark, even more so when it feels lost.This episode isn't about magic or randomness, it's about designing the right conditions for creativity to be more present.If your creativity could speak, what would it tell you about the environments, people and opportunities around you? I hope this episode serves as your thinking partner as you reflect on your own creative flow.Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

December 2, 2025Episode 920 min

Creativity is not obedient (and apparently, neither am I)

It's funny, listening to this episode now, I hear myself trying to force creativity into a place it simply couldn't exist.I don't know if this is a relaunch but it's just a step in sharing something I felt like today. Creativity isn't obedient to a schedule. Mine was nowhere to be found for a good while. I tried so many things to pull it back, to tap into it but nothing I produced during that time would stick with me.A year after is flooding back and I don't have enough hours to channel it.Hello again! This is a personal reflection on life change, creativity and the conscious choices we make to move our life forward. Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

November 27, 2024Episode 124 min

Change isn't easy in your late 30's: A life update

We are back!After a challenging life change and months of inside-out exploration to find clarity and direction in my career, within my new life, I am ready to continue sharing with you.This episode is an unscripted life update after a major overseas move and a turbulent year. It hasn't been the picture-perfect sabbatical you often see on Instagram, but that's where the real insights come from. I will be unpacking what it took to choose a direction without a clear plan, but for now, let's start with some high level reflections, especially as so many of us navigate change and uncertainty.Thanks to everyone who listened to the last episode Unemployment: creativity boost or a killer? Even though it's been a few months, I can't give you a definite answer yet since I am still in the midst of change. However, I can certainly share the insights I am experiencing during this process.This is just a quick update to open the door to all the career topics we will uncover this second season on Creative Career Thinking!Thank you for being part of it.Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

January 24, 2024Episode 726 min

Unemployment. A creativity boost or a killer?

Join me in reflecting about the nuanced relationship between unemployment and creativity. I am sharing my very personal thoughts and circumstances, exploring how the shift from a bustling career to a period of unemployment prompted a reflection on the impact on creativity. Between an ocean of societal pressures and personal expectations, the episode navigates the guilt associated with professional pauses. From layoffs to intentional breaks, each phase of unemployment is discussed, emphasizing its circumstantial nature. Let's discuss a topic that oftentimes is still treated like a pest, and challenging societal norms and fostering acceptance of diverse career journeys and unemployment gaps!#uncertainty #careershift #unemployment #careerbreaksJoin our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

December 12, 2023Episode 638 min

A journey through the film industry with Luis Labrador

In this episode, join me and Luis Labrador as we embark on a journey through the complex landscape of the film industry. Here's a sneak peek at what we uncover:Unlikely Beginnings: Discover the story of how Luis and I first crossed paths at Disney (don't be afraid to make friends and get out there!)Passion Ignited: Learn about Luis's entrance into the industry and the sparks that ignited his profound passion for film. We explore his early experiences and how he adapted to the evolving demands of the market.Crafting Your Presence: Gain insights into what makes a compelling brand, presentation, and portfolio when presenting yourself to a company. Luis shares insights from a point of view of 3D modeling.The Art of Collaboration: Uncover the importance of collaboration, ego management. Soft skills are often the unsung heroes in the journey to grow.Balancing Act: Explore the delicate equilibrium between technical, artistic and personal skills, with Luis providing examples that bring this balance to life.Language, Layers, and Networking: Learn about the layers involved in presenting yourself – from speaking the language of the place you're applying to, to the intricacies of networking both within and outside your workplace.(I am still not the host, podcaster nor editor that I would like to be but thank you so much to everyone tuning in and supporting! I am still consider myself in an internship phase of podcasting : )Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com

October 24, 2023Episode 521 min

Starting from Scratch with financial advisor Maria Castillo

In this episode I am introducing you to my friend Maria Castillo! Maria started her journey in the US as a babysitter, 13 years later we are celebrating her recognition in Investment News Magazine list for best financial advisors in the US.Often times hearing career stories can fuel creativity or spark ideas to others, and we all have to get very creative and resourceful navigating our careers no matter what industry, now more than ever.Topics we touched:How Maria ended up from Spain to the US.How she grew and got to position herself as an outstanding professional on her field, overcoming challenges such language, discrimination, no experience nor education in the US.Perspective on agency/ Temporary contracts to get feet in the door.Mental health within the process of managing a complex journey in another country. Maria’s take and reflection on Networking and the effect to “making it”More to come and future topics we will address with Maria!Note --> We recorded this episode after an exhausting week of work and at midnight Saturday, on top of it I messed up the editing and cut a fun piece of the interview and the actual part where we talked about her award (Sigh, seriously I am a disaster) Thanks to everyone who is joining this conversation and is supporting the show in spite of how the huge learning curve I have producing it.See you on the next one!Join our Instagram community @creativecareerthinkingwww.creativecareerthinking.com