Creative Leaders Unplugged

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we converse with Karen Hold about her unique journey connecting design and business. We explore how her husband’s grandfather influenced her perspective on innovation through empathy-driven problem-solving during World War II. Karen discusses the barriers to learning within organizations and the importance of embracing uncertainty and experimentation. She introduces a framework of behaviors that foster vital innovation skills, encouraging teams to navigate challenges confidently. Finally, we draw parallels between personal growth in hiking and the innovation process, emphasizing the transformative power of design, empathy, and narrative.

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation with Alizée Bollen, a socially conscious designer and the founder of Crampy, a project centered around menstrual equity and the importance of community in fostering open conversations about uncomfortable topics. Alize's background is richly woven with her multicultural upbringing—half Congolese and half Belgian—and an upbringing in Tanzania, which shape her perspective and approach to design and social issues. 

In this episode, we speak with facilitator, innovator and philosopher Miikka Leinonen about using AI in workshops, his book "The Intangible Future," and community building. We discuss evolving education roles, challenges in translating physical interactions to digital spaces, and redefining productivity and fulfillment in a changing professional landscape. Our conversation concludes with reflections on simplicity, harmony, and optimism in designing a future based on intentional actions and forward-looking perspectives.   00:00:00 Introduction to Miikka Leinonen 00:00:53 AI Facilitation Workshops 00:02:39 The Intangible Future Book 00:09:09 Student Enthusiasm vs. Vulnerability 00:11:52 Student Responsibility in Education 00:18:04 Importance of Social Learning 00:21:29 Building Communities through Open Space 00:24:16 Defining a Functional Community 00:28:50 Value of Community Experiences 00:30:09 Integrating Communities in Corporations 00:33:39 The Intangible vs. Tangible in Business 00:35:38 Audience vs. Community 00:36:56 Work in the Intangible Realm 00:39:24 Digital Tools Replicating Physical Tools 00:40:48 The Future of Communication 01:01:30 Embracing the Role of the Outsider 01:12:12 Recognizing Harmony and Beauty 01:15:59 Directing Companies Towards Intangible Value 01:18:27 Navigating an Optimistic Future 01:20:40 Reimagining the Structures of Society

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Victor Udoewa. Victor's exploration of distinguishing between worlds and worldviews challenges our perspectives, urging us to reconsider our understanding of the complexities of identity and culture. 

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage with John Bielenberg, delving into his journey as a creative leader and designer. We explore his unique approach to decision-making, emphasizing authenticity and resisting societal pressures. From defying conventional design norms in college to championing sustainability, John's experiences highlight the importance of following personal values over expectations. Raised in a creative environment, his early exposure to unconventional design shaped his evolving perspective on creativity. 

Myriam is Facilitation Evangelist, Podcaster, PhD in Behavioural Economics and is building an ecosystem for facilitators to leverage the impact of their work.  Check out her Podcast 'Workshops Work'. In this freeflowing episode, we discuss the accidental expertise leading to unexpected career paths, highlighting the significance of facilitation skills and AI tools like ChatGPT for enhancing communication. We explore leadership styles, focusing on trust and empowerment in organizational culture, and stress the importance of vulnerability and trust in fostering positive work environments. Touching on psychological safety and vulnerability in workshops, we emphasize the role of facilitators in sparking innovation and community growth. The conversation delves into the future of facilitation, creativity, and problem-solving, advocating for facilitative leadership as a transformative approach

Stephen offers a refreshing perspective on sales by focusing on facilitating engaging narratives that resonate with customers instead of resorting to aggressive tactics. Central to his approach is the emphasis on providing value, fostering genuine connections, and engaging with the right audience authentically. Storytelling in sales is underscored as a powerful tool for eliciting audience identification, fostering trust, and nurturing relationships based on shared values.

Jeanne Liedtka is on the show! She's an author and has been involved in the corporate strategy field for over 30 years. As a professor at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia, she teaches both MBAs and executives and consults on innovation, organic growth and design thinking. 

In this episode we are treated to a thought-provoking conversation with the talented artist Junko Mori, who sheds light on the intricate relationship between art, science, and human nature. Through our dialogue, we explore how seemingly mundane actions and minor errors can pave the way for groundbreaking artistic discoveries, blurring the boundaries between different creative processes. Junko challenges traditional perceptions of artistic success by discussing the delicate balance between commercial viability and staying true to one's artistic vision, prompting us to reconsider the essence of being an artist. 

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we are joined by Tiz Creel, an undisciplined artist challenging traditional art world norms by embodying the essence of a maker and a breaker. Tiz encourages individuals to question norms, engaging with creativity through unconventional means.