When people hear the word “creativity,” they often picture artists with paintbrushes or musicians with instruments. But what happens when we intentionally bring that same creativity into the business world? That’s exactly the question I delve into with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith on The Common Creative podcast.
If you haven’t yet discovered their show, The Common Creative is a fantastic space dedicated to celebrating all things creativity. Paul and Chris bring a wonderful blend of genuine curiosity, a touch of humour, and extensive creative backgrounds to each conversation. It’s a podcast that feels relaxed and deeply thoughtful, steering clear of typical business jargon while remaining sharply focused on the practical application of creativity in professional settings.
In this episode, we explore creativity in unexpected places – whether it’s sparking in boardrooms, thriving in studios, or finding its unique form somewhere in between. I share a glimpse into my journey, tracing the path from my early days as a graphic designer to my current role running Maverick Minds, where creativity is the foundation of my coaching and facilitation work.
We also discuss MM365, a personal year-long creative endeavor that challenged me to produce a visual artwork every single day. What began as a simple creative commitment evolved into something much more profound. This daily practice unlocked new ways of thinking, allowing me to identify patterns, connections, and previously unseen possibilities. It also fostered a willingness to embrace risk and be open to the serendipitous nature of creativity.
Creativity isn’t a passive event; we must actively cultivate it. We set the stage through consistent effort and presence, preparing our minds to recognise and seize the opportunities that inevitably arise.
So, if you’re a leader seeking innovative solutions, an educator looking to inspire new approaches, or simply someone with a curiosity about how creativity manifests in our everyday work, this episode might just offer a fresh perspective. It could nudge you to experiment with something new or, at the very least, see the familiar world around you in a different light.
Because the truth is, creativity isn’t confined only to artists. It’s a powerful mindset – an artful way of being and thinking. It’s about asking insightful questions and engaging in consistent practice, and ultimately, it’s a key driver for creating meaningful and lasting change.
You can listen to the full episode here.