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The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity. From an early age, we’re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive. The Common Creative is all about bringing creativity back into everyday life - understanding the essence of creativity and making creativity a common as a loaf of bread and as well understood as a common language.
Hosts Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith are both creative thought-leaders and have been bonded by a common passion for creating and sharing something new and inspiring every day. Paul paints a watercolour of the household object and posts the image on IG “@everythink”, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG “@thisisbalmoral”
By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author, mentor, architect and artist. Chris Meredith is a Sydney-based, business coach, innovation consultant, and award-winning photo-artist.
Each podcast explores a different aspect of creativity. Recent topics have included: Energy, Time, Constraints and even the Impact of Covid-19 (why not?!)
The podcasts are ideal for anyone looking to get out of a rut and deliver stuff that goes beyond the norm.
Join us for our conversations and surprising guests to unlock your own creativity.
Welcome to a special episode of our podcast as we join the world in celebrating National Creativity Day! and today we are diving deep into the boundless power of imagination and honouring the remarkable capacity for creativity within all of us.
In this short but impactful episode, we will explore the wonders of creativity and its profound impact on our lives. From art to music, writing to design, and everything in between, creativity encompasses a vast spectrum of expressions that enrich our world.
Let us remind ourselves that we are all creative beings, and our unique ideas have the power to shape the world around us
So, take a moment to pause, sit back, and listen to this special episode dedicated to National Creativity Day. Enjoy!
LINKS:
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Derek Leddie, our special guest this week, is a visionary entrepreneur who built a global market research consultancy by combining the perfect blend of a vibrant culture and agile creative leadership. He is the founder of The Leading Edge, Australia's most successful market research company, known for its cutting-edge approaches. After selling his company, Derek embarked on a transformative journey, exploring his passions for teaching yoga and running a grade school in Bali. Today, he is recognised as one of Australia's most successful business coaches, renowned for his unique style that blends spirit, biology, and the power of the mind.
Derek shares his inspiring story and discusses the profound shift in mindset he experienced when he made the decision to sell his company and pursue other interests. We delve into his insights on intuition, exploring the connection between the mind, body, and spirituality. It's a captivating exploration of how these elements have found acceptance in the broader corporate world. His depth of thought and emotional awareness are truly remarkable.
Tune in to this episode as we explore Derek Leddie's remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into the realms of intuition, mind-body connection, and spirituality in the corporate world. Prepare to be inspired!
LINKS:
Derek Leddie - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/derekleddie
- Website - collectivemind.com.au
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we have two special guests, Lauren Tan and Liz Soutar, who are both specialists in human-centered design that help teams inside organisations to solve complex problems using empathy and creativity.
Lauren and Liz are both Design Thinking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with over 17 and 20 years of experience respectively. They have worked at the intersection of design and business, published papers and books on design, and presented at conferences. Lauren currently works as a Specialist Director in Deloitte Australia's Consulting practice, while Liz is a Specialist Senior Manager. They both apply creative thinking to solve problems for start-ups and large institutions, and have pioneered the use of Human-Centered Design (HCD) in various organisations, including Westpac.
They delve into their own journeys and how they successfully enable creative processes for professional services consultants. It was incredibly insightful to learn from their different points of view and experiences. And discussed how human-centered design can help teams to be more creative and innovative, and how it can be integrated into existing business processes.
The show is titled "Creativity by Style," which is a fitting title as it highlights how they have learned to wrap creativity in business processes and language, making it more accessible and comfortable for business people. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the power of human-centered design and how it can be used to solve complex problems and drive innovation in organisations. We hope you enjoy the discussion as much as we did!
LINKS:
Liz Soutar - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liz-soutar-3744079
Lauren Tan - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/laurentan
MAKE PUBLICATION - https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/technology/articles/make.html
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week’s guest is the multi-talented Chris Lutkin, an award-winning audiobook narrator, actor, content creator, and a writer. Chris is a professional, full time creative. He knows what it's like to be creative and earn money as a creator, throughout his career. He emphasises the importance of understanding the material and being able to take direction in having a good voice.
Chris started his audiobook career in 2014 and has since narrated over 60 titles, receiving recognition with a Parent's Choice Silver Award and an EarPhones Award for his exceptional work. He's now converting his screenplay, which has been twice optioned, into a novel, inspired by the real-life story of a forgotten 19th-century baseball player named "Bull." Chris will produce this novel as an audiobook, bringing the story to life for audiences.
In addition to his work in audiobooks, Chris is a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre, as well as SAG-AFTRA and AEA. He has appeared in numerous commercials, films, television shows, and on stages across the country. Chris has also taught Acting for Camera classes and workshops for various institutions, including New York University, Lee Strasberg Institute, Weist-Barron Studios, Chicago Improv Festival, and Kansas City Improv Festival. He has even taught for a non-profit in Detroit.
Join us as we dive into Chris Lutkin's unique and impressive career path, and hear his insights into audiobook narration and content creation.
LINKS:
Chris Lutkin - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lutkin-85714ab9/h
- Website - https://www.chrislutkin.com/
- Audiobooks - https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Chris+Lutkin
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lutlucky/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081013245787
- Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lutlucky?lang=en
- Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Screengym
SELF PUBLISHING LINKS:
“A Guide to the Accurate Presentation of 1858-1869 Baseball”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085K7T5F8/ref=rdr_ext_tmb
“Team Improv 123” by Heather Lutkin
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1713210754?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Chris Lutkin’s Fine Art America Site
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chris-lutkin
Bull the MOVIE
https://bullthemovie.wordpress.com/
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrea Sampson has a natural talent for developing compelling stories and persuasive content. Her job is to help bright people communicate their ideas to an audience. She talked about the role of storytelling, visuals, and how she assists people.
With over 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising, Andrea Sampson is a former Strategist and Consultant. She has presented and developed strategies for Fortune 100 companies. Andrea is sought after for her assistance in helping teams and executives develop their presentations or pitches.
Four years ago, Andrea's passion for ideas led her to volunteer at TEDxToronto as a Speaker Coach. She eventually became the Director of Programming in 2015 and the Conference Co-Chair in 2016. This voluntary role was instrumental in the creation of Talk Boutique, a speaker management, development, and representation company. Andrea was also the Co-Director of the 2017 Singularity University Canada Summit.
LINKS:
Andrea Sampson - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/acsampson
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/LightningRod29
- Website - http://www.talkboutique.com/
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’ve ever considered launching your own business, this is the show for you. Donna Loughlin has helped over 500 businesses come to market and is full of insights for budding entrepreneurs.
Donna Loughlin is the Founder of LMGPR and known for her work with futurists and innovators. She has launched more than 500 companies taking them from stealth to market leaders since forming her agency in 2002.
She is also the host of “Before It Happened”, a leading narrative podcast featuring visionaries and the moments, events, and realisations that inspired them to change our lives for the better.
Donna excels in the realm of storytelling, and uses those skills to propel new companies into the mainstream.
LINKS:
Donna Loughlin - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnal2/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beforeithappenedshow/
- Website - https://www.lmgpr.com
- Podcast - https://www.beforeithappened.com/
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
The Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Looking for insights about the role of a physical space in building creativity and community? This is the episode for you!
To Melissa Marsden, a workspace isn't just the place to come to work. Instead, it is a place that should elevate the employee experience. An interior designer and a workplace design strategist, Melissa shares insights about what a workplace is really for and the role of ‘neighbourhoods’ in the workspaces.
A Workplace Dynamics Strategist and founder of COMUNiTI who reimagines work environments to drive high-performing teams, Melissa's unique Workplace Dynamics Blueprint (™) guides organisations to create workplaces that attract top-tier talent. Melissa is also the host of the popular “Work Life by Design” podcast.
With over 20 years' experience in her field, her client list includes APA, Hall Chadwick, Rugby Australia, Sunshine Coast City Council, Air New Zealand, Entain, and many more.
LINKS:
Melissa Marsden - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/melissamarsden
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/melmar/
- Website - https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/
- Podcast - Work Life By Design (melissamarsden.com.au)
- Book - The Next Workplace
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Barnard's project, “Young New Yorkers”, is a powerful example of creativity as a force for good.
It’s a diversion program for young people who have been arrested in NYC that uses art and creativity as an alternative to the criminal legal system.
An Australian-born architect, Rachel won a fellowship in 2011 from Columbia University's architecture school for her proposal for "Young New Yorkers", a public art platform for teens who had been arrested as adults. Her project went on to become a radical new alternative to jail for teenagers who had been arrested and prosecuted classified as adults. As she confesses during the podcast, she pitched the idea to a judge explaining that she’d won a fellowship to fund the project - but somehow forgot to mention that her fellowship was in fact, for Architecture!
Via a creative process called Mapping, she has assisted over 1,400 young people to exit the criminal legal system. In this role, she partnered with multiple criminal legal agencies including NYC Criminal Courts, Kings County DA's Office, NYC Department of Probation, and the New York Police Department.
It's a stunning story of how lives can be changed forever with a clear vision, a lot of grit and a dash of creative magic.
Rachel is a coach, entrepreneur, and artist. She created the proprietary Map process that allows creative entrepreneurs to get unstuck and achieve their wildest dreams. She has been acknowledged in the media and has received awards and fellowships. She holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Queensland.
LINKS:
Rachel Barnard - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-g-barnard-49335751/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/redgwenblue/
- Website - http://mapwithrachel.com
- Young New Yorkers - https://www.youngnewyorkers.org
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do home grown pineapples teach us about creativity? In this “snippet” Paul shares the heartbreaking story of the home-grown pineapple that was not-to-be. But luckily for fans of The Common Creative, the pineapple disaster has borne fruit in the form of three powerful lessons about life, the universe and (of course) creativity.
Tune in to find out more about the importance of patience, the need to “strike while the iron is hot” and the meaning of what things are really worth. (Sorry, no lessons about growing pineapples)
LINKS:
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Edwards an award-winning Architect, an accomplished and recognised urbanist and a leading figure in Queensland’s urban design community. He brings over 30 years of experience in architecture and urban design to provide leadership, design expertise and strategic thinking to the major projects shaping our nation’s cities.
He is regularly sought as a design leader, city making expert, public speaker, and is a consistent advocate for better cities through design.
Here are some juicy quotes from Peter Edwards that you don't want to miss.
[11:30] - “It's very hard to come in, and to be a poet, you have to come in and be a pragmatist. And one's journey to poetry is through pragmatics.”
[12:33] - “The creative act is being able to look and see the golden thread that needs to be pulled and to pull all of those things together into a unifying and compelling idea that will carry the day.”
[17:18] - “You're building a huge kind of foundation of advocacy for what might be the ultimate design. “
[20:47] - “I think of simply looking at the world, and seeing an underlying beauty that has attracted you that would like you to somehow engage with more.”
[24:59] - “There are cities that often made of accidents rather than made of purpose for maneuvers.”
[28:30] - “City making is a really fundamentally basic thing that we do every day. If you get into Bondi in Sydney, you will see a city made and unmade every day.”
LINKS:
Peter Edwards - Special Guest
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-edwards-97b17129/
- Instagram - archipelagoarchitects
- Website - https://www.archipelago.com.au/
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A professor of psychology at Drexel University in Philadelphia USA John Kounios is a world expert on understanding “aha moments”. Using fMRI scanners to map brain activity, John has shed new light on the way people are able to get new insight on challenges they’re facing, either through the classic “aha-moment” or through deliberate analysis.
His findings crystallise many of the themes that have emerged from earlier episodes of our Neurocreativity season including:
The importance of mind wandering
The role of psychological safety
The difference between exploratory and exploitative thinking
John Kounios has held research and faculty positions at Princeton University, Tufts University, the Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University. He has published research on a variety of topics in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, including knowledge representation, insight in problem solving, creativity, and episodic memory.
Join us as he tells the story of his breakthrough research and how to set yourself up to experience more “aha-moments.”
LINKS:
John Kounios- Special Guest
- LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/john-kounios-5242951a
- Twitter - https://tinyurl.com/3a852ux3
- Website - https://sites.google.com/site/johnkounios/
Additional Links
The Eureka Factor Book
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Market research companies are front and centre of the challenges of building creativity in business - they are constantly challenged to strike a balance between being faithful to the data they've gathered, whilst being creative about the insights they generate.
This week’s guest, Imogen Randell, is the CEO of both Quantum Research, and Hall & Partners (part of Clemenger Group) and ideally placed to judge how to get that balance right.
Join us to hear why Imogen describes herself as an adventurer and to learn about her ideas on creative flow, creative tension and creativity on the move.
Imogen Randell - Special Guest
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/imogen-randell-9207635
Websites- hallandpartners.net.au
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode, we welcome Alina Gozin’a, who describes herself as an interdisciplinary artist. She’s not only one of Australia's most celebrated photographers, but also an artist and a keynote speaker. Alina has lived and worked in Odessa, Sydney, Berlin, Amsterdam, LA and New York. In her ‘former life’ she was a tax advisor in Banking & Finance at PwC but her passion for storytelling led her to pursue a postgraduate degree in Media Arts and Production at UTS. She went on to become a Cannes Lions nominated award winning creative artist using photography, film and art to tell stories for global corporations.
She has executed campaigns for global companies like HBO, Tribeca Film, Stan, Forbes, AFR Magazine, SMH, Good Weekend Magazine, Madame Figaro Magazine, Universal Music, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros (NYC), BMF, Grey, McCann, ABC, SBS, Channel 9, Westfield and many more. Alina had numerous solo exhibitions and is represented by Wentworth Galleries. She has photographed notable personalities such as Scott Farquhar, Frank Lowy, Andrew Forrest, Anthony Pratt, Gretel Packer, Judith Neilson, Kevin Rudd, Christine Lagarde and more. As a speaker and educator, Alina’s international experience spans across New York and Sydney, giving masterclasses, keynote speaking and The Art of Seeing for major corporations, cultural and educational intuitions
LINKS:
Alina Gozin’a - Special Guest
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/alina-gozin’a-23a58335
Instagram - www.instagram.com/alinagozina/
Website- www.alinagozina.com
Saxton - www.saxton.com.au/speakers/alina-gozina
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week’s guest is Renai Grace. She's the CEO of the Museum of Brisbane and she revolutionised the museum and brought it into the public eye. She's a visionary and her whole thing about telling the story in the social fabric of Brisbane has been incredibly successful in her six-year tenure. Renai has dedicated her career to raising awareness of the impact of creativity to connect and inspire communities and create vibrant cities.
Renai Grace was appointed Director/CEO of the Museum of Brisbane in November 2016. Since joining Museum of Brisbane, Renai has led popular exhibitions including Mao’s Last Dancer the exhibition (2017-2018), The Designers’ Guide: Easton Pearson Archive (2018-2019), World of Wonder: Margot McKinney (2022) and initiated the bi-annual BRISBANE ART DESIGN FESTIVAL (BAD).
Prior to joining Museum of Brisbane, Renai worked for some of Queensland’s leading cultural institutions and projects including Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, Women of the World Festival, Northsite (formerly Kickarts) and Artisan (Queensland’s peak body for Craft and Design). She has also served as director of investment and development at Arts Queensland. As a curator, Renai has supported the work of many artists. She co-founded art galleries, Spiro Grace Art Room, Smith & Stoneley and Blindside as well as Independent Arts Management, an arts consultancy that has overseen the management of corporate art collections and orchestrated the master planning and commissioning of major public artworks across Australia.
LINKS:
Renai Grace - Special Guest
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renai-grace-58472538/
Website- https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nigel Marsh is the poster-boy for any professional looking to navigate the tricky balance of family, career and personal goals, whilst having some fun along the way. A former ad-man, he is now a professional coach, speaker, best-selling author and award-winning podcaster.
The author of four books including his latest book ‘Smart, Stupid and Sixty’, he is the co-founder of Earth-Hour which is recognized as one of the most successful brand launches anywhere in the world. Nigel also founded and runs The Sydney Skinny - a mass nude swim that’s all about celebrating body positivity. His TED speech on work/life balance remains one of the most popular ever given outside of the USA with over 6 million views. Amongst his other roles he is a proud ambassador of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and host of the award-winning Five of My Life podcast.
Challenged by Chris and Paul to explain why creativity in business is often stifled, he suggested that it’s all about defining clear goals and then pursuing them ferociously - harnessing creative tools along the way if they help you get there.
His hilarious and insightful book ‘Smart Stupid and Sixty’ is Chris’ book of the year.
LINKS:
Nigel Marsh - Special Guest
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-marsh-28790416/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nigel_marsh/
Website- https://nigelmarsh.com/
Australian Indigenous Education Foundation - http://www.aief.com.au/
Sydney Skinny - Sydney Skinny Plantation Shutters and Outdoor Blinds (thesydneyskinny.com.au)
Earth Hour https://www.earthhour.org.au
Books:
Smart, Stupid and Sixty - Smart, Stupid and Sixty
Fit, Fifty and Fired Up - Fit, Fifty and Fired Up
Overworked and Underlaid - Overworked and Underlaid
Fat, Forty and Fired - Fat, Forty and Fired
Podcast: The Five of My Life
https://omny.fm/shows/the-five-of-my-life
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode is Caroline Weaver, who talked about the freedom of principle brought to rediscovering the pleasure of a graphite pencil on paper and how a pencil is permanent, and yet erased.
Caroline Weaver is the founder of the former CW Pencil Enterprise, a pencil specialty shop in New York City, and an expert on stationery and small business retail. She lives in New York and spends her time working on ways to better support the independent businesses in her community.
Caroline Weaver - Special Guest
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineweaver
Instagram - @ladygraphite
Websites
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode Ben Gardiner who is a practicing Barrister in IP law, which means he's the person who helps creatives protect their thinking of their ideas. And it's interesting, you'd imagine it'd be a rather dry, dusty topic but also has some fascinating past times outside of his day job, and they all inform the way he practices law.
Ben Gardiner has tertiary qualifications in pharmacy, business and law and completed post-graduate studies in law (BCL) at the University of Oxford in 2005. The Australian Financial Review’s Best Lawyers lists Ben as a leading junior barrister in intellectual property law. Doyle’s Guide has listed Ben as a recommended or leading junior barrister in intellectual property law since 2010.
Ben Gardiner - Special Guest
linkedin.com/in/ben-gardiner-4ab62848
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode Dr. Kerry Sulkowicz talks about his journey from pre-eminent psychiatrist to successful business leader and business coach. He describes how he made that change, why he made that change, and shares his lessons for anyone considering a change of direction.
Kerry J. Sulkowicz, MD serves as a trusted advisor on people and culture to some of the world’s most well-known and respected CEOs and corporate boards. He is the founder and Managing Principal of the Boswell Group LLC, a management consultancy based in New York since 1998. Dr. Sulkowicz is President of the American Psychoanalytic Association.
Kerry Sulkowicz - Special Guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-j-sulkowicz-md-06b9b12
Websites
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au=
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 61: Roger Beaty - Creative Thinking
How does the brain develop new ideas? And are different neural networks involved in different types of creativity? In this week’s episode Dr. Roger Beaty talks about the three neural networks that drive the way we think and shares insights about managing your own personal creativity.
Big insights include:
- Take a break to help ‘re-set’ the mind
- Harness the power of a positive mood to boost creativity
- Focus on the tiny details of something (anything!) before generating new ideas
Dr. Roger Beaty is an assistant professor of psychology at Pennsylvania State University and the principal director of the Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab. Having studied creativity for ten years, he is primarily interested in understanding the brain basis of creative thoughts.
Roger Beaty - Special Guest
Websites
Sonophilia Foundation
https://www.sonophiliafoundation.org/roger-beaty/
Society for Neuroscience of Creativity
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
Two Common Creatives
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are there different kinds of mindwandering? What is the difference between mindwandering and mindfulness? What is the link between creativity and curiosity?
In this week's episode, Professor Jonathan Schooler helps to answer these complex-sounding questions in plain english and help us continue to navigate the world of creative neuroscience.
Jonathan is a distinguished professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara and research attempts to understand the nature of mental life, and in particular consciousness.
Jonathan Schooler - Special Guest
https://psych.ucsb.edu/people/faculty/jonathan-schooler
The Open Mind Project
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith - Co-host
https://www.chrismeredith.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode, we interview Linda Ray - CEO and founder of Neurocapability, a business which is on a mission to change the world one brain at a time by building psychologically safe workplaces.
An early adopter of psychological safety and the links to high performing teams, Linda is an engaging facilitator and speaker. She is a regular contributor to Australian and international leadership, business and education conferences and her courses and programs have been tested and validated by researchers around the world.
https://neurocapability.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's episode let's talk about brain training!
Professor Selena Bartlett is a Group Leader in Neuroscience and Neuroplasticity at the Translational Research Institute and a Research Capacity Building Professor at QUT. Join us for a fantastic conversation about brain training, flow states and the importance of working in teams for creativity.
Links/References
Selena Bartlett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drselenabartlett/
Selena Bartlett website: https://www.profselenabartlett.com/
Thriving Minds Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-minds/id1471835230
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode, we interview Professor Joel Pearson, a psychologist, neuroscientist and public intellectual working at the forefront of science, innovation and agile science. He both studied art and science because he felt that these two are very similar and the way he practices science is probably more like an art. So, he developed “Agile Science”. He takes a multidisciplinary agile approach to running his lab, bringing in staff and students from art, architecture, mathematics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience and medical imaging.
Professor Joel Pearson’s research has been recognised with major accolades including the 2009 William James award for the greatest scientific contribution to understanding consciousness. His team’s efforts have been featured in The Huffington Post, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, LiveScience, Discovery Channel, BBC and a host of other major media outlets.
https://www.profjoelpearson.com/
https://www.futuremindslab.com/
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A celebrated TED speaker, Uri Hasson started his career with the intention of becoming a fictional writer. Nowadays, he’s taken storytelling to a new level and is a world authority on the neuroscience of storytelling. His research confirms what many know instinctively that stories are how we listen and learn. Stories are how we connect. (By contrast, humans struggle to make sense of data, statistics and raw facts). Interestingly Uri defines a story as ’a stimulation’ something that almost implants a memory into the listener's mind. “A story is like the juice of an orange - it squeezes the essence of the experience” he explains.
Professor Uri Hasson is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Neuroscience Institute at Princeton University. His research focuses on understanding how communication through story telling can affect human cognition. His TED talk “This is your brain on communication” has achieved over 250,000 views.
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode, we interview Professor Moshe Bar, whose new book Mindwandering reveals that the creative brain continues to work hard, even when we’re at rest. As he puts it, “Mindwandering is like mental time travel” because it helps to open the mind up to new possibilities and what might be in the future. Moshe’s research also suggests that, in order to be creative, the brain needs to be in an ‘exploratory’ mode - open to the world and tolerant of uncertainty. And that, in turn, means mastering your mindset and particularly recognising the power of a positive mood for unlocking creativity.
Moshe Bar is a neuroscientist, director of the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain research centre at Bar Ilan University and head of the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Centre.
https://www.moshebar.org/mindwandering
https://www.amazon.com.au/Mindwandering-Improve-Your-Boost-Creativity/dp/1408888068/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Common Creative Podcast Episode 54, our guest talks about being ideas rich. There is an image illustration of what he describes as "....the promise that in the future, there'll be something beautiful and creative and inspiring to come.", join us and find out what that image is! Let's welcome Dan Best.
Dan Best is the CEO of Wolters Consulting Group. He is a highly driven, success-oriented leader who moved into executive management after a successful career in the legal profession. Dan is also an award-winning author, having co-authored the award-winning Graphic Novel, “The Amazing, Remarkable, Monsieur Leotard” in 2008. The novel was recently translated into French and in 2017 received the prestigious honour of being named on Angoulême Official List of outstanding Graphic Novels.
Dan has also written for DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics and co-published the popular Australian Comic Anthology series, Dee Vee. His creative side is not just limited to writing and in his spare time he is the conductor of an amateur male voice choir.
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-best-gaicd-441788179/
Website: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/2923529-the-amazing-remarkable-monsieur-leotard
&
https://www.amazon.com.au/Amazing-Remarkable-Monsieur-Leotard-Best/dp/1596433019
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Special Mention:
Simon Cleary: http://www.simoncleary.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Common Creative Podcast Episode 53, our guest describes creativity as about taking risks and diving straight in. She tells us that illustration is imagination - those little doodles are your imaginations running wild.
Let's welcome Kristina Snyder! She is a creative force in the business world as the founder and CEO of SNYDER. She uses her creativity to represent artists, illustrators, animators, and visual artists from around the world. Kristina is a former photographer and travel writer and has meandered through the creative communities in New York City since she arrived from her native Sweden. Her greatest creative expression comes out in her work in the business world, and she believes that that is what has set her apart as a successful entrepreneur.
LINKS:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/aka_kristinasnyder/
&
https://www.instagram.com/wearesnyder_/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-snyder-3390ab6/
Website:
Ideas & Stories that Matter:
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives:
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us in this new episode as our guest talks about the importance of Story Telling. She says when a story is told, it is not necessarily the end of it. That storytelling is not for those who share the story, but for the listeners! Tune in and let's welcome our guest Ike Levick, it's fascinating to hear someone who has storytelling in their business title.
Ike Levick, Marketing Director, Story Telling. She has over 25 years of experience in management consulting and working for large corporates to drive communication excellence. Ike is passionate about seeking, shaping, and sharing stories that show the incredible impact Deloitte makes with their clients and people and in society.
LINKS:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofagoodstory/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikelevick/
Short bio:
https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/profiles/ike-levick.html
Deloitte storytelling homepage:
https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/stories-of-impact.html
Ideas & Stories that Matter:
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives:
https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On to the second half, we're ready to kick off! For our 51st episode, our guest talks about the power of rituals, and how human beings love rituals. She also tells how important it is to be the custodian of an existing culture. How are they selling dreams and memories? Let's welcome Allisa O’Connell the Head of People and Culture for Flight Centre Travel Group Australia, where she has worked for over 33 years. Allisa is an avid traveler and believes travel has the ability to change people in immeasurable ways. She believes everyone should have the privilege to experience new places in their home country or around the world. Join us in our flight of creativity today!
Links:
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisa-oconnell/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flight-centre/mycompany/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finally, we've reached our 50th episode!!! Tune in to this half-century celebration as we talk about some of the highlights and lessons for creativity. Curiosity, bravery, doubt, stand-up, and mind wandering are just some of the learnings that we discussed. A big 'thank you' to our lovely guests, listeners and to everyone who we're part of our journey! What will the next fifty bring? More amazing insights and even more superb guests. See you there!
Links:
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-common-creative/id1525162918
Chris Meredith: linkedin.com/in/chrismeredith
Paul Fairweather: linkedin.com/in/paulfairweather
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Creativity has an image problem... And yes it also needs a makeover! Join us in this week's latest episode of Tamra Rule - Creative Makeover, as she talks about how covid was a gift for Allens and how Story Telling is the answer to every brand's misconception.
Tamra is a creative and commercially astute communication professional with more than 20 years of experience in a range of local and global comms roles.
She is currently the Head of Communications and Brand for Allens – a leading commercial law firm about to celebrate its 200th year. Tamra is responsible for telling the Allens brand story across a range of internal and external platforms and deepening connections between the firm and its people, clients, the talent market, and the broader business community.
Links:
Tamra Rule: linkedin.com/in/tamra-rule-19a0a04
Allens (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/allenslawfirm/?viewAsMember=true
Allens (Website): https://www.allens.com.au/
This is Allens: https://www.allens.com.au/people/this-is-allens/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do creatives manage self-doubt? In this week's episode, Gemma Rasdell (professional artist and 2022 Wynne Prize Finalist) shares her insights about navigating and thriving despite creative doubt, how to totally surround yourself with a source of inspiration (ie water) and why she chooses to paint on sailcloth rather than paper.
Gemma is one of Australia’s leading young artists and lives a life that sounds as though it’s a setting for a fantasy movie - she lives alone aboard her at-anchor yacht with puppy Arkie and paints every day from an island studio in Sydney’s Pittwater.
Gemma’s Wynne Prize entry is currently on display at the Art Gallery of NSW and she is also hosting a solo exhibitor “Water Access Only” at The Bathers Pavilion Gallery in Mosman, near Sydney.
Links:
Gemma Rasdall
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gemma-rasdall-0481a781
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmarasdall/
Artworks: https://www.gemmarasdall.com/water-access-only-exhibition
Bathers Pavilion: https://www.batherspavilion.com.au/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Michelle Loch: linkedin.com/in/michelleloch
Mark McGuinness: linkedin.com/in/markmcguinness
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A quick walk to the beach or anywhere around nature, little things you see affect your creativity and it leads to new ideas and curiousity on how to apply it in our day to day life in business. Tune in to this new episode about curious creativity with our guest Bronwyn Powell, as she talks about things from innovation to being child like. She is a recognised leader for new, brave, disruptive campaigns. Such as the introduction of the McDonalds digital menu and the transformation of the in-store experience, in which she played an instrumental role and launched the “How very UN- McDonalds campaign”.
Catch this new episode about how her curiousity helped her to being successful.
Links:
Bronwyn Powell: linkedin.com/in/bronwynpowell
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How COVID impacted speaking gigs, but he innovated the game plan for the Professional Speakers Association. Catch this latest episode about creative talk with our guest Tony Eades. He currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer and CEO of Salted Stone APAC, and is a featured expert on one of Australia’s leading business TV shows -- with 3M + weekly viewers. Tony works with growing companies to develop market leadership authority and deliver measurable ROI across the buyer’s journey. He is passionate about digital marketing and thrives on growing brands, from start-ups to corporate enterprises.
Tune in and listen to how he changed his mindset from playing to win, rather than playing not to lose!
Links:
Tony Eades: linkedin.com/in/tonyeades
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing, Ideas & Stories That Matter!
This episode of The Common Creative lifts the hood on Chris and Paul’s new workshop, Ideas and Stories that matter.
They discuss the science behind the benefit of finding new ideas in a group environment, and how good story tellers and translate their stories into the mind of their audience.
Plus lots more about their experiences of holding a live version of the workshop!
Links:
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Chris Meredith: linkedin.com/in/chrismeredith
Paul Fairweather: linkedin.com/in/paulfairweather
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You might not have heard of GSK but we can guarantee you've heard of some of their brands including Panadol, Sensodyne and Voltaren. Meet Cate Sefton, the Marketing Director of GSK Consumer Healthcare ....and also a Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method Facilitator.
You might think that the scientific world of healthcare and creativity wouldn't mix but Cate is a big believer in creative thinking, customer-centricity and operating creatively within frameworks rather than viewing them as a barrier.
Links:
Cate Sefton: Cate Sefton LinkedIn
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever thought of using comedians as a source of creative inspiration?
Roshni Hegerman is the Executive Strategy Director at McCann and the Managing Director at Hero Agency in Sydney. Roshni is a passionate advocate for creative effectiveness, and uses creativity and innovation to help brands and businesses interact with people in a more meaningful and exciting way.
Tune in for a fantastic episode that dives into the importance of context, simplicity, and how to frame a narrative in a way that will resonate with people.
Links:
Roshni Hegerman: Roshni Hegerman LinkedIn
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week's episode is an unusual one and you'll understand why when we tell you that our guest this week is just seven years old! Meet Charlie Marker, a seven year old Australian artist. His art is full of energy with dynamic graphic shapes. Dinosaurs, fish on skateboards, funny little characters and abstract line work make up the oodles of doodle worlds that fill the spaces that Charlie creates. He uses black markers and doodles on whatever he is allowed to draw on. From big white boards, paper, walls and canvases to furniture and white cups.
Join us for a fantastic episode with some big insights from a young creative including the importance of trying again and learning how to turn mistakes into masterpieces.
Links:
Charlie Marker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliemarker/
Charlie Marker website: https://charliemarker.com/
Charlie Marker Redbubble: www.redbubble.com/people/CharlieMarker
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Season 4 we're back! Joining us to kick off the season is Kate Young, Head of Customer Centricity & Capability at ANZ. Having been with the banking group for over five years, Kate is driving cultural change at ANZ by putting customers at the heart of all her work. She is passionate about bringing together cross-functional, enterprising purposeful teams using a customer-centric perspective.
Join us for a fascinating episode all about consumer behaviour, AI and what a day in the life might look like in 2024...
Links:
Kate Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youngkate1/
Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/
Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Named as one of IBM's 100 Global Creative Leaders in 2011, Dr Ralph Kerle is an internationally respected thought leader, management innovation consultant, writer & designer of executive programmes on leadership, creativity and innovation. He is also creator of the Management Innovation Index, an analytic that benchmarks and measures innovation.
Tune in for a wonderful conversation about finding connection through creativity and Ralph's own journey in combining his knowledge about creative processes with self-expression and commercial viability.
Links/References
Ralph Kerle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphkerle/
Ralph Kerle website: https://www.ralphkerlesart.com/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let's talk about brain training!
Professor Selena Bartlett is a Group Leader in Neuroscience and Neuroplasticity at the Translational Research Institute and a Research Capacity Building Professor at QUT. Join us for a fantastic conversation about brain training, flow states and the importance of working in teams for creativity.
Links/References
Selena Bartlett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drselenabartlett/
Selena Bartlett website: https://www.profselenabartlett.com/
Thriving Minds Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-minds/id1471835230
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where do science and creativity intersect?
Michelle Loch is an expert in the conceptual neuroscience of human motivation, self-leadership and powerful conversation. She and her team at Leading Humans help organisations, and the people in them, to rewire the way they think, behave and lead. This is a fascinating episode about working WITH the human brain rather than against it, and how to best access your creativity!
Links/References
Michelle Loch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleloch
Leading Humans: https://leadinghumans.com.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Season 3 we're back!
Kicking off the season with a creative bang as we're joined by Sophie Saville, the creative director and co-founder of The Story Mill, a production company that specialises in producing engaging video content for local brands and businesses. Join us for a fascinating conversation with a professional creative all about founding a business, passion projects and collaboration.
Links/References
Sophie Saville: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-saville-b0742755/
The Story Mill: https://thestorymill.com.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marnie Flanagan describes her life as one of "choose your own adventure" and that explanation could not be more fitting for her fascinating and varied life as well as career!
Having had over 20 years experience in blue chip companies, Marnie founded the company Naturally Wild - an Australian meat processor and distributor specialising in products sourced from Outback Australia. Tune in for an insightful episode about leadership, adaptation and to find out just what an "intrepreneur" is...
Links/References
Marnie Flanagan: Marnie Flanagan LinkedIn
Naturally Wild: http://naturallywildproduce.com/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon Cleary is a novelist and lawyer - two pursuits he connects strongly with storytelling.
Join us this week for a fantastic conversation about the power of storytelling and pursuing more than one passion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"So who's Elvis around here?"
This is the question that Bono used to ask when he turned up to big organisations to find out who to work with, who made things happen, and who was a little bit daring. It is also the question that inspired the name behind Upping Your Elvis, a creative leadership business which helps companies to understand and harness their creativity.
Chris Baréz-Brown and Jim Lusty join us this week for a fantastic episode filled with insights such as how to make business fit you (and not the other way around), building a dynamic around a team rather than a company-wide culture, and how to overcome the fear of stepping outside of the norm.
Links/References
Chris Baréz-Brown: Chris Baréz-Brown LinkedIn
Jim Lusty: Jim Lusty LinkedIn
Upping Your Elvis: https://www.uppingyourelvis.com/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you strike the right balance between creativity and profitability?
Joining us this week is the Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Stephen Basil-Jones, who shares some of the more surprising and challenging aspects behind creativity and how to target markets effectively. Tune in now for an episode full of creative insights and to learn why creativity might best be summed up by the quote "nobody knows anything"!
Links/References
Stephen Basil-Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-basil-jones-58739699/?originalSubdomain=au
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you combine the use of stimulus and deprivation to develop new ideas?
Remo Giuffré is a fascinating creative strategist who is both an entrepreneur and a brand-builder. He is founder of both the Remo General Store and the General Thinking Network and is also the Licensee and Director of TEDxSydney! Tune in for a wonderful episode all about developing new ideas and designing your own next stage.
Links/References
Remo Giuffré: https://www.remogiuffre.com/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you come up with new ideas when you feel like you've exhausted all avenues?
Meet Dr. Amy Climer - a speaker, trainer, and coach who teaches teams how to innovate on demand. Amy has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and developed the Deliberate Creative™ Team Scale to help teams understand how to increase their creativity. She hosts The Deliberate Creative™ podcast and she is the designer of Climer Cards, a creativity and teambuilding tool. This is an episode jam-packed with creative insights that you can action for success.
Links/References
Amy Climer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyclimer/
Climer Consulting: climerconsulting.com
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever thought about changing your career?
After 18 years in the banking industry, Jonathan Brunello decided it was time for a complete career shift and came up with the idea to design and manufacture height adjustable desks with the primary purpose of allowing children the same flexible learning opportunities as adults. And thus amperstand was born...
Tune in to this episode for a fantastic conversation about careers, innovation and the importance of discipline in the creative process.
Links/References
Jonathan Brunello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrunello
amperstand: https://amperstand.com.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does absorption in a task contribute to the art itself?
As an artist and sculptor, Stephen Hart has always been someone who has "made things" and he has some wonderful insights to share about devoting yourself to a task, developing a craft and the power of divine providence in creativity.
(Part 2 of 2)
Links/References
Stephen Hart: https://stephenhart.com.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does absorption in a task contribute to the art itself?
As an artist and sculptor, Stephen Hart has always been someone who has "made things" and he has some wonderful insights to share about devoting yourself to a task, developing a craft and the power of divine providence in creativity.
(Part 1 of 2)
Links/References
Stephen Hart: https://stephenhart.com.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As CEO of Opera Australia and former Managing Director of Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Rory Jeffes has an intricately wound background in both creativity and business.
Tune in for some fantastic insights on mediating competing priorities, how to communicate more effectively and the importance of asking the right questions.
Links/References
Rory Jeffes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-jeffes
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cameron Schwab became the youngest CEO in AFL history when he was appointed the role for Richmond Football Club at age 24.
Having spent the next 25 years as CEO of Richmond, Melbourne and Fremantle, Cameron has an extremely strong background in leadership, team-building, unifying groups and mentoring. He now works as a CEO, leadership coach and strategist in his business designCEO and is also an artist and writer. Tune in for some fascinating insights that creatives and business people alike can benefit from.
Links/References
Cameron Schwab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronschwab/
designCEO: https://www.designceo.com.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shane Hatton is an author, speaker, trainer and coach who works with organisations to develop remarkable leaders. Working to close the leadership gap between mid and senior level leaders, Shane has a multitude of creative insights on ideation, storytelling and "creativity within consistency" that he utilises to bring clarity to his clients and improve the way they communicate and connect.
Tune in to find out how you can develop your own creative process and the value in learning when to let go and when to use your resilience to dive a little deeper…
Links/References
Shane Hatton: https://shanemhatton.com/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris):https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-common-creative/id1525162918
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Photographer Paul Harris has met the Queen and worked with A-list celebrities… and yet it’s the real people and their stories that stick with him the most. Having worked at The Age where you’re only as good as your last Page 1, Paul has had to deal with all manner of people, situations and surprising circumstances - and as a result has some fantastic creative insights about curiosity, mindfulness and taking risks.
Currently working on a personal project called “In the Long Run”, Paul has been meeting with a number of people training for the Gold Coast Marathon and exploring the unique reasons people have for running and why they push themselves and their bodies to the limit.
Join us and this fascinating photographer for a wonderful episode about finding the magic around the edges and to learn how passion projects can also teach you about yourself.
Links/References
Paul Harris: https://www.paulharrisphotographer.com/
In the Long Run project: https://www.paulharrisphotographer.com/in-the-long-run
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over 8,000 people across Australia sleep rough every night and as a result of being vulnerable and unprotected, hundreds lose their lives each year due to attacks, suicide, overdoses and pneumonia. The average life expectancy of someone who is sleeping rough long-term is just 47 years old.
Having been personally impacted by homelessness, for Norman McGillivray this was unacceptable. He created Beddown to address the situation of sleeping rough through utilising carparks which had previously remained vacant at night and turning them into safe, accessible accommodation which allows guests a safe place to sleep as well as access to services that will help repair their quality of life.
When planning and building code began to present as an obstacle, Norman was introduced to Natalie Rayment, the Executive Director of Wolter Consulting Group. Incredibly inspired by Norman's idea and with a career in town planning, Natalie was able to help turn Beddown into a reality.
Join us for an incredibly moving episode of The Common Creative, as Chris and Paul speak with Norman and Natalie about the design thinking involved in the creation of Beddown and the planning associated with making this incredible initiative possible.
Links/References
Norman McGillivray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normmcgillivray/
Natalie Rayment: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-rayment-a30a0832/
Beddown: https://beddown.org.au/
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us for a fantastic episode this week as Chris and Paul talk with Mark McGuinness - poet, creative coach and fellow podcaster!
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on creativity that is jam-packed with insights including the power of building assets in the creative world, taking the time for ideas and just what creative symbiosis involves. Check it out now!
Links/References
Mark McGuinness: https://lateralaction.com/
Mark's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-21st-century-creative/id1238456017?mt=2
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
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Tune in to the second part of a discussion about "The New Normal" as Hosts Chris & Paul dive into the topic of working from home as part of an interspersed miniseries all about the insights and changes that have come about in the midst of a pandemic.
This episode features a conversation about shifting power dynamics between employers and employees, a rise in leaders who are facilitators rather than dictators, and the necessity of communicating effectively virtually AKA.... "how to make it NOT boring". Tune in!
Links/References
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Chris & Paul talk THE NEW NORMAL in the first part of an interspersed miniseries all about the insights and changes that have come about in the midst of a pandemic.
This episode features a conversation about consumer consciousness and the growing awareness we have towards buying local and prioritising quality. We also dive into a discussion about community and recognising the influence that local governments could have in returning things "to normal". Plus... where do camper kitchens fit into all of this?
Links/References
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
Drifta: https://www.drifta.com.au/
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An experienced podcaster and UX Lead for the Banker Experience at ANZ, Greg is at the forefront of connecting ANZ Bank to its customers in a way that feels seamless and intuitive.
Greg sees himself as a creative thinker rather than a creative, and admits to blending play, research and story telling to help him collaborate with his community of designers.
Challenged to describe design within ANZ as a movie, he proclaims that “it’s not Being John Malkovich” because in ANZ’s design team, everyone is different and it's that mix of people that makes it so special.
Tune in to find out not only about this inspirational designer but also about Greg’s fascinating podcast “Film Maker, Film Watcher”
Links/References
Greg Ralph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregralph/
Film Maker Film Watcher Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/film-maker-film-watcher/id1059652410
Godesses in Every Woman (Jean Shinoda Bolan): https://www.bookdepository.com/Goddesses-Everywoman-Jean-Shinoda-Bolen/9780062321121
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
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Welcome back to Season 2 of The Common Creative! We are thrilled to be back and oh do we have a fantastic opening episode for you....
Alicia Olson-Keating has been working in the media industry for over 30 years, 28 of which were spent in Canada. Alicia has strong industry experience in disciplines that span strategy, B2B marketing, qualitative and quantitative research, data, analytics and insights. She is highly skilled in using data and insights to drive better outcomes for the organisations she works with, and she has a flair for leading and developing teams who hold a high bar and inspire a creative, results-driven culture.
Tune in to learn how data can be used to better connect with audiences, the many ways to get to 8 and to learn just what the "George on Seinfeld" principle is and how it could drive better outcomes for you....
Links/References
The Common Creative Podcast (Paul and Chris): https://creativecommons.org.au
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Putting Design in the Bank
As Chief Design Officer at ANZ Bank, Opher Yom-Tov is arguably one of Australia’s most experienced and influential designers – on a mission to help ANZ Bank use design as a strategic capability.
With a background in a different bank as well as innovative agencies and startups, Opher is uniquely qualified to understand creativity and design from a variety of perspectives.
With a passion for creating things that are new, his big idea for embedding design within ANZ is that “it’s all about leadership all the time”. Tune in to find out how this inspirational leader has achieved his goals.
Links/References
Opher Yom-Tov (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/opheryomtov/
ANZ Bank
https://www.anz.com.au/personal/
Richard Buchanans Four Orders of Design
https://www.ghostinthepixel.com/?p=76
The Common Creative Website (Paul and Chris)
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Have you ever had a conversation that changed your life? Meet Glen Boyle, the co-founder of KokoNiu who got the idea for the business after a conversation at a 5th birthday party.
KokoNiu is a business that is transforming Global Coconut Replanting to help combat declining productivity rates of existing trees at a time when the demand for coconuts is soaring.
This story is one about curiosity, risk and entrepreneurship and it's one that all creatives should listen in to!
Links/References
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
The Common Creative (Website): www.thecommoncreative.co
KokoNiu: https://www.kokoniu.com/
Paul Fairweather: www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith: www.chrismeredith.com.au
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This week on The Common Creative we have a very special guest… Paul’s mum!
Once told by a boarding school superior that she “had no business playing the piano”, Enid Fairweather has lived a life filled with creativity and at 89 is still creating things daily. (She also left boarding school and continued to play the piano!)
From music to crochet, cake icing to porcelain dolls, Enid’s ability to shift between creative mediums is remarkable, and a wonderful reminder that creativity is a transferable skill that can be expressed in a multitude of ways.
Links/References
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
The Common Creative (Website): www.thecommoncreative.co
Paul Fairweather: www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith: www.chrismeredith.com.au
Paul Fairweather Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/paul-fairweather-30257012802
Chris Meredith Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/chris-meredith-13801260261
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How “the ripple effect” can deliver a creative impact well beyond a simple decision.
Troy Smyth is an award winning Brisbane-based architect and director of Ryall & Smyth Architects. He’s also a personal friend of Paul’s.
Troy was invited to join the show to tell a low-key story about a quiet moment of reflection at the side of the street when he’d observed two turkeys in action:
Turkey No 1: a brush turkey which busily (and quietly) cleared the pavement of leaves as it made its nest
Turkey No 2: a garden maintenance worker on the other side of the street who blasted the pavement with a noisy leaf blower.
Despite the temptation to react negatively to both of common irritants, Troy was able to look at the situation differently and the podcast conversation revealed some of our most powerful insights about creativity and the broader idea of freedom.
As Troy put it, “When you take a step back, you can observe the ripple of consequences of each action you take. You notice the opportunity. It’s important to make a simple choice and let it expand”.
Whether you’re a fan of turkeys and leaf blowers or not, this thought-provoking episode is full of big ideas for creatives everywhere.
Links/References
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
The Common Creative (Website): www.thecommoncreative.co
Troy Smyth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-smyth-27b01b35/
Paul Fairweather: www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith: www.chrismeredith.com.au
Paul Fairweather Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/paul-fairweather-30257012802
Chris Meredith Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/chris-meredith-13801260261
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Kath Blackham is the founder and CEO of Versa – a digital agency whose mission has ignored tech jargon and instead is all about facilitating conversations between their clients and customers.
Kath appeared on our radar when we spotted an ABC story about her agency moving to a four day week and doubling profits in the process.
In this inspirational interview, we discover how Kath has used creativity to create the ultimate flexible working environment that not only delivers great work and increased profits but also boosts the mental health of her work force.
As she puts it “my life's work is using my business as a platform to move the needle on the things that I'm most passionate about. And the number one on that list is mental health in the workplace”
Links/References
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
The Common Creative (Website): www.thecommoncreative.co
Kath Blackham/Versa Agency: https://versa.agency
Paul Fairweather: www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith: www.chrismeredith.com.au
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Dani Venn is a three-time Masterchef contestant, founder of Eat It Up Creative (consultancy) and The Wholehearted Cook and the driving force behind a delicious Sri-Lankan style Pineapple Curry, which is available in Coles Supermarkets.
In this super-fresh and tasty interview, we learned that even under the pressure of performing as a Masterchef contestant, Dani unleashes her creativity by applying a playful and almost child-like approach to her cooking. (Her Korean Rice Burgers are still a growing trend!)
But despite a seemingly light-hearted approach to business (and life) Dani’s creative streak is complemented by a commitment to hard work that’s sustained over time. Or as Paul put it, “Dani is a 10-year overnight success”.
For insights into food, creativity, and helping people move from “pain island to pleasure island”, tune in to this remarkable episode.
Links/References
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
The Common Creative (Website): www.thecommoncreative.co
Dani Venn: www.danivenn.com.au
Eat It Up Creative: https://eatitupcreative.com
Paul Fairweather: www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith: www.chrismeredith.com.au
Dani Venn – Masterchef: https://10play.com.au/masterchef/participants/season-12/dani-venn/pa200218pwcxf
Dani Venn Pineapple Curry (Coles Supermarkets): https://shop.coles.com.au/a/warrawong/product/coles-dani-venn-srilankan-pineapple-curry
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Creative Accounting at a Stretch
When Chris and Paul challenged Camille Woods (accountancy teacher, yoga teacher and founder of www.mondaymind.com) to explain how she has managed to combine two such different disciplines into one career, she said “you have to let your creativity come out”.
In this powerful interview, Camille reveals a range of deep insights about what drives her and how everyone can understand and embrace their own passions. Or as she puts it “when you have a passion, the job is going to happen”
Camille has carved out her own ‘blended career’ which combines her love of accountancy and numbers with a successful yoga school. It appears to defy convention (surely it would make sense to focus on one!) but her explanation of how they reinforce and support each other is a source of inspiration for anyone who has a passion that’s trying to get out.
Links:
Subscribe www.thecommoncreative.co
Camille Woods (Guest) www.mondaymind.com
Paul Fairweather (Co-Host) www.pauifairweather.com.au
Chris Meredith (Co-Host) www.chrismeredith.com.au
David Eagleman - The Runaway Species (How Human Creativity Remakes the World)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-runaway-species-david-eagleman/book/9780857862075.html
David Baldacci (Novelist and Lawyer) https://www.davidbaldacci.com
Franco Mondini-Ruiz https://www.davidbaldacci.com
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Creativity and risk go hand in hand. New ventures often require a step into unknown territory and this uncertainty can be scary. Sometimes those risks pay off and other times... they don’t.
The name elderflower sounds delicate and sweet… so how was it that this flowering plant caused so much trouble for chef Garry Flynn? This week on The Common Creative, Paul and Chris chat to Garry about a business venture that didn’t go to plan and the creative lessons we can take away from misfortune. Plus: the importance of asking that crucial yet elusive “one last question”…
Subscribe to our mailing list http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j
The Common Creative https://thecommoncreative.co
Paul Fairweather (Podcast Co-host) https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Podcast Co-host) https://chrismeredith.com.au
CREATIVE MASTERCLASSES
Creative Thinking Packed Lunch [Ingenious Leadership]: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/creative-thinking-packed-lunch-ingenious-leadership-tickets-115464241655
Expresso Edition [Story telling | Presenting Online | Online Workshops | Creativity at Work]: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/chris-meredith-13801260261
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“Frisson" is the feeling you have when you get up on stage for a first performance or the moment when an inner idea goes public. It's the mid-point between fear and excitement and we’ve discovered it's one of the vital fuels for creativity.
In this episode, Paul describes how as a teenager and as an adult various teachers told him ‘you can’t sing’. Driven by a need for “frisson”, he persevered. He took lessons, he took risks and finally learned to hit the right notes so that he could sing to his kids.
If ever there were proof that creativity is a powerful force that we all have within us, this is it. Tune in to find out how to harness your "frisson".
The Common Creative https://thecommoncreative.co
Paul Fairweather (Podcast Co-host) https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Podcast Co-host) https://chrismeredith.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should the business title CEO mean “Creative Empowerment Officer”?
Confronted by a gunman who had raided the bank branch where she worked, our special guest Lexi Airey realised that, in her short life, she hadn’t had a chance to experience life to the full.
So, she declared that she would never work in a bank again and took a job glassing the bottom of boats.
After taking two degrees and moving from the UK to Australia, Lexi is now one of the youngest CEOs in the Australian financial services industry (she’s CEO of Gateway Bank). She is also an artist, sculptor, writer, and stand-up comic.
This episode is littered with powerful creative insights from someone who oozes creativity from inside one of the most structured industries in Australia.
If you’re keen to understand ‘the opportunity of constraints’ or what ‘happy accidents’ can mean for your career, tune in and find out!
Lexi Airey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexi-airey-10ab351/
Gateway Bank: https://www.gatewaybank.com.au
Amy Mullins (TED Talk “The opportunity of adversity”): https://www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_the_opportunity_of_adversity?language=en
The Common Creative: https://thecommoncreative.co
Paul Fairweather (Podcast Co-host): https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Podcast Co-host): https://chrismeredith.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Fairweather (AM) - the guest on this episode is a business heavyweight and a retired Major General in the Australian Army (Reserve). He is also Paul Fairweather’s big brother.
Despite what may seem to be a background I’m highly structured and disciplined environments, Michael reveals that there is a streak of creativity running throughout the army - from the everyday ranks (who have learned to create new flavours with their rations via the use of spicy sauces) through to the officers whose selection for army depends in part on their creative skills, through to the Centre for Army Lessons Learned who are charged with encouraging the army to change and adapt to new circumstances.
Michaels tip for incorporating more creativity in business? Communicate - Communicate by Listening, sharing feelings, and expressing the ideas that will help to move things forward.
Michael Fairweatherhttp://www.mfa.net.au
Australian Defence Forcehttps://www.defence.gov.au
The Common Creativehttps://thecommoncreative.co
Paul Fairweather (Podcast Co-host)https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Podcast Co-host)https://chrismeredith.com.a
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Build a Bridge - Episode 6 of The Common Creative
Many of us harbour a secret desire to create something or do something a bit different but “life” seems to get in the way. In this episode, Chris shares a story about how he discovered how to unlock his secret passion for photography via a ‘moment of clarity’ while motorcycling across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The lessons for creatives everywhere are:
Allow the mind to wander - whether on a motorbike, swimming in the sea or gazing out of the window of an aircraft. In a semi-meditative state, the mind goes to new and exciting places and it’s vital to allow time for ‘mental wandering’ and to recognise the power of the ideas that are generated
Make it till you make it. The barriers to achieving the next goal are in the mind. Lack of money, time or talent are often excuses rather than the underlying reasons that a new idea or next project doesn’t happen.
Links
Atomic Habits (Julian Clear)https://www.amazon.com.au/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/1847941834
Make it till you make it - Chase Jarvis hhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Jarvis
Chris Merediths Photography Websitehttp://www.christophermeredith.com.au
The Common Creativehttps://thecommoncreative.co
Paul Fairweather (Podcast Co-host)https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Podcast Co-host)https://chrismeredith.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Chillis" - Episode 5 - The Common Creative
Chris and Paul share a passion for chillis - and not just because they enjoy the flavour. Chris’ consultancy business is called Chilli Sauce and Paul has been painting chillis for many years. Inspired by this passion, Chris and Paul explore the impact of chilis on creativity and discover some surprising lessons:
- In order to create ‘new new’ ideas, it’s important to break the hard-wired “rivers of thinking’ which exist inside the brain. A jolt - such as the heat of a chilli or the stimulus of an exciting idea or a new person can help the brain cut across its rivers of thinking, form new connections and hence new ideas
- Just as the right amount of chilli (but not too much) can make a good dish into a great dish, so business needs to incorporate the right amount of creativity in order to innovate and grow. Too much chilli or too much creativity will explode the taste buds and a successful business idea!
- Chilis are a meme for exchanging ideas. In business, great ideas are super-spicy and invite storytelling and sharing. Small tweaks to a business formula are like vanilla flavoured food - pleasant but at risk of being forgotten
- An idea isn’t an idea until it's been shared and ‘bought’ by someone else. (For artists, it means work doesn't become an artwork until someone else has bought it)
Links/notes
Edward De-Bono
http://www.debonothinkingsystems.com/tools/lateral.htm
Chilli Chopsticks Paintings (by Paul)
Watercolour Tabasco ( by Paul)
The Chilli Pepper and the Columbian Exchange
http://sageshistoryblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-chili-pepper-and-columbian-exchange.html
The Common Creative
Paul Fairweather (Podcast Co-host)
https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Podcast Co-host)
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The Common Creative Episode 4 “Shampoo”
What is the role of creativity in the cut-and-thrust of the business world? In this episode, Chris Meredith shares a story about his experience as a junior brand manager in charge of a shampoo brand. Despite having a creative idea to boost sales the idea was squished by the all-powerful Marketing Director who explained that ideas like that are not what we do around here.
The creative lessons for business are:
Sometimes without even knowing it, businesses kill creativity.
For creativity to work effectively, it pays to start out by understanding the existing rules (“How we do things around here”)
Once an idea has been created, gain traction by allowing colleagues to explore it and play with it. (Play is an important tool for creatives)
Don't get too attached to your own ideas. Once a team gets to play with an idea, it will alter and change - so don’t be defensive and protect the original concept.
Links/References:
Silvikrin Shampoo
https://www.wella.com/international/about-wella/silvikrin
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What can nuts teach us about creativity?
Paul and Chris take an unusual angle in this episode by challenging each-other to use ‘nuts’ as their inspiration for sharing ideas about creativity. And despite their initial misgivings, both end up pleasantly surprised about the rich insights it reveals:
Too much of a good thingJust like nuts, too much creativity on a single theme can be a handicap. (For example, too many Brazil nuts can cause selenium poisoning and loss of hair!) Everyone, eventually, has to move on and stretch themselves in a new creative direction.
Some nuts aren’t nutsPeanuts, Cashews and Brazil nuts aren’t in fact technically nuts - they’re legumes! And equally, creative ideas are often misunderstood or miscategorised when they’re first aired. It’s important to ensure they’re accurately understood when sharing them - even if they look like something that seems familiar.
Were all a little nutsCreatives, by definition, think up and share ideas that are new. This means they’re bound to be criticised and potentially be perceived as being a bit weird (or maybe ‘nuts’!) The solution is to signal in advance to those around that the creative person is in an expansive mode and it means that they’ll be sharing ideas that might at first sound strange.
One persons waste is another’s raw material[paul - can you insert details of your friend who makes the bowls from nut shells?]
Links/references
Nuts that aren’t actually nutshttps://www.businessinsider.com.au/nuts-that-arent-actually-nuts-2016-2
Are Creative People Crazier?https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/open-gently/201904/are-creative-people-crazier
Chris Meredith (Co-Host)https://chrismeredith.com.au
Paul Fairweather (Co-Host)https://www.paulfairweather.com
The Common Creativehttps://thecommoncreative.co
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this show, hostsPaul and Chris use a single personal story as a vehicle to explore different aspects of creativity. Paul kicks things off with his light heated story about his disastrous attempt to be an extra on the TV Show “Water Rats”. (Paul failed in his role as a corpse and fluffed a scene where his only task was to shuffle some pieces of paper!)
Despite his disastrous experience, there are five important learnings about creativity:
- Give it a go - even if you have no idea where it will lead, it’s worth it to try something new. (Despite the lack of on-screen success, the experience gave Paul a valuable insight into the process of creating a TV show)
- Be Calm - for the best creativity to occur, everyone involved needs to be calm and collected. (On set, even if the scene is high octane, the crew always remain calm and focussed on their role)
- Build the big picture - the creatives' job is to visualise and deliver the overall idea - individuals on the journey many not be able to see the big picture and it’s important they don’t distract the creative from his/her task. (on-set, the actors may not understand how each particular scene fits together but it’s vital that the director has this in the front of his/her mind)
- Teamwork - the big ideas are delivered by a range of different people working together effectively. It means each person contributes only when their expertise is needed and they also stay silent when others are better placed to move things forward.
- ‘Why not?’. When opportunity presents itself, dive in and have fun along the way!
Links/references:Water Rats TV show:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Rats_(TV_series)
Paul Fairweather (Co-host)https://www.paulfairweather.com
Chris Meredith (Co-host)https://chrismeredith.com.au
The Common Creativehttps://thecommoncreative.co
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Paul and Chris draw on their personal experiences of daily acts of creativity (daily watercolour and a daily photograph) to understand what creative energy is and how to maintain it.
The big theme that Chris and Paul draw out are that creative energy is like a rechargeable battery that has to be used regularly to keep it working well but which also needs to be re-charged (through rest and reflection) in-between uses.
Even though they are each known for their one daily act of creativity, they agree that creativity is a life’s work and that they are in fact 24/7 creatives who will struggle to ‘retire’.
More detailed notes/learnings from this episode:
- Lots of practical factors affect creative energy - Physical fitness, avoiding alcohol/caffeine, being in the right physical environment and with the right people all affect creativity
- Rest and reflection are a vital part of the process - it sparks new ideas and as creativity is physically and mentally draining, so rest a vital phase to enable new energy to flow
- Barriers to creative energy are fear (of being judged/ridiculed by others) and ignorance (some people don’t know or acknowledge how creative they are.
- Creativity is a life’s work - real creatives never retire.
Links/References
Michael Fairweather (Paul's Brother)
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What happens when two obsessed creatives and their guests get together to share the secrets of making creativity as everyday as brushing your teeth?
Using as their inspiration a common passion for creating and sharing a new artistic image every single day Paul and Chris, are on a mission to understand and share the tools and techniques of creativity.
Their aim to help anyone ins business, at home or at play to pick up creative tools and use them as easily as a saucepan or a paperclip.
During the shows, the hosts use their own personal creative experiences and also input from a range of surprising guests (including Paul’s Mum) to generate and share new and old learnings about what it takes to be someone who isn’t ever ordinary but who is always “A Common Creative”.
https://www.paulfairweather.com/
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