Rebel, Reject, Create!

My guest today is Dr. Myriam Hadnes — a Amsterdam-based facilitator, podcaster, and “facilitation evangelist” on a mission to make the world more collaborative. She hosts the workshops.work podcast, designs and leads workshops around psychological safety, feedback culture and collaboration, and champions what she calls “unprofessionalism” at work — dropping the mask so humans can actually work together.In this episode:Myriam and I explore facilitation as a creative act: prepared yet improvisational, grounded yet open to the unknown. We dig into psychological safety, not as a buzzword, but as the practical ability for people (including the facilitator) to admit “I don’t know” without going into defence mode. Myriam explains why creativity collapses when our nervous systems are in survival mode, and why nervous system regulation might be the critical skill for today’s workplaces. She challenges common facilitation myths about “bad ideas,” reframes them as prompt and safety issues, and shares simple practices — breathing, stretching, slowing down — that open the door to real collaboration. The conversation ends with her call for “unprofessionalism”: showing what’s behind the professional mask so we can see, and use, each other’s complementary talents.Find Myriam Online:https://www.linkedin.com/in/myriam-hadneshttps://www.youtube.com/c/workshopsworkhttps://www.instagram.com/myriamhadnes/https://substack.com/@myriamhadnes

In this episode my guest is Claudia Thompson — leadership coach and author helping small and mid-sized business owners get out of firefighting and back to purpose. In our conversation, Claudia reframes creativity as everyday problem-solving, shows how to dismantle assumptions, and uses group workshops (with “no stupid ideas”) to grant permission and surface honest insights. We talk reverse brainstorming, the cost of zombie processes, how AI/delegation can return focus, and why many leaders don’t get what they want—because they haven’t decided what they want.Find out more about Claudia here:www.linkedin.com/in/claudiadthompsonwww.instagram.com/claudiadthompsonwww.thebusinessfabrik.comFind out more about David Chislett here:https://davidchislett.com

My guest this episode is Anton Marshall, a Cape Town–based creator, musician, presenter, and all-round maverick. Anton has spent decades on stages and in studios, crafting music, hosting shows, and building projects that put joy and honesty front-and-center. In this episode, he argues that creativity is a daily rebellion against the status quo, unpacks why fear (not effort) blocks opportunities, and shares a practical formula: align your earning with your energy through incremental, compounding action. We get into the NASA “creative genius” drop-off, why school trains shame around being wrong, how to use AI to bolster—not replace—your ideas.There's also a story of shrinking a 5-piece band into a nimble trio to ship a new live show in weeks. The closer? Stop saying “no time”—make a choice and do the next small thing.To find out more about Anton:https://antonmarshall.co.zaTo find out more about David Chislett:https://davidchislett.com

My guest this episode is Hanne Kristiansen — a people-obsessed corporate innovator; ex-Head of Innovation for Kellogg Europe (London, New York, Dublin.She is also the founder of Creative ID, a research-backed framework (with University of Sheffield, since 2008) that maps how creativity actually shows up at work.In this episode: Hanne reframes “rebellion” for big organizations, replacing noisy disruption with stealth reframing that gets traction. She introduces Creative ID and its five styles—Stimulating, Spotting, Sculpting, Selecting, Supporting—showing how generative and enabling creativity combine to move ideas from abstract to adopted. We unpack creative intelligence (preferences over personality), why this matters for burnout and performance, and how each style partners with AI without outsourcing human judgment.Find out more about Hanne here:https://www.wearecreativecreatures.com/And about Creative ID here:https://www.yourcreativeid.com/And find out more about me, David Chislett, here:https://davidchislett.com/

This episode's guest, Arne van Oosterom is the founder of Future Skills Academy, renowned design thinker and facilitator. A self-described school dropout with dyslexia who never stopped learning, Arne has worked across art, music, theatre, design, and strategy. He sees creativity not as a personality type but as a supported behavior. In this conversation, Arne unpacks how psychological safety enables curiosity and experimentation; why labels (designer, artist, engineer) limit our potential; and how humanity cycles from chaos to order and back. He challenges today’s AI panic, arguing the real risk is platform power concentration — and predicts a shift toward smaller, ecosystem-based communities. The episode lands on radical listening: we won’t share the same experience, but we can start from a respectful “movable middle” to build together.Find out more about Arne's work here:https://futureskills.academyFind out more about David chislett here:https://davidchislett.com

We don’t have a creativity problem at work.We have a compliance problem.In this episode of Rebel, Reject, Create, creativity trainer and ex-PR creative director Claire Bridges (Now Go Create) drops some uncomfortable truths:Her invitation:Stop waiting for permission or “purpose”.Start asking: What do I actually want?Then decide what you’ll stop, start, and continue to getthere.Maybe the real rebellion isn’t wild ideas in the brainstorm.It’s refusing to live your working life on autopilot.Find out more about Claire Bridges here:https://www.nowgocreate.co.ukFind out more about David Chislett here:htpps://davidchislett.com

In this episode of Rebel, Reject, Create, we explore how creativity actually emerges between people: through psychosocial safety, visible listening, and experiential practice. My guest, Simo Routarinne is an interaction designer and culture shaper, contrasts individual vs. team creativity (“cathedrals” vs. blocks), shows why culture is behavior (not slogans), and shares practical micro-moves (nodding, appreciative tokens, “first idea” drills) that spread viral change. Expect improv wisdom, habit design you can use in your next meeting, and a liberating reframe: stop trying to be original—be obvious (to you), together.Find out more about Simo here:https://www.proimpro.fi/Find out more about David Chislett here:https://davidchislett.com

In this episode of Rebel, Reject, Create, I sit down with Liora Kern, communication strategist, brand builder, and founderof The Think Room, to explore what it really means to stay visible, credible, and human in the AI era. From fighting the “tsunami of sameness” to rediscovering an organization’s soul, Liora shares how she helps clients uncover their unique DNA (their “why”) before scaling content with AI.She explains how clarity of purpose fuels authentic communication, why confidence grows from meaning, and how creativity blossoms when we stop chasing otherpeople’s dreams. Expect a conversation that blends branding, psychology, anddeep humanity — a reminder that in a world of automation, your most valuable technology is still you. Tune in to learn how to: • Find and articulate yourauthentic “why.” • Use AI as a creative partner, not a copy machine. • Transform insecurity into confidence through purpose. • Build organizations that sound — and feel — truly human. Find out more about Liora Kern here: https://www.thethinkroom.euFind out more about David Chislett here: https://davidchislett.com

In this episode of Rebel, Reject, Create, host Dave talks with Jan Joubert, London-based tech entrepreneur and founder of Rainmaker Solutions. We discuss the powerful intersection of creativity, courage, and leadership in business.From the realities of startup life to the pitfalls of corporate complacency, Jan unpacks why creativity isn’t optional but essential. He shares insights on how fear of failure kills innovation, how to build cultures that reward experimentation, and why the best leaders are the ones who listen to their teams.Expect some pretty brutal observations, stories from the entrepreneurial frontlines, and a reminder that creativity doesn’t just take imagination — it takes discipline.A must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone trying to stay relevant in a world moving at light speed.For more about Rainmaker Solutions, visit:https://rainmaker.solutions/For more about David chislett, visit:https://davidchislett.com

Fredrik Haren wants to know all there is to know about creativity. He is a global professional keynote speaker and author on Business Creativity, Change and Global Mindset. He has delivered more than 2,000 speeches in over 75 countries on six continents. IN this interview, he shares some of the insights into creativity that his work and travels have revealed to him. Find Fredrik online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrikharen/ Website: http://www.thecreativityexplorer.com/

Sarai is a teacher of art and philosophy as well as an artist, speaker and author. She has just released a fantastic book about Art and creativity entitled 'Off Track - Art and Philosophy as triggers for system change' So I read the book and HAD to talk to her about her approach, her knowledge and the book. You can read more about the book AND order it directly from Sarai (in the original Dutch or English) here: https://sarai.nl/ontsporen/

In this episode of the Rebel, reject, Create podcast I talk to Scott Homan about his new film, The Witness Underground and his kickstart initiative to help fund its launch. He's got some awesome stuff to say about the power of creativity and really deserves YOUR support for this film. Check out the Kickstarter HERE!

Johnny Muteba founded the Pan African Chamber of Commerce in 2015 in Johannesburg/South Africa. He has over 15 years of work experience in media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, trade, social impact and human rights.   He is a global thought leader with a proven track record to lead multicultural teams and deliver outstanding results and as an in-depth understanding of business networking, negotiations, relationships and project management.   Johnny’s work is inspired by his responsibility to Africa. He has a very special ability in connecting entrepreneurial vision, creative passion and innovative problem solving. His enthusiasm and experience provide for compelling insights, interesting ideas and refreshing approaches which are so desperately needed today. Johnny offers a broad range of professional services for artists, corporations, universities and Governments. Across all that he does, he taps into the power of creativity to innovate lives, bottom lines, organizations and the communities which sustain us.   The Pan African Chamber of Commerce is currently active in more than 45 countries in Africa and is also in the United States and Europe. He is a member of the World Trade Organization/International Chamber of Commerce committee on medium and small enterprises advisory committee He is also the founder of the Women Entrepreneurship Centre,the South African Film and Television Academy and the American Arts Academy   https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-muteba-6a191a215/ https://www.panafricanchamber.com/

Catherine is a Lean and Leadership Coach. Her work involves training and coaching executives and teams in organizations of all types and sizes. Catherine's approach is strategic, enthusiastic and empathetic. Through collaborative methods, Catherine facilitates people and organizations to find practical and long-lasting solutions to their problems. Catherine brings a balance of process and people development to the organizations she works with. In addition to teaching Lean concepts and tools, Catherine draws attention to the systemic and cultural patterns of the organization and facilitates the creation of change agendas that address operational and cultural change as well as people development. For this podcast, Catherine is offering a discount code for her online/blended learning courses. Initial courses include: *Coaching Skills for the Leader as Coach *Introduction to Lean Management *Process Mapping and Team Optimization. Email her, specify the course you're interested in and she'll send you a special discount code. catherine@mcdcoachconsult.com Check out her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mcdonald-b6157210a/

David McQueen is passionate about developing leaders. A family man first, he is the husband of one, father of two, and friend of many. He has founded and cofounded a number of businesses including Q Squared, Black Founders Hub, and Evermoor, and sits as a Non-Exec on the advisory board of many companies offering support on leadership and financial competence. In his work as an Executive Coach, Facilitator, Board Advisor, and International Speaker, he has worked with corporates and non-profit organisations worldwide to develop their senior leaders and managers. His clients include Facebook, Google, Shopify, Lloyds, HSBC, Mercedes Benz, Sky, BMW, Uber, Fidelity Investments, EY Foundation and Barnardo's. David is also an Angel Investor, Mentor, Host of the BRAVE Leader podcast, a three-time TEDx speaker, and is currently writing his first book on leadership and never works on a Saturday! Find David online here: www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidmcqueen

Graeme Codrington is a futurist, scenario planner and an expert on the future of work. With six best-selling books to his name, and clients in over 100 countries, he helps organisations anticipate the forces that will shape their industries in the future, and prepare for disruptive change today. Creativity is about new things - new ideas. This is at the heart of the work I do in helping people to “think like a futurist”. I call it strategic imagination - there’s a toolkit for business people (that can be applied to anyone else actually) that helps us break free from the natural limits of our brains and imagine a different world and future. I think that a massive part of this is recognising the cognitive functions that limit our ability to do this; and learning skills and tools to overcome these limits. • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecodrington/ • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/graemecodrington • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/graeme.codrington • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/graemecodrington/ • Twitter - https://twitter.com/FuturistGraeme • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@graemecodrington

Josuël Rogers is a life & executive coach, speaker and podcast host. He is someone who values interpersonal relationships and his passion lies in helping others become their best selves. As a personal and executive coach, he uses his analytical skills and creativity to help others overcome their challenges. He has a love for the Hip Hop culture, and realising the lessons and mindset insights that the culture has to offer, he founded HipHop Culture Coaching where the world of coaching and the world of Hip Hop meet each other. HipHop Culture Coaching provides teambuilding sessions and youth empowerment workshops where the goal is better communication with others but also with yourself in order to maximize results. He has just launched a new product. Which is an assessment and 1-time coaching package. Individuals can get insights into their motivators and/or communication preferences. https://josuelrogers.com/disc-behaviour-test-and-motivators-test Links Website https://www.hiphopculturecoaching.comhttps://www.josuelrogers.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/josuelrogers/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiphop-culture-coaching Instagram https://www.instagram.com/JosuelURogers https://www.instagram.com/HipHopCultureCoaching Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JosuelURogers https://www.facebook.com/HipHopCultureCoaching

Catherine is a Shooper… she is on a mission to find more ways in life to let go and express yourself. SHOOP is positive, up-beat, ambitious, out of your comfort zone experiences. When you do them, with others, random and surprising things happen - your heart beats and you let go. What came before SHOOP? For 8 years Catherine was the CEO of an NHS funded mental health service- Designs in Mind. Her focus was to value everyone's contribution and find ways to make ideas reality. For 18 years Catherine was a Trainer then Trustee for Jabadao a research and training organisation exploring physical development across the early years. Key elements of the practice that inform all Catherine's work are that we are biologically driven to move and that by following infant experts we find the play. Catherine started her career as a community dance artist bringing communities together and dancing to feel good. She went onto to start 'In Movement' opening up new conversations through play about leadership and engagement in business. https://www.instagram.com/theshoopery https://twitter.com/CatherineWilks_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinewilks/

Erinch Sahan is transforming the deep design of business to embed regenerative & distributive goals. He Talks about #socent, #fairtrade, #sustainability, #socialenterprise, and #doughnuteconomics. He has spent his career trying to understand and promote social enterprises, cooperatives and other alternatives to profit-primacy business models. Here's the link to the tool that any business or people working with businesses can use to apply some of the ideas discussed: https://doughnuteconomics.org/tools/191

Lois Holzman is co-founder and director of the East Side Institute, an international research and education centre for social therapeutics and performance activism—two approaches to ensemble creativity for self- and world transformation. For fifty years she has helped to build, worked with, and supported grassroots organizations working for progressive change and social justice. Lois is both an academic scholar and author of books and articles critical of the medical model of emotional distress and fostering new psychologies, and a popular writer (The Overweight Brain: How our obsession with knowing keeps us from getting smart enough to make a better world) blogger at Psychology Today, Mad in America and loisholzman.org, and writer of the unique “advice” column, The Developmentalist. Creativity is a mundane and extraordinary human activity. It's the making of something new out of what exists. It is a cultural-social activity. I'm primarily interested in the collective activity of creating, that is, how social units create environments in which they qualitatively transform themselves and their environments. A Vygotskian lens is helpful here and I'm happy to share how. https://loisholzman.org https://eastsideinstitute.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/lois-holz... twitter.com/LoisHolzman https://www.facebook.com/lois.holzman.5