Why does so much around us feel "vaguely familiar"? In this episode, we dive deep into the creative malaise of our overstimulated world—where endless scrolling, constant content, and a deluge of data make everything seem slightly derivative and uninspiring. We unpack the concept of “vague familiarity” and examine why our passion for novelty is constantly dulled by today’s information overload.To help us cut through the noise, we’re joined by Andrew Robertson, chairman of BBDO and author of The Creative Shift. Andrew brings decades of frontline experience in fighting creative sameness at one of the world’s most successful advertising agencies. We explore the sometimes uneasy balance between operational excellence and breakthrough creativity, and how organizations can make space for real innovation without falling for surface-level quick fixes.Along the way, we break down actionable principles for reigniting creative excitement, including finding inspiration at the "edges," practicing attentional minimalism, and prioritizing productive passion over passive consumption. Andrew shares compelling stories—including how Delta Airlines redefined the passenger experience by rethinking the real source of travel stress—and reveals what it really takes to recognize a great idea (even in risk-averse environments).Five Key Learnings from this Episode:Rediscover the Edges: Creativity flourishes at the intersections and boundaries of different disciplines and domains. Stepping outside your usual circles—whether it’s through new conversations or learning in unfamiliar fields—leads to fresh insights.Practice Attentional Minimalism: With relentless digital noise, deliberate focus and margin are essential. Setting boundaries around your inputs and carving out undistracted time helps you notice what truly matters.Pursue Productive Passion: Creative energy comes from making, not just consuming. Progress and intrinsic motivation fuel innovation more than passive amusement.Define the Real Problem: The most effective solutions come from unwillingness to leap immediately to action. Every creative breakthrough begins by deeply diagnosing the real challenge, even if sitting with ambiguity feels uncomfortable.Manage Risk—Don’t Chase Certainty: Seeking certainty kills originality. Instead, smart creative leaders evaluate the downside, manage risk, and are willing to act without guarantees—knowing that bold ideas don’t come with precedents.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this episode, we explore what it takes to sustain creative leadership—not just for the next launch, but through the marathon of a meaningful career. We sit down with serial entrepreneur and author Chris Ducker to dig deep into his philosophy from his new book, "The Long Haul Leader," where he shares battle-tested frameworks for combating burnout and resisting the relentless drive of hustle culture.We reflect on how our culture glorifies quick wins and non-stop hustle at the expense of our health, relationships, and lasting impact. Chris opens up about his own struggle with severe burnout during the pandemic, describing the pivotal moment he realized he’d lost touch with what truly made him “him.” We discuss practical strategies that allowed him to recover, including building what he calls a Life Operating System (Life OS)—a set of rhythms and habits designed to make leadership and creative work sustainable for the long haul.We also highlight the importance of focusing on the right “who” as leaders, and why serving the right people makes all the difference. Together, we offer a smart, honest take on how to build resilience, manage energy, and stay effectively creative without losing yourself to exhaustion.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Sustainability beats constant hustle: Hard work matters, but treating hustle as a perpetual lifestyle leads to burnout. Purposeful sprints are powerful only when surrounded by practices that let you recover and refocus.Breaking points clarify priorities: Real change often follows a crisis—those moments of total exhaustion or loss of purpose—but transformation only happens when you intentionally respond, not just notice the warning signs.Design your Life OS: Just like computers have operating systems, leaders need intentional frameworks for health, learning, energizing relationships, meaningful work, and hobbies—layering small “micro moves” for a compounding impact over time.Serve your real audience: Lasting fulfillment and greater impact come from identifying and serving those you’re best equipped to help, not by trying to please everyone or chasing external validation.Burnout is not just part of the job: Chronic fatigue, disengagement, and emptiness are signals that something fundamental needs to change. Effective creative leadership means spotting the signals early and course-correcting—not waiting for a blow-up.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive deep into the concept of doubt as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and effective leadership. We explore a real-world story where doubt reshaped a project and led to a superior outcome, challenging our culture’s bias toward certainty and snap answers. Our guest, Dr. Bobby Parmar, author of Radical Doubt and professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, unpacks the neuroscience and psychology behind how we process uncertainty—and why embracing doubt can be a superpower for leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators navigating complexity.Together, we examine why most of us conflate intelligence with having the “right” answer, how our brains use doubt to signal that there’s more to learn, and why organizations need to shift from rewarding certainty to cultivating a culture of inquiry. Dr. Parmar breaks down the brain’s “trio” of systems—pursue, protect, and pause/piece together—and shows how effective decision-making requires moving beyond tunnel vision and quick fixes.We also discuss practical tools for reframing doubt, including leveraging four essential “lenses” (principles, consequences, character, and relationships) when making decisions. Through tangible examples and research insight, we reveal how the most creative and resilient outcomes often emerge when we pause, invite challenging perspectives, and courageously sit with uncertainty.Key Learnings from This Episode:Doubt as a Doorway: Doubt isn’t a weakness to hide—it’s a signal that more learning and better answers are possible. When handled well, doubt expands possibilities instead of narrowing them.The Brain’s Trio: Our brains switch between pursue (seeking reward), protect (avoiding risk), and pause/piece together (slowing down to learn) systems. Engaging the “pause” system is critical for creativity and wise choices.Four Moral Lenses: Effective decision-making requires balancing principles, consequences, character, and relationships—especially in complex or ambiguous situations. Relying on just one lens can create blind spots.Short-term vs. Long-term Thinking: Focusing only on immediate certainty often undermines long-term value and opportunity. Doubt helps us reframe decisions within a broader context, allowing for patience and creativity.Culture of Inquiry: The best leaders foster environments where questioning assumptions is safe and expected. Encouraging dialogue around uncertainty leads to stronger teams and more innovative solutions.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this solo episode, we explore a profound question: Are we building our professional lives around fleeting moments, or are we becoming mountains—steady, enduring, and impactful over the long term? We reflect on the contrast between “moment makers” who chase applause and “mountain builders” who quietly cultivate trust, skill, and lasting influence through steady practices.We examine the cultural obsession with moments of sudden attention and why anchoring our identity or work to them can lead to instability. The episode offers thought-provoking guidance on grounding our creative efforts in durable rhythms, valuing depth over visibility, and making decisions today that will matter years from now. We end with a reminder that while moments energize us, only the mountains we build truly stand the test of time.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Moments vs. Mountains: Moments of recognition are exhilarating but temporary; it’s the disciplined, unseen work that builds something lasting.Build Practices, Not Just Projects: Ongoing habits and rhythms—done even when no one is watching—anchor our work and sustain creativity beyond any single project.Value Depth Over Visibility: Focus on the substance and real-life impact of your work, rather than chasing surface-level attention or popularity.Think in Decades, Not Days: Cultivate patience. Prioritize decisions and actions that will leave you proud decades from now, not just tomorrow.Stay Grounded in Purpose: Root your passion in meaning and purpose, not applause, to remain steady through creative highs and lows.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
Why does time feel so slippery, especially for creative pros? In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of “time anxiety”—that restless sense that we’re running out of time or not spending our hours on what really matters. We’re joined by Chris Guillebeau, author of the book Time Anxiety, who brings a fresh lens to how we experience time, how our anxieties about it span past, present, and future—and why productivity hacks alone will never be enough.We dig into the difference between optimizing and aligning our time, the dangers of chasing phantom deadlines, and why so much of our stress comes not from the clock itself but from unresolved tensions and borrowed definitions of success. Together, we share practical tactics to help you shift from a reactive, urgent default to a more intentional, aligned creative life.If you’ve caught yourself sprinting but never arriving, or if you’ve ever felt that low-grade hum of anxiety about how you’re spending your days—this conversation is for you.Five Key Learnings:Time anxiety spans the past, present, and future. It’s not just about feeling overwhelmed day-to-day—it’s also about lingering regrets, future uncertainties, and the ever-present sense of the clock ticking down.Optimization isn’t the solution—alignment is. You can’t “efficiency” your way out of anxiety. The real answer? Align your time with your values, priorities, and the impact you want to have.Phantom deadlines and borrowed benchmarks create false pressure. Much of our anxiety comes from arbitrary timelines based on outliers or cultural expectations. True progress comes from setting your own standards and constraints.Not everything urgent is important. Creative work demands space for what matters. Protecting time for meaningful—and even non-urgent—work is essential to breaking the cycle of anxiety.Self-awareness is the starting point. Pay close attention to how you spend your time and how it makes you feel. Notice unresolved tensions, distinguish between energizing and draining activities, and let those insights guide your daily choices.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
Episode E71 – DistancingIn this episode, we dive into one of creativity and leadership’s most overlooked superpowers: the ability to distance ourselves from our own immediate experience. We explore why our best work rarely happens by accident—it’s a result of disciplined, intentional decisions made from a broader perspective.We sit down with former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling author L. David Marquet, whose latest book, Distancing, unpacks the science and practice of decision-making from outside the narrow lens of our “immersed self.” Together, we examine why it’s so difficult to see beyond our own biases, emotional investments, and routines, and what it looks like to make choices for the legacy we actually want.Through practical stories—from creative team roadblocks to how Jeff Bezos made his leap away from Wall Street—we learn tactical ways to step outside ourselves and consider decisions from our future self’s vantage point. Marquet explains how to escape the trap of defending past choices and why adopting the perspective of someone else, somewhere else, or sometime else can unlock breakthrough clarity—especially under pressure.Five key learnings from the episode:Your Default Perspective Is Limiting: Our natural state is to experience life “locked behind our own eyeballs,” which distorts decision-making and binds us to short-term thinking.Distancing Is a Learnable Skill: By shifting perspective—adopting the point of view of our future self, a replacement, or a distant observer—we can challenge the baggage of our past choices and see new possibilities.Regret as a Catalyst: Imagining what your 80-year-old self will wish you had done can help you minimize regret and act courageously in the present, rather than succumbing to inertia or short-term relief.Warning Signs You’re Too Immersed: Moments of feedback, unexpected events, or high pressure can signal you’re making decisions from a defensive and self-centered state—when you’re most likely to prioritize safety over boldness.Simple Tactics Drive Distancing: Whether it’s journaling as your future self, asking what advice you’d give a friend, or physically changing your environment, even small shifts can provide the clarity to lead with intention rather than urgency.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this episode, we explore the idea that “cover bands don’t change the world”—and what it really takes to move from remixing the familiar to truly original creative work. We discuss why so many creative professionals feel stuck in safe, derivative cycles, and how our obsession with mimicking proven formulas can prevent us from breaking new ground.We’re joined by Phil White—co-author of The Creative’s Mind—who shares stories of extraordinary creatives who managed to defy their circumstances, resist conformity, and persist even when the odds (and voices around them) told them to play it safe. From artists raised in poverty to film directors who battled crippling self-doubt, these stories reveal not just the necessity of originality, but the deep personal and community roots that underwrite bold creativity.Here’s what we unpack:Why originality demands courage, risk, and sacrifice—and why safe, familiar work rarely sparks real change.The role of community and supportive voices in nurturing authentic creativity, especially in the face of doubt or adversity.The Five Cs framework from The Creative’s Mind (courage, confidence, commitment, and more), describing the characteristics common to exceptional creators.The importance of embracing discomfort, defining your own voice, and protecting space for genuine innovation (rather than just churning out content or chasing approval).How small mindset shifts—like simple, personal mantras—can help us show up bravely for our work, even before we feel “ready.”Five key learnings from this episode:Originality is risky but necessary. Derivative work might get applause, but only original work has the chance to spark real change and shape culture.Vulnerability is a creative superpower. The rough, unpolished edges in our work are often what make it resonate—perfection isn’t the goal, honesty is.Community is fuel for bravery. Having someone who believes in you (even just one person) can make the difference between persisting or giving up.Creative confidence is built, not innate. Even the most successful creators wrestle with self-doubt; confidence is a skill to be trained, often one small act at a time.Commitment extends beyond the work itself. Doing the work is crucial, but sharing it, promoting it, and standing by it authentically are equally essential.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the hidden forces that can derail even the most talented and well-intentioned leaders: blind spots. We explore why self-awareness isn’t just about knowing our weaknesses, but also understanding how our biggest strengths—if left unchecked—can turn into liabilities.We’re joined by Marty Dubin, executive coach, former CEO, clinical psychologist, and author of the new book Blindspotting. Marty shares his framework for uncovering blind spots across six key areas: motives, traits, emotion, intellect, behavior, and identity. Together, we discuss how habits and internal narratives can get stuck even as our roles evolve, and the vital importance of inviting honest feedback from those around us before it’s too late.We cover:Why our “super strengths” can turn into career roadblocksThe difference between our self-perception and realityPractical ways to spot and address blind spots as leadersHow to evolve our identity alongside our changing responsibilitiesCreating a culture of feedback and vulnerability within teamsFive Key Learnings:Blind spots often stem not from our weaknesses, but from our overused strengths—like confidence becoming arrogance, or high standards turning into micromanagement.Marty Dubin’s six blind spot categories—motives, traits, emotion, intellect, behavior, and identity—offer a holistic way to self-reflect and adjust as our careers evolve.Our identity can easily lag behind our roles, causing frustration, stagnation, or even unintentional sabotage if we don’t let go of outdated self-concepts.Emotional reactions, especially those that surprise us, are powerful signals of possible blind spots tied to hidden motives or identity mismatches.Building a culture where others can “speak truth” to us—inviting honest feedback before problems arise—is essential for growth and effective leadership.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the origins and unexpected global impact of the “like button” with business thinker and strategist Martin Reeves, co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World. Together, we uncover not just the technical and historical story behind one of the internet’s most recognizable icons, but also how something so small has fundamentally rewired our ideas about validation, success, identity, and creativity.We explore the messy, iterative invention process behind the like button, dispelling the myth of the “lone genius” and highlighting the chain of small, serendipitous problem-solving moments that led to its creation. Through Martin’s research and stories—ranging from ancient Roman gestures to the algorithmic engines of the digital age—we examine how cultural symbols embed themselves in new technologies, how our need for validation can become a trap, and why creative leaders must be wary of chasing applause over substance.Finally, we reflect on how the very tools we invent end up shaping us, for better or worse, and what that means for our own creative paths today, especially as technologies like AI quickly raise similar questions about identity, taste, and agency.Key Learnings from This Episode:External Validation vs. Inner Conviction: When we start creating primarily for immediate recognition and “likes,” we risk losing sight of our core values and true creative voice.Messy Invention, Not Lone Genius: The like button didn’t come from a single visionary, but from a series of iterative solutions and small tactical problems—reminding us that progress often happens in unexpected, collaborative ways.Cultural Resonance Matters: The thumbs-up icon succeeded because it was already deeply embedded in culture, making the digital transition intuitive and frictionless for users.The Double-Edged Sword of Instant Feedback: While instant feedback can enhance connection and learning, it also reshapes our tastes, identities, and behavior—sometimes with serious unintended consequences for mental health, social norms, and democracy.Let Curiosity Lead: The most transformative creative breakthroughs often come not from rigid objectives, but from following curiosity and allowing projects to evolve organically.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to be human in today’s workplace. We push back against the efficiency-obsessed culture and explore how bringing more humanity, joy, and intention into work leads to better results and more meaningful lives.First, we’re joined by Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun! and consultant and expert in organizational transformation. Bree breaks down why work doesn’t have to be drudgery and makes a compelling case for infusing fun and playfulness into our daily grind—not in a frivolous way, but as the key to unlocking creativity and doing our best work. She shares actionable tips for reclaiming joy, such as “do nothing days” for creative recharge and learning to defend our most valuable asset: our attention and creative energy.In the second half, we sit down with Emily Kasriel, journalist and author of Deep Listening. Emily reveals why truly listening is not just a soft skill but a transformative, radical act. She offers insights into overcoming distractions—both internal and external—and shows us how deep, empathetic listening can fuel connection, innovation, and motivation at work.Whether you’re leading a team, managing up, or navigating your own next steps, this episode is packed with fresh perspectives and practical advice for bringing more humanity to your workday and life.Five Key Learnings from this Episode:Work isn’t just about output, it’s about experience. When we let go of the “grind” and invite fun and play, we create better work and a richer life.Protecting creativity means defending our headspace. Scheduling time for exploration and resisting performative productivity unlocks genuine creative ideas.Listening is a radical act. Deep, empathetic listening goes beyond hearing words; it’s about using the whole of us to understand the whole of another person.Attention is our most valuable resource. Eliminating distractions—especially phones and to-do lists—allows us to be fully present and build stronger connections.Curiosity builds bridges. Approaching others with genuine curiosity opens us to new ideas, breaks down barriers, and encourages respect—even when we disagree.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
Summer's in full swing, our routines are upside down, and creative disciplines are as vital as ever. In this special episode, we share Todd Henry's live talk from Scottsdale, Arizona, exploring the heart of creative work and what it really takes to thrive as a “create on demand” professional. Todd unpacks why producing brilliant work isn’t as simple as following steps 1-2-3, and why most of the real magic happens in the messy space in between.He also discusses the hidden forces that sabotage our creativity—dissonance, fear, and expectation escalation—and introduces the five elements of creative rhythm that can help us stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy. You’ll learn why true creative success is about intentional daily practices, not bursts of last-minute inspiration, and how building disciplines now will help you build a body of work you can be proud of.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Brilliance Requires Discipline: Great creative work doesn’t just “happen.” It comes from consistent, intentional practices that help us manage our focus, relationships, energy, stimuli, and hours.Manage Dissonance, Fear, and Expectations: Unaddressed gaps between our “why” and “what,” fear of failure, and ever-escalating expectations are stealthy assassins to creative output—recognizing and addressing them is critical.Creative Rhythm Is Key: Cultivating five elements—Focus, Relationships, Energy, Stimuli, and Hours (“FRESH”)—creates the foundation for sustainable, high-quality creative work.Brilliance Emerges in Community: Collaboration, feedback, and support from others fuel our best ideas—creativity isn’t a solo pursuit.Die Empty: Our goal shouldn’t just be doing more, but making sure we give our best effort. Leave nothing of value unshared, unattempted, or undiscovered—so we reach the finish line without regret.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the heart of what it means to be a purposeful leader—both in our creative work and our lives. We explore how easy it is to drift away from our core motivations as we advance in our careers, and what it really takes to stay anchored to what matters most.We’re joined by Klaus Kleinfeld, the only Fortune 500 CEO to have led two companies on different continents and author of Leading To Thrive, and Eric Liedtke, former brand president at Adidas and current brand leader at Under Armour and Unless Collective. Together, they share powerful stories about leadership, self-awareness, and navigating the internal and external games of success.We explore themes like managing energy (not just time), the critical importance of integrating our personal and professional selves, and how true change starts from within. From a CEO who redefined performance to a creative leader who risked it all to align with his values, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone who wants to lead with soul and purpose.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Leadership Drift Is Subtle: Progress in your career can often feel like success, but without anchoring to your core values, you may end up far from the person or leader you intended to be.Inner and Outer Games Matter: Success isn’t just about external achievements—the “outer game”—but also about understanding who you are, what you want, and managing your energy (“inner game”) to have sustainable impact.Energy, Not Just Time, Is Key: True high performance comes from managing and recharging your energy, not just filling your calendar. Micro-habits and rest are not signs of weakness but essential for sustained creativity and leadership.Integration, Not Balance: We’re not meant to keep work and life in separate silos. Thriving as leaders means integrating our professional ambitions with our deeper personal values.Purpose Fuels Action: Checking in with yourself about your true motivations isn’t just self-care—it shapes your decisions, your team’s culture, and your overall impact, whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or launching a mission-driven startup.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this episode of Daily Creative, we sit down with Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas—a phenomenon that's redefining what it means to have fun at a baseball game. We share Jesse’s incredible journey from feeling uninspired in a “dream job” to igniting a revolution in sports entertainment. Bored with the traditional, slow-moving experience of baseball, Jesse asked the pivotal question: “How could we make this fun every time?”We explore how Jesse leaned into bold ideas, ditched the predictable playbook, and replaced blandness with pure creative energy. Drawing inspiration from visionaries like Walt Disney and P.T. Barnum, Jesse made it his mission to build a show fans couldn’t stop talking about—complete with dancing staff, wild rules, and a sense of spectacle that makes every moment count. From the struggles of his early days as a young general manager, turning around a failing team with empty stadiums, to the sold-out, wildly viral success of the Savannah Bananas, Jesse reveals how continuous innovation and fan-first thinking can transform not only an experience, but an entire industry.We go behind the scenes to unearth the Bananas’ creative process, from weekly idea pitching sessions inspired by Saturday Night Live to relentless experimentation and audience feedback. Jesse shares how his commitment to fun, learning from outside his industry, and obsession with new ideas keeps the Bananas experience fresh, exciting, and unforgettable night after night.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Create What You Love: The most remarkable creators, like Jesse, build experiences that they themselves would truly enjoy. If it doesn’t excite you, it’s unlikely to excite your fans.Embrace the “What If” Question: Growth and innovation come from questioning industry assumptions and daring to envision something completely different, even if it sounds “too much” at first.Learn Across Industries: Pull the best ideas from outside your field. Parallel thinking and adaptation of concepts (from Disney to the circus to WWE) helped make Banana Ball truly unique.Prioritize Experience Over Promotion: People must experience your difference—not just hear about it. The Bananas invest in the fan experience, letting viral moments and word-of-mouth do the marketing.Iterate Fast and Learn Relentlessly: The Bananas test new ideas every night, seek feedback, and adjust constantly to create moments audiences will remember and want to relive.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreative.app.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
In this episode, we dive into how complexity creeps into our systems—whether in software, organizations, or personal leadership. We start by looking at the evolution of Microsoft Word as a case study of feature creep and unintended consequences, asking why more options can end up stifling creativity.We’re joined by Robert Siegel, Stanford lecturer and author of The Systems Leader, who unpacks why today is a uniquely chaotic time for leaders. He explores the cross-pressures leaders face—from balancing execution with innovation, to combining strength with empathy—and what it takes to thrive in turbulent environments.Later, we revisit a powerful 2017 conversation with Seth Godin, bestselling author and entrepreneur. Seth reframes uncertainty as an inherent feature of modern systems, not a personal failure. He shares his perspective on adapting to continual change, why embracing smaller markets and iterative progress makes us more resilient, and how redefining success helps us stay in the game.Whether you’re leading a team, navigating constant change, or just trying to keep your work meaningful, this episode will give you fresh strategies for thinking and acting systemically.Five Key Learnings:Complexity Creep Is Real: As with Microsoft Word, adding features to solve edge cases often leads to more user frustration and less creative freedom. Simplicity can be a competitive advantage.Systems Leadership Is Essential: Leaders must operate with a systems mindset, recognizing the interconnectedness inside and outside their organizations rather than staying siloed.Balancing Dualities: Success today means navigating cross-pressures, such as execution vs. innovation and strength vs. empathy—not just picking one.Embrace Uncertainty: Uncertainty isn’t going away; learning to see it as a product of changing systems makes it less personal and more navigable.Iterate and Focus Small: Applying your creative efforts to the smallest viable audience allows for better learning, less risk, and greater long-term impact.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just visit DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the concept of “lean learning”—the art of cutting through information overload to focus on what matters and take action that truly moves us forward. We kick off with an intriguing story about the Jefferson Memorial’s restoration, showing how asking the right questions unlocks smarter solutions.Joining us is Pat Flynn, entrepreneur and author of Lean Learning, who shares insights from his journey from aspiring architect to online business leader and educator. Together, we explore how to shift from hoarding knowledge to taking deliberate, timely action, supported by real-life examples and practical frameworks.We break down the difference between “just in case” and “just in time” learning, discuss voluntary force functions, and tackle the mental hurdles that keep creatives and leaders stuck in learning mode rather than doing. Pat offers inspiring personal stories—from online experiments to fishing escapades—that bring these principles to life.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Ask Better Questions: The right question asked repeatedly (like “why?”) can unravel complex issues and clear away unnecessary noise, leading to simple, effective solutions.Just-In-Time Learning: Instead of stockpiling information “just in case,” focus on gathering knowledge as you need it to move to the next step—then act on it.Implement Force Functions: Create self-imposed deadlines or accountability measures to compel action and learning by doing, not just by consuming.Leverage Community and Mentors: Surrounding yourself with peers, mentors, and those who’ve gone before you accelerates learning and provides essential support and perspective.Embrace Failure as a Guide: Strategic, fast failures are key to real growth; mistakes become vital feedback that push you toward mastery and wisdom.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.
Ever fantasized about sending a scorched-earth resignation email or confronting that “complicated” colleague head-on? In this episode, we explore the messy realities and hidden costs of revenge in the workplace—and uncover healthier, more powerful strategies for navigating conflict and difficult people.We kick off with a viral real-life resignation email—an employee’s “digital declaration of war”—and ask: Is revenge ever the right answer, or just a tempting fantasy? To help us dig deeper, we welcome leadership expert and executive coach Ryan Leak, who shares research and tactics from his new book How to Work with Complicated People. Ryan challenges us to recognize that “complicated” is in the eye of the beholder, and often, the growth opportunity in conflict lies with us.Then, conflict resolution specialist James Kimmel takes us into the neuroscience of revenge. We learn just how a grudge can hijack our brain like a drug—triggering temporary pleasure but lasting destruction. James shares practical, evidence-based steps for breaking the cycle and explains why forgiveness isn’t just a virtue but a neurological “wonder drug” for our own well-being. His new book is called The Science of Revenge.Whether you’re dreaming of a Jerry Maguire exit or just tired of that one messy team dynamic, this episode will help you turn revenge fantasies into opportunities for learning, integrity, and genuine professional growth.Five Key Learnings:“Complicated” Is Subjective: What you find difficult in a colleague, someone else might find easy—meaning anyone (including ourselves) can be “complicated” to work with.People Over Job Description: Job satisfaction is far more influenced by the people you work with than by the actual work you do.Honest Conversation Heals: Growth and resolution often require stepping into vulnerable, authentic dialogue with colleagues—even if it’s uncomfortable.Revenge Is Addictive—And Costly: Neuroscience shows that seeking revenge lights up our reward centers like an addiction, but leaves us feeling worse and traps us in a cycle of pain.Forgiveness as Self-Healing: Quiet, internal forgiveness—without any big announcements—switches off our brain’s pain and reward loops, empowering us to make clearer, healthier decisions.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more
In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to choose creativity, rather than simply waiting for inspiration to strike. We open with the fascinating origin story of Photoshop—how a grad student’s simple problem-solving evolved, through deliberate choices and refinement, into a revolutionary creative tool. This story sets the stage for this episode’s exploration of how intentional actions, not just spontaneous bursts, drive meaningful creative outcomes.We’re joined by Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the new book, The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. Zorana shares insights from her 25 years of creativity research, focusing especially on the overlooked emotional aspects of creative work. We discuss why creativity is about continuous, intentional choices—both big and small—that help us make progress, manage our energy, and use our emotions as information.Together, we unpack actionable strategies to deliberately foster creativity in high-pressure environments, the science behind emotional rhythms and productivity, and how tools like generative AI fit into the evolving landscape of creative work. Zorana also offers a unique perspective on matching your creative tasks to your emotional state and daily energy rhythms.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Intentional Creativity Over Inspiration: Waiting for flashes of inspiration is risky—real creative progress comes from deliberate, systematic practices and choices.Emotions as Informational Tools: Emotions aren’t just happening to us—they’re signals we can decode and use to drive creative action and problem solving.Creative Rhythm Is Personal: Everyone’s daily emotional and energy cycles are different. Understanding and aligning your creative tasks to these rhythms leads to better results.Build Your Creative Infrastructure: Sustainable creativity requires supportive systems—idea capture, regular review, and collaborative feedback structures are essential.AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Generative AI can assist with certain creative tasks, but the essential human skill of “problem finding”—asking the right questions—remains at the heart of true creativity.Get weekly articles to your inbox at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more
In this episode, we dive deep into why optimism is far more than just wishful thinking—it's a practical, essential quality for doing brave, creative work and leading others with clarity. We explore how maintaining optimistic vision, especially in uncertain times, can drive teams forward and inspire decisive action.We also welcome special guest Peter Wilken, branding expert and author of Dim Sum Strategy and The Ten Commandments to Build a Strong Brand and Steer Your Ship By. Peter shares stories from his storied career at the forefront of global advertising and brand consulting, shedding light on the origins and importance of “brand DNA.” Together, we discuss the key components that make great brands resilient, relevant, and unique, and how nurturing breakthrough ideas means protecting them as they grow.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Optimism Demands Agency and Vision: Real optimism is about having perceived agency and a clear, forward-looking vision, not blind faith. Leaders must provide clarity (not certainty) and communicate how their team fits into the bigger picture.The True Nature of Passion: Passion, at its root, means being willing to endure or suffer for a meaningful outcome. It’s about committing to a vision deeply enough to overcome discomfort or setbacks along the way.Spotting and Nurturing Great Ideas: Breakthrough creative ideas often begin as small, vulnerable seedlings that need protection and nurturing. Organizations need the courage, craftsmanship, and willingness to let ideas grow—even if they’re polarizing at first.Brand DNA Explained: Great brands have a unique “DNA”—a strategic, memorable template outlining their reason for being, core beliefs, promise, customer benefit, and culture. This blueprint ensures long-lasting differentiation and guides consistent brand experiences.Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Brands erode when they try to please everyone, over-invest in superficial touchpoints, or jump to execution before strategy. Strong brands actively exclude those who don’t share their values and build on a foundation of unwavering beliefs.Get articles to your inbox each week at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.Mentioned in this episode:NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available nowRise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more
In this episode, we dig deep into the experience of “stuckness” that every creative pro and leader faces when tackling hard problems. We challenge the typical advice of “just push through,” and instead reveal the true root causes behind creative block. Also, we explore why simply grinding it out doesn’t always work and how a more mindful approach can help us regain momentum.We unpack three main reasons why we often get stuck: lack of definition, loss of motivation, and outdated systems. Through relatable examples and practical questions, we show how redefining the problem, reconnecting with our deeper why, and shaking up our routines can reignite progress.Whether you’re leading a team, working solo, or just trying to unlock new ideas, this episode guides you to reflect, reset, and recharge your creative drive — so you can move forward with purpose.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Stuckness Is Normal: Getting stuck is an inevitable part of doing creative, challenging work — but it's not something we have to resign ourselves to.Define the Real Problem: We must continuously clarify not just the project, but the actual problem we're solving. This involves empathy, keen focus, and honest reassessment.Reconnect With Motivation: When we lose sight of why our work matters or get caught in “all what, no why,” motivation drops. Reconnecting tasks to a meaningful purpose is essential.Audit Your Systems: Outdated processes or a constant chase after new systems can drain energy. Refresh your workflow, build supportive relationships, and question limiting assumptions.Progress Over Perfection: Stuckness is often a choice. Diligent effort and a willingness to realign or rethink can break the cycle of stagnation and lead to better results.Subscribe to articles like this at bravefocusedbrilliant.com.
In today’s episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the crucial distinction between being a collector and a curator in the digital age. With endless streams of information bombarding us daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hoarding inspiration—saving articles, quotes, and ideas without ever transforming them into something meaningful. We explore how true creativity is about making the complicated simple and turning endless noise into valuable insight.We walk through a practical, three-step framework to move from information overload to actionable insight: casting a wide net, curating what matters, and ruthlessly eliminating the rest. By asking ourselves key questions—what is this really, why does it matter to me, and what can I create with it—we can ensure that our collections fuel creativity and purposeful work instead of stifling it. Plus, we share tips for establishing regular curation sessions so these ideas don’t gather digital dust.If you’re ready to stop drowning in information and start producing more focused, meaningful creative work, this episode is for you.Five Key Learnings:Collecting vs. Curating: Collecting is about amassing information; curating is about making sense of it, connecting ideas, and generating insight.The Three Questions: Always ask, “What is this really?”, “Why does it matter to me?”, and “What can I create with this?” to turn stimulus into creative fuel.Ruthless Elimination: Don’t be afraid to let go of anything that doesn’t serve a clear purpose or add value—quality trumps quantity.Regular Curation is Essential: Scheduling time to review, connect, and synthesize ideas is the difference-maker for ongoing creative productivity.Focus on Impact: It’s not about the size of your information repository, but what you do with it—what you create is what counts.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.appGet free weekly articles by email to help you do your best work at BraveFocusedBrilliant.com.
Karen Booth
This episode really resonated with me. Thank you Todd and the team. I have long thought I am just not motivated enough but I think it will be worth exploring what my motivations are.
Karen Booth
really insightful podcast. Thanks. I'm going to source the book to understand the ideas better.
Wayne Burrell
The job of a leader is to remove emotional waste in their people so they can think more clearly about their world (and their work). 👌🏾
Wayne Burrell
Engagement - Accountability = Entitlement 👊🏾🤟🏾
Edrece Stansberry
You guys have created one of the best podcasts for creatives. I absolutely love the content you all create with pinpoint topics. Keep creating great work!