What is the future of work? How hard should we work? How can we navigate work life balance? Meet Tim Duggan, author of Work Backwards, who answers many of these questions (and more!) in this weeks episode. And as an added bonus, Tim takes us through the KILLER ideas framework from his book on creativity called Killer Thinking. Stand by for a deep-dive into his MAP framework for navigating and understanding your relationship with the world of work (Meaning, Anchors and Priorities) also an explanation of why the “Movember” charity fund raising scheme fits his K.I.L.L.E.R. framework for crafting big creative ideas that people will love.Tim is the co-founder of Junkee Media and Chair of the Digital Publishers Alliance. His books Cult Status and Killer Thinking have been widely recognized, and his latest book, Work Backwards, explores new ways to approach work in a changing world. LINKS: Tim Duggan - Special Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_duggan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timduggan1/ Website: www.timduggan.com.au Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we welcome back the brilliant Neall Foard to The Common Creative Podcast for a deep dive into the evolving world of storytelling especially through video. Neal inspired us so much with his first Common Creative conversation (see episode no 83 “Grateful Creativity”) that he’s the first ever guest to be invited back for more. Over the past 18 months, Neil has been honing his craft and discovering what resonates in today’s fast-moving digital story telling landscape, whilst launching a new training program for story telling on-line called “Storyfire”. Neil, with his 25+ years in advertising and marketing, knows a thing or two about storytelling. He’s created award-winning campaigns for brands like Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony, and was once ranked among the top ten most awarded creative directors in the world. Now, with his viral videos inspiring millions, he’s sharing the news about the role of video and how to build your own on-screen presence. Listen out for tips on the importance of getting great by practicing again, again and again (to the point where you cant ‘act’ anymore). If you want to take your video storytelling game to the next level, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS: Neal Foard - Special Guest Episode 83: Neal Foard - Grateful Creativity - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-83-neal-foard-grateful-creativity/id1525162918?i=1000621336255 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-foard-3727403/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@nealfoard/videos Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nealfoard/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nealfoard Storyfire Course - https://storyfire.mykajabi.com/a/2147962025/fus3Dd28 Website - nealfoard.com Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s conversation of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather discuss the PARA filing system, a method for organizing projects, areas, resources, and archives. They explore the simplicity and effectiveness of this system, emphasizing the importance of keeping current projects front and center while maintaining a disciplined approach to archiving. The conversation highlights the challenges creatives face in organising their work and the potential future role of AI in streamlining this process. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Ian Stephens shares his inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming one of Australia's leading speakers. He shares so many insights, including the courage it took to step away from the security of a career to follow his passion, and an area where he had no idea what to do. The hall mark of a creative act. Ian Stephens is a top-rated business speaker, trainer, and award-winning educator specializing in sales, leadership, and mindset. A master of NLP, he equips teams and leaders with practical tools to drive results. Ian is the author of seven books, and his dynamic, humor-infused keynotes and workshops inspire focus, discipline, and success. Ian is also the convener of the Professional Speakers Association's 2025 conference Cadence. LINKS: Ian Stephens - Special Guest Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianstephensspeaks/ Website - https://ianstephensspeaks.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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather discuss the importance of being prepared for spontaneous opportunities in life, using the metaphor of always carrying swimming trunks and a beach towel. They explore how creativity is tied to being observant and taking notes, whether through sketches, words, or photographs. The conversation emphasises the value of curiosity and an open mind as essential tools for embracing life's adventures. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's conversation, Paul and Chris dive into Indigenous Australian perspectives on problem-solving and respect with our guest, Paulina Larocca. Drawing on the work of Tyson Yunkaporta, Paulina explores the idea that true respect begins with acknowledging our own ignorance, an approach that contrasts sharply with conventional problem-solving methods. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s conversation, Paul and Chris delve into the concept of 'daily-ish' habits, inspired by Oliver Berkman's insights. They discuss the importance of flexibility in habit formation, especially for those with busy lives or distractions. The conversation transitions into the relationship between creativity and mindset, emphasizing that a creative approach to life can be more beneficial than rigid daily outputs. They explore how journaling and curiosity can enhance creativity without the pressure of constant production. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Would you have the courage to sell your house in order to fund a retro startup in the music industry? Neil Wilson is co-owner of Suitcase Records, a family-owned vinyl pressing business based in Brisbane, Australia. Neil shares his fascinating journey from the safe world of urban planning and architecture to co-founding one of only three vinyl record manufacturers in the country. He provides a unique perspective on the challenges of making the commitment to the startup (“burn your bridges”) and also the many rewards and frustrations of running a manufacturing business that operates in a creative field. (Did you know that there’s often more stress in getting the artists to agree on the cover design than the music itself?) Throughout the conversation, Neil highlights the deeper engagement that vinyl offers in today's digital age and emphasises the importance of fostering community and connection in both business and creativity. LINKS: Neil Wilson- Special Guest Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/neilawilson Instagram - @suitcaserecords Website - http://suitcaserecords.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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can businesses embrace artistic processes and become more innovative? Chloe Preece works at the intersection of arts and marketing, focusing on how businesses can learn from artists' creative processes. Drawing on her observations of the way real artists work, she beats the drum for concepts such as play, experimentation, and embracing failure in fostering a creative culture within business. Chloe is a Professor of Marketing at ESCP Business School and Academic Director of the MSc in Marketing & Creativity. Her research focuses on marketing within the arts and creative industries, exploring how the arts generate social, cultural, and economic value. She has published in top journals, co-edited Marketing the Arts (2023), and has an upcoming book, The Power of Consumer Creativity (2024). Chloe has presented her work globally and been featured in outlets like The Financial Times and Newsweek. She holds degrees from McGill University and King’s College London LINKS: Dr. Chloe Preece- Special Guest Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chloe-preece-2798246/ X - @chloempreece Website - https://escp.eu/preece-chloe Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this mini episode, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather discuss the concept of 'Quarter by Quarter', inspired by Anne Lamott's book 'Bird by Bird'. Paul shares his personal struggle with completing self-initiated projects due to his tendency to get distracted by new ideas. He introduces his plan to undertake 100 side projects over the next 25 years, with each project lasting approximately 90 days. The conversation emphasises the importance of deadlines, accountability, and the motivation to create meaningful work before it's too late. Chris highlights the beauty of recognising our limited time and the urgency it brings to our creative endeavours. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who wouldn’t want to be a “Creative Catalyst”! With a background as both a practicing and academic creative, Paulina Larocca shares her powerful insights about the role of respect, the importance of ‘movement’ and the need to ask the right questions when developing creative ideas. For her, ideas are easy - it's framing the questions in the right way that generates results. With over 20 years of experience leading global innovation teams and lecturing in creativity, she explains how asking the right questions can unlock creativity and how organizations can foster innovation through curiosity, authenticity, and collaboration. As the author of three books on creativity (including “The Holey Bible”) and a soon-to-be PhD in creativity and innovation, Paulina offers practical insights to help business people develop sustainable, innovative solutions. (And, listen out for a very special “ bonding moment” as Paul and Paulina discover a shared interest in watercolour painting!). LINKS: Paulina Larocca - Special Guest Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paulina_larocca_creative?igsh=OTNzdWhqdHdxcHI1&utm_source=qr Website - https://paulinalarocca.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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this engaging conversation, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith explore the intersection of creativity, woodworking, and personal organization. Chris shares his unique approach to organizing his workshop, using whimsical 'ministries' to categorize tools and materials. The discussion evolves into a broader reflection on the importance of creativity in organization and the balance between following frameworks and embracing personal expression. Chris also humorously highlights his 'rule of chocolate recipes' as a metaphor for personalizing experiences. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re re-publishing this incredible episode with Rachel Barnard because we want more people to hear her amazing story of creativity and social change. She’s the founder of Young New Yorkers, a program that uses art and creativity to help young offenders avoid criminal records. (Yes! Art can be used to avoid a criminal record!) An Australian-born architect and with no experience of the legal system,, Rachel turned a pandemic career hiatus into an opportunity for change. Through her unique “Mapping” process, she’s helped over 1,400 young people exit the criminal legal system, partnering with agencies like NYC Criminal Courts and the Department of Probation. Rachel is also a coach, entrepreneur, and artist, known for her proprietary Map process that helps creative entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. With multiple awards and fellowships, she’s a true example of how creativity can change lives. 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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the world of elite sports, discipline, commitment and resilience tend to reign supreme. So, is there a role for creativity? In this episode, Rowena Meredith (double olympian and also Chris’ daughter) shares her journey from a young athlete trying various sports to becoming a medal-winning Olympian. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to take rowing seriously, the competitive nature of the sport, and the balance between individual ambition and teamwork. Rowena also reflects on the importance of creativity within the highly structured discipline of rowing, her experiences with art as a form of relaxation during competitions, and offers advice for young athletes and their parents. The conversation culminates in her reflections on the surreal experience of standing on the Olympic podium and what the future holds for her after her competitive career. Tune in for olympic insights and a dash of father-daughter chemistry. LINKS: Rowena Meredith- Special Guests LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rowena-meredith-oly-00a63a64 Instagram: www.instagram.com/roorows/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In many ways, Marion Deuchars is the ultimate poster child for the Common Creative. A successful illustrator and author and illustrator of her own books, she also has a powerful creative philosophy. Key elements of her creative formula are embracing deadlines (even if they’re self-imposed) curiosity, observation and playfulness. Faced with the overwhelming amount of material that’s now available on-line, Marion emphasizes the value of creating for oneself rather than for others, highlighting the meditative benefits of engaging in creative activities. She also explores the use of non-conventional materials in art-making, encouraging listeners to embrace their creativity without fear of judgment. (Listen in and you’ll never see a pebble in the same way again!) Marion Deuchars, a Scottish illustrator and author, is celebrated for her award-winning books that inspire creativity and imagination in both children and adults. Her latest book, Make Every Day Creative, encourages adults to experiment with various art techniques and materials, including painting, drawing, and collage. LINKS: Marion Deuchars- Special Guests LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marion-deuchars-4997342 Instagram: @mariondeuchars Website: www.mariondeuchars.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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Hanne Kristiansen shares her journey from Denmark to Barcelona and her evolution into a creativity consultant. She introduces the Creative ID concept, which emphasizes that everyone is creative in their own way. Hanne discusses the importance of breaking down traditional views of creativity in corporate settings and presents five distinct types of creativity. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration and understanding individual creative preferences to foster a more innovative corporate culture. Hanne also shares insights on building a community of certified consultants to amplify the impact of creative intelligence in various fields. Hanne’s mission is to put creative intelligence within reach of everyone so the world of work becomes a more human, agile and inclusive place to be. She spent the first half of her career working for McVitie’s, Diageo and latterly Kellogg’s where she was Head of European Innovation. For the last 15+ years, Hanne and her partners at the University of Sheffield have developed a psychometric tool (Creative ID™) which pinpoints your preferences across 5 creative styles and helps you discover how you are creative. LINKS: Hanne Kristiansen- Special Guests LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannekristiansen | https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourcreativeid/ Instagram: @yourcreativeid Website: www.yourcreativeid.com www.wearecreativecreatures.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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Lewis Rossignol an illustrator, visual storyteller or a comedian? And what IS the secret of drawing an Australian or a person with Down’s Syndrome? In this episode Lewis shares his journey from a non-creative background to becoming a successful visual artist with a jittery, nervous style that somehow captures more of the essence of his subject than a more traditional portrait In the discussion, Lewis emphasizes the importance of humor in his work, the value of embracing negativity, and the idea of drawing what you think rather than what you see. Lewis Rossignol is an American visual artist known for his loose illustrations where he uses multiple mediums and collage. Rossignol has worked for many clients, including Tyler the Creator, Adult Swim, Brad Garrett, and Mark Hoppus' clothing brand, I am Mark. LINKS: Lewis Rossignol- Special Guests Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewisrossignol Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lewisrossignol YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVlj1wtUKUS2cOn8_HBnOxg Website: www.lewisrossignolart.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.
In this conversation, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith delve into the themes of creativity, visual art, and storytelling, particularly focusing on Chris's upcoming photographic exhibition titled 'Spirits of Balmoral.' The discussion explores the unique aspects of Chris's digital art, its resemblance to Renaissance paintings, and the deeper narratives behind the images, including the representation of sirens and the interplay of history and imagination. The conversation also touches on audience engagement and the importance of storytelling in art. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Mark Shayler shares his journey as a sustainability and innovation consultant, delving into the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and personal growth. He discusses the power of visual communication, and the humorous yet impactful story of his singing experiences. Mark also explores the symbolism of lemons and how they relate to creativity and resilience, ultimately emphasizing the need to unlock creativity in others through safe spaces and storytelling. In this engaging conversation, Mark and Paul explore the interconnected themes of authenticity, creativity, and sustainability. They discuss the importance of seeing beyond superficial appearances to connect deeply with others, the joy of cycling as a metaphor for freedom, and the transformative power of creativity in addressing global challenges. Mark emphasizes the need to imagine a better future and the role of every individual in fostering creativity within organizations. LINKS: Mark Shayler- Special Guests Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shayler-778ab64 Instagram: @markshayler X : @greenape Website: http://www.thisisape.co.uk/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Common Creative, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather delve into the insights from Anne Lamott's book 'Bird by Bird'. They discuss the intersection of writing and life, emphasising how humour and authenticity play crucial roles in storytelling. The conversation highlights the importance of self-discovery through creative expression and the lessons learned from both fiction and non-fiction writing. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.