The Creative Switch

Scores Sketches, & Stories: Self-Redesign with Hannah AsheEpisode Summary: After a highly successful career as a music teacher Hannah Ashe teacher made a pivot to interior design before discovering an additional and entirely different form of creative expression through her Substack publication, Chez Hanny. Her creativity knows no limits and I am excited for you to hear how it fuels everything she does.The episode highlights the importance of embracing creative reinvention and nurturing creativity in various forms, including in education and through personal expression.Hannah Ashe Bio:Hannah’s interior design journey began in 2012 when she bought her first London flat which needed a serious revamp. Together with her husband, she went on to fully renovate two further homes and now lives in a beautiful Edwardian house in SW London where there are always new projects on the go. It often features on Hannah’s Instagram page.In 2023, Hannah left her teaching career and position of Director of Music to follow her passion and retrain as an interior designer. She is a keen gardener and the natural environment and biophilic design concepts play a pivotal role in her design schemes. Hannah uses natural materials and forms in her design schemes as she believes they bring a sense of calm to the home. Helping clients to discover their unique personal style brings joy and satisfaction to Hannah's work and encourages a new sense of design confidence in those that she has worked with.The creative arts still play a significant role in her life and Hannah writes a Substack newsletter - Chez Hanny - and hosts a podcast on Creative Career Change.As well as a great eye for colour and detail, Hannah is particularly skilled in transforming Edwardian houses. She has excellent communication skills honed through 16 years of teaching, and she brings a calm presence and personal approach to every design project.Episode Chapters with time stamps:00:17 - Introducing Hannah Ashe07:40 - Meeting Hannah Ashe: A Creative Switch11:38 - Exploring Creative Paths15:55 - The Realization of Change21:09 - Starting a New Chapter in Interior Design26:59 - Exploring the Transition to Substack35:01 - The Journey to Embrace Creativity39:56 - Embracing Creativity and Structure44:07 - The Journey of Creative Intuition49:54 - Exploring Creativity and Connections51:05 - Introducing The Bold Types - Exploring the Art and Science of Creative LivingFour Creative Nuggets:“Creativity is very much linked to time and headspace… it’s about carving out specific pockets of time and space that enable those thoughts and ideas to come.” Hannah Ashe“These creative switches don’t necessarily just happen instantly… it can be a gradual process that is evolving over time—and that’s definitely what worked for me.” Hannah Ashe“If we write something just because we want to write it… not because we’re thinking, how can I market this… those are the things that people resonate with the most.” Hannah Ashe“I don’t think I ever want creativity to be pigeonholed… they all just mush and merge into one—and the more that I embrace that, the more creative I can be.” Hannah AsheLinks:The Edge1 Luxury London – 2025 Interior Design Trends https://luxurylondon.co.uk/lifestyle/interiors/2025-interior-design-trends-texture-art-historical-touches2 Houzz UK – Emerging Trends Report a...

 Episode Summary: I talk with Ruth Mary Chipperfield, a bespoke jewellery designer who turned to creativity after illness changed her plans at university. In the Edge news, I cover recent UK jewellery news, including Harriet Kelsall’s studio being nominated for Bespoke Jewellery Retailer of the Year. In Creative Adventures, I also share tips from my own creative journey and highlight advice from Andrew Szczeck about connecting with your audience and understanding the distinction between what we make and how we sell. Plus, I cover recent UK jewellery news, including Harriet Kelsall’s studio being nominated for Bespoke Jewellery Retailer of the Year. The episode is all about creative reinvention, ethical practice, and taking action on your ideas.Guest Bio: Ruth Chipperfield is a goldsmith and jewellery designer, who specialises in remodelling sentimental heirloom jewellery into meaningful jewellery pieces for today. Ruth has a deep appreciation for the story behind each piece, which is retold in every design she creates while reflecting personal style at the same time as preserving family history through the jewellery she works on.As a former scientist, Ruth has never been bound by tradition. As a child, her aspiration was to become an inventor which led Ruth to study Chemistry. However, during her studies, Ruth was diagnosed with narcolepsy, which meant her husband became her fulltime carer for three years. During this time Ruth was collapsing 30+ times a day and sleeping for 18 hours in a 24 hour cycle.However, this was the making of her current path as it gave Ruth the opportunity to go in a whole new direction. Ruth’s early designs, which are still popular today, feature delicate lace designs in precious metal, giving a nod to simpler times and reinventing the dying art of lacemaking.The scientist hasn’t been left behind though. Much of Ruth’s work involves creating future heirlooms such as engagement rings and she has a passion for reusing preloved gemstones. Using her chemistry background, each gemstone undergoes full laboratory testing so her customers can have confidence in her work and the gemstones they buy.Episode Chapters with time stamps:Introduction [00:00]The Edge [01:58]Ruth's Background [05:37]Narcolepsy Diagnosis [06:51]Creativity Defined [08:13]Client Stories [08:55]Creative Process [16:23]Business Evolution [34:27]Health Management [42:25]Creative Adventures [48:32]Four Creative Nuggets:"I think that's the misconception people often have, is that creativity equals drawing. It doesn't... I personally believe that creativity is a way of thinking so you can be a creative person without making anything physical. I think it very much links to problem solving." "I think creativity really is something that influences every aspect. It's bringing together multiple ideas." "Sometimes you, as a creative person, just have to have the courage to break out of the narrative and go into a different direction and trust the process that all paths will lead to the right point." "I think a lot of creative people are like this. You start something and you've got all these unfinished things and it's never linear." Links:Guest: Ruth Chipperfieldwww.ruthmary.com/www.facebook.com/ruthmaryjewellery/www.instagram.com/ruthmaryjewellery/a...

From Consulting to Songwriting: Tricia Duffy's Creative EvolutionEpisode Summary: In this climate of creative recalibration and music industry reform Tricia Duffy, a strategy consultant, podcaster, and self-described ‘creativity fairy godmother’, who took up songwriting later in life, talks about her own creative evolution, her philosophy and tips for living a creative life. Her story is a powerful reminder that creative balance isn’t just possible, it’s transformative. And mostly it hinges on one thing, your mindset.Guest Bio: Tricia Duffy is a polymath. A media consultant, podcaster, public speaker, songwriter, and singer based in West London. She began her career as a cruise ship entertainer in the U.S., transitioned into TV roles at IMG, Sky, and BBC, and founded the strategy consulting firm Lily Grey in 2012. After pursuing a Masters in songwriting, in 2017, she has made music through her Americana duo, Duffy & Bird and her solo project Little Lore, and in 2023 she became the UK Chapter Coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International. She created her philosophy, podcast and community, In Ten Years Time, to support others by sharing her experience navigating the challenges of combining consulting and songwriting. Tricia also writes music for other artists and media.Episode Chapters:00:36 - Reflecting on Past Seasons and Future Directions04:54 - Exploring Creative Recalibration with Trisha Duffy23:51 - Creative Exploration and the Beginner's Mindset30:13 - The Genesis of the Podcast52:50 - Creative Adventures and New BeginningsFour Creative Nuggets: Creativity is a verb, a way of living and being, which everyone possesses. Embracing a beginner's mindset allows one to explore creativity without self-judgment. Establishing a ten-year plan can provide clarity and direction for your creative journey. Maintaining a balance between multiple creative pursuits requires self-reflection and intentional time management. Links:GuestWebsite: https://littlelore.ukTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/littleloremusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleloremusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleloremusic/In Ten Years Time: In Ten Years Time | How to live a creative lifeBooks: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us : Magsamen, Susan, Ross, IvyThe EdgeThom Yorke “still struggling” to be creative post-pandemic: “I really valued that time” Government secures label-led measures to boost earnings for UK artists - GOV.UKCreative Adventures a...

The Creative Switch Returns: Embrace Your Creative Self Welcome to The Creative Switch—the podcast inspiring the sensibly successful to switch on their unexpressed creativity for a more fulfilled life.I’m your host, Nikki Vallance. I know what it’s like to have a career that looks great on paper but still feel like something’s missing. That’s why I made my own creative switch and now help others do the same.After producing 24 episodes in my first year, I took a step back. Life played its part, but mostly I wanted to reflect, on what was working, what could evolve, and how to reach the right people with even more relevant, helpful content.I’m so pleased to be back with a brand new season. The conversations are deepening, the creative disciplines are still beautifully broad, and the question that sparked it all continues to guide me: What makes some people pursue their creativity and others not?Season three continues the journey, with new voices and deeper questions to help you reconnect with your creative self.Subscribe now and let’s switch on your creativity.And Remember Why survive when you can thrive?Links:Nikki Vallancehttps://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://www.nikkivallance.com/https://nikkivallance.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate LinksAlitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Behind the Flash: Tigz Rice and the Art of Empowerment Photography**TRIGGER WARNING - Contains discussion around burlesque, boudoir and body dysmorphia.Empowerment photographer, Tigz Rice, is one of the UK's most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs. She has an impressive biography full of accomplishments and accolades, but it is her generosity of spirit and her unapologetic determination to celebrate everyone as unique and special, which shines through everything she does.Tigz BioTigz helps fearless humans re-connect with their bodies & feel empowered, confident & unapologetically present in both their personal and professional adventures. Combining luxury editorial photography with her own signature style of retouching, Tigz has been helping her clients level up their digital visibility since 2009, providing a portfolio of beautiful images that perfectly portray their unique personality, style and values. Working with clients from all backgrounds, Tigz's photography has supported her clients to reconnect and/or reclaim their bodies after life-changing events including cancer treatment, surgical procedures, trauma and abuse. She also actively works with her clients to promote self-worth and a positive body image. Based in Hertfordshire, UK, Tigz has toured Europe extensively over the years, as well as travelling the world virtually via her Virtual Shoot offering - attracting clients from Australia, Canada, Guadeloupe, New Zealand and more than 20 of the US States. Gaining a reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after empowerment photographers, in 2019 she published her award-winning book STRIP/TEASE with American publishing house Working Class Publishing, documenting a decade of work within the burlesque community.Tigz is also a founding member and Director of Photography for The Underpinnings Museum, a radical innovation in showcasing and documenting exquisite objects, dedicated to the evolution of underwear through the ages. Offering free access to all, the museum creates an invaluable community resource with high-quality photography capturing garments dating as far back as the 1700s in exquisite detail. Each object is accompanied by extensive technical and historical contextual information, providing lingerie lovers, fashion students, historians and home sewers an unparalleled depth of insight and fresh perspectives on the world of undergarments through the ages and across the globe.Consistently pushing creative boundaries wherever possible, in 2021, Tigz was named as one of Digital Women's Top 40 Digital Women To Watch, making the shortlist for Digital Woman of the Year. In 2022, she was shortlisted for Digital Creator of the Year, and in 2023, she was named as one of the UK’s most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs by the f:Entrepreneur  ‘#ialso100’ campaign, in partnership with Small Business Britain. ● [01:43] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [06:01] – Tigz introduces her empowerment photography business● [08.26] – Bringing together, Burlesque, Boudoir and Branding photography.● [11:35] – The evolution of Tigz’s Brand● [13:59] – Tigz shares her thoughts on creative freedom● [15:08] – Nikki and Tigz discuss the Creative, Mentor and Expert sides of Tigz● [19:45] – The privilege of being an artist and why it’s important to Tigz to give back.● [22:08] – Being a photographer wasn’t the plan, Tigz and her backwards switch.● [25:04] – Nikki asks about the Burlesque world and Tigz’s early photography career.● [30:00] – Tigz talks about the Underpinnings museum● [32:38] – An obsession with Japan for...

A Kitchen Makeover, a Blank Canvas, and No Regrets: Mike Hall’s Transition from Marketing to Bespoke ArtistryDive into the creative world of Mike Hall, founder of MJH ArtStudio Limited, who has mastered the art of merging aesthetics with function. From his journey transitioning from a technical illustrator to a marketing director, and finally to an artist, Mike shares invaluable insights into building a brand and staying true to your craft. Tune in to learn about his creative journey, his philosophy of ‘no regrets’, and how his business all started with a kitchen refurbishment.Mike BioMike is the founder of MJH ArtStudio Limited, a company dedicated to producing affordable, unique abstract art tailored to clients' brand or home colours. With a technical illustration background from the '80s and over 35 years of experience in marketing, illustration, and design, he knows how to merge aesthetics with function.  Mike has worked extensively with large blue-chip companies, SMEs, and start-ups, applying his expertise to a variety of business landscapes. He spent 30 years working for an agency, working his way up from technical illustrator to being Managing Director. After that he spent another seven years setting-up and jointly running a new marketing agency before returning to his true passion—creating art. He has a unique seven-step process that ensures client involvement at every stage, making each piece a collaborative effort. While he's been an artist for over three years, his new business became officially registered in June 2023. His mission is to partner with business owners to breathe life into their brand spaces and collaborate with interior designers to add that extra flair. Besides his artistic pursuits, Mike is also a Level 2 Badminton of England qualified Coach with over 45 years of playing experience. A believer in seizing opportunities, he lives by the motto 'no regrets,' and thinks good art shouldn’t break the bank.● [01:56] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [06:31] – Mike introduces his business● [07.04] – Creativity and what it means to Mike● [08:05] – A kitchen makeover, a blank canvass led to a creative switch● [10:48] – Mike’s explains how he transitioned from technical illustrator to marketing to his branded art business ● [12:52] – Lessons learnt from launching a marketing business and how they apply now● [14:31] – Why staying visible is essential to building a brand.● [18:23] – Know your audience, what you offer them and why they would want it.● [23:58] – Networking is just talking to people, being curious and listening.● [29:23] – How Mike decided how to make art for a target market● [32:52] – Nikki and Mike discuss the difference between making physical and digital art● [35:35] – Future plans for MJH Art Studio Ltd● [36:37] – One piece of advice for getting a new creative practice going● [39:27] – Creative Adventures and advice from Holly Matthews on exploring your creative identity Four Creative Nuggets“It's everything a bit at a time.” It’s important to put the essentials in place first. A dedicated space doesn’t need to cost the earth.  “It takes ages to build a brand and reputation."“It's about staying true to what I can do rather than trying to be something else and enjoying it.”“Go trust your gut. Give it a go. What's the worst thing that can possibly happen?”p...

The Art of Rebellion: Martyn Spendlove’s Transition to ActingCorporate trainer turned actor Martyn Spendlove believes in being “Rebellious” and pushing back against anything preventing us from achieving our potential. Find out what happened when he asked himself “Are you really doing what you want to be doing? And how his Martial arts training set him up for success.Martyn BioMartyn is an up-and-coming British actor who you will see starring in feature films “The Mystery of Mr E” written by bestselling author, Sophie Hannah and “The Demonic Fae” by Simon Wells and new writer, James Wrench.You can also see Martyn featured as the villain in “Fortune Favours the Fantabulous”, a magical short film from the sensational new director, Emmauel Li, available to stream on the All 4 app. Martyn became a professional actor shortly after finding himself redundant from his full-time role as a Learning and Development Consultant, for a large group of UK businesses.Martyn now works on the art, skill and business of being an actor while running training courses for clients as a freelancer. With 2020, came a realisation that Martyn wanted to perform professionally. He immediately researched actor training, found Mark Pegg at The Acting Academy and threw himself into an unknown industry. Three years later and Martyn has representation with Vella Wozniak Talent and a healthy selection of credits to his name. He is a husband, a dad (2 kids, 3 dogs!), a martial artist and a vegan. ● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [08:39] – Martyn’s views on the meaning of creativity.● [10.14] – The origins of Martyn the Performer● [13:21] – Being sensibly successful and putting acting second● [15:50] – Covid and Martyn’s creative switching moment● [18:02] – The Freelancer mindset.● [20:30] – Martyn shares the practical steps to turn a dream into a goal into action.● [23:57] – Nikki and Martyn discuss the business of acting● [27:47] – Rebellious, and why it is Martyn’s mantra.● [30:28] – Excuses, reasons and the difference between the two● [34:21] – The martial arts mindset and how it underpins Martyn’s creative practice● [37:33] – Landing a dream role in The Mystery of Mr E, Sophie Hannah’s Murder Mystery Musical Feature Film.● [44:20] – The pros and cons of Big Fat Hairy Audacious Goals.● [48:25] – Creative Adventures and advice from Holly Matthews on finding a way through when you feel stuck Four Creative Nuggets“Excuses can get in the way of creativity and stifle creativity.”“Are you really doing what you should be doing?”“I can keep going as long as I'm able to go in whatever it is that I want to pursue."“Just do one bit at a time and see where it takes you. Enjoy the journey because you don't know where it's going to go.” LinksMartynhttps://www.twitter.com/MartynSpendlovehttps://www.instagram.com/martynspendlovehttps://www.rebelliouslearning.co.uk/a...

Dancing Through Life: The Unfolding of Claire Waite Brown’s CreativityNikki chats to fellow podcaster and host of Creativity found, Claire Waite Brown. Her on entrepreneurial spirit has brought her from a degree in dance to a career as a nonfiction editor to podcasting. But what are the origins of her love for performance? And how did she end up becoming an accidental champion of creativity after a tough period in her life?Claire BioClaire Waite Brown is host of the Creativity Found podcast and founder of creativityfound.co.uk, and she is all about helping adults to tap into their creativity. She is also a book editor, dance lover, wife and mother.In 2016, while suffering with anxiety, and as a way of focusing her attentions, Claire founded Open Stage Arts, fun drama and singing classes for adults who don’t want to commit to putting on an actual show. No experience necessary. Lots of the adults who came to the workshops were looking for a creativity that had been put to one side during their sensible, grown-up years.Claire found this to be a common experience among other creatives too, and was inspired to start the Creativity Found podcast, in which she chats with painters, crafters, photographers, writers, printmakers, actors, musicians, and more, who have found, or re-found, their creativity as adults.Making the podcast helped Claire tap into her own creativity and was the inspiration behind creativityfound.co.uk. Claire wants her listeners, and others, to know that they can try something new and creative at any stage in their lives – and not to worry that they might make a mess of it! If you are in search of a creative outlet for yourself, visit creativityfound.co.uk to find workshops, courses and online events or access kits, books and materials to help you to get creative at home. The creative facilitators featured on the website are members of a promotional and networking collective for artists and crafters, as well as for business-support enterprises who use their expertise to help those artists and crafters to grow their businesses. ● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [04:37] – Claire introduces herself, her podcast and her business● [06:29] – Creativity as problem solving, ideation and adaptability.● [10.29] – The ‘rolling switch’ of Claire’s creative journey.● [16:51] – How Creativity Found grew out of Open Stage Arts during lockdown● [18:58] – Claire explains how the membership supports creative businesses and creative individuals● [24:35] – How empathy and giving to others plays a big role in Claire’s work● [16:33] – Nikki and Claire get to the heart of why Claire loves podcasting● [30:13] – The ups and downs of not knowing who our listeners are.● [32:12] – Creative control within podcasting and why it matters to Claire● [35:21] – What’s next for Claire as podcasting develops● [38:52] – Creative Adventures and advice on finding your creative direction. Four Creative Nuggets“What your aim was doesn't have to be what the result is, if the result is still fabulous for you.”“The piece of pie that is something for yourself, just doing something for fun for yourself. Nothing. I couldn't put anything in there.”“You can do what you want.”“With editing text and audio, it's what you take out that nobody knows that makes what's left in sparkle and be wonderful.”LinksClairea...

Crafting Brilliance: Harriet Kelsall's Bespoke Jewellery JourneyIn today’s episode, explore the remarkable path of a multi-award-winning designer who ignited a revolution in bespoke jewellery from her kitchen table. Uncover how Harriet’s vision transformed the jewellery industry, making bespoke design accessible to all while championing ethical practices.Harriet BioHarriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today.  She founded her multi-award-winning business from her kitchen table in 1998, with the ambition to inspire and celebrate individuality through creativity.  It is with these aspirations she started a wave to bring reachable bespoke jewellery design to the high street for the first time, whilst also pioneering ethics and sustainability within the industry too. Since then the business has become one of the UK’s leading bespoke jewellers, with a team of over 40 across four studios. Harriet has been the HSBC Forward Ladies “Retail Businesswoman of the year”, Everywoman’s “Retail Woman of the Year”, and one of The Institute of Directors magazine’s six “women who have most changed the business world”.  She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and of the City of London. She has sat on numerous boards as a non-executive director including the Responsible Jewellery Council, the British Hallmarking Council and she has been the chair of the National Association of Jewellers.  She currently sits on the Board for both the Intellectual Property Office and the British Allied Trades Federation.  Harriet is passionate about helping creative businesses and individuals flourish, which motivated her to write her book “The Creative’s Guide to Starting a Business” which won an award at the2019 Business Book of the Year Awards.  She is a regular keynote speaker on starting and growing creative businesses and the benefits of dyslexia and she speaks nationally and internationally about responsible business.  Harriet lives in Cambridge in the UK and has 2 children.● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [05:06] – Harriet describes her business and the many hats she wears● [08:06] – Creativity as Harriet sees it – thinking in three dimensions.● [10.26] – How pottery lessons help surgeons cut in straight lines● [12:41] – The importance of considering who you are creating for● [15:02] – Harriet’s book. What it’s about and why she wrote it.● [17:15] – Dyslexia and everything else which lead to the kitchen table moment.● [18:50] – The internet and Harriet’s jewellery website, a first in 1996!● [21:41] – The moments which led to the ‘switch.’● [23:04] – Non Executive directorships and giving back.● [26:43] – Harriet explains the process of creating bespoke jewellery.● [29:41] – Creative Adventures – tackling the fear of doing something new Four Creative Nuggets“When I'm thinking at my most creatively, I'm thinking like layers of an onion.”“You can combine things that are preexisting but combined in a completely new way. And that's definitely creative, too.”The right team makes the difference. “We can do this together because we can be better than the sum of our parts.”“It's really important to let people stand on your shoulders and let people grow.”LinksHarriethttps://www.hkjewellery.co.uk/a...

Switching Stories: From PR to Audiobiography with Caroline PearceIn today’s episode we delve into the story of how Biographer Caroline Pearce transitioned from working in PR, through a career in ghost writing to running the Audiobiographers. Caroline BioAfter living a fairly conventional suburban north London childhood, Caroline left for New York City at the age of nineteen without a work permit, a return ticket, or a plan. For the next twenty years Caroline moved between New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and London, raising two children and acquiring dual citizenship along the way. Working in public relations gave Caroline a taste for writing about people, which led eventually to completing a bachelor’s degree in English Literature with Creative Writing in her mid-forties, and later an MA in Biography and Creative Non Fiction.During her ghostwriting career Caroline has worked with a 1930s Barnardo’s child, a GI baby who found his father after decades of searching, an Auschwitz survivor, a Polish woman who spent her early childhood years in Siberia, an Australian gynaecologist who pioneered colposcopy, and many more. She is fascinated with stories of ordinary lives as well as the extraordinary, and recognises the enormous power of the human voice in conveying the emotions, nuances and infections of each individual believing that audio biographies can capture and preserve the very essence of a person.Apart from working, Caroline enjoys spending time with the people she cares about, walking on expansive sandy beaches and singing her heart out. ● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [05:52] – Caroline explains what she does and her career path to this point● [08:18] – The switching moment● [10.57] – Returning to study creative writing as a mature student● [14:31] – Why Caroline chose Biography● [15:03] – Nikki and Caroline talk about writing poetry● [18:51] – Caroline talks about writing her own life story.● [22:50] – Creating our stories for our children● [27:49] – All the other ways Caroline enjoys creativity● [32:37] – Writing with a pen on paper● [35:00] – Digital detox on holiday● [37:47] – The process of creating an audio biography● [42:50] – Creative Adventures – How to make time to build a side hustle Four Creative NuggetsStudying as an adult is a way of exploring your creative passion. “I just really enjoyed the experience of being in the classroom and being around other people who wanted to learn.” CPIf there’s something you enjoy and know you are good at start there. “Why create a challenge that's really unrealistic.” CP“I have had to deal with not giving myself permission to do things that I enjoy.” CP“We close doors or we see them as closed doors, when actually they're not closed doors.” CPLinksCarolinewww.audiobiographers.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/theaudiobiographershttps://www.instagram.com/audiobiographers/

S2Ep5 Andrew Szczech. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of Andrew Szczech, a creative switcher who has transitioned from the world of IT to the realm of fine art. Andrew BioFrom 1987 to 2017, Andrew worked in IT, both in-house and for solution providers. At the outset he was the link between the user community and the developers, ensuring that their requirements were met by new systems.  He moved into more of a sales role as his career progressed. Towards the end of his IT career, he was the Director of Legal Technology Services at Kroll Ontrack and was responsible for the growth and delivery of legal technologies services in the EMEA region. These services included ediscovery, computer forensics and consulting which were provided in order to assist clients in multiple practice areas including dispute resolution and antitrust. Andrew’s main focus was always to ensure clients were able to maximise the benefits of using technologies within their organisations. From 2017 to 2020, he studied for a BA in Fine Art at City and Guilds of London Art School (CGLAS) and was a awarded a first class degree. From 2020 to 2021 Andrew then studied for an MA in Fine Art at CGLAS and was awarded a distinction. He now works as a visual artist expressing his interest in the socio-politica landscape through traditional painting techniques. ● [02:43] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [06:37] – Andrew’s views on the meaning of creativity● [08:28] – Comparing expectations of an artistic life vs the reality● [13:41] – A discussion about the tension between artistic creation and commercial need.● [17:38] – Andrew shares his switching moment -the push and the pull.● [21:12] – Nikki talks about the different phases of a creative journey● [23:42] – Details about Andrew’s artistic practice and the inspirations behind it.● [32:42] – Andrew explains the different stages of his work● [33:53] – A discussion about wearing ‘all the hats’.● [35:30] – Marketing is a very different thing.● [39:51] – A sound piece of advice from Andrew about priorities● [42:43] – How to put your transferable skills and experiences from a previous career to good use.● [44:27] – Nikki shares a tip on turning rejection into a positive● [47:38] – Creative Adventures – How curiosity can guide your creative path Four Creative Nuggets“It's creativity that the ideas you get are things you get through hard work, through research, through making things, through deciding from the things you make, which things work well, which don't work well, and using those as a springboard to move forward.” ASThe making and the selling, “Are completely parallel worlds. They are actually worlds which conflict.” AS“I can find a location that represents the things that I'm interested in, and then I can make work that responds to that location..” AS“Find ways of bringing creativity higher up your list of priorities.” ASLinksAndrewhttps://www.andrewszczech.com/

Creativity is a valuable skill that can help you in many aspects of life, but it can also be challenging to cultivate and maintain.  You may feel stuck or uninspired, and you can't seem to generate any new or original ideas. Today’s guest, Helena Holrick has some great tips to help you get unstuck, reframe your fear of making mistakes and keep your creative passion burning. Helena BioHelena Holrick is the Chief Cheerleader at Helping You Shine, where she gets entrepreneurial creative souls into alignment or back on track.  She helps you ‘Succeed As You’ through personal growth, practical learning and professional guidance.    Having trained thousands of people in diverse organisations for over 30 years, and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, Helena knows that structure and systems are the key to success for every business. She’s trained in many tools, models and qualifications to support personal and business growth – including Clean Language, NLP and Strategy On A Page. She’s strategic and creative, using her perspectives and learning to define and reframe individual success, so it’s sustainable and manageable and growth is possible for all those she works with. Her core philosophy at Helping You SHINE is to help you  ‘Find, Own and Share Your Brilliance’.  Her signature programme ‘Trust Yourself To Start Anew’ is focused on getting you the clarity, certainty, and confidence to live a life you love - sharing what you know, making the impact you want to make and bringing your unique brand of creativity and perspective into the world. She’s tireless about helping you overcome your hesitation and step out of hiding so you can make your difference by using your creativity, building connections and being the contribution you want to be. ● [02:33] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [04:37] – Helena tells us about her brand of creativity● [08:07] – Nikki asks Helena ‘What are the common things that hold people back?’● [12:25] – Nikki shares a useful tool to combat comparisonitis - The 4 stages of learning● [13:38] – Helena talks about the fifth stage – reflective competence ● [18:37] – The foundational steps to take before a creative switch.● [22:33] –  Helena advises taking the time to learn and enjoy the learning● [23:52] – Nikki recalls a recent mindfulness tip from Jay Shetty● [25:54] – A life ‘On your TERMS’ – Helena explains what it means.● [28:47] – Finding your Creativity – it’s all about the ‘exploring’● [32:00] – A discussion around connections and connectivity. ● [35:58] – Finding your purpose and then what?● [44:08] – Creative Adventures – How to deal with feeling vulnerable about your creativity Four Creative Nuggets“Belief systems are pesky...” To replace an old unhelpful belief, ”you might have to have three or four interim beliefs” to embed a new one." HH“If you really want to master your expertise or your creativity, it pays to actually go. And how am I learning that? And what am I actually doing that allows that to happen?.” HH“You know that you're feeling creative simply by the feeling.” HH“Inspiration is the spark that helps to join the dots.” NVLinksHelenahttps://www.helpingyoushine.com/

If you have school age children or are passionate about the importance of education, you'll probably be aware of the general push towards the STEM subjects. That's science, technology, engineering and maths. Of course, the world needs these and studying towards careers in these disciplines is sensible, right? Today's guest Nick Corston has an alternative view. In the last ten years, Nick has been described as a man on a mission by Wired magazine and the Guardian. Dad and co founder of community interest company  STEAM Co. joins me to talk about that mission and why the A in STEAM is so vital.Nick BioNick’s mission is to’ raise a million quids to inspire a million kids to aim higher than his high viz’, powered by their creativity and our communities. Sir Ken Robinson and Prof Sugata Mitra have both endorsed Nick for a TED Fellowship.  In the last year he was a finalist as Art Council England’s Digital Evangelist and for Digital Transformation, a Finalist in the Charity Film awards awards and listed in the #EdTech50. Prior to founding STEAM Co. to help connect our kids with their art and communities with their schools, Nick was a pioneer launching two of the country’s first digital agencies and creating the first beer ad on a CD ROM for Heineken, Microsoft’s first web cast and helping launch the PS2.  But Nick says he’s just a dad, and if you have any tricky questions to ask a teacher. He now flies round the UK in #StarShip22 and blames Chris Dyson and John Jackson for most of the adventures he’s had in the last few years with cardboard, code and creativity.This year his work was recognised and turbo charged when McLaren put the STEAM Co. logo on the front of their cars at the British Grand Prix and made this film about STEAM Co's work.● [02:37] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [04:37] – Why Nikki wanted to talk to Nick● [05:36] – Nick talks about three key pillars of his skills, being a Blue Peter kid and the origins of STEAM Co.● [13:00] – Sir Ken Robinson and Seth Godin, Nick discusses their views on creativity and art.● [14:55] – Nikki shares a story about creativity at her primary school● [16:10] – Nick’s view on how schooling has changed from the environment he experienced● [16:44] – The origins and creation of Mr Bear and his world.● [18:10] –  STEAM Co. and how it works● [20:02] – The history and future of STEAM Co.● [26:32] – Living the Dream?● [28:37] – Challenges for community involvement and funding● [36:44] – The Unbox Festival, SEE Monster and Benji● [40:59] – Creative Adventures - Tip for not feeling good enough Four Creative Nuggets“Allow your children to be bored, because boredom is the engine of imagination.” Prf Guy Claxton“I've never considered not using all the talents I have.”In the past, “I think we took for granted that creativity, arts and crafts and drama were just an accepted part of the curriculum, part of the thread. ” “Art is the coal of the creativity revolution.”LinksNickhttps://www.steamco.org.uk/https://www.nickcorston.com/#ourmillion23 The Edge

Why stick with your planned episodes when you can add in another one?  Lorna Gibson, joins me for a bonus seasonal episode. Formerly a ski instructor and latterly a personal trainer, she combined her loves of all things wintry, drawing and woodland animals to create the world of Mr. Bear. Hear how both her stories, and her own journey to becoming a stop motion animator are full of magical moments, not least of which is the Stephen Fry connection. Lorna BioLorna Gibson is the founder of Toots Design. A self taught author and illustrator, she creates powerfully beautiful words and illustrations which touch the hearts of both adults and children. She has captured the hearts of those who are grieving with her resonating story Love Never Dies. Yet she manages to perfectly balance her delicately comforting work with the creation of worlds which are heart-warmingly joyful and which delight in the magic of the everyday. Her illustrated Tales Of Mr Bear have a nostalgic charm which Lorna recently bought to life when she taught herself to animate and created the magical short film Mr Bear’s Christmas. Since creating her first animation, Lorna has continued to bring subsequent stories to life creating further animations based on stories in her much-loved book The Tales Of Mr Bear.  ● [01:31] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [04:07] – Nikki asks Lorna where her creativity first started● [05:54] – Lorna’s academic start and her unconventional early career ● [05:30] – How our brains have evolved to react to the new and the different.● [07:45] – Turning a hobby into a business ● [12:47] – Inspiration for becoming an animator and how that unfolded● [16:44] – The origins and creation of Mr Bear and his world.● [18:59] –  Leaning into the uncertainty of creative freedom● [20:46] – The bonkers Stephen Fry story!● [26:34] – How to deal with a drop in confidence.● [26:34] – The benefits of letting go of the idea of a linear pathway.● [33:36] – Where to catch Mr Bear’s Christmas● [50:24] – Creative Adventures Four Creative Nuggets   “What if I had no one telling me what to do? What would I do?.”    Ideas are “A bit like having something tugging at your coattails. It's like an idea that just keeps coming and keeps coming.”    “Sometimes you have to wait a little bit and that space can be uncomfortable, but I think keep repeating a bit of faith and patience and belief.”     “I would choose to focus more on the thing that feels more in my heart than in my mind.” Trust in the process and yourself.LinksLornahttps://www.instagram.com/tootsdesignhttps://www.tootsdesign.co.uk/ The Edgehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/20/wallace-and-gromit-studio-aardman-animations-running-out-of-clayNikkihttps://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ a...

Meet the wonderful Kevin Chesters, author of Amazon bestseller the Creative Nudge as shares his knowledge from years of experience leading strategy for both creative agencies such as Saatchi and Saatchi and his clients. He gives us some unmissable tips on brand building, and how to overcome the evolutionary and societal forces challenging our creativity and how to live a happier, healthier, wealthier life.Kevin BioKevin Chesters has 25+ years’ experience leading strategy for both agencies and clients – including W+K London, Saatchi & Saatchi and most recently as CSO at Ogilvy. He has also been the Head of Strategy on the client-side for British Telecom. He is a prolific industry commentator and lectures on creativity and storytelling at four UK universities. His first book, “The Creative Nudge” was an Amazon best-seller and he is now writing his second ● [00:00] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [02:43] – Kevin explains his latest shift in direction● [03:59] – Creativity - the problem with the misuse of the word● [05:30] – How our brains have evolved to react to the new and the different.● [13:39] – The tribe and the societal impact of being different ● [18:45] – Where are the beans? The Von Restorff effect and Optimal Distinctiveness● [22:48] – Kevin talks about his book, The Creative Nudge and why he wrote● [29:38] – Nikki and Kevin discuss the impact of AI on creativity and technology hype cycles ● [40:23] – Kevin’s Doubting Doris story, his grandmother’s life and the inherited impact.● [43:45] – Tip for dealing with self doubt.● [50:24] – Creative Adventures Four Creative Nuggets-  “Never fear getting old. The alternative for getting old isn't anything you want to aspire to.”-    “When new technology shows up, it's a little bit like an uninvited, unexpected guest turning up at your dinner party.”-   Sigourney Weaver said, “Please God, don’t let me be normal.” Different is good.-    “Would you stand in front of your boss and say “I’m not original?” Everyone is creative.LinksKevinhttps://kevinchesters.com/https://thecreativenudge.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chesters-953818a/ The Edge8 Ways To ‘Think In New Ways’ (forbes.com)Nikkihttps://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://nikkivallance.substack.com/https://www.twitter.com/Nikki_Vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate LinksAlitu: a...

We are round rounding off the season with a double Doubting Doris story and a cracking conversation with founder of the Happy Me Project, Holly Matthews. As an actor, author, entrepreneur and mum, she discusses creativity with Nikki and how it plays an important part in everything she does, from helping her clients, to bringing joy and fun into her daily routines. Holly BioFormer TV actress (Waterloo Road, Casualty & Byker grove) and singer (Sony Music) a widowed Mum of 2, Self-Development Coach & founder of The Happy Me Project. The Happy Me project is an online and in person, straight talking self-development membership, podcast and award-winning, best-selling book (Bloomsbury Publishing).Holly’s Ted Talk has been watched by half a million people and she has appeared on Lorraine, BBC, ITV, Talk Radio, Channel 5 News and featured in The Daily Mail, Mirror, The Sun, Closer, Hello, Psychologies Magazine, Spirit & Destiny and Prima Magazine.The Happy Me Project boasts two sell out workshop tours across the UK and more recently two sell out RESTIVAL events (a positive mindset festival event with guest speakers, activities and the punchy Happy Me Vibe running throughout). The Happy Me Project has a focus on simplifying self-development and takes the ‘fancy’ out of positive thinking.Holly is a popular guest expert on podcasts, radio and TV, with her being the 'go to' in self-development on BBC radio, where producers call her the ‘motivator in chief’.Holly is neurodivergent and has diagnosed ADHD which informs much of her work. She is nominated for a Diversity Award for her work and the accessibility she aims to create for people across all brain types.Holly has amassed over 50,000 followers across her social media platforms and her award winning YouTube Channel ‘Happy Me TV’ also offers regular advice on navigating life and all it’s challenges. Holly used this space to vlog about the death of her husband to brain cancer, which generated huge press interest in her story and allowed her to turn her pain into something positive. ● [01:08] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [04:39] – Holly gives an overview of her TV, Writing and businesses.● [09:05] – What is Creativity to Holly?● [14:30] – Nikki asks Holly how creativity and happiness are connected● [15:06] – Tips and tricks from Holly on using play to get unstuck and access creativity● [22:57] – Holly reflects on how her family supported her to be herself, be confident and explore her acting passion● [33:04] – Nikki shares a fun and creative way to look at age.● [38:59] – Why Holly’s husband knew she wasn’t destined to be Queen of the Pompoms● [42:17] – Holly explains why we are like gnarly old trees.● [48:10] – Who is your Doubting Doris? Author, Coach and Ghostwriter, Nicole Johnston met double Doubting Dorises en route from her politics career.Four Creative Nuggets ‘All of us, whether we see ourselves as creative or not, we are creative by default.’Research shows that play and creativity help with happiness, wellbeing, resilience, problem solving. ‘Let the Pompoms be the pompoms.’ Not everything has to have an end goal to be valuable to you.If you’re stuck, wherever you are, there’s always a way through.LinksHollyhttps://www.iamhollymatthews.coma...

Did you dream of being a star when you were small but have kept your talent hidden? Are you worried it's too late?  Listen to my conversation with soprano Nadine Benjamin to hear how she switched direction at the age of 35 and has since realized her childhood dream.Nadine Nadine Benjamin MBE - Soprano and Empowerment Coach/MentorCertified High Performance Coach Accredited NLP Mind CoachFounder of Everybody Can! Opera and Mentorship ProgrammeFormer English National Opera Harewood Artist  Member of the Institute of Mind Coaches Trustee Board Member of Fuel Theatre Board Member of Opera BravaNominated (vocal category) for Emergence: Emily Dickinson at the international Classical Music AwardsSky Arts Awards Presenter - 2021Sky Arts Awards Nominee - The Times Arts Award 2019Ambassador - London Music Masters Since 2017"Highly Commended" at the Aviva Women of the Future Awards 2016 Winner of the Fulham Opera Verdi Prize 2015Finalist of the Genesis Competition DipMus Music (Performance) Agent: Robert Gilder Personal Manager: Rita Grudzien Engagements 2021/2022 Season:January 18th - Strauss Four Last Songs with Lambeth Orchestra February 3rd - Shakespeare - soprano soloist - St James's, Piccadilly February 21st  Songs of Joy  - Music by Black and Mixed Raced Composers - Barbican, Milton Hall March 18th - Elgar Coronation Ode - Soprano Soloist - with Waynflete Singers, Winchester CathedralApril/May - BLUE - Role: Mother - English National Opera 10th June - Verdi Gala - Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra 11th June - Strauss Four Last Songs - Worthing Symphony Orchestra ● [01:20] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [05:12] – Nadine’s childhood dream and ‘Having the twinkle’● [08:10] – The moment of switching from a banking career to Opera● [12:17] – How training as a coach, NLP and therapy have played a huge role in Nadine’s success.● [19:29] – Why as a creative, you need to understand your value● [24:39] – Nadine talks ‘curveballs’ and ‘terror barriers.’● [24:39] – Nikki and Nadine discuss education● [28:56] – Nadine talks about her Doubting Doris's and how they are her greatest gift. Four Creative Nuggets“I wrote a business plan for becoming an opera singer and sent it off to about 150 people and got people to sponsor me.” “If there’s one ingredient I would never miss, it was that study of NLP.” “Think how limitless you are and get really curious about discovering new pathways, even the ones that you don't even know are there yet.” Your visibility and sharing your creative being with the world is vital. “Your work needs to be seen. Your books need to be read. Your voice needs to be heard.”LinksNadinehttps://www.instagram.com/nadinebenjaminsoprano/https://www.instagram.com/everybodycanwithnadinebenjamin/https://www.everybodycan.com/a...

What does it mean to be highly creative? Listen to my conversation with artist, musician and coach Tessa Richter, to find out and hear her views on creativity, health and accessing your full potential.Bio Tessa Richter Musician, Artist, Business Owner, Coach and author. Having been diagnosed as a Highly Creative Person, she has become an expert on the topic, as well as on how living our potential is connected to our wellbeing. Fascinated by what humans can accomplish, her journey has taken her to explore practices from ancient cultures, such as meditation and mindset techniques, on to the realms of modern physics as a way to understand the world we live in. In 2020 she published her findings in her second book, Our secret potential - a new approach to purpose, performance and wellbeing in the 21st century. For the last 10 years Tessa has been coaching individuals, including C-level executives, who have lost their jobs, are facing health issues or wish to take their creative or leadership skills to the next level. Her research over the past decades into understanding how creative processes work and how this energy can be harnessed for a sustainable future for all of us, as well as specifically for those with this gift, has inspired her to write her third book, to be published soon.● [00:54] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [04:40] – Tessa tells what she does including the meaning of the term Highly Creative● [14.14] –  Nikki and Tessa discuss the connection between creative energy and wellbeing.● [18:07] – Techniques for connecting with your creativity● [22:30] – Tessa talks about working on her latest book.● [27:00] – How can you tell the difference between AI and human generated music?● [33:41] – Who is your Doubting Doris? – A double Doubting Doris story Four Creative Nuggets- Being creative is not being artistic. Expressing artistically can be one form of being creative, but is not per se creative.- what happens in a creative brain is that parts of our brains that normally don't interact connect.- Channelling your creativity into your purpose ‘Triggers your potential’.- Synaptic connection that is not predictable in human creativity.LinksTessa www.oursecretpotential.comThe Edge AI Outperforms Humans in Creativity Test - Neuroscience Newshttps://mindmatters.ai/2023/07/does-chatgpt-pass-the-creativity-test/ Grammys CEO on new AI guidelines: Music that contains AI-created elements is eligible. 'Period.' | The Independent  Nikkihttps://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 

What happens when you smush your creative passion with your career in mental health and well being? Listen to my conversation with guest Emma Bailin, founder of Shared Harmonies, to find out how she did it.Guest Emma BaylinEmma has approaching 30 years’ experience of supporting transformation for people, communities and organisations. She is a highly recognised facilitator, working on the development and delivery of a number of national programmes for clients including NHS England as well as bespoke programmes for individual organisations. In 2013 Emma founded Shared Harmonies CIC, a not for profit organisation specialising in creative development services for companies & communities, improving connection, confidence & wellbeing through inspirational singing. Shared Harmonies help organisations explore leadership, team working and wellbeing working with some of the UK’s leading companies including Nissan, Hermes, Royal Canin, Pinsent Masons and PwC. The profits from this work support the delivery of Shared Harmonies community programmes working with participants affected by health & wellbeing conditions including COPD, poor mental health, cancer, Parkinson’s and dementia.During the pandemic, Shared Harmonies developed many creative ways to still connect, offering services through Zoom and Facebook, interactive DVD’s & Ring & Sing services. They connected hundreds of people through producing co-creative songs, winning awards and coming runner up in the Song for Yorkshire competition. Emma was awarded a Prime Ministers Point of Light Award for services to communities and was invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society for the ArtsEmma is also co-author of Amazon best seller Awakening Legacy, curated by Sarah Parkes and Shine On You Crazy Daisy Vol.5 curated by Trudy Simmons ● [00:58] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views● [03:51] – Emma tells the story of the beginnings of her singing passion● [08:31] – The science behind why singing together is good for wellbeing● [13:11] – Emma explains the work of Shared Harmonies and it’s impact● [17.38] – Nikki asks whether Emma would rather be a performer and her other creative interests● [29:24] – Emma shares her own doubts about her writing ability and overcoming her fear of telling her own story ● [36:06] – Who is your Doubting Doris? Hear coach and creative, Amy Bose’s story Four Creative Nuggets-          The stretch zone is where we get our biggest most powerful learning experiences.-          Creativity can give us that mechanism to look at something through a different lens.-          Being told you can’t sing is “as ludicrous as somebody going into a maths class at age five and being told well that's it, you'll never be able to do maths.”-          Our voices are how we project ourselves into the world. Being told yours isn’t good enough can leave deep trauma. Singing can liberate these. LinksEmmahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-baylin-frsa-121123b6/https://www.linkedin.com/company/shared-harmonies-cic

How do you build creative freedom into your working day? You'll find out in this episode, one possible way from my guest Sara Nisha Adams, along with the story of how her dream of becoming an author at 16 eventually came true.Guest BioSara Nisha Adams is a writer and now freelance editor. She lives in London and was born in Hertfordshire to Indian and English parents. Her debut novel The Reading List was a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction 2021. Her second novel, The Twilight Garden, is just out, published in June 2023 and she is currently working on her third novel. ●[00:00] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views●[04:38] – Sara’s path to becoming an author through working in publishing.●[14:17] – Working in publishing was an advantage and a disadvantage●[19:15] – The success of The Reading List through word of mouth befits the story●[20:46] – Tips from Sara’s creative writing process – procrastination is a good thing●[27:00] – Nikki and Sara discuss knitting and walking as ways to unlock creativity●[36:06] – How and Why Sara switched to full time writing ●[37:32] – Who is your Doubting Doris?  Four Creative Nuggets   “I spent an hour before work writing. And it felt so satisfying tohave done that before I've even started my working day.”Often the most inspiring stories are those where success comes toan author several books into their career.So much is unknown in publishing, you just have to write the booksyou really want to write.Walking and talking are great ways to resolve plot holesLinksSarahttps://www.instagram.com/saranishaadamsbooks/Sara Nisha Adams - author | LinktreeThe Edgehttps://www.innovatorsmag.com/why-walking-is-going-to-make-you-more-creative/Nikkihttps://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://nikkivallance.substack.com/https://www.twitter.com/Nikki_Vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/  Can everybody sing?  Join Nikki and Emma Baylin, founder of Shared Harmonies, to find out the truth about singing and its many benefits.