The Business Of

Balancing act – How successful leaders blend creativity with commercial realities


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Would you describe yourself as a right-brained or left-brained thinker? 

We’ve been conditioned to believe you’re either one or the other. And while we all know a math genius who couldn’t hold a paintbrush if they tried and some creative geniuses who’d be lost in the simplest of spreadsheets, we can all develop both our creative and logical abilities. And in business, having a balance of both is key to great leadership. 

Alexandra Smart knew this when she co-founded the fashion label Ginger & Smart. Without innovative designs and forward-thinking product development, the brand might not have stood. And, without the business savvy to actually make money, none of those designs would have graced a catwalk or a shopfront.  

Alexandra shares how this balance of creative and commercial thinking shaped their business strategy and go-to-market plans, and how in her current role as an executive coach she teaches other leaders to get this crucial balance right. 

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The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.  

This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan

The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here

Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.  

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Business OfBy AGSM | UNSW Business School

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