Summary

In this episode, Ian and Kay discuss the importance of creating intentional workspaces that foster creativity and accommodate neurodiversity. They explore the challenges of maintaining productivity in a busy world, the creative process, and the evolution of design philosophy towards a more inclusive approach. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding individual needs in design and the impact of environments on well-being.

Key takeaways

The importance of intentionality in workspace design.

Creativity often requires dedicated time and space.

Neurodiversity can enhance creativity and innovation.

Design should prioritize user experience over aesthetics.

Understanding individual differences is crucial in design.

The creative process can be structured and routine.

Spaces should support both collaboration and individual work.

Designing for neurodiversity benefits everyone.

The evolution of design philosophy reflects changing societal needs.

Personal experiences can inform and enhance design practices.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges

04:07 Creating the Right Work Environment

08:48 The Creative Process and Innovation

13:08 Designing for Neurodiversity

18:50 The Evolution of Design Philosophy

24:08 Understanding Creativity and Neurodivergence

29:46 The Impact of Design on Well-being

36:05 Future Directions in Design

creativity, neurodiversity, design, innovation, work environment, well-being, interior design, collaboration, productivity, personal growth

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Ian Ashley and Jacinta Ashby delve into the intersection of mental health, physical fitness, and creativity. Jacinta emphasizes the importance of mental well-being as a foundation for physical health, arguing that many people overlook how internal health affects their overall fitness journey. She shares her personal experiences, highlighting how pushing through discomfort in the gym not only energizes her physically but also enhances her mental clarity and creativity. The discussion also touches on the pressures faced by designers and creatives, with Jacinta advocating for resilience and self-worth in the face of external expectations and challenges.

As the conversation progresses, Jacinta opens up about her journey through mental health struggles, the ambition that drives her, and her desire to empower women through her podcast, "Let's Glow Girls." She discusses the importance of community and support for women, particularly in creative fields, and how her own experiences have shaped her mission to help others. The episode concludes with insights into Jacinta's daily routine, her approach to nutrition, and her aspirations for the future, including competing in bodybuilding and continuing to inspire others through her work and podcast.

Takeaways

Mental health is the foundation of physical health.

Pushing through discomfort in the gym enhances creativity.

Resilience is crucial for designers facing external pressures.

Community support is vital for women's empowerment.

Personal experiences shape the mission to help others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Mental Health Focus

04:53 The Role of Fitness in Creativity

10:08 Jacinta's Podcast Journey and Audience Engagement

15:10 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Building Resilience

19:57 Balancing Multiple Passions and Daily Routines

24:51 Nutrition and Fitness for Bodybuilding

29:58 Future Aspirations and Podcast Goals

mental health, physical fitness, creativity, resilience, women's empowerment, podcasting, interior design, wellness coaching, Jacinta Ashby, Ian Ashley

Summary

In this episode, Ian and Nicola explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, emphasizing its roots in curiosity and problem-solving. They discuss the common misconceptions surrounding creativity, particularly in the corporate world, where it is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. The dialogue also touches on the education system's failure to prioritize creative subjects, the importance of diverse experiences in shaping creative professionals, and the need for businesses to embrace creativity as a driver of innovation and collaboration.

Key takeaways

Creativity is rooted in curiosity and problem-solving.

The journey of creativity is more important than the end product.

Creativity is often misunderstood as merely artistic expression.

Creativity is essential for innovation and progress in business.

The education system undervalues creative subjects, impacting future generations.

Creativity should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury.

Collaboration enhances the creative process and leads to better solutions.

Diverse experiences contribute to a broader understanding of creativity.

Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly.

Unlocking creativity can lead to significant improvements in workplace culture and productivity.

Chapters

00:00 The Encouragement to Create

00:50 Defining Creativity

08:36 Misunderstanding Creativity in Corporate Settings

17:55 Education and the Right Answer

25:39 The Shift from Artistry to Interior Design

29:06 The Role of Finance in Creativity

34:10 Learning Through Experience

39:55 Changing the Status Quo

41:22 A Call to Action

creativity, problem solving, curiosity, education, innovation, design, collaboration, workplace, artistic expression, interior design

I was planning to close season one of the podcast at episode 10. It seemed like a nice round number. But when l finally got the chance to sit down with my guest for this episode, Naomi Sakamoto, it turned out to be just too good to hold back.

Naomi, currently Principal at Gensler, London, inspires me so much every time we meet. I think this opportunity exceeded all previous conversations. We discussed that there are many different types of creative people, and how to discover which type you are. Also how to be comfortable with the fact that other people might be better than us at the other types, and maybe even our own type.

We also covered how to let ideas breathe and evolve, and how she manages to achieve that even under the time pressure of tight deadlines. Naomi explained how she thinks language is humans’ most creative invention and how she takes inspiration from its evolution over time. She also gave some great advice on how to manage a creative career and find your personal style of leadership which may well not include achieving a high-powered role or job title.

Naomi’s own career has followed a fascinating path. Having studied civil engineering at Stanford University and an architecture Masters at Harvard she’s worked in both fields, eventually transitioning to interior design and then into leadership as a principal at the largest architecture firm in the world, Gensler in London. Roles she gravitated to due to her personal human centric approach.

Thanks so much to everyone who has supported this first season of the podcast, and to all the amazing guests.

I already have many more inspiring creatives booked to join me for season 2.

Please rate and subscribe to the show so as not to miss any of what I hope will be some amazing new episodes.

Thanks!

My guest for this episode is Leigh Jerome Ph.D., clinical psychologist, artist, and founder of the Relational Space art gallery in New York.

With this seemingly disparate skillset, cross disciplinarity seems to be at the centre of almost everything Leigh pursues.

It’s something that is so important to the creative process, whether we’re endeavouring to be cross disciplinary in our own activities or seeking to build cross disciplinary teams for increased creative opportunities.

Leigh constantly does both.

As well as regularly bringing artists and scientists together to create new works for her gallery, she was previously CEO of The Institute for Triple Helix Innovation, encouraging interactions between academia, industry and government to foster economic and social development.

We discussed how cross disciplinarity is the future for creatives in building a just and sustainable world, and how that world, right down to even the seasons can in turn impact our creativity.

Relational

(Inter)Disciplinary

My guest for this episode is Luke Pearson, who in partnership with cofounder Tom Lloyd has run design practice Pearson Lloyd since 1997.

Since then, the practice has experienced enormous success designing for a multitude of furniture brands including Modus, Walter Knoll, Steelcase, Senator, Teknion, Andreu World, and Bene, as well as in aviation for Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Virgin Atlantic, and more.

In 2023 Pearson Lloyd added “Dezeen Designer of the Year” to their list of plaudits which include appointments as Royal Designers for Industry for both Luke and Tom.

Our conversation covered:

· Why collaborating with others is so beneficial

· The opportunities and threats posed to creatives

· How he stays motivated after nearly thirty years

· And how designers need to face the planet’s

My guest for this episode is Sam Parker. Ex editor for Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, Esquire, and Penguin Random House.

Sam is currently Site Director at British GQ and is writing his own book investigating anger.

Anger’s one of the many emotions we can experience during the creative process. Sam and I discussed his experiences with feelings of doubt, fear and anxiety brought on by the idea of going public with a big personal project as opposed to the perceived emotional security of creating for an employer.

He described how he’s learned to recognise those emotions as just sources of information, and the value of building a strong network of friends and family to offer emotional support and feedback when embarking on a large solo venture.

As always, if you enjoy this conversation, please take a few seconds to rate and subscribe to the podcast. Thanks!

creativity anger anxiety fear self doubt emotions journalism creative writing psychology

My guest for this episode is Creative Director, Stephen Briars (Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith, Urban Outfitters and The Conran Shop).

Throughout our discussion, at times we touch on Stephen’s creative process but with such an impressive career background I was mostly interested to hear how he had achieved such a seemingly constant string of successes with this remarkable portfolio of creative thought leaders.

I’ve known Stephen for pretty much my entire career and have always admired his courage to commit to projects and only then figure out how to execute them by applying practicality, productivity, and a sense of purpose. The resulting conversation is a masterclass in balancing the creative and commercial ambitions of some of the world’s best-known, innovative, fashion and interiors brands.

I hope you’re as inspired as I was by Stephen’s story. If you are it will really help if you rate and subscribe to the podcast. Thanks!

Fashion Retail Creative Direction Interiors Furniture Inspiration Design Visual merchandising

My guest for this episode is Nigerian-British poet, screenwriter, actor, and performer, Tife Kusoro.

In 2021 Tife was announced as a Jerwood New Playwright by the Royal Court Theatre, as well as one of the BBC’s London Voices for the same year.

In October 2023 she was commissioned by The Poetry Society to write the official poem celebrating Illuminated River, a major public artwork across the Thames.

The resulting poem, “‘I Would Rather Look at You” describes a night-time journey from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge and perfectly captures the art commission with humour and a sense of wonder.

Tife and I discussed how her enjoyment of the creative process along with her perfectionist streak easily push her through failure; her range of influences, including Marsha P Johnson, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Barry Jenkins and Michaela Coel’s Channel 4 sitcom, Chewing Gum; and how her goal is always to replicate the feelings she experiences when enjoying other artworks.

My guest for this episode is singer songwriter and session musician, Sam Crooks. At the time of recording (Jan 2024), Sam had just released his solo album “After The Night”, available on Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and Apple Music, and was due to play Glastonbury, and Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush, London with his band, Dead Pages.

Our interview covered the cognitive benefits of regular exercise, taking strategic breaks, striking a balance between focussed attention and “keeping it loose” in the recording studio, allowing collaborators to take things in unexpected directions, whether we create for ourselves or for our audience, and how an early obsession with Metallica ultimately led to the undying belief that Beethoven wrote one of the best pieces of music ever made; a piece that heavily influenced “After The Night”.