"If we don't define success for ourselves, others - society, capitalism, all the things - will define it for us." 

Diana Varma, a design educator at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares her journey from print production to teaching, discussing her innovative approach to education through "ungrading" and fostering creative confidence. 

She emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven learning and redefining success beyond traditional metrics. Through her experiences in print production, health and safety training, and ultimately university teaching, she demonstrates how nonlinear career paths can lead to meaningful work. Her teaching philosophy combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of how to nurture creativity and resilience in students.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional grading systems can hinder creative learning and intrinsic motivation
• Success should be measured by personal growth rather than comparison to others
• Confidence in creativity comes from embracing the process over final outcomes
• "Creative cousins" can serve as inspiration without becoming comparison targets
• Teaching should focus on sparking curiosity rather than just transferring information
• Vulnerability and periods of retreat (like lobsters) are essential parts of growth
• The journey and learning process are more valuable than the final creative product

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. 
 
Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. 

These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

"Stress is the opposite end of the spectrum of creativity. It's a very narrow, restricted state and creativity is an open and expansive state." 

Luke Lucas, a Sydney-based designer and meditation teacher since the mid-90s, discusses his journey from workaholic substance use to discovering meditation through his father. He explores how mindfulness transformed his creative practice, personal life, and approach to parenting. The conversation weaves between creative practice, the challenges of modern distractions, and finding authentic inspiration through stillness. His unique perspective as both a successful designer and meditation teacher offers valuable insights into sustainable creative practice in today's fast-paced industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Meditation helps develop creative intuition and inspiration by clearing mental clutter
• Digital distractions and constant connectivity make it harder to access our true creative potential
• Regular meditation practice improves work efficiency and focus while reducing reactivity to stress
• Breath work provides immediate tools for managing anxiety and creative challenges
• Being present and finding stillness is crucial for both personal wellbeing and creative success
• Balancing freelance design work with meditation teaching creates a more sustainable creative practice
• Parenthood can be a catalyst for positive lifestyle changes and career decisions

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. 
 
Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. 

These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

"I had this kind of crazy idea that if you have a passion, a creative passion, that's a hobby, you feel dirty if you turned it into something that made money." - Katy Cowan

A candid conversation with Katy Cowan, founder of Creative Boom, about her 15-year journey building one of the creative industry's most respected platforms. From her early days in journalism to running a PR agency, Katy shares how she transformed a passion project into a thriving digital magazine that champions creatives worldwide. 

Her story illustrates the power of authentic long-term commitment, showing how a simple WordPress site grew into a global creative platform working with brands like Meta and Microsoft. What began as a desire to help creatives who weren't getting noticed has evolved into an influential voice in the creative industry while staying true to its original mission.

Key Takeaways:

• Success often requires extraordinary patience - Creative Boom didn't make money for its first 5-6 years
• Sometimes scaling down rather than up can lead to greater fulfillment and success
• Building a trusted platform takes time - Creative Boom's growth from chaos to structure took over a decade
• True leadership can emerge from simply following your passions and interests
• It's okay to grow and evolve your business model over time rather than getting it right immediately
• Creating a warm, welcoming space in the digital world requires intentional curation and clear values
• Personal growth and business growth are often intertwined - being willing to change and adapt is crucial

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. 
 
Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. 

These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

"You choose that the pain is accepted because what you're putting in, you're getting out. You choose that it's worth your time and effort." - David Sheldon Hicks

In this introspective conversation, David Sheldon-Hicks, co-founder of Territory Studio, reflects on his 15-year journey from motion designer to creative business leader. He discusses the challenges of creative leadership, the importance of embracing uncertainty, and the delicate balance between creative ambition and human wellbeing. 

David shares insights about building a global creative studio while maintaining creative excellence and supporting team mental health. Through personal anecdotes about working on major films like Dune and his experiences with therapy, David illustrates how creative leadership involves both professional and personal growth. 

His candid discussion about the struggles and triumphs of running a creative business offers valuable insights for anyone in the creative industry looking to scale their impact while maintaining authenticity and purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Creative leadership requires balancing confidence with constant learning and improvement
• The best creative work often comes from embracing uncertainty and not having all the answers
• Building a successful creative studio means creating conditions for others to thrive
• Mental health and emotional awareness are crucial for sustained creative success
• Creative professionals need to better recognize and assert their value in business
• Hard work in creative fields should be balanced with purpose and enjoyment
• Legacy in creative business comes from building sustainable environments for future creators
• The creative process requires managing both fear and adrenaline effectively
• Stepping back from hands-on creative work can enable greater impact through leadership
• Being human and empathetic is essential for supporting teams through challenging projects

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. 
 
Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. 

These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

"I do soul searching every single day. It's not taking weeks of vacation somewhere - it's just a constant process in life." - Itir Eraslan

A deep dive into Itir Eraslan's remarkable journey from textile engineering in Turkey to founding her own marketing agency in New York. 

The conversation explores her 20-year tenure at Nike, the courage to leave corporate life, and her philosophies on time, discipline, and personal growth. Itir shares intimate insights about how losing her father shaped her approach to life and career decisions, while also discussing her balanced perspective on AI in marketing. Her unique approach to structuring work days - working seven days a week but with intentional breaks and mindful practices - offers a fresh perspective on work-life integration. 

The episode also delves into her thoughts on the future of marketing, the role of traditional advertising, and how maintaining a balanced view of technological advancement helps navigate industry changes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Taking your chosen path seriously is crucial, even if that path might change later
• True discipline is rare and essential for entrepreneurial success
• Recognizing when a role no longer fits ("a small jacket") is key to professional growth
• Soul searching should be an ongoing process, not just a one-time event
• Working alone requires both strong self-discipline and clear boundaries
• Loss and mortality can be powerful motivators for making conscious life choices
• Success in marketing requires balancing expertise with openness to new tools like AI
• Breaks and mindfulness are essential even when working extensively
• Personal trauma and life experiences shape professional decisions more than we realize
• The ability to work alone and maintain discipline are crucial entrepreneurial traits

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Welcome to five-minute magic from Mindful Creative Podcast. A short bonus episode, sharing tips and insights from the book's pages of the same title. 
 
Every week I'll share one or two ideas that can give you an actionable takeaway for your creative process or work/business, or just the food for thought for the weekend ahead. 

These bonus episodes share content from the audio book, and you can find the link to the full version in the show notes.

Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic

daringcreativity.com |  [email protected]

Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Book bundles  https://novemberuniverse.co.uk

Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/  (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)