Elevate with Grace

In this conversation, Myke Dixon invites us back to the heart of who we are before the noise of the world pulls us away. We explore creativity as self-expression, kindness as a form of cultural leadership, and why learning to trust our inner impulses might be the most future proof skill we have. Together we unpack how small, human acts can change the way we show up at work, at home and within ourselves. It is warm, grounding, and quietly transformative.

Links

The very exciting invitation to join the WILD UNDERGROUND with Myke Dixon:  LINK

Everyday Creative: https://www.mykeldixon.com/book

Key Takeaways

• Creativity is less about talent and more about trusting the quiet impulses within us.
• Self-expression is a powerful antidote to a noisy, numbed world.
• In an age of AI and sameness, our humanity becomes our greatest value.
• Kindness, generosity and presence are not soft skills. They are differentiators.
• Rituals matter, but presence matters more. Routine only works when we stay connected to why it exists.
• Creativity expands when we stop treating it like a performance and start experiencing it like a walk or a song.
• Community deepens when we show even a small spark of our true selves. Like attracts like.
• We future proof our careers and our lives by being more human, not less.

Key Quotes

• “You feel this tiny whispering impulse that something wants to be born and you trust it and act on it. The universe takes 500 steps toward you.”
• “Your relevance in the world will amplify when you bring more kindness, creativity and generosity into how you show up.”
• “We can build a new world by being this way. Even if the world cannot see it yet.”
• “Creativity is not about arriving anywhere. It is about being in the experience.”
• “Once you get a taste of presence, you start getting hungry for more.”

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

In this episode I pick up from our last ep the Creative Cure & had the absolute joy of riffing with Myke Dixon for a conversation that felt less like an interview and more like a part self-expression part creative awakening or ALIVE'ING.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you’ve been conditioned to be this episode is truly for you, I am so sure you are going to love it! In this episode we unpacked the real work of reclaiming our aliveness, trusting our instincts, and bringing more humanity back into the places we lead, work and create.

This is part one, the second half of this interview will drop Thursday 27th November.

Because we know you are going to want more  Mykel Dixon click here for the:  website

You can also check out his book here: Everyday Creative by Mykel Dixon - Available on Audio (with Myke narrating which is awesome) or Book form!

Audio book (with Myke narrating, its a terrific listen): link 

Real Book or eBook: click this link

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Creativity is not something you do, it can help us find who we really are.  Creaivity is not a rare artistic skill, its energy, aliveness & self-expression.  We don't learn creativity we rediscover it!

2. Fear and judgement get in the way - we need to reconsider the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and question why we think we need to do this for others, creativity and self-expression is food for your soul.

3. Modern life has created a great numbinng - watch out for those Matrix references

4. Self Expression is a lot broader than art - think about the journey and the freedom to create more than the outcome. 

5. Reclaim your workplace and think about the opportunity to create meaning with your co-workers and teams, try to break down some of the process and to allow the Artisian approach to venture into the workplace.  

What you still have to look forward to:

In the second half of this interview we will talk about how to bring Aliveness back into your work and life, some simple creative practices that can help transform your day and how to trust your gut more and say yes to those impulses that are calling us to ACTION. 

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

In The Creative Cure: Why Cultivating Creative Expression Fuels Success, we explore how creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s an important leadership and wellbeing tool. We unpack the neuroscience behind creative expression, its power to lower stress and boost problem-solving, and how leaders can cultivate creativity to enhance empathy, resilience, and innovation.

Key Takeaways

1. Creativity is a core leadership skill: It strengthens cognitive flexibility and resilience like a workout for your brain. A regular creative practice builds better problem-solving capacity and adaptability.
2. Stress relief through creative flow:  Creative acts lower cortisol levels, providing a reset that helps manage stress.
3. Creativity drives innovation:  Great companies like Pixar, intentionally design cultures that allow experimentation, candor, and play.  
4. AI can enhance, not replace, creativity:  When used mindfully, generative AI can help spark ideas and expand our imaginative reach, while human judgment and our ability to think creatively remains essential.
5. Reclaiming “creative confidence”:  Over 90% of adults believe they’re “not creative” due to old “art scars” it’s time to reclaim creativity as a human, everyday skill that improves wellbeing and leadership giving a “whole-of-life advantage.”

Standout Quotes

• “Creativity is not about waiting for inspiration, it’s about making space for it to show up.” Myke Dixon, The Everyday Creative
• “Creativity isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s how we reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with bigger possibilities.”  Claire
• “Engaging in creative acts rewires the brain and creates new neural pathways. It’s not just a feel — it’s backed in fact.” Miranda
• “Create before you consume.” Claire
• “Leadership isn’t like art, it is an art.” Michael O’Malley, Harvard Business Review

References & Resources

• Books:
  • Everyday Creative - Mykel Dixon
  • Your Brain on Art - Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
  • Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
  • Creativity, Inc. - Ed Catmull
• Articles:
  • How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity - Harvard Business Review
  • Every Leader Is an Artist - Michael O’Malley, Harvard Business Review
  • Creativity and the Role of the Leader - Teresa Amabile, Harvard Business School
• Podcasts:
  • WorkLife with Adam Grant - “How to Love Criticism”

Action Challenge

Over the next week, build a small creative ritual into your day.  Reframe creativity as an energy-replenishing habit that strengthens your wellbeing and leadership.  

It doesn’t need to be art, just something that challenges your creativity try journaling, mindful cooking, sketching, dancing, gardening, or even rearranging your workspace.

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

Episode Introduction
In this conversation Claire and Miranda bust the myth that success requires operating at peak performance 24/7.  Surge. Tilt. Succeed: This episode offers your Blueprint for Sustainable Energy as they introduce the powerful concepts of surging (those intentional high-energy periods where you harness momentum) and tilting (the conscious pauses and adjustments that keep you aligned, healthy and creative). Learn how to plan both phases so you can thrive in work and life without burning out or going into overdrive.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic surging beats reactive busyness: Choose when to surge and channel your energy into the few projects that create the greatest impact.
• Tilt to sustain your success: Micro-tilts (like a mindful lunch walk or device-free commute) and bigger tilts (like saying no to a project, booking in active planning breaks or real downtime) to replenish energy and spark creativity.
• Watch for the three risks of unchecked surging: burnout, disconnection and overdrive.
• Energy management is a form of time management: Track what energises or drains you and ditch or delegate “energy vampires.”
• Communicate Surge or Tilt mode: Let teammates and also family (as this tip isn't just for work life) know when you’re in surge or tilt mode to avoid misunderstandings and to model healthy boundaries.
• Active reflection is non-negotiable: Pausing to ask “What is this surge creating for my long-term goals?” helps you steer the wave, not just ride it, or show up as "busy, busy, busy".

Key Quotes

• “Surges don’t happen forever and they shouldn’t, otherwise we have burnout" – Miranda
• “Tilt is where our judgment, empathy and values come in; it’s choosing to move more meaningfully, not just fast.”  Claire
• “Action doesn’t need to be grand—small, brave choices compound into the life that you want.” Maria Baltazzi, Take a Shot at Happiness 
• “Imagination is not an indulgence. It’s embedded in every function of thinking, planning, remembering, and connecting.” Adam Zenman, The Shape of Things Unseen 

References & Resources

• Books:
  • The Shape of Things Unseen – Adam Zenman
  • Take a Shot at Happiness – Maria Baltazzi
  • The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler
• Concepts & Articles:
  • “Ambitious Stagnation” – Harvard Business Review
  • “Upper Limit Problem” – from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (mentioned in discussion)

Your Action Challenge

Plan your next strategic surge before year-end:

1. Identify the 2–3 projects that will create the biggest impact in the next three months.
2. Schedule mini-tilts before, during and after that surge & protect them like any critical meeting or poject critical work.

Share how you’re harmonising surging and tilting with us on Instagram or LinkedIn, or email [email protected]

Music by Claire's daughter Hannah.

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

Season 3, Episode 4 

The True Value of Human Skills in Leadership

In an era quickly changing & obsessing over AI tools and automation, this episode emphasizes that our most valuable career asset continues to be fundamentally human.  Claire and Miranda remind us of the human advantage: the leadership skills that no algorithm can replace. From emotional intelligence and empathy to clarity and courage, this conversation is a call to elevate our HI (human intelligence) alongside our AI.

Through stories, frameworks, and practical insights, they explore what it takes to lead smarter, not harder and why future-ready leadership is less about mastering tech and more about mastering yourself and your people.

Whether you’re a leader navigating AI disruption, or someone aspiring to build stronger, more resilient teams, this episode will help you double down on what makes us human.

Key Takeaways

• AI is a tool, not the answer. Leaders must balance speed and efficiency with discernment, clarity, and emotional intelligence.
• Soft skills aren’t soft they are hard and essential. Empathy, feedback, and human judgment are the real competitive edge.
• Clarity is kindness. Clear communication, even when hard truths are involved, builds trust and long-term resilience.
• Empowered teams outperform managed teams. Concepts like “teamship” and walking beside (not above) your people create ownership and better results.
• Slow down to speed up. Great leadership often means pausing, reflecting, and interrogating assumptions before acting.

Key Quotes

• “It always tickles me when we call these humanistic leadership capabilities ‘soft skills.’ If we’re doing them well, they’re anything but soft they’re deliberate, and they’re hard.” Claire
• “Empathy + emotional intelligence + authentic leadership = stronger, more resilient teams.”  Miranda
• “Clarity is kindness. Even when people don’t want to hear the message, honest communication builds trust.” Claire
• “Our role as leaders hasn’t changed: it’s always been to create the conditions for others to excel.” Miranda

Episode Run-Down

• Opening reflections on AI vs HI (human intelligence)
• Why humanistic leadership matters more than ever
• Lessons from Deloitte & Gallup 2025 reports
• Empathy, clarity, and emotional regulation under pressure
• Gen Z’s challenge to traditional management & “conscious un-bossing”
• Real-world leadership lessons from crisis situations
• The “teamship” model and how to empower teams effectively
• How AI should free up time for more human leadership

Action Challenge 

Pick one human leadership skill each week and put it into practice

References & Resources

• Deloitte Human Capital Trends Report 2025
• Gallup State of the Workplace Report 2025
• Essential by Chrissy Smith & Kelly Monaghan
• Forbes 2024 article on Conscious Un-bossing & Gen Z leadership trends
• Winging It by Emma Isaacs
• Teamship model by Keith Ferrazzi
• How to Decide by Annie Duke
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Tune in now to discover why the future of leadership is still deeply human.

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

Season 3, Episode 3

In this episode of Elevate with Grace, Claire and Miranda tackle a topic that’s been buzzing in every inbox, newsfeed, and team meeting: AI. Not from a tech-guru angle, but from a grounded, thoughtful perspective on how it can actually help us live and work better. Whether you’re dabbling, avoiding, or already deep in AI experimentation, this conversation will help you find clarity, confidence and a human-first mindset in this new landscape.

We’re here to explore:

• How AI can be a career multiplier
• Why your human skills are your superpower
• The ethics of using AI intentionally, and what it means to stay in the driver’s seat

Key Takeaways & Quotes

• AI is a mindset shift, expect trial and error, and delayed gratification before the magic happens
• Start with one prompt a day, build AI into your workflow gradually
• Empathy, leadership and critical thinking are more valuable than ever
• You are still the author, AI can support, but never replace, your unique voice
• Ethics matter so know where your data is going and how your outputs reflect your values

“AI can be our co-pilot, but it's not our script writer. We are still the author of our lives.” – Miranda

“AI doesn’t make someone feel truly seen. That’s our edge. That’s our job.” – Claire

“Just because it reduces labour doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.” – Miranda

Run List

00.00 Introduction

02.00 Action Challenge Recap

05.10 AI as a Career Multiplier

15.02 Human Skills are still your superpower

24.00 The ethics of using AI intentionally

30.44 Action Challenge & Closing points

Key Resources Mentioned

• Tools:  ChatGPT, Descript, Canva, Copilot, Notion, Perplexity
• Courses: Allie Miller – AI for Everyone  & Tomer Cohen – AI + Product Thinking (LinkedIn Learning)
• Newsletters: The Rundown AI, The Neuron & Simple AI
• Podcasts:   How I Work by Amantha Imber
• Books & Articles:
  • Competing in the Age of AI by Karim R. Lakhani
  • Forbes: Gen Z and AI
  • HBR: Workplace Loneliness and AI
  • Disney/Universal v Midjourney (AI + IP Law)

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

In this episode of Elevate with Grace, we explore how the evolving landscape of Workforce 2.0 demands a fresh take on success, resilience, and wellbeing.

We dive into the power of brave conversations during times of change, the importance of protecting your energy, and how to lead with intention. We talk about tips to seize the opportunities that come with change, and the future 4 framework to help listeners build more balance and clarity into daily life.

You’ll hear why reimagining success goes beyond the job title it includes community engagement, boundaries that serve your wellbeing, and taking small steps that shape a better future.

Key Takeaways:

• Why courageous conversations matter now more than ever
• How to build a “rejection muscle” and grow resilience
• Morning habits that energize your day
• Strategies for leading in today’s dynamic work environments
• The value of hobbies and meaningful community involvement
• Journaling prompts to track progress and fuel clarity

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 –  Introduction
00:46 – Reflecting on Workforce 2.0
02:51 – Personal Growth and Success Redefined
06:54 – The 5:00 AM Club and Daily Routines
08:23 – Embracing Brave Conversations
15:47 – Building Resilience and the Rejection Muscle
26:40 – Leadership in Workplace 2.0
34:32 – Community and Personal Hobbies
40:32 – Closing Reflections & Call to Action

Key References

The 5:00 AM Club, Robin Sharma

Supercommunicator, Charles Duhigg

Fierce Conversations, Susan Scott

The Art of Resilience, Ross Edgley

High Performance Habits, Brendon Burchard

"Future 4" framework focusing on:

• Self (energy, mindset, wellbeing)
• Social (relationships)
• Skills (learning, growth)
• Service (impact, contribution)

The Power of Healthy Relationships at Work, Harvard Business Review.

Brian & Maggie (2025, 2 part tv movie)

Option B, Adam Grant & Sheryl Sandberg

Having a “panic button” gives people psychological safety, increasing confidence to face challenges, even if the button is rarely used.

Key Quotes

“It’s time to be brave.”

“Courage, connection, and communication are key, fundamental pillars as we build out a reimagined future.”

“Stress is a byproduct of our reaction to the situation, not the situation itself.”
 – From The Art of Resilience

“We are equipped with an unyielding spirit. It’s just a matter of what we choose to do with it.”

“Clarity is kindness.”
 – Brene Brown, 

“We don’t have to have every conversation be a duel to the death.”

“Success for me is about what sustains me and brings me joy.”

“Kids shouldn’t have all the fun.”

“Are we the panic button for our team?”
- Adam Grant

“We used to have community. Now we have stuff.”
- Brian and Maggie (2025 film documentary)

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

Elevate With Grace: Navigating the New World of Work | Season 3 Launch

Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of Elevate With Grace! Join Claire and Miranda as they reflect on the journey since 2021, discussing significant changes in the workplace and the evolving concept of success. This episode dives into topics such as the impact of remote work, the importance of mental health, effective leadership, and communication strategies in the modern work environment. Tune in for insights, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on creating a successful career and life on your own terms. Don’t miss out on their reflections, challenges, and book recommendations tailored to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Season 1 - Summaries

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FmCKbt1vQV-Rx65tWDp-clvTIFRlg6iaLNe8h1aN_xU/edit?usp=sharing

Season 2 - Summaries - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NI8RFXPsLI7bL6y54gAzMU1JEovSmEKhpwThELPlutY/edit?usp=sharing

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Elevate With Grace

00:26 Reflecting on Past Seasons and Changes

01:19 Exploring Success in 2025 and Beyond

02:00 Adapting to New Work Environments

09:10 The Importance of Effective Communication

22:10 Embracing Change and Finding Balance

31:35 Action Challenge and Conclusion

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

Elevate with Grace: Cultivating Success in the New World of Work

Welcome back to Elevate with Grace! In our Season Three intro episode, Miranda and Claire discuss the exciting return of the podcast after three years. We explore the evolving workplace and how embracing change can lead to success in 2025 and beyond. Three key areas of change iclude adopting a quality-over-busyness mindset, moving beyond outdated workplace models, and promoting true equality and balance. 

As you navigate this new world of work, join us for actionable tips, fresh perspectives, and a focus on creating a fulfilling career and life on your own terms. 

Subscribe in your favourite podcast app to stay updated on our latest episodes! 

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

The third in our money in focus series, this episode rounds out the conversation we started in Episode 6 with Sallie Krawcheck's Own It and continued last episode (#7) exploring mindset, conditioning and biases.  In our final epsidode in this series we bring to life the tips, hacks and conversation starters to drive you to take regular, sustained action.   

From mapping out your current situation with candles and permission not to judge or whip yourself, through to heavy goal setting and incremental changes to achieve a far bigger goal than possible today.  We also offer conversation starters to ensure we are collectively supporting and lifting each other up and some great articles, social links and thought leaders that don't spin the same old hold the smashed avocado.

This episode will leave you with some great life hacks and thought leadership to take action and master your productivity.  to help set up your next big goal, your super.  Neither Miranda or Claire are qualified in any way to give financial advice of any sort., simply girlfriends having a chat, encouraging you to start a conversations and offer some new reference points to explore.

Action Challenge:
This episode your action challenge is to pick one of the 3 key money tips areas (mindset, ) and really make headway with a dedicated focus that you know will help you elevate your financial prowess in 2022 and offer opportunities to design your life on your terms.

Social/Article references:
The Broke Generation, https://thebrokegeneration.com/blog/2020/10/30/financial-personality-questions-money-mindset/
The Financial Diet & the Financial Confessions Podcast & Socials, https://thefinancialdiet.com/
Budgetista, The Financial Wholeness Quiz (2mins)  https://thebudgetnista.outgrow.us/thebudgetnista-2
Scott Pape, The Barefoot investor Monday newsletter, https://www.barefootinvestor.com/
Financial Gym, https://financialgym.com/blog/2021/2/25/how-to-talk-to-your-friends-about-money

Book References:
Tiffany Aliche, Get Good with Money, https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GetGoodwMoney
The Latte Factor, https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/LatteFactor
The Financial Diet, https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/financialdiet
Sallie Krawcheck, Own It, https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/elevate-own-it
Gary Keller & Jay Papasan, The One Thing, The Surprisingly Simple Truth behind Extraordinary Results https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/elevate-theonething
Emma Isaacs, Winging It link: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ElevateWingingIt
These are affiliate links

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode - check out our Instagram, LinkedIn or  Website or Email [email protected]

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah