Everyday Creativity

In this episode of the Everyday Creativity Podcast, host Anna B. Sexton engages in a rich conversation with Joy {Obachukwu} Chukuma; multi potentialite human -

Biotechnology Student || BBC-Featured Student Voice || Co-Creation Intern || Purpose Coalition Ambassador || Podcaster - Teen Dom || Passionate About Representation and Growth

Wearer of many creative hats, Joy shares her personal journey of representation, personal growth, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented fellow students at Liverpool John Moores University [LJMU].

They discuss the creative processes that fuel Joy's passion for music, her experiences in leadership roles, and the significance of self-discovery.

Joy emphasises the value of community involvement and encourages listeners to embrace their unique voices.

The conversation wraps up with insights on overcoming perfectionism and the importance of self-awareness in personal development.Find out more about Joy via

LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-chukwuma-18574a231/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/teendom

Find out more about Anna B. Sexton via

LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/open-to-create-anna-b-sexton/

Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/annabsexton/

Want to be on the podcast - you can email Anna via

[email protected]

Subject: podcast guest pitch - add in your name

Tell me why you? Any examples of your work, social links etc...

Creative Take aways...

• "It's all about self-discovery."
• "I wish I had just started."
• "Learn more about yourself."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joy Obachukwu-Chukuma

01:59 The Importance of Representation

04:25 Creative Processes and Personal Growth

10:48 Self-Discovery Through Leadership

13:31 Encouragement for Community Involvement

17:03 Overcoming Perfectionism in Creativity

22:23 Final Thoughts on Self-Awareness

In this episode of the Everyday Creativity Podcast, host Anna B Sexton engages with Fiona Shaw, a journalist, writer, and publisher based in Liverpool. They explore the intersection of creativity, AI, sustainability, and social enterprise, discussing how these elements contribute to community engagement and the evolving business landscape in Liverpool.

Fiona shares insights on her work with Ethos Magazine, the importance of good business practices, and the role of community spaces, such as Kitty's Laundrette, in fostering social connections. The conversation highlights the need for a stronger vision for Liverpool's social enterprises and the impact of chance encounters in sparking creativity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

takeaways

• Creativity is driven by curiosity and questioning.
• Business can be a force for good in communities.
• Sustainability and social responsibility are key to good business.
• Community spaces foster social connections and creativity.
• Liverpool has a strong tradition of social enterprise.
• Chance encounters can lead to unexpected collaborations.
• Ethos Magazine focuses on sustainability and good business.
• The balance between profit and community impact is crucial.
• Creativity is not limited to traditional art forms.
• The future of Liverpool's social enterprises looks promising.

Find out more about Fiona Shaw via https://www.wordscape.org.uk/
https://ethos-magazine.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawfiona/ Find out more about Anna B. Sexton via

www.opentocreate.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/open-to-create-anna-b-sexton/

@opentocreate_

Keywords

creativity, AI, sustainability, social enterprise, community, publishing, good business, Liverpool, Ethos Magazine, Kitty's Laundrette

Join host Anna B. Sexton on the Everyday Creativity Podcast for a dynamic conversation with fellow coaches Tina Neve and Veronika Sucha.

Each brings a unique flair to their coaching spaces, collaborating across the EdTech, travel tech, corporate, start ups to scale ups , mid life career change and creative industries.

Though their paths to coaching are truly unique, they're united by a shared mission: to empower clients with person-centred, creative, and measurable tools.

Discover how their 2024 shortlisting for the GSCA [ESCA] Global Startup Coaching Competition propelled them to help EdTech founders transform their personal purpose, leadership vision, and mission.

These three remarkable women were the inaugural 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners of the DOHE global start up coaching talent award [GSCA/ESCA]

Their discussion delves into the unique challenges and opportunities within EdTech and how coaching is fundamentally shaping the future of EdTech start ups.

The conversation expands to offer invaluable advice they'd give their younger selves, what fuels their unique creativity as coaches, and how winning the GSCA Global Coaching competition has profoundly impacted them.

Find out more about Tina

Tina Neve is a coach and therapist who helps midlife professionals reconnect with who they are and what matters most. Combining psychological insight with practical career support, she guides clients through transitions, helping them quiet self-doubt and build lasting, meaningful change.

Known for her compassionate and down-to-earth style, Tina creates a safe space where people feel understood and empowered to take action. She guides clients to connect their thoughts, feelings, and instincts, creating a foundation for clearer decisions and stronger self-belief.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaneve/

Find out more about Veronika

After two decades leading high-profile business events and teams, Czech-born Veronika now empowers founders and executives as a multi-award-winning coach. Since 2020, she's been a driving force in the tech startup ecosystem, leveraging her 20+ years of UK experience.

Veronika's journey into tech began in 2015, collaborating with innovative startups in Dubai. Today, she partners with tech accelerators, guiding founders to refine their vision, build robust business models, and lead with clarity and focus. Her background managing large-scale projects like Climate Week NYC has honed her ability to bring structure, empathy, and tangible results. A certified executive and personal performance coach, Veronika holds Level 5 coaching diplomas and OKR certification. She uniquely blends a traditional business approach with a holistic, intuitive angle, helping values-led founders navigate critical growth stages with certainty and flow.

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-sucha/https://www.veronikasucha.com/

About the DOHE GSCA Award The DOHE Global Startup Coaching Award [GSCA] is a first-of-its-kind global competition, celebrating excellence in startup coaching for EdTech founders solving urgent globalchallenges. Organised by DOHE Global, the award recognises coaching as a critical force in startup growth, social impact, and founder wellbeingFind out more about Anna B Sexton - Founder of Open To Create >>>

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/open-to-create-anna-b-sexton/

www.opentocreate.com

Instagram @opentocreate_

In this episode of the Everyday Creativity Podcast, Anna B Sexton speaks with Quince Garcia about his creative journey, community engagement, and the importance of resilience and self-love.

Quince shares insights into his artistic expression through illustration and filmmaking, as well as his work with young people in the criminal justice system through his organisation, Roadworks Media.

The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in the creative process, the significance of personal growth, and the power of manifesting connections.

Quince emphasises the need for individuals to learn to enjoy their own company and the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.

It's a fun conversation between two creatives who first met each other back in 2010-2011 as part of a group show on 'money'.

And they have stayed in touch ever since in a variety of creative intersection points...

ENJOY!

Takeaways

• The emphasis on how important having positive energy and gratitude is to being in creative flow

• The journey of understanding the 'why' behind business is crucial for success.

• Artistic expression can take many forms, including illustration, writing, and filmmaking.

• Community engagement is vital for social impact, especially with marginalized youth.

• Resilience is about getting back on the horse after falling off.

• Self-love is essential for personal growth and well-being.

• Challenging young people can help them grow and develop.

• Creating a supportive environment is key to helping individuals thrive.

• Manifesting connections can lead to valuable opportunities.

• The creative process involves navigating challenges and celebrating successes.

Find out more about Quince via:

• Instagram HERE
• LinkedIn HERE
• Roadworks Media HERE
• Squash The Beef HERE

Find out more about Anna + Open To Create>>>

LinkedIn HERE

Instagram @opentocreate_

@annabsexton

@wayfinders_travel_collective

www.opentocreate.com

#quincegarcia #roadworksmedia #squashthebeef #youthaction #youngpeoplerock #creativity #everydaycreativity #creativepodcast #creativecoach #creativementor #startupcoach #globalawardwinningcoach #creativetech #edtech #traveltech #creativeentrepreneurs

In this episode of the Everyday Creativity Podcast, host Anna B Sexton speaks with Olivia Bellas; Facilitator / Coach / Thinking Partner / Learning Experience Designer / Social Impact Enabler I Lego® Serious Play® / Open to NED roles / Travel Tech

They delve into the multifaceted nature of creativity, the importance of coaching, and innovative methods like Lego Serious Play.

They explore

• How creativity is defined
• The role of embodiment and outside thinking
• The power of co-dreaming in personal and collective contexts.

Olivia shares her journey in coaching and the significance of play in serious settings, emphasising the need for experimentation and connection in creative processes.

Key takeaways

• Creativity is more about the way we think than what we do with our hands.
• Embodiment plays a significant role in creativity, such as through dance.
• Creativity often involves navigating complexity and simplifying ideas.
• Co-dreaming can lead to deep self-exploration and storytelling.
• Outside thinking is essential for diffusing ideas and enhancing creativity.
• Lego Serious Play allows for 3D printing thoughts and fostering communication.
• Play can be a serious tool for emotional expression in professional settings.
• Collective imagination can address social challenges through creative collaboration.
• Experimentation is key to finding what works for individual creativity.
• Future aspirations include expanding the use of Lego Serious Play in community settings.

Mentions include

• Love & Radio
• Steph Patten
• Deb Barnard coaching
• Co-dreaming

Discover more about Olivia via

LinkedIn HERE

https://olivia-bellas.com/

Instagram

@buttertravelwitholivia

Connect with Anna B. Sexton via

LinkedIn HERE

www.opentocreate.com

Instagram

@opentocreate_

@annabsexton

@wayfinders_travel_collective

#EverydayCreativity #creativecoaching

#CreativePodcast #collectivedreaming

#AnnaBSexton #globalawardwinningcoach#CommunityLeadership#PeoplePoweredChange

#OliviaBellas #LegoSeriousPlay

#Codreaming #creativeplay #traveltech #travelmentor

🎧 Episode 1, Series 3 – Building Bridges Through Sound & Stories: Marek J. Smagala

In this powerful opening episode of Series 3, host Anna B. Sexton welcomes Marek J. Smagala—a Liverpool-based video game composer and founder of the inclusive Liverpool Game Dev Network.

From South London’s buzzing creative scene to Merseyside’s growing games industry, Marek shares his inspiring journey of fusing music, storytelling, and community-building. Learn how his love of video games and deep belief in connection led him to create one of the Northwest’s most inclusive networking events—bridging studio heads, students, freelancers, and curious creatives alike.

Together, Anna and Marek explore:
🎮 The creative power of music and storytelling in games
💬 Why genuine networking is still revolutionary in digital spaces
🎯 How rest, rhythm, and structure support sustainable creativity
🌆 The growth of Liverpool’s creative tech scene
🎉 And a sneak peek into Marek’s upcoming Game Dev Summit at Boxpark Liverpool (June 5th)!

Whether you're a lifelong creative, a hidden talent, or someone finding your way back to joy, this episode is a warm, honest, and energising reminder that your creative life doesn’t have to fit anyone’s mould.

📍Follow Marek’s work:

• MJSmagala.com

• LinkedIn: Marek J. Smagala

• Liverpool Game Dev Network on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Bluesky

• Monthly meetups at The Head of Steam + Spotlight Series across Merseyside

🎙️ Hosted by Anna B. Sexton

📍Follow Anna's work

• www.opentocreate.com
• LinkedIn: Anna B. Sexton

Instagram: @opentocreate_

#EverydayCreativity #CreativePodcast #AnnaBSexton

#MarekJSmagala

#PeoplePoweredChange

#GamingStartUps #FoundersChangingTheworld #CoachingChangingTheWorld

#GameDev #CreativeTech #Liverpool #Merseyside #VideoGameMusic #Storytelling #CommunityLeadership #MusicMatters #MakingMusic

This episode of the Everyday Creativity podcast comes about through the new creative partnership between Anna B. Sexton & Lucy Dossor from @ Growing Sudley in Liverpool, UK. There is a bit of talk about our new course; Grow Yourself starting on 9th March 2024 https://bit.ly/GrowYourself2024

We also talk about therapeutic gardening, following a slow and in-flow process and hedge witches and plant medicine.

All in all a very lovely episode - sadly the mic on my headphones was a bit pesky, and in the spirit of DIY/GSD the episode is as is...

ENJOY

Lucy's biog...

After a career spent mainly in the Creative Industries in a range of production roles in Theatre, TV and Film, Lucy reskilled in the field of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture and Urban Community Gardening. Having spent several years working with schools and community groups delivering growing workshops and activities, she completed training qualifications with Thrive, the main national training provider in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Passionate about the power of nature, in conjunction with other support services, to transform lives and significantly increase a sense of place and wellbeing, Lucy has been involved with the Growing Sudley Therapeutic Garden project since the Spring of 2014. She is the Project Director and co-founder of the Community Interest Company. Since 2017, she has dedicated her time to driving and building the foundations for the current iteration of the historic walled garden space. Lucy uses Permaculture across all areas of life and work and believes it to be a critical and exciting tool towards a healthier, fairer life for people and the planet alike. Her passion is to introduce as many people as possible to the healing power of nature and plants and the benefits of having symbiotic relationships with them.   

Transition Network | Transition Towns

Home | Permaculture Association

Home - Thrive

Links to Anna B. Sexton socials

Fancy having a chat on the podcast about your unique creative take on life - email [email protected]

As always thank you for listening - spread the word, share this episode... and stay open to create...

Anna x

In this episode Anna B. Sexton gets to talk with Dr. Tarek E. Virani about cultural networks, staying in creative connection with ourselves through our passions for music, making, social activism and localism. We talk about the much-used word 'resilience' and what it means on day to day basis whilst being a creative, academic, parent and band member.

Anna and Tarek met through the UK-wide codesigned research project brought together to better understand creative resilience in the face of Covid-19. The outcome of a round of Zoom calls with creative freelancers and social entrepreneurs in a range of creative and cultural disciplines became the Resilience Toolkit to help creative and cultural micro-businesses calculate risk and provides tailored resources on improving resilience https://creativetoolkit.biz/

Tarek is an Associate Professor of Creative Industries at the School of Arts at UWE Bristol, he is part of the Digital Cultures Research Centre ( DCRC). Previously he was Deputy Director of Network: Queen Mary University of London's Centre for the Creative and Cultural Economy. His research interests span several areas within the creative and cultural economy including the role of intermediaries and social enterprises in the creative and cultural economy, cultural policy, artistic knowledge within locally bounded artistic communities, new work spaces in the creative and cultural economy, the role of micro-community engagement in culture-led regeneration, the role of the creative and cultural economy intermediary, the link between the creative industries and local development, creative and cultural hubs, and the internationalisation of creative work. Tarek has done work for several local, national and international organisations including research institutions, governments and other stakeholders.

Tarek links

Links to Anna B. Sexton socials

Fancy having a chat on the podcast about your unique creative take on life - email [email protected]

As always thank you for listening - spread the word, share this episode... and stay open to create...

Anna x

Do you find yourself wondering about how you could get started with being creative or boosting your everyday creativity?

Well, we have the perfect guest for you...

Jo Hunter is the Founder and CEO of 64 Million Artists, a social enterprise inviting everyone in the UK to explore their creative potential and use it to challenge the status quo.

She is especially talking about the January Challenge; the annual free to join in daily prompt challenge.

Here from Jo about what was the creative catalyst for the challenge and what shape it has taken over the years...

You can join in the challenge as little or as much as you wish to via https://64millionartists.com/thejanuarychallenge/

Website https://64millionartists.com/

Podcast https://64millionartists.com/podcast/

We hope you enjoy Anna's conversation with Jo which covers well-being in the workplace, personal growth, taking time out, families and creative challenges to keep connected and courageous in life.

More background on Jo Hunter

Since 64 Million Artists was founded in 2014, they have run bespoke programmes and nationwide campaigns for individuals, communities and leaders across schools, universities, whole cities, workplaces, cultural institutions and health and government bodies. They experiment with different ways to reconnect people with their creativity and work to understand and explore how creativity impacts positive change. Over 50,000 people take part in their January Challenge each year and they are well known for prioritising well-being, working a 4-day week and taking August off each year. Previously Jo was Head of Strategic Development at Battersea Arts Centre, Senior Artistic Associate at Harbourfront Centre Toronto and Head of Funded Programmes at Sing Up. She also started her career in the circus and is a former presenter of BBC's Why Don't You? She was a Clore Fellow in 2014/15 and is a fellow of the Salzburg Leadership Forum.

Links to Anna B. Sexton socials

Fancy having a chat on the podcast about your unique creative take on life - email [email protected]

As always thank you for listening - Anna x

In this episode of the Everyday Creativity podcast, our guest is Suzie Pindar; the Naked Artist.

Together with Anna B. Sexton, our discussions cover the creative connections made whilst moving across the city commuting or out of artist walks.

As well as seeking to find creative responses as a tactic to tackle the precarity of living, working and attempting to thrive in London, UK as an artist. Being an artist educator and carer for a parent with Alzheimer's is also covered.

Suzie is a prolific multi-media artist using an array of making practices to express her day-to-day realities. She uses mark-making, written words, cut-up letters, and photography on the pages of books combining mixed heartfelt raw emotions.  Most recently she has been making street art with her word-based art and has had a solo show in Brussels, Belgium,

In all of her work, she aims to capture, her living, breathing, experiencing, feeling, and remembering, whilst recording her day-to-day healing, and recovery journey.

Throughout her process, Suzie demonstrates a staying power and commitment to her art as she works to go beyond mere surviving to thriving.

Suzie's social / contact links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suziepindar/

Website - https://www.thenakedartist.co.uk/

Links to Anna B. Sexton socials

Fancy having a chat on the podcast about your unique creative take on life - email [email protected]

As always thank you for listening - Anna x