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