Daily Creative with Todd Henry

The Creative Shift


Listen Later

Why does so much around us feel "vaguely familiar"? In this episode, we dive deep into the creative malaise of our overstimulated world—where endless scrolling, constant content, and a deluge of data make everything seem slightly derivative and uninspiring. We unpack the concept of “vague familiarity” and examine why our passion for novelty is constantly dulled by today’s information overload.

To help us cut through the noise, we’re joined by Andrew Robertson, chairman of BBDO and author of The Creative Shift. Andrew brings decades of frontline experience in fighting creative sameness at one of the world’s most successful advertising agencies. We explore the sometimes uneasy balance between operational excellence and breakthrough creativity, and how organizations can make space for real innovation without falling for surface-level quick fixes.

Along the way, we break down actionable principles for reigniting creative excitement, including finding inspiration at the "edges," practicing attentional minimalism, and prioritizing productive passion over passive consumption. Andrew shares compelling stories—including how Delta Airlines redefined the passenger experience by rethinking the real source of travel stress—and reveals what it really takes to recognize a great idea (even in risk-averse environments).

Five Key Learnings from this Episode:

  1. Rediscover the Edges: Creativity flourishes at the intersections and boundaries of different disciplines and domains. Stepping outside your usual circles—whether it’s through new conversations or learning in unfamiliar fields—leads to fresh insights.
  2. Practice Attentional Minimalism: With relentless digital noise, deliberate focus and margin are essential. Setting boundaries around your inputs and carving out undistracted time helps you notice what truly matters.
  3. Pursue Productive Passion: Creative energy comes from making, not just consuming. Progress and intrinsic motivation fuel innovation more than passive amusement.
  4. Define the Real Problem: The most effective solutions come from unwillingness to leap immediately to action. Every creative breakthrough begins by deeply diagnosing the real challenge, even if sitting with ambiguity feels uncomfortable.
  5. Manage Risk—Don’t Chase Certainty: Seeking certainty kills originality. Instead, smart creative leaders evaluate the downside, manage risk, and are willing to act without guarantees—knowing that bold ideas don’t come with precedents.

Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Brave Habit is available now

My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency.

Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Daily Creative with Todd HenryBy Todd Henry

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

513 ratings


More shows like Daily Creative with Todd Henry

View all
Design Matters with Debbie Millman by Design Matters Media

Design Matters with Debbie Millman

1,232 Listeners

Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

Coaching for Leaders

1,462 Listeners

Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life by Erik Fisher

Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

841 Listeners

Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza

Creative Pep Talk

1,994 Listeners

The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency

The Productivity Show

507 Listeners

The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show by Chase Jarvis

The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show

578 Listeners

Creative Confidence Podcast by IDEO U

Creative Confidence Podcast

127 Listeners

Design Better by The Curiosity Department, sponsored by Wix Studio

Design Better

322 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,178 Listeners

FranklinCovey On Leadership by FranklinCovey

FranklinCovey On Leadership

209 Listeners

The Daily Stoic by Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures

The Daily Stoic

4,834 Listeners

The Anxious Achiever by Morra Aarons-Mele

The Anxious Achiever

577 Listeners

A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism

2,240 Listeners

Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

1,312 Listeners

ReThinking by TED

ReThinking

632 Listeners