Wholehearted Podcast

Unlocking Creativity through the Power of “Collision” with Tay Guan Hin

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In this episode of WholeHearted Leadership podcast, we spoke with Tay Guan Hin, author of the best-selling book “COLLIDE: Embracing Conflict to Boost Creativity”. Growing up in a family of doctors, his path seemed predestined, but his love for art—and a pivotal moment with a school principal—set him on a different course.

Guan revealed how embracing collisions in life helped him unlock his creative potential, from doodling in textbooks to shaping creative campaigns for global brands. He also reflected on the importance of nurturing creative conflict because it can ignite your most creative breakthroughs.

Tune in to learn why conflict can be the fuel for creativity and how we can all harness tension in our personal and professional lives to solve problems innovatively and elevate your career, relationships, and creative expression. Guan’s experiences and wisdom will inspire you to embrace the messy, unexpected moments of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Power of Collision: Guan explained how the disruptions in his life—both personal and professional—reignited his creative spark and why embracing conflict can lead to breakthrough ideas.
  • Redefining Creativity: Creativity isn't limited to art. Guan shared how creative thinking is essential for problem-solving in business, parenting, and even self-discovery.
  • From Doodles to Global Impact: How Guan’s early love for drawing and rebellion against traditional expectations led him to carve out a successful creative career.
  • The Three R’s of Creativity: Guan shared his 3R framework for creativity - Real, Relevant and Relatable. Learn how these three elements can help you develop ideas that resonate deeply with any audience.
  • Harnessing Tension for Innovation: Discover how creative tension and conflict can be transformed into meaningful solutions in both everyday life and business.
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Guan discusses the importance of resilience and self-belief in the creative process, and how confidence can sometimes outweigh raw talent.

    • Timestamps:

    • 00:00:00 - Introduction: Embracing conflict to boost creativity
    • 00:03:25 - Growing up in a family of doctors and finding creativity
    • 00:07:52 - Defining creativity in Singapore
    • 00:12:16 - The pivotal moment with a school principal
    • 00:20:47 - Colliding ideas: The root of creative breakthroughs
    • 00:32:08 - What makes a comedian funny? Humor and creativity
    • 00:40:36 - How to cultivate creativity in your career
    • 00:45:26 - Cognitive creativity in parenting
    • 00:48:52 - Finding your life purpose through creativity

      • Enjoyed this episode?

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      For more information, follow us on

      LinkedIn: Coen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coentan/

      Guan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guan-hin-tay-a757404/

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      Wholehearted PodcastBy Coen Tan