Category: innovation

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The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Cable spool in a desert - The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Challenges are inevitable – that’s a given. But what about those moments when it feels like you’re running on empty? Creativity? You’re kidding – it’s all gone. As a leader, there will be times when inspiration seems scarce. It’s precisely during these moments that you can unearth some of your most innovative ideas. This article explores the art of being creative when you feel like you’ve got nothing.

1. Embrace Limitations:
Instead of viewing constraints as roadblocks, treat them as creative challenges. When resources are scarce, your ingenuity shines. Think of iconic brands like Apple that created revolutionary products with limited resources.

2. Step Away for Clarity:
Sometimes, the best way to boost creativity is to take a step back. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in a brief relaxation practice. Have a shower, have a nap. Stepping away from the problem at hand can help you return with fresh ideas. Continue reading “The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing”

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How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI

Person with umbrella reflected in a puddle

Many creatives are feeling threatened by artificial intelligence (AI). There are stories of jobs vanishing, and of AI automating anything and everything. Some of that is true, AI is automating various aspects of work. There’s no need to become a postmodern Luddite. There’s still a significant role for human creativity.

Here’s how creatives can not only respond but thrive in this changing landscape

Continue reading “How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI”

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Boost your Customer Experience with Creativity

Man enthusiastically selling fruit

The need to provide an exceptional customer experience is more urgent than ever. Everywhere, former successful service businesses are closing. Whether it’s pubs closing in Britain or business owners retiring, change is in the air.

But what sets apart the truly remarkable brands? It’s their ability to infuse creativity into every customer touchpoint.

Creativity isn’t just for artists and designers. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing customer experiences. Think of new ways to surprise and delight your customers. It’s good for your marketing, it’s good for your sales. And it’s good for your profits. Continue reading “Boost your Customer Experience with Creativity”

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Taking Over a Family Business – Navigating the Transition

Taking over a family business - photo by Álvaro Serrano on Unsplash
Sometimes it’s the unwelcome phone call. It might be the dreaded, creeping inevitable. Sometimes it’s the “at long last, thank goodness” moment. It doesn’t matter how it arrives, taking over a family business can be a daunting experience. How ever you come by the business, you’ll inherit a legacy of “how we do things around here”. For you to chart a course forward, there are crucial steps to ensure a seamless transition.

You’ll want to foster innovation and growth, but you might also have to confront anger, grief, and guilt. And that might not all be from you. You’re new to the team and you could be met with suspicion, contempt, and bemused hostility. It’s never going to be easy, even in the most congenial and welcoming environments. Continue reading “Taking Over a Family Business – Navigating the Transition”

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Be Active: How to Boost Your Mental Health and Productivity

Wednesday 'Be Active' by Trevor Romain
Finding time for physical activity often has to take a backseat. We get tied up in navigating careers, business ventures, family, and the pursuit of our passions. It’s crucial to recognise the impact that staying active has on our mental well-being. It affects our work performance and quality of life.

The Midweek Refresh
Some call it “Hump Day”, but let’s seize the opportunity that Wednesday presents. Rebrand it “Be Active Day”, a perfect reminder to invigorate both body and mind. Of course engaging in physical activity promotes a healthier body. It also serves as a powerful tool to nurture our mental and emotional health. Continue reading “Be Active: How to Boost Your Mental Health and Productivity”

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Unlock Your Potential: Free Yourself from Past Decisions

Here's how to Unlock Your Potential: Free Yourself from Past Decisions.
Have you ever found yourself wondering what new heights you could reach? That is, if you weren’t held back by past decisions? It’s a common train of thought, especially for people a few years into their careers or businesses. The truth is, you have boundless potential waiting and you can unleash it. You can unlock your potential and free yourself from past decisions.

Here’s how to break free from the shackles of the past and explore new opportunities

Continue reading “Unlock Your Potential: Free Yourself from Past Decisions”

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Small Business Creativity: Thriving on Limited Resources

Creativity for Small Businesses
If you are a small business owner, you know how challenging it can be. Trying to fit into a community while standing out from the crowd. And always, with an eye on attracting more customers. You’ll know how important it is to manage your time, money, and energy. And all the while, balancing your personal and professional life. How can you do all that and still be creative?

That’s the wrong way of thinking. You need creativity in abundance to do all that.

Creativity isn’t a talent that some people have and others don’t. It is a skill that you can learn and practice, and it can help you grow your small business in many ways. Here are some benefits of creativity for small businesses: Continue reading “Small Business Creativity: Thriving on Limited Resources”

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Storytelling: Better Work Stories

Crafting Compelling Narratives for Business Success

Effective communication is an essential. Of course, conveying facts and figures is a given. But after endless turgid presentations even the most focussed minds start to wander. The solution is to create an emotional connection with your audience. And that’s where storytelling comes into play.

The Power of Storytelling:
Storytelling is a timeless art that transcends generations and cultures. It’s a tool that captivates, persuades, and engages. When done right, it can be a game-changer for businesses and professionals alike.

Connecting on a Deeper Level:
We like to think our audience wants digital, instant app-driven magic. But grabbing and maintaining your audience’s attention is an age-old challenge. Facts and statistics alone may not cut it. A well-crafted narrative not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression. A positive impression is career building. Continue reading “Storytelling: Better Work Stories”

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The Best You’ve Done Is Holding You Back


The new Olympic motto is Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together. Despite these ideals, elite athletes discover there are physical limits to their arts. Records become harder and harder to break.

Creatives don’t have these limitations. But it’s common to find ourselves clinging to past successes. That magic moment when everything came together. When we achieve a creative breakthrough the recognition we receive is gratifying. Often these achievements can hinder our creative progress. This is the paradox of the one-hit-wonder. It was amazing once, but now it’s a dry husk. We’ve taken our work as far as we can, and there’s nothing left.

The Comfort of Familiarity:
It’s always a struggle to reach a pinnacle in your creative journey. And when you do, it’s natural to want to bask in the glory of your accomplishments. There’s a comfort in continuing to do what’s brought you recognition and applause. The danger lies in becoming complacent. It becomes a comfort zone that’s hard to escape from. There’s a temptation to do more of the same. The risk is, replicating past successes will stifle you. Be willing to explore new horizons.

Fear of Falling Short:
The fear of not meeting the high standards you’ve set for yourself can be paralysing. The sweet nectar of success is so seductive. The thought of producing something less than stellar can be intimidating. This fear can lead to creative stagnation. Don’t hesitate to take risks or explore uncharted territory.

The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind. ― William Blake ― The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Continue reading “The Best You’ve Done Is Holding You Back”