Join hosts Morgan and Arne in this episode of *Creative Leaders Unplugged* as Alan Moore explores beauty as a transformative force. He emphasizes personal responsibility and regenerative practices, inspiring listeners to enhance beauty in their lives. A quick yet impactful conversation on redefining creativity awaits!

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we converse with Karen Hold about her unique journey connecting design and business. We explore how her husband’s grandfather influenced her perspective on innovation through empathy-driven problem-solving during World War II. Karen discusses the barriers to learning within organizations and the importance of embracing uncertainty and experimentation. She introduces a framework of behaviors that foster vital innovation skills, encouraging teams to navigate challenges confidently. Finally, we draw parallels between personal growth in hiking and the innovation process, emphasizing the transformative power of design, empathy, and narrative.

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we are joined by Tiz Creel, an undisciplined artist challenging traditional art world norms by embodying the essence of a maker and a breaker. Tiz encourages individuals to question norms, engaging with creativity through unconventional means. 

We discuss how Marc's book, "This is Service Design Thinking," has affected us and the wider service design movement. We also have thoughtful conversations about our experiences and how they have shaped our viewpoints and how we see the future.

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we have a captivating conversation with Adam Lawrence, a facilitator and influential figure in the service design movement. We start by discussing Adam's background in psychology, theater, and zoology, all of which contribute to his understanding of collaboration and teamwork.

In this episode, we speak with Clive Grinyer, an highly experienced and influential voice in the world of design and service design. Clive shares his ambition to make the world a better place through design and his passion for inspiring creativity. 

Sarah Drummond represents a modern-day Renaissance person. In the podcast, she shared insights into her varied pursuits, ranging from design, music and film to renovating a farmhouse and developing a vegan meats production farm. This tapestry of interests highlights a critical message for our times: the value of multidisciplinary approaches in solving today's complex problems and enriching our personal and professional lives.

In this episode, we dive into Christof Zürn's background in Music and belief in the interconnection between Music and Design Thinking, the Missing Element: Craftsmanship in Our Time, The power of Listening and the Power of Music Thinking as an Analogy

David Kester is the Managing Director of DK&A, Design Thinkers Academy London and the former CEO of the British Design Council. 

In this episode, David reflect on the lessons learned through mentorship and allyship. He highlights the role of a supportive mentor and the importance of fostering a collaborative work environment. We discuss responsible product development and the power of surrounding oneself with exceptional individuals. Overall, he emphasizes the transformative impact of valuing and learning from those around us.

Do check out The Experimentation Field Book, a book David co-wrote with Jeanne Liedtka, Elizabeth Chen and Natalie Foley.

A thought-provoking and inspiring conversation about the power of human connections, personal growth, and the importance of empowering future generations. Marc Bolick joins us as a guest, and we are struck by his ability to connect with others and his insights on leadership. 

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we have a conversation with Lee Kim, an inspiring guest who shares her reflections on identity and experiences. Lee introduces us to her fascinating creations called Tracys, wearable hats made of pipe cleaners. As we delve into the story behind these unique pieces, we are captivated by the impact, creativity and imagination that went into making them. Lee also discusses her journey from being an island girl in South Korea to embracing a life filled with curiosity and exploration in the USA. This resonates deeply with Morgan, as she too have experienced the transformative power of moving to new countries. 

This is a Future Skills Academy Podcast.

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we have the pleasure of speaking to Colin Skelton, a traveler and creative who works with theater and embodied design. Colin's unique perspective emphasizes the importance of embodiment and taking your whole self into consideration. 

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation with Alizée Bollen, a socially conscious designer and the founder of Crampy, a project centered around menstrual equity and the importance of community in fostering open conversations about uncomfortable topics. Alize's background is richly woven with her multicultural upbringing—half Congolese and half Belgian—and an upbringing in Tanzania, which shape her perspective and approach to design and social issues. 

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged Andy Polain is our guest. He's a Design Leadership Coach, Service Designer, Educator, Writer, Podcaster and Speaker.

We discuss navigating the leadership dip, the changing landscape of work, the importance of coaching and safe spaces for conversation, and the need for authentic leadership.

We also touch on the concept of imposter syndrome, performative leadership, and the importance of aligning with one's true self.

Stefanie is working as a trend analyst & innovation strategist since more than 18 years. Three years ago she started GOOD GRIEF, focusing on new trends and perspectives around death, grief and remembrance, breathing new life into a space that hasn't changed in a century. We talk about her profesional experience, but also about living in East Germany before the wall came down and how this, and other events, shaped her in the person she is now.  

Ekaterina Solomeina is the Founder of Future London Academy. We talk about Design Leadership, Neuro Diversity, Curiosity, Lifelong Learning and so much more.

Megan Davis is an explorer, artist, actor and has ten years of experience building stories for businesses. In this podcast we talk about how the best stories are circular, storytelling in different cultures and how she got into an fight with a Nun... and more. 

Payal is the Vice President - Innovation, Strategy & Design at frog. In this podcast we talk about her career, vision on design, leadership, India and how she grew up.

Satu Miettinen is the professor of Service Design and Dean of the University of Lapland. She is one of the most influencel people in the world of Service Design.

Morgan Duta is my guest and we have a lot to talk about. E.g. when are you alowed to call yourself an Artist and what if you are wired differently and trying to fit in gives you anxiety?

Sam is the Founder & Quest Leader at Channel Twelve. We talk about creativity, life as a work of art, the space-in-between, our shared dislike for the word Hobby and much more...

Ingrid Geeraedts works for AI Sweden, Future of Democracy and is a talented singer in the Swedish band The Gay Strators. She's is someone that makes me hopeful for the future.

Cristina Andersson is one of the best examples of a true Creative Leader. I talk to her about life, dropping out of school, robotics, AI, quantum computing, being a life-long-learning and how informal education is changing education.

In this episode, we speak with facilitator, innovator and philosopher Miikka Leinonen about using AI in workshops, his book "The Intangible Future," and community building. We discuss evolving education roles, challenges in translating physical interactions to digital spaces, and redefining productivity and fulfillment in a changing professional landscape. Our conversation concludes with reflections on simplicity, harmony, and optimism in designing a future based on intentional actions and forward-looking perspectives.

00:00:00 Introduction to Miikka Leinonen

00:00:53 AI Facilitation Workshops

00:02:39 The Intangible Future Book 00:09:09 Student Enthusiasm vs. Vulnerability

00:11:52 Student Responsibility in Education

00:18:04 Importance of Social Learning

00:21:29 Building Communities through Open Space

00:24:16 Defining a Functional Community

00:28:50 Value of Community Experiences

00:30:09 Integrating Communities in Corporations

00:33:39 The Intangible vs. Tangible in Business

00:35:38 Audience vs. Community

00:36:56 Work in the Intangible Realm

00:39:24 Digital Tools Replicating Physical Tools

00:40:48 The Future of Communication

01:01:30 Embracing the Role of the Outsider

01:12:12 Recognizing Harmony and Beauty

01:15:59 Directing Companies Towards Intangible Value

01:18:27 Navigating an Optimistic Future

01:20:40 Reimagining the Structures of Society

Sabine Oertelt-Prigione is Professor of sex- and gender-sensitive medicine. She is a born change maker and a migrant.  

Alwin Put is the author of Captains of Leadership, a practical guide and deeply personal book about facilitative leadership. He’s an experienced facilitator and leaders. We talk about his live, work, feeling like an outsider and being in the back of the classroom. Check out his book on www.Captainsofleadership.com

Fieke Sluijs is a talented designer, graphic facilitator, teacher... and so much more. In this podcast she shares her exceptional story; a journey with many ups and down and a wonderful ending. 

I talk with Giovanni Ruello. He is a Service Designer at Bosch and has a wonderful story filled with Italian sceneries and a passion for drawing. We talk about his career and the, sometimes difficult, choices he had to make.

I talk with Silvia Baroni, Senior Strategic Designer, Business Innovation Studio at Volkswagen Group Services. Silvia grew up as a professional tennis player until an injury forced her to suddenly stop. So this talk is about life changing events, courage and perseverance. 

I talk with Emma Jefferies PHD. Emma is an author and expert on how to lead a movement of change with empathy. We talk about  courage, resilience, empathy and your inner child.

Sarah is an Expert in Design Thinking, Innovation Program Development, and Training Corporate Entrepreneurs & Innovative Leaders
Sarah calls herself a misfit, but she is actually always looking to build bridges. I talk to her about how she grew up, what shaped her and how she creates safe spaces for the creative teams she works with.

Sarah Braud is an author, brand storyteller and content strategist.

We talk about how storytelling combines all of her passions. We also talk about art, design, her spiritual journey, a beautiful story of ‘the river and the rock’, being a parent and what really matters most in life.

Her upcoming books has the working title: ‘Judge yourself accordingly’

Jan-Erik is an author of the book Leading Design and professor of Design Management at the University of Applied Science and Arts in Lucern. We talk about his career at Philips Design, growing up as a Dutch-German hybrid and always trying to fit in while staying your authentic self.

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Victor Udoewa. Victor's exploration of distinguishing between worlds and worldviews challenges our perspectives, urging us to reconsider our understanding of the complexities of identity and culture. 

Guido has been an influential person in the world of design thinking for over a decade. He is the author of the book 'Radical Changes in Small Steps' (still only available in Dutch) a bestseller and Management Book of the Year. He was “born to be a designer”, had a long career at Océ and is now lector and professor of design thinking.

On the show we talk about design thinking, how the body knows more than we can articulate, the Occam’s Razor principle on beauty and simplicity and how adversity can spark creativity.

Gordon Adomdza is Innovation and Entrepreneurship Professor at Ashesi University College in Accra Ghana. We talk about how he grew up in Ghana, studied in Canada, discovered design thinking and became one of the leading design thinking evangelist in Africa.

Pak is a Fashion Psychologist who moved from Hong Kong to the UK when he was 8 years old. His parents stayed in Hong Kong. We talk about how this has influenced his development and the way he looks at things. We also talk about design thinking, leadership and… Teddybears.

Today on the show I talk to Becky Wright, Creative Director at New Leaf and a modern-day alchemist.

“If you and I would to go down to the river, we wouldn’t find gold where the water is running fast. We’d find it where it’s running quite slow.”

On this show I talk to Ralf Beuker. Ralf is the Dean of the Design Faculty at University of Applied Sciences Muenster, Germany and a professor of Design Management.
We talk about when to make jokes.. and when not, the transitions from chaos to order and back, the evolution of Design Management into Design Thinking and… how I ‘pissed him off’

We talk about how being too satisfied with ourselves and being stuck in routines can make us blind to change that is happening around us.

On this show I talk to Service Designer Anupa Dasgupta.
We talk about storytelling, growing up in India and Greece, adapting and what an Indian ‘Joined Family’ is…

We discuss the need for Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, dyslexia, learning ‘disabilities’ and what it means when you’re wired differently.

On this show I speak to Mónica Muñoz Mora a business unit and global sales leader. We talk about leadership, emotional intelligence, work life balance, automation and the future of work.

Mónica also shared her story of growing up and studying in Mexico and moving to Europe. She lived and worked in many European countries and currently lives in Luxembourg.

On this show I talk to Robert Puchalla the managing director consulting and brand expert at Arsmedium in Nürnberg.

We talk about growing up in Poland in the Soviet Era, moving to Germany as a teenager and being overwhelmed by products and advertisement. Immediately Robert fell in love with brands and purpose driven companies. We talk about marketing and what makes a brand great,

We also talk about his philosophy on economics, taking care of resources in stead of ‘Managing Resources’ and to never treat people as Human Resources. ‘Smuggling’ an illegal drink (Red Bull) into Germany… Staring and running a successful agency and going through a massive burn-out; How it starts, what it does to you and how to recover

Obviously we also talk at length about leadership and how to create a safe space for people.

On this special Creative Leadership Podcast episode “Let me introduce you” John Vorhaus introduces me to the Author and Decision Strategist Annie Duke. What an amazing story she shared with us….

As a former professional poker player, Annie won more than $4 million in tournament poker before retiring from the game in 2012. Prior to becoming a professional player, Annie was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to study Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Currently Annie Duke is an author, corporate speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space. Annie’s latest book, How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices, is available on September 15, 2020 from Portfolio, a Penguin Random House imprint. Her previous book, Thinking in Bets, is a national bestseller.

https://www.annieduke.com/

Zahara is the founder at African Futures Academy and Conscious Design Coach & Futurist. We talk about growing up in a township in South Africa during Apartheid, being both disconnected and hyper sensitive. We talk about her philosophy of the Consciousness Evolution and Embracing the space created for you and embracing your authentic self as a leader.

Thanks to Matt Holt Books for the support

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage with John Bielenberg, delving into his journey as a creative leader and designer. We explore his unique approach to decision-making, emphasizing authenticity and resisting societal pressures. From defying conventional design norms in college to championing sustainability, John's experiences highlight the importance of following personal values over expectations. Raised in a creative environment, his early exposure to unconventional design shaped his evolving perspective on creativity. 

On this show I’m talking to Joel Bradley. Joel is a Creative Director and Innovation Coach at SKY television. He calls himself an accidental creative. We talk about deep listening, making space for others, being playful, Creative Leadership and the The Leadership Cult and Mythology. We discuss Empathy. Can you really walk in someone else’s shoes? and we talk about having dyslexia and what it means to be wired differently.

In this episode I talk to Shinta Oosterwaal. Shinta is an Economist, Author and Leadership Coach

We talk about Being broken, growing up now compared to the 70’s and early 80’s, the Waldorf School concept

And we spend time talking about her vision on Leadership and specifically about New Economics, Regenerative Economy, Kate Raworth’s Donut Economy, Charles Eisenstein and the Gift Economy and her life changing moments…

Her Book book 'Thrive / Fundamentals for a new Economy' we be out in November.

In this podcast I talk to Maarten about the design process, Good and bad teachers, Leadership and diversity, Heuristics, the consequences of stereotypes in Leadership and Fake it 'till you make it...

An interview with Eleni Menegatou about her vision on Leadership, growing up on a Greek island, her grandfather, super powers and woman's rights.