As the Chief Marketing Officer for an innovative technology enterprise, I engage with different types of creative people daily—whether they know they are creative or not. In my current role, I also have the privilege of leading our in-house creative team, comprised of artists, designers, writers, and abstract strategic thinkers. But before I began my journey as an executive leading a team of creative individuals that collaborate across three brands, I spent 10 years as a designer in higher education. During this time, I had the opportunity to develop and teach a course that aimed to provide students the tools to harness their own creativity in preparation for their future careers. This experience taught me so much, shaping how I lead others and how I bring value to my work today.
Creativity is often associated with artists, designers, writers, and musicians. In reality, it is a skill that anyone can develop, regardless of their background, expertise, or industry. As a leader and contributor in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving workplace, I can say with certainty that the ability to think creatively is more important than ever. Whether you are solving problems, improving processes, or coming up with new ideas, creativity is at the heart of innovation and success.
Understanding Creativity Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Many people mistakenly believe that creativity is an innate talent, something you either have or don’t. Instead, creativity is actually a skill that can be nurtured and developed. It’s not just about producing art—it’s about approaching challenges in unique ways, making connections between ideas, and finding innovative solutions to everyday problems.
For example, an engineer designing a more efficient production process, a marketer crafting a compelling campaign, or a teacher developing an engaging lesson plan—all of these actions require creative thinking. Creativity exists in every profession and is an essential component of problem-solving and innovation.
The Role of Creativity in a Changing Workplace
As industries evolve due to technology, globalization, and shifting consumer expectations, employees who can think creatively are better equipped to adapt and thrive. Companies that foster a culture of creativity stay ahead of the curve by continuously improving their products, services, and operations.
The pandemic showed us so many examples of organizations who were forced to pivot their business models. One of my favorite local spots was able to stay in business by leveraging social media and online ordering; they found a way to stay connected with customers and maintain sales despite in-person restrictions. Their success wasn’t just about business acumen—it was about creative problem-solving.
Creativity is also a key differentiator in the age of AI and automation. While machines excel at routine tasks, human ingenuity remains irreplaceable in areas like strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and innovation.
Breaking Down Barriers to Creativity
One of the biggest obstacles to creative thinking is fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Many people hesitate to share their ideas because they worry they aren’t “creative enough.” However, the most successful innovators understand that creativity thrives in an environment where experimentation is encouraged and failure is embraced as a learning opportunity.
You may be thinking to yourself “But how do I overcome these barriers?” Here’s what I’ve learned over the past 20 years, both in my own creative career endeavors and in my time educating others on how to harness their own creativity.
To overcome these barriers, it’s important to:
- Embrace a Growth Mindset: Recognize that creativity is a skill that can be developed over time. The more you practice thinking creatively, the more natural it becomes.
- Ask Questions & Challenge Assumptions: Instead of accepting the status quo, ask “Why?” and “What if?” Challenging existing processes and exploring alternative approaches can lead to breakthrough ideas.
- Seek Inspiration from Different Sources: Creativity flourishes when exposed to diverse perspectives. Engage with colleagues from different backgrounds, read widely, and explore new experiences to spark fresh ideas.
- Create a Safe Space for Innovation: Encourage brainstorming without judgment. The best ideas often come from open discussions where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
- Experiment & Iterate: Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about trying new things, learning from mistakes, and refining ideas over time. Small changes can lead to significant improvements.
Unlocking Your Creative Potential
No matter your industry, role, or experience level, you have the potential to harness your inner creativity. It’s not about being the most artistic or imaginative person in the room, it’s about approaching challenges with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to explore and embrace new ideas.
By developing your creative problem-solving skills, you can contribute to innovation within your organization, enhance your professional growth, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
The question isn’t whether you’re creative—the question is how you will choose to use your creativity to make an impact.