August Luncheon Sneak Peak: A Look At Creativity

AWC: Define creativity, what does this mean to you?
HM: Creativity = resourcefulness.
DA:  Creativity is the inner electricity that sparks the imagination, ideas,
and connections that fuel our individual and collective vitality, growth,
and expansion. To me, the world would be dull, gray, and slowly dying
without this vital energy.
AS:  Creativity is the ability and art of being proactive, open-minded, and innovative.  It affords the opportunity to address an old problem in a new way and to purposefully change your approach when problem solving.

AWC: Do you consider yourself creative? Why or why not?
HM: Yes, because I am very resourceful.  I like creating and designing new things, new programs – constantly iterating on and improving what already exists out there.
DA: Absolutely. I believe creativity is a birthright that we all have access
to, with each of us have particular passions and strengths that enable our
unique creativity to flourish in ways that amaze and even astonish others.
Like anyone, I have moments and days of blocked creativity when I lose
sight of my creative abilities. However, I now know how to shift out of
those blocks and find they don’t last long.
AS: Yes, I do consider myself creative.  I intentionally take opportunities to interject fun activities into my work environment.  A recent example is a retreat I’m planning that will embrace Austin’s “cow art” with the theme, “Everything I Learned about Leadership, I Learned from a Cow.”  It is sure to be udderly interesting.

AWC: What are some ways you keep your energy and creative juices flowing?
HM: I have been focusing a great deal on health and wellness lately, which is helping me feel more energized.  I find I am more clear and creative in all things as a result.  It is also very helpful to me to surround myself with creative people.  People who are energized and have passion about what they are doing have a contagious spirit.  If I surround myself with people who have the qualities I want to have, it helps me stay energized and on track.
DA: I believe creativity and intuition are closely linked, so the same
activities that get my intuitive wisdom flowing wake up my creativity as
well. Specifically, walks in nature and playing with my dog allow an inner
reboot. If I need a real shake up to clear a creative block, I’ll put on
some music and dance or pull out markers, crayons, and big pieces of paper
and start doodling.
AS: I stop “doing” for a day or so to recharge and get energy.  I read articles and books that have nothing to do with my fields of expertise to help get my creative juices flowing.

AWC: Why do you think creativity is important?
HM: Without it, nothing new is generated.  Without anything new, it’s all status quo, which is insufficient.  Central Texas at large needs change, growth and collaboration now more than ever!
DA: It is the spark that ignites the ideas that enable each of us to make a
positive difference in the world. Whether it’s creating a family dinner,
delivering a new marketing plan, helping someone experience an Aha! Moment
or creating a work of art that brings tears to peoples eyes, our
individual creative spark is daily transforming the world.
AS: Creativity is important because it opens your world of possibilities.