The Intersection of Creativity and Leadership: Why Both Require an Artist’s Touch
Whether leading a team or creating art, the skills required are strikingly similar. Vision, innovation, and the courage to bring something new into the world.
There was a video circulating on social media a few months ago that explored the familiar work vs. life question. I searched through my saved folders, but the video sadly seems to have vanished. Still, the core message stuck with me: an artist, possibly David Hockney, shares the idea that no artist on their deathbed ever wished they had been a Vice President at Bank of America, but every Vice President at Bank of America wishes they had been an artist.
This sentiment resonated deeply with me for several reasons. First and foremost, it holds a profound truth. When I first graduated from art school, I worked as a California Arts Council Artist-in-Residence at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco. One of my roles was to create art at the bedside with patients in the early stages of the end of life. In the late 90s, Mount Zion still had an active AIDS ward, filled with people facing their final days. Twice a week, wearing a mask and gloves, I would push a cart of art supplies into rooms of patients who had either requested a visit or had been recommended by a nurse.
It was my first intimate experience with death and grief. A journey that offered lessons in navigating endings-of life, relationships, health, and identity. Over and over again, I heard the same sentiment from patients. Many had never had the chance to paint, draw, or create. They would say things like, "My sister was the artist," or "My cousin had all the talent, not me." Yet, before they passed, they wanted to experience what it felt like to hold a paintbrush, to create something from nothing.
As we painted and talked, they shared stories of their lives. Who they loved, where they worked, their favorite foods, and memories that shaped them. What became evident to me was that, no matter what professional titles they had carried, every single one of them was inherently creative. Creativity had lived within them all along. For some, the more their careers seemed at odds with artistry, the more their creative energy seemed to simmer beneath the surface, waiting to emerge.
This experience left an indelible mark on me. It reinforced the idea that creativity is a fundamental part of being human. It belongs to everyone.
As part of my Mentorship offering, I work with a number of visionary executives seeking creative and innovative ways to lead with meaning. As I introduce them to Human Design and Energy Work, they light up, fully energized by the idea that they too are creative beings. I am often in awe of the creativity they must access daily to inspire groups, solve complex and thorny problems, and keep high-stakes projects on track. They may not see themselves as artists, but from my perspective, their leadership is indeed a refined art form.
Groups are a unique challenge, something I often discuss with all my clients. Creativity of all kinds requires leadership. And no one can lead from the middle. Leaders must be out in front. In psychotherapy, tackling group dynamics is considered one of the most complex challenges. When I was in training, my mentors were well into their careers and gravitated towards groups because of their complexity. I like to joke with my clients that groups are what therapists pursue when they get bored. Groups carry immense energy, and leadership within them is often the target of projections and expectations. Leading any group, whether a team, a family, or a club, is no small task. To do so effectively and functionally is, without a doubt, an art form that takes years of skill to refine and develop. Most groups are inherently dysfunctional. Sad but true. Maintaining awareness and groundedness while holding space for a group is an enormous undertaking. Cultivating solutions and achieving project outcomes within a group is an incredible feat.
If I compare my study of groups with my study of fine art, I can say with certainty that painting something from nothing has often been easier than leading a healthy and functional group. The creativity and flexibility required of leadership are vast. It can often feel like the painter standing before a blank canvas. An action is needed, but what should that next right action be?
I see far more in common between my artist clients and my executive clients than I ever imagined. The methods may differ, but the enormous amount of creativity required is remarkably similar. My Mentorship clients who seek executive coaching experience tremendous breakthroughs when they are given permission to view their roles through a creative lens. To see themselves as artists. Not necessarily of paint or piano, but certainly of communication, innovation, and vision.
I have never excluded my artist clients from thinking of themselves as leaders, and likewise, I do not exclude my executive clients from thinking of themselves as artists.
Ultimately, creativity and leadership are not mutually exclusive; they are deeply intertwined. When we embrace this intersection, we unlock a profound sense of purpose and possibility. We can agree that there is great practicality to an artist viewing themselves as a leader. So why wouldn’t there be great practicality to a leader viewing themselves as an artist?
So I leave you with this thought: What would change in your life if you started seeing yourself as both a leader and an artist?
Perhaps the answer lies in the simple act of allowing creativity to lead the way.
THE CREATIVE
Welcome to The Creative. Twice a month I share quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Oftentimes we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
“Space is a material. It is physical.” - Anish Kapoor
Artists know this, right? Space isn’t just empty. Space is a critical aspect of composition. Creative acts are about not only what we add, but also what we take away, and leave untouched. Kapoor is reminding us of something profoundly important: space isn’t just a void we try to fill; it’s an active participant in the creative act.
Space holds potential. It allows for movement, for pause, for reflection. In the context of creativity, whether we’re crafting a painting, a business strategy, a performance, or simply our next big idea, space is as essential as the materials we use to create. The act of stepping back, taking a breath, or even allowing our minds to wander into the unknown is where creativity cultivates.
As creative and leaders, we often feel pressure to constantly be producing, to fill every moment with action. But what if the true creative breakthroughs are not found in constant doing, but in the spaces we leave open? In the moments of stillness that allow for new thoughts, new directions, and new insights to emerge?
To lead with meaning, begins with leading with creativity. Whether you’re leading yourself, your team, or an organization, to support a thriving system requires a balance of action and pause. It requires the wisdom to understand that some of the most significant moments in our creative lives happen in the space we intentionally create.
So, as you move forward in your own creative journey, I encourage you to think of space as a material. Let it be something you cultivate, something you engage with, something that holds the very potential of your next big idea.
Curious how to create more space in your process? Interested in leading with intention and purpose? I’ve got the tools to help you succeed! Respond to this email and let me know how I can help you master your creative process to cultivate your best ideas and lead with meaning!
SOLAR TRANSIT
In Human Design, a solar transit shifts our energy as the Sun moves through Gates; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
2-2-25
Gate 13
Gate of The Listener
On February 2, the sun gracefully moves through Gate 13, known as the Gate of the Listener. This transit invites you to embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery focused on the chance to contemplate the act of being a listener.
Gate 13 sheds light on the profound energy of actively and conscientiously listening to the secrets shared by others, all while cultivating a mindset firmly grounded in forgiveness. Those under the influence of Gate 13 possess a heightened awareness of the deep significance inherent in creating a sympathetic and compassionate space. They actively engage with the narratives, experiences, and challenges of those around them, forging profound connections in the process.
Yet, the transformative power encapsulated by Gate 13 unfolds with its own intricacies. There exists the potential for this energy to transform into a repository, a holding ground for the secrets, challenges, and shadows of others. In this scenario, individuals may grapple with the weight of these burdens, leading to a reluctance to forgive and a tendency to nurture emotions such as anger, blame, and resentment.
Elevating the frequency of Gate 13 necessitates a profound understanding and keen awareness of one's energy boundaries. It becomes imperative to not only comprehend but also openly communicate the limits associated with the act of listening to others. Bitterness and resentment emerge as crucial indicators, signaling an imbalance in this domain and highlighting a potential disruption in the delicate equilibrium between empathy and personal well-being.
The crux of navigating the potential embedded in Gate 13 lies in maintaining a conscious and deliberate approach to energy boundaries. Individuals can then harness the transformative energy of Gate 13 to foster empathy and compassion. Simultaneously, this strategic approach helps them evade the pitfalls associated with unwittingly transforming into a receptacle for negativity. This intentional management of energy boundaries becomes an indispensable component in cultivating a healthy and harmonious relationship with the transformative energy encapsulated by Gate 13. It empowers individuals to strike a delicate balance between compassionate listening and self-preservation, creating a space for positive transformation without succumbing to the adverse effects of absorbing the burdens of others.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on a recent experience where you actively listened to someone's secrets or challenges. How did it make you feel, and what insights did you gain from this encounter?
2. Explore your own approach to forgiveness. Are there situations where you find it challenging to forgive, and how can the energy of Gate 13 guide you in cultivating a mindset of forgiveness?
3. Consider your role in relationships. How can you create a space for compassionate listening without becoming a holding ground for others' burdens?
4. Delve into your own experiences of being listened to empathetically. How did it impact you, and how can you incorporate similar qualities into your interactions with others?
TAPPING PROMPT
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I’m afraid to speak my truth, I do so now and trust that I am safe and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
SOLAR TRANSIT
In Human Design, a solar transit shifts our energy as the Sun moves through Gates; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
2-7-25
Gate 49
Gate of Principles
On February 7, the sun gracefully journeys through Gate 49, also known as the Gate of Principles. During this celestial shift, you are invited to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. During this celestial alignment, the energies of Gate 49 beckon, prompting a profound exploration of your inner world and your approach to principles in life.
Gate 49 guides you through a journey of self-discovery, urging you to delve deep into your inner realm and understand the principles that govern your existence. This cosmic transit invites contemplation on how you navigate through life's principles and adhere to your own set of values.
Gate 49 illuminates a path of introspection, an exploration of the principles that guide your decisions and actions. This celestial transit acts as a gentle guide, encouraging you to reflect on your principles, ensuring they align with your authentic self. It's an opportune moment to reassess and realign with the principles that truly resonate with your inner truth.
Gate 49 serves as a catalyst for contemplation, inspiring you to discern what principles are working for you and how you can integrate them into your life moving forward. It encourages a shift from rigid adherence to principles that align with perfection towards a more flexible and authentic application, fostering personal growth and alignment with your true self. Alignment to rigid principles without flexibility can lead to stagnation or a sense of being trapped. It's essential to balance adherence to your values with a willingness to adapt and evolve.
This celestial energy embodies the grace of navigating life through the principles that resonate with your authentic self. It invites you to take pleasure in establishing and living by principles that align with your values, creating a harmonious and fulfilling existence.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on the principles that guide your life. How do they align with your authentic self?
2. Explore moments when your values have supported personal growth. How can you apply these lessons moving forward?
3. Consider the concept of flexibility in principles. Where can you introduce adaptability without compromising your core values?
4. Explore rituals or practices that help you stay connected to your inner mission. How can you enhance these practices during this celestial transit?
Gate 49 offers a celestial journey of self-discovery, focusing on principles and values. This cosmic transit encourages reflection on the principles guiding your life, fostering a harmonious alignment with your authentic self. Embrace the grace of navigating life through principles while remaining open to adaptability for continued personal growth and fulfillment.
TAPPING PROMPT
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
"Even though my emotional responses can feel overwhelming and sometimes hold me back, I choose to honor my feelings and trust my process. I deeply and completely love, accept, and support myself."
Ready to uncover the deeper layers of your aligned energy and Human Design? Schedule a reading with me to explore personalized insights and align with your highest potential in 2025.
Thank you ❤️