Your World of Creativity

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, where we travel the globe talking with creative professionals who turn ideas into impact.In recent episodes, we’ve explored creativity through design, dance, music, and innovation—how ideas come to life across disciplines.Today, we’re taking that conversation inside the organization. Because creativity isn’t just about what you make—it’s about how you lead, how you adapt, and how you bring people with you.We’re focusing on what it really means to perform at your very best, especially during moments of transition, uncertainty, and transformation.Our guest is Stephen Frenkel, a coach and consultant with more than 25 years of experience in leadership development, team optimization, conflict resolution, and change management. He brings a systems-thinking approach to help organizations clarify where they’re going, what’s getting in the way, and how to move forward with purpose.Stephen is also a contributing author to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, a powerful collection exploring how grief and loss shape leadership.Stephen's Websitehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-frenkel-voyager/1. Defining “At Their Very Best”Stephen, you help leaders and teams “be their very best.” That’s a powerful phrase—but it can mean different things to different people.How do you help leaders define what “their very best” actually looks like—and why is that clarity so critical before any real progress can happen?2. What Gets in the Way Once that vision is clear, the next step is identifying what’s getting in the way.From your experience, what are the most common obstacles—whether at the individual, team, or organizational level—that prevent people from performing at their best?And how do you begin to surface those issues in a way that people are willing to address?3. Systems Thinking + Team Performance You take a systems-thinking approach, which I find really compelling.How does looking at the whole system—instead of just individuals or isolated problems—change the way leaders approach team effectiveness, culture, and performance?Can you share an example where that shift in perspective made a meaningful difference?4. Conflict, Change, and Creative Tension You’ve spent a lot of your career working in conflict resolution and change management.Many leaders try to avoid conflict—but I suspect you see it differently.How can leaders reframe conflict as something productive—or even creative—and what are some practical ways to navigate tension during periods of change? Stephen says he often refers to the book, Getting To Yes by Roger Fisher and William L. Ury.https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/01431187575. Leadership, Loss, and Perspective You contributed to a recent book, Lives Lost and Leadership Found, where leaders reflect on how loss shapes their leadership.What inspired you to share your story—and what did that process unlock for you, personally or professionally?And how has that experience influenced how you show up today as a coach, advisor, and leader?Closing QuestionStephen, for leaders listening today—especially those navigating change or uncertainty—what’s one question they should be asking themselves right now to move closer to being “at their very best”?Thanks for joining us on Your World of Creativity.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.And remember — creativity isn’t just about ideas. It’s about how you lead, adapt, and move forward.

On Your World of Creativity, we travel around the world talking with creative practitioners who turn ideas into impact. In this special roundtable episode, Mark brings together leaders from film, animation, hospitality, consumer brands, immersive experiences, and big-tech UX to explore one powerful theme:Teamwork.When creative outcomes depend on dozens—or even hundreds—of contributors, how do you align vision, manage complexity, and still leave room for magic?Today’s PanelistsMichael Robinson — Hotel & Hospitality Operations LeaderDiego Pulido — Lead UX Designer, Amazon (formerly Google, Walmart, Adobe, JPMorganChase)Matt McLean — Organic Consumer Juice Brand FounderTom Bairstow — Event, Concert Production & Immersive Visual Experiences Rich Magallanes — Children’s & Animated Content ProducerSteven Puri — Focus app creator, ex-studio exec/producer Fox, DreamWorks, SonyTogether, they share real-world lessons from film sets, animation studios, hospitality teams, live events, consumer brands, and product design at scale.In This Episode, We Explore:Creativity as a Team Sport. What great collaboration actually looks like across industries—and why creativity doesn’t happen in isolation.Aligning Vision Across Many Contributors. How leaders communicate creative direction clearly when working with writers, designers, engineers, performers, vendors, and operational teams.Conflict, Constraints & Creative Breakthroughs. How budget limits, timelines, technical requirements, and differing opinions can either block creativity—or unlock it.Leadership in Collaborative Environments. What it means to lead when you’re not the only decision-maker, how to build trust quickly, and why delegation is essential for scale.Practical Takeaways for Better Collaboration. From film crews to UX teams, each panelist shares what actually helps teams work better together—and what listeners can apply immediately.Final Lightning RoundEach panelist shares one simple action listeners can take this week to become a better collaborator.Huge thanks to our panelists. Be sure to connect with them.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-robinson-a6985735/https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegopulido/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mclean-5507733/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombairstownorthhouse/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-magallanes-executive-producer-15290776/https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity. It helps more creative leaders discover the show.And come back next time, when we’ll sit down with another creative professional to explore how they get inspired, organize ideas, and turn imagination into impact.New Book AnnouncementMark’s new book is coming soon.UNLOCK Your World of Creativity: 6 Key Lessons Learned from More Than 250 Creatives WorldwideBuilt from the first 250 conversations on the podcast, this book distills practical insights from founders, artists, designers, musicians, healers, strategists, and innovators around the globe.Inside you’ll discover:• how creative people get inspired• how they organize ideas into action• how they move through doubt, burnout, and uncertainty• how they turn creativity into meaningful work and real-world impactIt’s designed to be practical, reflective, and encouraging—whether you’re leading a business, building a creative practice, or bringing a new idea into the world.UNLOCK Your World of Creativity coming on Amazon.Just search the full title or look for Mark Stinson.Thanks for being part of this creative journey—and for supporting the podcast and the book.

Today we’re welcoming T. Christian Helms, Founder and Creative Director of Helms Workshop, an award-winning branding agency known for building brands that truly connect.https://www.linkedin.com/in/tchristianhelms/T. Christian's WebsiteOver the past 15 years, Christian has led creative strategy for beloved names like Jack Daniel’s, Hershey, Austin Beerworks, and Howler Brothers—helping them clarify their voice, tell authentic stories, and bring creative visions to life.But what makes Christian’s creative journey especially powerful is the transformation behind the work. After years struggling with an undiagnosed illness, he rebuilt his life and his business using the same creative tools he teaches—clarity, storytelling, curiosity, and purpose. Today he helps companies and creators alike rediscover their creative spark and turn ideas into meaningful impact.Rebuilding Through CreativityChristian, your story includes a long period of illness and recovery—and ultimately a complete personal and creative reset. How did those challenges shape the way you think about creativity, purpose, and your role as a storyteller and brand builder?The Spark of Curiosity and PlayYou often talk about the importance of curiosity and play in breaking out of creative ruts. How do you intentionally bring curiosity into your process, both for yourself and for the brands you help shape?Storytelling as StrategyYour agency is known for helping brands find their soul and voice. What’s your approach to uncovering an authentic story—whether you're working with a global brand like Jack Daniel’s or an emerging creative business?Rebuilding Creativity After BurnoutMany of our listeners have faced burnout, adversity, or seasons where their creative energy felt depleted. From your own journey, what have you learned about restoring creativity when the tank feels empty?Creating Meaningful ImpactYou’ve said that great design connects—and great stories endure. What does “impact” look like to you now? And how can today’s creators translate their ideas into work that actually makes a difference for others?Christian, for creatives who are listening and may be at a crossroads—professionally, personally, or creatively—what’s one small step they can take today to reconnect with their creative spark?”Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, download your free e-book A World of Creativity, featuring insights and interviews from the podcast. Visit mark-stinson.com

Today, we welcome Greig Watts, a powerhouse in songwriting, publishing, and music development. Greig is one-third of the internationally successful songwriting and publishing team DWB, known for selling millions of units worldwide and for pioneering early breakthroughs in markets like Japan and South Korea long before the global rise of J-Pop and K-Pop.Greig's Website @greigwatts on Instagram Greig's Facebook page Greig's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greigwatts/For songwriters who feel stuck, discouraged, or tired of rejection, his mission: help creators overcome setbacks, rediscover joy, and keep fighting for the dream that first sparked their love of music. Greig has captured decades of experience—and the heart of his creative philosophy—in his bestselling book, Keeping the Dream Alive. It’s part memoir, part guide, and part rallying cry.He’s overseen 16 Eurovision entries in 10 consecutive years, coached dozens of successful writers, spoken at industry conferences from Moscow to Taiwan to Amsterdam, served as a BBC Music Consultant, and mentored songwriters around the world.From Almost Quitting to International SuccessGreig, your book opens with a vulnerable story—by 2003 you almost walked away from music entirely. What helped you turn rejection into fuel instead of failure, and how did that turning point shape the book Keeping the Dream Alive?The Mindset of PersistenceYou say showing up matters more than talent. What does “showing up” actually look like for songwriters—and how can creatives overcome procrastination, self-doubt, and the belief that they’re not good enough? What’s the secret to finishing songs instead of endlessly rewriting them?Protecting Creativity While Treating Music as a BusinessYou’re very honest that loving music isn’t enough—you also have to monetize it to keep going. How can songwriters protect their creativity from burnout while still building a viable career in an intensely competitive industry?Finding Success in Unexpected PlacesYou and DWB broke into Japan and Korea long before most UK or US writers even knew those markets existed. You also helped make Eurovision songwriting camps what they are today. How has seeking out “the niche” shaped your creative and business success?Mentorship, Neurodiversity & Keeping the Dream AliveYou’ve launched courses supporting songwriters—including neurodiverse creatives—and you speak often about defending the underdog. How do you help writers identify their strengths, build a supportive team, and keep the dream alive even when people around them doubt them? Greig, for any songwriter listening who feels like their dream is slipping away—what’s the one thing you want them to hear today?”Book link for listeners:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeping-Dream-Alive-Songwriters-Overcoming/dp/195725551XThanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, be sure to grab your free e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Episode 400 – and the start of our 8th year of the podcast!We welcome Matt Ross — entrepreneur, media executive, and author of the book Grow or Fold: Transform Yourself in Midlife & Beyond.Matt's WebsiteMatt's Facebook pageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ross-entrepreneur/Matt has spent nearly 30 years building businesses at the intersection of creativity and leadership. He led New York’s legendary rock station Q104.3 and hip-hop station Hot 97, helped scale School of Rock from a struggling startup into a global franchise, and later founded One River School, a first-of-its-kind art education company now with fifteen schools across six states. Grow or Fold — Why This Book, and Why Now?Matt, you’ve spent decades building creative organizations—from School of Rock to One River School. What inspired you to write Grow or Fold, and what does that title mean to you personally?From Rock Stages to Art Studioso Throughout his career, Matt has made creativity the core of every organization he’s led, whether inspiring musicians, mentoring young artists, or empowering educators to think like innovators.What lessons carried over from building School of Rock that helped you launch One River School—and how did those experiences change your view of what creativity really means?Building Communities Through ArtOne of your core beliefs is that creative spaces are essential for wellbeing and connection. How have you seen art schools, studios, and community programs transform the lives of students and adults alike?Creative Growth and Leadership at Every AgeYou’ve said that creativity isn’t just for the young—it’s the key to staying sharp as we age. How can leaders, educators, and professionals rediscover their creative edge during midlife transitions or after major life changes?The CEO as Creative — and the Creative as CEOYou’ve lived in both worlds—the creative studio and the C-suite. What can business leaders learn from artists about innovation, and what can artists learn from CEOs about sustainable growth?You write about nurturing originality and trust in teams. What are the most effective ways leaders can foster that kind of environment?You’ve described Grow or Fold as a mindset for sustainable creativity and leadership. How can people apply that mindset to their daily lives, especially in times of uncertainty or change?Matt, for listeners who might be standing at a crossroads in their own careers or creative paths — what’s one action they can take today to start ‘growing’ rather than folding?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, be sure to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.