If you think creativity is just for artists, this episode will absolutely change your mind.

I sat down with Cindy Burnett, an incredible creativity specialist, to dig into the real power of creativity, not just in art, but in how we solve problems, lead teams, educate others, and even take care of our own well-being. We talked about how science and art intersect in the creative process, how AI can be a partner in creativity rather than a threat, and why the environments we create (at home, at work, in schools) matter so much for innovation.

Cindy also walked me through her five-step framework for bringing creativity into organizations, and let me tell you, it’s both practical and inspiring. Whether you think of yourself as creative or not, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to tap into a powerful tool we all have access to.

Key Takeaways:

Creativity is a mindset and approach to life.

Bridging the gap between research and practice is essential.

Creativity is vital for problem-solving in complex situations.

Mindfulness and being present enhance creativity.

Tolerating ambiguity is a teachable skill.

AI can complement human creativity, not replace it.

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for creativity.

Integrating creativity into daily routines enhances engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

Infusing Creating Thinking Into Higher Education by Cyndi Burnett & John Fitzgerald Cabra: https://creativityandeducation.com/product/infusing-creative-thinking-into-higher-education/

My Sandwich is a Spaceship by Cyndi Burnett & Michaelene Dawson-Globus: https://www.amazon.com/My-Sandwich-Spaceship-Creative-Thinking/dp/0984979557

More books: https://creativityandeducation.com/our-books/

Connect with Cyndi:

Website: https://creativityandeducation.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-burnett/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndi.burnett/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7b8fknEEI242RotQeKG1aA?si=7a3060c874f2444c

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvd6niIwmsf1Lce8V8jfXg

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

You’ve been thinking about productivity all wrong, this episode will change that.

I sat down with Steven Puri, a former Hollywood exec turned venture capitalist. Our conversation will change the way you think about creativity, leadership, and what it actually means to be productive.

In this episode, we dive into everything from intelligent failure in entrepreneurship to the surprising role physical spaces play in innovation. Steven opened up about his company, Sukha, which is all about helping people find fulfillment and effectiveness in their work, and let me tell you, the way he breaks this down is incredibly powerful.

We also explore how technology (yes, even AI!) can become your creative partner, how pain can shape character, and why community and openness are essential to any meaningful work.

If you've ever felt like you're doing "all the right things" but still not finding flow, this conversation is the reset you didn’t know you needed. I walked away rethinking not just productivity, but how we show up for ourselves and others, and I think you will too.

Key Takeaways:

Productivity is about the effect you have towards a goal.

Leaders need to trust their teams to be productive remotely.

Creativity often flourishes when individuals are allowed to monotask.

Physical spaces can significantly impact creativity and productivity.

The goal of work should be personal fulfillment, not just output.

Focusing on three tasks increases productivity by 77%.

AI should enhance human creativity, not replace it.

Everyone has something great inside them waiting to be expressed.

Community support can significantly boost individual success.

Resources Mentioned:

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Perennial-Classics/dp/0061339202

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

Deep Work by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0349413681/?bestFormat=true&k=deep%20work%20cal%20newport&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k1_1_9&crid=2AQG78SS0ZYBF&sprefix=deep%20work

The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735216770/?bestFormat=true&k=the%20net%20and%20the%20butterfly&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_15&crid=1PUJ3YOMYZLUC&sprefix=the%20net%20and%20the

Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmonson: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Kind-Wrong-Science-Failing/dp/1982195061

Connect with Steven:

Email: Steven@TheSukha.co

Website: https://www.thesukha.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Podcast growth and longevity don’t happen by accident, they happen by design.

I’m especially excited about this episode because I’m introducing you to someone who’s been behind the scenes of this show, our podcast manager, Alexis Archuleta.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, or want to make yours feel more aligned, you’re going to love this conversation. Alexis shares how she went from TV news to building a business helping entrepreneurs and creatives launch and manage sustainable, intentional podcasts.

We talk about what really goes into making a podcast work long-term: asking the right questions upfront, building systems that support creativity, and letting go of perfectionism. Alexis gives great insights on starting with what you have and how podcasting evolves with you.

Plus, she shares simple, actionable strategies that helped her clients grow and how small changes can lead to big results.

Key Takeaways:

Follow your curiosity; it keeps your spark alive.

Recognizing the right time to hire a podcast manager is crucial.

Perfectionism can hold you back from sharing your voice.

There's room for your unique experiences in the podcasting space.

Having a structured plan can ease the content creation process.

Small changes can lead to significant improvements in engagement.

Consistency and care in podcasting lead to success.

Resources Mentioned:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726

Connect with Alexis:

Website: https://alexisarchuleta.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archuletavirtual/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archuletavirtual/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.