In this conversation, Myke Dixon invites us back to the heart of who we are before the noise of the world pulls us away. We explore creativity as self-expression, kindness as a form of cultural leadership, and why learning to trust our inner impulses might be the most future proof skill we have. Together we unpack how small, human acts can change the way we show up at work, at home and within ourselves. It is warm, grounding, and quietly transformative.

Links

The very exciting invitation to join the WILD UNDERGROUND with Myke Dixon: LINK

Everyday Creative: https://www.mykeldixon.com/book

Key Takeaways

• Creativity is less about talent and more about trusting the quiet impulses within us.
• Self-expression is a powerful antidote to a noisy, numbed world.
• In an age of AI and sameness, our humanity becomes our greatest value.
• Kindness, generosity and presence are not soft skills. They are differentiators.
• Rituals matter, but presence matters more. Routine only works when we stay connected to why it exists.
• Creativity expands when we stop treating it like a performance and start experiencing it like a walk or a song.
• Community deepens when we show even a small spark of our true selves. Like attracts like.
• We future proof our careers and our lives by being more human, not less.

Key Quotes

• “You feel this tiny whispering impulse that something wants to be born and you trust it and act on it. The universe takes 500 steps toward you.”
• “Your relevance in the world will amplify when you bring more kindness, creativity and generosity into how you show up.”
• “We can build a new world by being this way. Even if the world cannot see it yet.”
• “Creativity is not about arriving anywhere. It is about being in the experience.”
• “Once you get a taste of presence, you start getting hungry for more.”

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

In this episode I pick up from our last ep the Creative Cure & had the absolute joy of riffing with Myke Dixon for a conversation that felt less like an interview and more like a part self-expression part creative awakening or ALIVE'ING.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you’ve been conditioned to be this episode is truly for you, I am so sure you are going to love it! In this episode we unpacked the real work of reclaiming our aliveness, trusting our instincts, and bringing more humanity back into the places we lead, work and create.

This is part one, the second half of this interview will drop Thursday 27th November.

Because we know you are going to want more Mykel Dixon click here for the: website

You can also check out his book here: Everyday Creative by Mykel Dixon - Available on Audio (with Myke narrating which is awesome) or Book form!

Audio book (with Myke narrating, its a terrific listen): link

Real Book or eBook: click this link

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Creativity is not something you do, it can help us find who we really are. Creaivity is not a rare artistic skill, its energy, aliveness & self-expression. We don't learn creativity we rediscover it!

2. Fear and judgement get in the way - we need to reconsider the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and question why we think we need to do this for others, creativity and self-expression is food for your soul.

3. Modern life has created a great numbinng - watch out for those Matrix references

4. Self Expression is a lot broader than art - think about the journey and the freedom to create more than the outcome.

5. Reclaim your workplace and think about the opportunity to create meaning with your co-workers and teams, try to break down some of the process and to allow the Artisian approach to venture into the workplace.

What you still have to look forward to:

In the second half of this interview we will talk about how to bring Aliveness back into your work and life, some simple creative practices that can help transform your day and how to trust your gut more and say yes to those impulses that are calling us to ACTION.

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

In The Creative Cure: Why Cultivating Creative Expression Fuels Success, we explore how creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s an important leadership and wellbeing tool. We unpack the neuroscience behind creative expression, its power to lower stress and boost problem-solving, and how leaders can cultivate creativity to enhance empathy, resilience, and innovation.

Key Takeaways

1. Creativity is a core leadership skill: It strengthens cognitive flexibility and resilience like a workout for your brain. A regular creative practice builds better problem-solving capacity and adaptability.
2. Stress relief through creative flow: Creative acts lower cortisol levels, providing a reset that helps manage stress.
3. Creativity drives innovation: Great companies like Pixar, intentionally design cultures that allow experimentation, candor, and play.
4. AI can enhance, not replace, creativity: When used mindfully, generative AI can help spark ideas and expand our imaginative reach, while human judgment and our ability to think creatively remains essential.
5. Reclaiming “creative confidence”: Over 90% of adults believe they’re “not creative” due to old “art scars” it’s time to reclaim creativity as a human, everyday skill that improves wellbeing and leadership giving a “whole-of-life advantage.”

Standout Quotes

• “Creativity is not about waiting for inspiration, it’s about making space for it to show up.” Myke Dixon, The Everyday Creative
• “Creativity isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s how we reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with bigger possibilities.” Claire
• “Engaging in creative acts rewires the brain and creates new neural pathways. It’s not just a feel — it’s backed in fact.” Miranda
• “Create before you consume.” Claire
• “Leadership isn’t like art, it is an art.” Michael O’Malley, Harvard Business Review

References & Resources

• Books:
  • Everyday Creative - Mykel Dixon
  • Your Brain on Art - Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
  • Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
  • Creativity, Inc. - Ed Catmull
• Articles:
  • How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity - Harvard Business Review
  • Every Leader Is an Artist - Michael O’Malley, Harvard Business Review
  • Creativity and the Role of the Leader - Teresa Amabile, Harvard Business School
• Podcasts:
  • WorkLife with Adam Grant - “How to Love Criticism”

Action Challenge

Over the next week, build a small creative ritual into your day. Reframe creativity as an energy-replenishing habit that strengthens your wellbeing and leadership.

It doesn’t need to be art, just something that challenges your creativity try journaling, mindful cooking, sketching, dancing, gardening, or even rearranging your workspace.

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah