SPOS #929 – Todd Henry On Cultivating Bravery In Creative Leadership

Welcome to episode #929 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #929. Uncertainty and rapid change have become the business norm. The need for brave leadership is more pronounced than ever. Todd Henry, self-describes as an "arms dealer for the creative revolution," brings this point home in his latest book, The Brave Habit - A Guide To Courageous Leadership. Known for his extensive work with leaders and organizations to foster environments of innovation and creative brilliance, Todd's insights are always invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in creative or challenging industries. Todd’s been a friend for over a decade, and he is the person that I turn to when I think about new ways for human beings to be creative and more effective. Todd explores the evolving dynamics of bravery in the business world, especially in the realms of book publishing and the integration of artificial intelligence into creative processes. As the landscape of publishing shifts and AI begins to play a significant role in creativity, Todd discusses how these tools can be leveraged to enhance creative output without compromising the integrity of artistic expression. The Brave Habit is not just a manual - it's a manifesto for courageous action in times of daunting challenges. Todd emphasizes that bravery isn't an innate trait possessed by a select few but a skill that can be honed. His practical framework for courageous leadership is designed to empower professionals to make tough decisions and lead confidently through times of uncertainty. The conversation also touches on the risks posed by cancel culture and the pervasive fear of judgment that can stifle bold decision-making. Todd argues that creating a balance between homogeneity and creativity is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation. He highlights the role of empathy in understanding diverse perspectives and building a supportive environment where bravery can flourish. According to Todd, bravery involves doing the right thing in the face of fear or personal loss, and it is something that can and should be cultivated daily. Todd is also the author of The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Herding Tigers, Daily Creative (also the name of his excellent and recently rebooted podcast), and Louder Than Words. Todd is also active on ThinkersOne where you can book him to pop into your next meeting. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:09:06.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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• Here is my conversation with Todd Henry.
• The Brave Habit - A Guide To Courageous Leadership.
• Daily Creative.
• Daily Creative Podcast.
• The Accidental Creative.
• Die Empty.
• Herding Tigers.
• Louder Than Words.
• Check out Todd on ThinkersOne.
• Follow Todd on X.
• Follow Todd In Instagram.
• Follow Todd on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

• The traditional model of book publishing is evolving, with new formats and publishing options emerging.
• AI has the potential to enhance creativity by providing new avenues of exploration and inspiration.
• Creativity is a complex concept, and the impact of AI on creativity is still being explored.
• Bravery is essential in creative pursuits, as it requires taking risks and challenging the status quo. 
• Cancel culture and the fear of making missteps can hinder bravery in the workplace.
• Finding a balance between homogeneity and creativity is crucial for fostering innovation.
• Empathy plays a significant role in promoting bravery and understanding different perspectives.
• Bravery is defined as doing the right thing even in the face of fear or personal loss.
• Being brave in a cowardice situation requires listening to one's conscience and not succumbing to societal pressures.
• Bravery can be developed and trained, and it is not limited to extraordinary acts.
• Promoting bravery in everyday life involves creating a culture that values empathy, meaningful conversations, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Book Formats
• 03:00 - The Changing Landscape of Book Publishing
• 06:11 - New Models for Book Publishing
• 09:22 - The Role of AI in Creativity
• 15:10 - The Complexity of Creativity and AI
• 21:18 - The Impact of AI on Creativity and Imagination
• 30:05 - The Brave Habit and Bravery in Creativity
• 36:36 - Balancing Artistic Expression and Market Demands
• 41:09 - Taking Brave Actions in Creative Pursuits
• 41:59 - The Rewarding of Bravery in the Business World
• 45:12 - The Impact of Cancel Culture on Bravery
• 50:14 - The Balance Between Homogeneity and Creativity
• 54:53 - The Role of Empathy in Bravery
• 01:00:06 - The Definition and Opposite of Bravery
• 01:01:17 - Being Brave in a Cowardice Situation
• 01:04:06 - Discovering the Nature of Bravery
• 01:05:22 - Promoting Bravery in Everyday Life