258: The Creativity Episode - Paving our own path to creative expression, with Dr Marion Piper

CRANK THE 3RD: Exploring the entrepreneurial + creative side of life post 50

When we think of creativity, what springs to mind?

An artist painting their masterpiece in an attic? The writer beavering away on a novel, or a Hollywood film director in charge on the set?

Maybe someone who works as a 'Creative' in an ad agency? A copywriter ... a graphic designer ... or anyone else who works in a so-called creative industry.

Well, that would be a simplistic, one-dimensional view of creativity, but it's a common one, reinforced time and time again by the media.

I've worked alongside countless people over the journey who would consider themselves creative, but I didn't find them that inspiring, or indeed, that creative!

Conversely, some of the most creative people I've met have been entrepreneurs and business professionals who are naturally curious and who always seem to have a wellspring of interesting thoughts and ideas at the ready.

So in other words, you don't have to be working in a creative industry, to be a creative person!

Indeed, to be effective in business today, especially when it comes to PR and marketing, and building our profile and growing sphere of influence in the marketplace -- having a creative edge might just be the advantage you need to cut through with your content, your story and your message ... your brand!

Okay, so what is creativity then?

Creativity is defined as "the use of imagination or original ideas to create something"

What does it mean to be creative, and how can we increase our levels of creativity?

Is being creative something we're born with, or can it be learned, if not developed over time?

To help us come to grips with how we can be more creative in our lives, I'm joined by Dr Marion Piper - founder of Marion Piper Creative and host of the WHAT DOESN'T KILL us podcast.

Marion wears many hats, but they all involve creativity.

Most often she's a copywriter, helping people communicate with confidence and clarity. At other times she's a creativity coach, helping creative entrepreneurs ignite, maintain and execute on their ideas.

Let's hear from her now ...

CONNECT WITH MARION:

• Marion's website
• Marion on Instagram