#171 | Unleashing Everyday Creativity with Caroline Brookfield

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dr. Caroline Brookfield, veterinarian, speaker, consultant, comedian, and self-described professional cat herder. Caroline explains how creativity and mindfulness help leaders navigate ambiguity, respond to change, and make better decisions without becoming overwhelmed by uncertainty. She introduces the DANCE Framework, a practical approach that encourages daydreaming, curiosity, novelty, comfort with ambiguity, and delaying judgment during the creative process. Kyle and Caroline also discuss why leaders often say they want creativity while unconsciously rejecting unfamiliar ideas, how psychological safety allows teams to contribute more fully, and why sometimes the best response to change is not to fight harder, but to pause, observe, and consider new possibilities. Key Topics Using creativity and mindfulness to navigate uncertainty Why leaders unconsciously resist unfamiliar ideas Creating psychological safety for curiosity and innovation The DANCE Framework for developing creative thinking Pausing, adapting, and responding differently to change Episode History 00:00 — Introduction and meeting Dr. Caroline Brookfield 01:00 — What it means to be a professional cat herder 02:30 — Creativity, mindfulness, and tolerance for ambiguity 04:00 — The DANCE Framework for stronger creative thinking 06:00 — Why leaders should stop editing ideas too early 09:00 — Why leaders resist creativity and protect the status quo 12:00 — The riptide lesson for navigating change 14:00 — Pausing, curiosity, and building psychological safety Dr. Brookfield's Bio Dr. Caroline Brookfield is a veterinarian, professional speaker, consultant, comedian, and self-described professional cat herder. Her work focuses on helping leaders and organizations build creativity, adaptability, and confidence during periods of uncertainty and change. Drawing from her experiences in veterinary medicine, emergency care, wildlife health, stand-up comedy, and organizational consulting, Caroline teaches people how to think differently, manage ambiguity, and create environments where new ideas can thrive. She is also the creator of the DANCE Framework, which gives leaders and teams practical habits for strengthening creativity and navigating uncertainty. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King