433: How to Think Efficiently and Problem Solve Productively with Simmy Kustanowitz, Founder at Clock Tower Innovation

Simmy Kustanowitz has built a reputation as an idea generator and "creative fixer" by utilizing two easy steps—Simplify and Gamify—to solve any company's toughest challenges. As an Emmy-nominated TV producer, Simmy has held high-level positions across multiple genres, ranging from live events and high-budget scripted sitcoms to reality docu-series and studio game shows. He started his career as a writer in the MTV and VH1 worlds on shows like TRL and Silent Library. He eventually was promoted to the producer role before moving into showrunning, then became a development executive, where he found his love for marketing. Simmy worked on the network side at WarnerMedia for about 8 years before he left to become Chief Creative Officer for Bad Woods Entertainment, the production company founded by the stars of Impractical Jokers and took over as their showrunner as well. Simmy took the problem-solving skills he learned in the entertainment business into the wider business world, where he now works with CMOs to help them streamline their internal communications and external messaging.On the show today, Alan and Simmy talk about the lessons he has learned over 20+ years in the entertainment industry and how he has translated those lessons into his creative workshop, “Rethink the Way You Think,” that helps corporate teams think more efficiently and problem solve more productively. Simmy also shares tips to overcome the most common pitfalls he sees teams face during brainstorming sessions.In this episode, you'll learn:How Simmy helps CMO’s think more efficiently and problem solve more productively What elevates thinking to creative thinking The biggest pitfalls teams face in creative solving problems and how to overcome themKey Highlights:[02:00] Death threats are not a joke.[05:00] Simmy entertainment career path[07:40] Lessons learned throughout his career [09:40] How lessons learned in entertainment help CMO’s[11:55] Defining creativity and creative thinking [15:10] How to stretch time[16:15] The biggest pitfalls teams face when it comes to thinking more creatively to solve problems?[17:10] The 10-3 brainstorm[21:25] How to improve brainstorm sessions [23:25] Simmy’s origin story for his creativity [25:30] Advice to his younger self[26:15] Learning from your competition [27:10] Reading Reddit[29:45] Battling against attention spansLooking for more?Visit our website for the full show notes, links to resources mentioned in this episode, and ways to connect with the guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.