Episode #149 Creative Intelligence (CQ), Curiosity & Leading Through Disruption with Veronica Scarpellino

What happens when an artist��s eye meets executive strategy? In this energizing conversation, Genein and Veronica explore Creative Intelligence (CQ)—the dynamic interplay of creative thinking, emotions, and strategic action—and how it powers adaptability, innovation, and leadership clarity. From inattentional blindness (👋🏽 “invisible gorilla”) to the magic of hands-on making, from journaling to forced metaphors, you’ll hear practical ways to grow your Brain Capital: curiosity, creativity, resilience, and foresight.Veronica shares how her path from sculpture and found-object art to C-suite coaching revealed repeatable patterns anyone can learn. You’ll leave with frameworks for turning strong emotions into strategic action, using serendipity on purpose, and reframing problems by “turning the square just so…until you see the cube.”Veronica Scarpellino is a Creative Thought Partner, leadership strategist, and the developer of the Creative Intelligence (CQ) framework, equipping professionals to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and lead through disruption. A formally trained coach and artist, she integrates creative sensibilities into executive coaching to help leaders, executives, and founders cultivate adaptability and strategic foresight. A Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC) and Board Certified Coach (BCC) with 20+ years of experience, Veronica’s clients experience an average 20% increase in creative thinking skills, directly enhancing problem-solving, leadership agility, and resilience. She’s the author of Second Draft: Rewrite Your Midlife Career with Creative Intelligence, challenging outdated career models and offering a proactive roadmap for reinvention. A recognized thought leader and member of Forefront: Powered by Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches, Veronica is a keynote speaker and trainer on the future of work, Creative Intelligence, and AI-augmented leadership.What you’ll learn* CQ in action: Move from survival mode → curiosity → creative options → strategic action* Attention as a superpower: Why we miss what’s “missing,” inattentional blindness, and how to train observation* Analog > autopilot: The value of tactile making (vinyl records, handwriting, LEGO-style building) for memory & insight* Thinking styles: Internal vs. external processors, dot-connectors vs. analysts—how teams harness each* Little c vs. Big C creativity: Everyday wins that compound into transformation* Opposites & “break it” drills: Unstick problems by flipping assumptions (even “How would we make the customer mad?”)* Metaphor workouts: Seed the default mode network to spark solutions from unexpected places* Curiosity = care: Keep relationships, teams, and ideas vibrant by staying genuinely curiousWebsite home: www.goldfinchleadership.com/#Book link: www.goldfinchleadership.com/second-draft-book.html#LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/veronicascarpellinoListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/ To learn more about Brain Capital and Intercultural Creativity, visit https://geneinletford.com Explore CAFFE Strategies: https://caffestrategies.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/