Now Go Create

In this toolkit episode of Now Go Create, Claire Bridges dives into the power of asking better questions at work and introduces the concept of a "question storm." Instead of jumping straight into brainstorming solutions, Claire Bridges explains how focusing on generating well-aimed questions can unlock true creative and problem-solving potential. Drawing on real-world insights and her years of experience helping teams boost creative thinking, she shares why curiosity and challenging the status quo are essential for innovation.Claire takes inspiration from experts and researchers, offering practical steps to facilitate effective question storming solo or in groups. She touches on how assumptions can stifle creativity, using cautionary tales from companies like Nokia and Kodak. She also shares techniques from influential books such as Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow and Michael Michalko's ThinkerToys.You’ll pick up question-based prompts to spark fresh thinking, learn why slowing down to ask the "right" questions matters, and discover creative confidence isn’t about having all the answers, but about challenging what needs to be asked.Key Takeaways:Creative progress thrives on curiosity, not certainty - be a "learn-it-all," not a "know-it-all."Rushing to brainstorm solutions often means tackling the wrong problem; question storming realigns your efforts.The Question Formulation Technique (QFT) sets four rules: ask as many questions as possible, don’t judge or answer yet, document questions exactly as stated, and reframe statements as questions.Spotting and challenging assumptions can break automatic, potentially faulty group thinking.“What if the opposite were true?” and “What would a beginner do?” are just two examples of powerful disruptive questions to use.Creating a safe space for questions, no matter how obvious or ‘silly’ they seem, unlocks creative confidence and uncovers hidden insights.Something to Try:At your next team meeting, run a "question storm." Set a timer and challenge everyone to write down as many questions about your current challenge as possible, without answering them. Afterwards, review them for new perspectives, assumptions to challenge, and better-framed problems to solve. Notice how it shifts the group’s thinking and the quality of ideas that follow.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges welcomes facilitator, connector, and author Jan Keck, who is on a mission to make meetings more meaningful by moving beyond cringey icebreakers. Drawing from his own experiences with the anxiety and dread of the standard “go around the room and share a fun fact” activities, Jan reveals how these methods often backfire, leaving participants feeling disconnected, anxious, or locked in competition rather than genuine connection.Instead, he introduces us to "ice melters," a concept that reframes how we help groups bond, collaborate, and take creative risks together. Using stories from his forthcoming book Ice Melters and real-world examples, he shares practical tips for facilitators, leaders, and anyone eager to empower their team whether you’re leading an in-person workshop, training session, or Zoom call.Key Takeaways:Traditional icebreakers often ask participants to take bigger risks than they’re ready for, undermining true connectionThe physical environment matters, think more “campfire” and less “boardroom” when designing group experiencesA thoughtful, layered approach (like customising name tags) creates authentic inclusion from the moment people walk inGreat facilitators adjust to the group’s energy and needs like a thermostat, not a fixed agendaBuilding trust is a gradual process; creative breakthroughs happen when people feel safeManaging your own energy and creating flexible structures is as important for facilitators as for participants.Something to Try:At your next meeting or workshop, replace your standard “let’s go around and introduce ourselves” with a low-risk “ice melter.” Give everyone a choice like picking a sticker for their name badge or answering a simple visual and let conversation flow naturally. Notice how this shifts the room’s energy and paves the way for deeper, more creative collaboration.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Jan Keck:Jan Keck is a trainer, facilitator and experience designer.He is driven by a simple belief: real, deep connection beats small talk, every single time.During the pandemic, Jan has taught thousands of trainers, facilitators and educators how to recreate the “magic” of in-person gatherings onlineThere’s nothing that breaks his heart more than witnessing individuals trapped in awkward icebreakers, feeling more isolated despite being in a group. This is why he is currently dedicating his time and energy into writing his first book “Ice Melters”, where he advocates ditching traditional Ice Breakers and shares his framework to increase engagement, build trust and foster deep connections - without making people cringe.Connect with Jan:Website: https://www.jankeck.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jankeckYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/mrjankeckInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjankeckProduced by winteraudio.co.uk

If you’ve ever found yourself in a frustrating, awkward, or downright pointless meeting, this latest episode of the Now Go Create podcast is for you. Host Claire Bridges explores facilitation mishaps she’s encountered over her decades working as a creative director and professional workshop lead and facilitator.Drawing from real (anonymised) stories in client brainstorms and workshops, Claire Bridges reveals why even the most seasoned facilitators still get it wrong sometimes, and what they’ve learned through every’“facilitation mess-up.’ She dives into 7 common, messy realities that can derail great ideas: unclear briefs, unspoken criteria, resistant participants, hierarchy issues, tricky personalities, and windowless rooms that kill creativity.You’ll walk away with practical fixes, honest advice, and the confidence that if things go sideways, you’re definitely not alone.Key Takeaways:Preparation is everything. If the brief is fuzzy, your session will flounder. No amount of facilitation magic can save a dishonest or incomplete brief.Agree on criteria upfront, always clarify what “good” looks like and the non-negotiables before diving into idea generation.When people don’t want to be there, whether due to politics, lack of context, or simple resistance, find ways to regroup and reset the room (which can be as simple as a coffee/tea break).The loudest or most senior voice shouldn’t dictate outcomes. Try silent brainstorms, the 1-2-4-all method, and clear ground rules to support psychological safety and equal participation.Set and share “rules of engagement”. Use frameworks, brainstorming rules to keep sessions on-track, encourage wild ideas, and create safety for experimentation.Don’t take resistance personally. Participants’ attitudes often have nothing to do with you - focus on maintaining your energy, professionalism, and supportive “scaffolding.”Physical space matters, the venue, environment, and even the coffee can impact a workshop. Acknowledge discomfort, adapt on the fly, and prioritise participant wellbeing.Something to Try:Before your next workshop, spend extra time sharpening the brief and agreeing success criteria with the group. Make your brainstorming rules visible – print them, write them up, and refer back to them to reinforce psychological safety.If resistance surfaces, call a break. Step away, regroup, adjust.And if you’re stuck in a windowless room with bad coffee and low energy, let people get some air or grab a proper coffee. Ten minutes of goodwill can unlock far more creativity than forcing another half hour of effort. It could be the difference between ideas that land and ideas that never take off.For more ideas and practical tips, follow @NowGoCreate on social media, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe for future episodes focused on unleashing creativity at work. Now go create!About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this toolkit episode of Now Go Create, Claire Bridges introduces the concept of the premortem, a powerful technique for anticipating project pitfalls before they derail your ideas. Drawing from her extensive experience in creative thinking and strategy development, Claire demonstrates how asking the right questions early can transform uncertainty into opportunity and help teams avoid costly missteps.Clare shares real-world examples from organisations including Google, Stripe, Pixar, and Netflix, illustrating how pre-mortems foster honest feedback and more robust creative outcomes. You’ll learn practical steps to run your own pre-mortem, alongside insights into building resilience and healthy collaboration in creative projects.Key Takeaways:Many projects fail from overlooked risks, not the initial idea.Premortems give permission to voice concerns without negativity.Run premortems when ideas are solid, not in their early stages.The process helps surface hidden assumptions and blind spots.Use individual reflection before group discussion for unbiased input.Pixar and Netflix embed radical candour and continuous feedback in their cultures.Brain trusts provide expert peer feedback, helping refine ideas without hierarchy.Something to Try:Before your next project goes live, gather your team and run a pre-mortem. Imagine your project has failed six months down the line, and ask everyone to individually list reasons why it might have happened. Then, share and discuss the risks together, prioritise the most serious ones, and brainstorm ways to prevent them. Finish with a reflection on what you learned. This could be the critical step that takes your idea from good to great.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

How do you turn a frustrating workshop into a creative, inclusive space where everyone feels heard without reinventing the wheel each time? In this enlightening episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges sits down with Robert Cserti, co-founder of SessionLab, the go-to platform for workshop and meeting design loved by facilitators worldwide.Claire and Robert get honest about the art and science of facilitation, what makes a meeting truly work, and why embracing both introverts and extroverts is the secret sauce to group creativity. If you ever find yourself leading meetings, brainstorming sessions, or workshops (even with a little dread), this episode is packed with practical tools, stories, and mindset shifts plus a few laughs around “the dreaded icebreaker.”Here are this week’s highlights:Robert Cserti shares the story behind creating SessionLabWhat are the most popular workshop templates?The debate around icebreakers: cringe or crucial? Designing sessions for every kind of thinkerWhat to do when your agenda goes out the windowIncorporating movement and mental breaks: Claire’s “cloud walk” and other playful ideas to reignite energy and imaginationThe rise of facilitation as a professional superpower Behind the scenes at SessionLabThe challenge (and chaos) of hybrid meetingsManaging your energy as a facilitator.Try this week:Next time you plan a meeting or workshop, pick one new tool or method this episode or a simple silent reflection exercise. Notice how it pulls in different voices and improves the outcome.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Robert Cserti:I'm fascinated by the art and science of facilitation. Since taking my first facilitation training in 2009, I've been captivated by how thoughtfully designed workshops transform the way people collaborate and learn together.This passion led me to co-found SessionLab. After years of designing and facilitating workshops myself, I grew frustrated with the lack of tools that truly supported the creative process behind effective group experiences. I wanted to create something better – not just for myself, but for all the facilitators in the field.Today, SessionLab has grown into a platform that helps thousands of facilitators, L&D and OD professionals design thoughtful group experiences. While building our company, I continue to facilitate workshops whenever possible – these hands-on experiences keep me connected to the challenges and joys of bringing people together for meaningful collaboration.Connect with Robert:Website: https://www.sessionlab.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcserti/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

What if your best creative breakthroughs aren’t sitting on your laptop, but waiting for you outside? In this episode of the Now Go Create podcast, Claire Bridges invites you to step away from your desk and into a more embodied creative practice. Claire draws on her own experience running creative workshops, her creative director roots, and insights from psychology to explore how movement, the world around us, and even a simple walk can spark fresh ideas and deeper creative thinking.Inspired by John Cleese’s quote, “We don’t know where we get our ideas from, but we know we don’t get them from our laptops,” Claire challenges the default habit of expecting ideas to emerge from our teams when they’re glued to screens and instead encourages everyone to embrace a Creative Safari as a way of working and generating new perspectives.In this episode:The science behind why staying glued to your screen actually blocks great ideasHow embodied cognition thinking with your whole body can help generate creative breakthroughsWhy “thought walks” and creative safaris are Claire’s go-to approach for teams and individuals to unlock new perspectivesPractical exercises you can try: from tuning into your senses on a walk, to noticing new things through your peripheral visionHow giving your mind and body space (even just 10 minutes outdoors) enriches your creative processWhy noticing, not forcing, is key: letting curiosity and observation lead you to new insightsUsing themes (Claire plays with the idea of “abundance” in the podcast) to subconsciously expand what you see, notice, and connect withTools for working alone or with teams including photographing what sparks your interest during your creative safariHow the principles of incubation, permission, and curiosity nurture original thinking and help fight creative blocksTry this week:Don’t force your next idea. Instead, take Claire’s advice and go on your own creative safari, or take your team on one.Leave your desk, walk with a loose prompt or question, and see what you notice.When you return, ask yourself how your fresh observations might connect to your creative challenge or simply enjoy the wider perspective it brings.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this short, slightly, scrappy, 10-minute bonus episode, the strategist’s strategist Julian Cole joins me again - this time for a real-time riff on how to devise a usable strategy brief… when you don’t actually have one.Julian has worked with Uber, Apple, Facebook, Disney and more, and is known for demystifying strategy and making it accessible. In our previous full-length episode, we got so deep into strategy chat that my producer gently told me off for going way over time. So here’s the fun bit we couldn’t bear to delete.What we cover in this mini-episode:Where to start when no usable brief existsJulian shares his “brief audit” approach — the mandatories, the nice-to-knows, and how to avoid reinventing the wheel.Live strategy development: The Dog Teeth Whitening BriefYes, really. We take a fictional vet chain launching a dog teeth-whitening service and unpack:The business problem vs the consumer problemHow to explore audience motivations, goals and fearsWhy aesthetics is never really about aestheticsHow social connection, status and even loneliness show up in strategic thinkingInside Julian’s strategic processWe walk through:Defining goals and problemsUsing goal/fear dynamics to find emotional territorySpotting potential insightsBuilding three “strategy napkins” — quick, rough territories you can test with clients or creativesWhy messy thinking is part of the processStrategy rarely arrives fully formed. This episode shows the real-world expansion phase — the part most people never see.Why listen to this bonus?If you ever need to develop a strategy without a proper brief (which, let’s be honest… is more often than we may like), this episode gives you a practical, human, and transparent look at how a top strategist begins to approach the problem.About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our weekly email for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Julian Cole:Julian Cole is a strategy consultant to leading brands including Uber, Apple, Facebook, and Disney. Previously he was Head of Comms Planning at BBDO New York, where he oversaw a team of 15+ strategists who created award-winning work for Bacardi, Footlocker, Mountain Dew, GE, Snickers, M&Ms, Lowes, Interscope Records, Bombay Sapphire and the Sandy Hook Foundation.Prior to that he was Head of Communications Planning at BBH New York, helping to launch the PlayStation 4 to be the highest selling console launch in gaming history.With a void of practical strategy education, in 2019 Julian started the Strategy Finishing School and he has taken his world class experience and taught it to over 4,000 strategists.Connect with Julian:Website: https://strategyfinishingschool.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliancole/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

What does it take to turn an idea into a brand new industry? In this lively episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges sits down with Daisy Amodio, creative dynamo, founder of The Proposers, a royal wedding planner, and visionary behind 5,000 unforgettable marriage proposals. Claire and Daisy dig into how an impromptu treasure hunt for her brother kickstarted Daisy’s journey from advertising account manager to “queen of proposals,” defying doubters, inventing her own playbook, and genuinely creating a category from scratch. If you’ve ever been told your ideas are ‘rubbish’ Daisy’s story will inspire you to trust your gut, experiment, and persist despite the naysayers.Listen in for Daisy’s take on creating bespoke experiences for an audience of one, and turning Pinterest boards into live events, including dressing up cats and negotiating to have your face on the Eiffel Tower!Here are the highlights: Daisy turned her brother’s proposal into a creative business idea and, despite scepticism, pioneered the proposal planning industryEven after surveying 500 men who dismissed her idea as “rubbish,” Daisy trusted her gut and pushed forwardHow to get personal for an audience of one - Daisy and her team dive deep into clients’ lives, stalking Pinterest boards, social media, and moreSpectacular proposals: From a fake drug arrest in Barcelona to 50 cats dressed as waitersDaisy and Claire discuss the unique challenges of balancing spectacular creative ideas with seamless executionDaisy often says yes first taking on wild requests and figuring out solutions laterDealing with burnout and Daisy’s journey to a more sustainable work-life balance.Daisy urges aspiring entrepreneurs to be determined, trust themselves, and “fake it till you make it”Try this week:Got a “rubbish” idea you can’t shake? Take a small action toward it research, pitch, or share it with someone you trust. Explore your creative niche: What’s your unique story, and how could you double down on it, even in the face of scepticism?About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Daisy Amodio:Daisy Amodio is the trail-blazing Founder & CEO of The Proposers, the first-ever marriage proposal planning company, and the global pioneer of romantic event planning. Recognised as the No. 1 Proposal Planner in the World, Daisy transformed a heartfelt idea into a thriving industry, planning over 6,000 unique proposals with an unparalleled 100% “YES” success rate.Operating from her office at the top of her game in The Shard London, Daisy leads a dedicated team of seven planners who bring the magic to life for international clients; including royalty, sports stars, actors, and many high-net-worth individuals.Their work is celebrated across international newspaper press and radio and frequently by the BBC. Daisy is no stranger to TV either from her first Sky TV show in 2011, famously called The Proposers, to her most recent Channel 4 “Will You Marry Me” show. Daisy is a confident presenter and keynote speaker at business industry conferences and the global stage.Connect with Daisy:[email protected] Proposers https://www.theproposers.co.uk/Will You Marry Me Channel 4 https://www.channel4.com/programmes/will-you-marry-mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-amodio-9845ba48/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Are you feeling flat, uninspired, or stuck in a rut with your creative work? You’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone either. Following on from last week’s episode of Now Go Create Claire Bridges chats to improv specialist and storytelling coach Maria Peters for a lively, practical deep-dive into getting yourself out of a creative slump (and why it’s actually normal to have one!)Claire and Maria open up about the telltale signs of a slump, the difference between external and internal validation, why creative flow is so elusive, and how helpful constraints, a dash of play, and some improv magic can get you unstuck fast. Plus, they explore tools including the ‘artist date’ and an eye-opening exercise they call the ‘jealousy map’, a fresh way of using envy as a creative compass.If you’ve ever compared yourself to others, felt your creativity wane, or simply wondered how to nudge yourself back toward inspiration, this episode is packed with stories, and practical micro-actions you can try right away.Here are the highlights:Spotting a slump: Why comparison and self-doubt are classic signalsInternal vs. external validation and how to recentre on your own creative compassThe magic (and science) of flowHow limits can jumpstart your ideas (and why improv isn’t as wild as you think)“Yes, and”: Using the improv mindset with your own ideasMorning pages, artist dates, and creative ‘micro-doses’The jealousy map, playful exercise to use envy or jealousy as a signpost for your own creative desiresRefilling your creative well, why pleasure, play, and tiny nudges matter as much as big breakthroughsHow to shake yourself out of autopilot (and what to try if you’re in a rut today!).Try this week:Schedule an ‘artist date’ with yourself - two hours (or whatever you can manage) doing something just for fun, no output required.Do your own jealousy/creative envy check: Whose work, life, or output do you wish was yours? What is it specifically you want? Let that guide your next small creative move.Do you have a creative challenge or dilemma for a future episode? Email [email protected] or join our weekly email for free creativity resources and worksheets at nowgocreate.co.ukAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Maria Peters:You might have seen her at The Comedy Store in Leicester Square, guesting with Paul Merton & Suki Webster's Impro Show. Or as a member of the Yes Queens London West End's first female lead improv comedy group. As a performer and co-creator of The Playground one of London’s most popular nights. Or improvising musicals in Bristol with This is Your Musical. You might know her from her critically acclaimed solo show, The Science of Cringe, that played to sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. On BBC One or heard her writing on BBC Radio Comedy.Maria has collaborated with Now Go Create to run our storytelling workshops and With her diverse background in comedy, writing, and performance with the BBC, UKTV and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Maria brings a unique and valuable perspective to all of her workshops.​Connect with Maria:Website: https://www.mariapeters.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariapetersimprov/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

What do you do when the creative ideas stop flowing? In this episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges gets real about a topic we don’t talk about enough: the creative slump. She shares her own recent experience, and explores why slumps might happen, how they differ from creative burnout or “block,” and why we shouldn’t panic when the creative tide is out. Introducing her practical “Creative CAT Scan” self-check-in, designed to help listeners get curious about their own moods, take micro-actions, and approach themselves with genuine tenacity and compassion. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain flat even though creativity is part of your job, this is the episode for you.Here are the highlights:Why creative slumps are different from burnout or creative blockWhat’s really happening in our brains during a slump and why rest helpsClaire’s go-to tactics for an immediate energy boost (walks, smoothies, noodling, and more)The “Creative CAT Scan”, a self-diagnosis exercise for Curiosity, Action, and TenacityExpert insights: practical suggestions from Claire’s creative networkWhy self-compassion (not criticism) can help you out of a holeInspiration from past guests and listeners on resilience under creative pressureDo you have a creative challenge or dilemma for a future episode? Email [email protected] or join our weekly email for free creativity resources and worksheets at nowgocreate.co.ukAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this episode, Claire Bridges sits down with Jody Orsborn Medina, experiential creative director and founder of Recess, a global creative community and incredible resource hub. Jody shares her journey from in-house and agency life to freelancing, and how the need for authentic connections inspired her to start Recess. What began as monthly internal inspiration sessions has blossomed into a worldwide network and the must-have Creative Playbook, championing collaboration and open access to creative resources.Jody and Claire discuss the realities of creative life: battling “inspiration overload,” embracing your nontraditional path, and how everyone from producers to designers to strategists can lay claim to creativity. They dive into global creative trends from the Playbook, practical hacks for working smarter, battling imposter syndrome, and the importance of breaking down gatekeeping in the creative industries. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to stay inspired and build a creative community, whatever your job title.Here are the highlights:Introduction: Why Jody started Recess Anatomy of a Recess session and what makes them work The Creative Playbook: How it came about, what’s inside & who it’s for Favourite creative hacks, daily tools & tips from the Playbook How Jody curates the playbook, and why diversity of resource matters How freelancers can beat isolation & build community The creative power of producers and challenging creative ‘gatekeeping’ Nonlinear creative careers: permission to claim creativity Imposter syndrome: lessons from creative leaders What Jody’s experimenting with next, making space for personal creative work Quickfire: Jody’s two top suggestions to spark creativity right now. Do you have a creative challenge or dilemma for a future episode? Email [email protected] or join our weekly email for free creativity resources and worksheets at nowgocreate.co.ukAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Jody Orsborn Medina: Jody Orsborn Medina is an Experiential Creative Director who has worked on projects for Shopify, Canva, Vice, Live Nation, Intel, Google and more. As a freelancer, she missed having a time in the day to connect with other creatives and share inspiration. So she created one and RECESS was born - an online gathering bringing creatives, designers and strategists together to share what’s currently inspiring them in the world. She also releases a yearly free-to-download Creative Playbook featuring tips, tricks and insights from global creatives.Get the playbook: https://www.cometorecess.com/playbook2025 Connect with Jody:Website: www.cometorecess.com (download the Playbook for free!) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cometorecess/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyorsborn/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of Summer School! In this special wrap-up episode, host Claire Bridges recaps the five creative nudges you experimented with over the summer, and brings them together into a practical, personalised toolkit to help you approach September (and beyond!) with confidence and curiosity.As you say goodbye to summer, Claire shares the three most powerful coaching questions she uses with clients and in her own life, designed to unlock possibility, shift your thinking, and build creative momentum, whatever challenges you’re facing next.Highlights:Claire recaps all five Creative Nudge tools covered this summerHow to treat your everyday environment as a “creative safari” and source fresh inspiration without traveling farInsights from previous podcast guests Tom Oldham (perspective shifts) and James Mallinson (managing your self-talk and inner critic)Why recognising and addressing your internal dialogue is crucial for creative growth and what to do if self-doubt is holding you backThe ultimate Creative Toolkit: Five approaches to use whenever you’re stuck, plus three game-changing coaching questions:What creative habit will you commit to keeping?Wouldn’t it be amazing if...?What if the opposite were true?Practical examples and tips for applying these questions to real work and life challenges.Encouragement to use curiosity not perfection as your guiding star.How to download all the Creative Nudge tools, worksheets, and prompts in one handy Creative Nudge Toolkit.Your Creative Challenge:As summer ends, reflect on the creative habits or tools that felt most energising. Which will you keep up as you head into September? Try using the three coaching questions to reframe your next problem or project, journal your answers, and notice what new possibilities arise. Invite your teammates or friends to play along!Bonus: Want all the tools and exercises in one place? Download your Creative Nudge Toolkit here: [Need Link]About Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get more creativity resources, worksheets, and podcast updates by joining the Now Go Create mailing list.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

How loud is the voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough, or worries you’re about to mess things up? Welcome to week five of Now Go Create’s Summer School with Claire Bridges. This week’s creative nudge is all about noticing your self-talk and learning how to shift that critical inner voice into something much kinder (and more helpful for your creativity).The short voice note podcast this week is from hypnotherapist James Mallinson. Whether you’re poolside or taking a break from work, this nudge is designed to help you identify negative self-talk and transform it into something that better serves you.Highlights:Claire introduces summer’s fifth “Creative Nudge” and explains the value of tuning into your internal dialogueSpecial guest James Mallinson shares why your inner critic is often “dripping poison in your head” and what to do about itStep-by-step guidance on recognising negative self-talk (including not just the words, but the harsh tone and speed)Tips for crafting your own punchy, positive alternativeSmart ideas to reinforce your new voiceWhy research supports this approach: shifting your internal voice boosts resilience and creativityBonus encouragement to practice this nudge all week, and share your experience with Claire.Your Creative Challenge:Next time you catch yourself ‘talking down’ to yourself, pause. Write down what you said, note how and when it showed up, then fight fire with fire. Create a new phrase that’s as punchy and personal as your negativity, but positive and constructive. Repeat it until it sticks! As James says: “Start talking in your head with that new voice. Say it again and again and again.”Bonus: Interested in going deeper? Listen back to the full Inner Critic episode 18 with James Mallinson.What is the Creative Nudge Summer School:A free, six-week email series dropping into your in-box each week, get a simple creative tool or tip from ClaireA partner podcast episode to help you go deeper and learn on the moveA practical worksheet or prompt to instantly apply the nudge to real work or life projectsAn optional “buddy system” to check in and share learnings boosting accountability and connectionA short, snappy WhatsApp-style audio note from Claire with bonus stories and inspirationAll the resources and worksheets are yours to download for your own use or for running creative sessions with your team.Claire’s approach is all about building creative agility and confidence through small, consistent habits so you finish the summer with a toolkit you can actually use. At the end, you’ll receive a creative habit map to guide your next steps.Interested? The first email drops July 16th, and you can join any time for the full six-week journey.Sign up for the weekly email nudges and workbook: https://mailchi.mp/nowgocreate.co.uk/creative-nudgeAbout Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get more creativity resources, worksheets, and podcast updates by joining the Now Go Create mailing list.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Have you ever changed your perspective and unlocked your creativity? Today Claire Bridges brings you a quick but powerful creative nudge packed with inspiration.She draws from her conversation with multi award-winning photographer Tom Oldham, best known for his bold and soul-baring portraits of icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Rick Rubin. Claire shares Tom’s top creative nudge: look at the world through a different lens. Whether you’re snapping a family photo or tackling a tricky problem at work, there’s incredible value in experimenting with new angles, zooming in for the details, or stepping back to see the bigger picture.Highlights:Claire revisits her behind-the-lens conversation with Tom OldhamTom’s summer creativity tip: experiment with perspective!Claire shares her own experience taking Tom’s advice, resulting in a “freakishly good” photoTry reframing something that feels stuck.Zoom out for the bigger picture - what context are you missing?Zoom in - what small detail could reveal something new?Change your angle - how would a customer, a competitor, or an outsider see it?Swap roles and look at things from the “other side of the lens.”Remember: There’s no right answer, just keep experimenting with frames and angles until something fresh emerges.Your Creative Challenge:Grab your camera (or phone) and deliberately change up your approach whether it’s a holiday photo, a project at work, or a life decision. What new possibilities can you see?Bonus:Check out episode 12 with Tom Oldham, packed with creative insights for anyone pursuing a creative career.What is the Creative Nudge Summer School:A free, six-week email series dropping into your in-box each week, get a simple creative tool or tip from ClaireA partner podcast episode to help you go deeper and learn on the moveA practical worksheet or prompt to instantly apply the nudge to real work or life projectsAn optional “buddy system” to check in and share learnings boosting accountability and connectionA short, snappy WhatsApp-style audio note from Claire with bonus stories and inspirationAll the resources and worksheets are yours to download for your own use or for running creative sessions with your team.Claire’s approach is all about building creative agility and confidence through small, consistent habits so you finish the summer with a toolkit you can actually use. At the end, you’ll receive a creative habit map to guide your next steps.Interested? The first email drops July 16th, and you can join any time for the full six-week journey.Sign up for the weekly email nudges and workbook https://mailchi.mp/nowgocreate.co.uk/creative-nudgeAbout Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Ever felt stuck on a problem and wished you could look at it with completely fresh eyes? In this week’s Summer School Creative Nudge, Claire Bridges invites you to borrow brilliance from the most unexpected places whether it’s a magician’s art of misdirection or a Formula 1 pit crew’s lightning speed.Join us as we explore the Related Worlds tool, a favourite method for breaking creative ruts and remixing inspiration from fields far outside your own. Ready to give your creativity a shake-up?Highlights:Claire explains the “Related Worlds” toolHear how Pret A Manger supercharged their customer service by taking a cue from Formula One racing!Prompts to push you to “go weird”Google, watch documentaries, or talk to real-life experts in an unexpected field to see how they crack their own challenges.Your Creative Challenge:Pick a sticky problem. Then finish this sentence: “This is like the challenge that [person/industry] faces when they do [X].” Get specific and the more unexpected, the better! Next, discover one principle or method from that unrelated world, and adapt it to your situation. Who knows? The answer may be hiding where you least expect it.Bonus:Want the full breakdown? Listen back to the longer “Related Worlds” deep-dive in episode 9.What unlikely “world” inspired your brightest breakthrough? Let us know using #NowGoCreate.What is the Creative Nudge Summer School:A free, six-week email series dropping into your in-box each week, get a simple creative tool or tip from ClaireA partner podcast episode to help you go deeper and learn on the moveA practical worksheet or prompt to instantly apply the nudge to real work or life projectsAn optional “buddy system” to check in and share learnings boosting accountability and connectionA short, snappy WhatsApp-style audio note from Claire with bonus stories and inspirationAll the resources and worksheets are yours to download for your own use or for running creative sessions with your team.Claire’s approach is all about building creative agility and confidence through small, consistent habits so you finish the summer with a toolkit you can actually use. At the end, you’ll receive a creative habit map to guide your next steps.Interested? Sign up for the weekly email nudges and workbook https://mailchi.mp/nowgocreate.co.uk/creative-nudgeThe first email drops July 16th, and you can join any time for the full six-week journey.About Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Welcome to another bite-sized Creative Nudge from the Now Go Create Summer School! This week, host Claire Bridges invites you to break out of autopilot and see things from a different perspective.In this mini-episode, Claire shares a story of getting lost on her usual dog walk only to stumble upon a beautiful bullrush-filled lake. Her challenge: What if you could bring some of that serendipity, play, and fresh perspective into your own creative process?Highlights:Claire describes the power of changing up your routineDiscover the concept of a "Creative Safari": using your familiar surroundings as a hunting ground for inspirationGo out with an intention look for three things that catch your eyeTry focusing on a single color, shape, or pattern as you move through your dayRemember: even the most ordinary experiences can lead to creative breakthroughs.Your Creative Challenge:Get out of your routine, literally! Take a different route, walk somewhere new, or simply notice the details you usually ignore. Treat every sight, sound, or smell as a potential clue. How might your everyday world help you solve your next creative challenge?Sign up for the weekly email nudges and workbook https://mailchi.mp/nowgocreate.co.uk/creative-nudgeBonus:Want to dig deeper? Listen to the full Creative Safari episode 5 to explore using your senses and curiosity to unlock insights, or share your finds on social media with #NowGoCreate.A reminder of what is inside the Creative Nudge Summer School:A free, six-week email series dropping into your in-box each week, get a simple creative tool or tip from ClaireA partner podcast episode to help you go deeper and learn on the moveA practical worksheet or prompt to instantly apply the nudge to real work or life projectsAn optional “buddy system” to check in and share learnings boosting accountability and connectionA short, snappy WhatsApp-style audio note from Claire with bonus stories and inspirationAll the resources and worksheets are yours to download for your own use or for running creative sessions with your team.Claire’s approach is all about building creative agility and confidence through small, consistent habits so you finish the summer with a toolkit you can actually use. At the end, you’ll receive a creative habit map to guide your next steps.Interested? Sign up at www.nowgocreate.co.uk. The first email drops July 16th, and you can join any time for the full six-week journey.About Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get more creativity resources, worksheets, and podcast updates by joining the Now Go Create mailing list.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Welcome to the first Creative Nudge of the Now Go Create Summer School! This week, host Claire Bridges invites you to try a powerful tool inspired by author Elizabeth Gilbert: the Creative CAT Scan. No medical equipment needed just five to ten minutes (and maybe a notebook) to look beneath the surface of your creative life.Instead of our usual full-length episodes, Claire is dropping bite-sized audio notes all summer, each packed with a practical prompt or tool to help you nurture your imagination, with an optional worksheet delivered via email if you’ve signed up. Think of this mini-series as a creative check-up for your ideas, habits, and hidden talents.Highlights:Claire introduces the “Creative CAT Scan”, a four-layer deep dive into your creative life:Layer 1: Surface creativity – projects and habits you see every dayLayer 2: Creative patterns – when, where, and how you work bestLayer 3: Creative blocks and beliefs – the stories you tell yourself (like “I’m not a writer” or “My ideas aren’t good enough”)Layer 4: Creative potential – the sparks you’ve ignored and the creative risks you’ve been avoidingClaire encourages pausing this summer to get curious (not perfect!) about your creative strengths and stumbling blocks. Your Creative Challenge:Ready for your challenge? Carve out a short window this week to take your own Creative CAT Scan. Summer is the perfect time to explore, reset, and reconnect with what truly sparks your imagination.Sign up for the weekly email nudges and workbook https://mailchi.mp/nowgocreate.co.uk/creative-nudgeBonus: For a deeper dive into your creative psychology, check out episode 17, “What’s Your Creative Type?” featuring Carolyn Gregoire.A reminder of what is inside the Creative Nudge Summer School:A free, six-week email series dropping into your in-box each week, get a simple creative tool or tip from ClaireA partner podcast episode to help you go deeper and learn on the moveA practical worksheet or prompt to instantly apply the nudge to real work or life projectsAn optional “buddy system” to check in and share learnings boosting accountability and connectionA short, snappy WhatsApp-style audio note from Claire with bonus stories and inspirationAll the resources and worksheets are yours to download for your own use or for running creative sessions with your team.Claire’s approach is all about building creative agility and confidence through small, consistent habits so you finish the summer with a toolkit you can actually use. Interested? Sign up at www.nowgocreate.co.uk. The first email drops July 16th, and you can join any time for the full six-week journey.About Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get more creativity resources, worksheets, and podcast updates by joining the Now Go Create mailing list.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Ready to boost your creative confidence and reset your habits this summer without overwhelm? In this special episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges shares a brand-new (and totally free) resource: the Creative Nudge Summer School.Our routines change over summer. Whether you’re juggling kids on school holidays, diving into new client projects, or longing for some downtime, this time of year can throw your creative rhythm off. What if you could recharge your creative batteries with just a few fun, manageable nudges each week? That’s exactly what Claire designed this summer school for.Claire’s day job is all about helping individuals and teams upskill and spark creativity and she’s brought the best of her tools, prompts, and frameworks into a flexible six-week program. Plus, you can apply them whether you’re solo, with a buddy, or leading a team.Highlights:Claire reveals her formula for creative growth: small, consistent nudges that fit into real, busy livesWays to use the nudges solo or as a team try “buddying up” or dedicating 10–15 minutes in team meetings to try out each week’s promptWhy a real-world challenge (a tricky project, a blank page, or a new brief) is the best place to apply a new tool or frameworkAccess a Creative Spark Guide PDF and bonus facilitator tips to help you share the nudges with your team or organisationEverything is designed to be light-touch, fun, and genuinely practical, perfect for summer’s unique rhythm. Ready to join? Here’s what is inside the Creative Nudge Summer School:A free, six-week email series dropping into your in-box each week from the 16th July, get a creative tool or nudge from ClaireA recommended podcast episode to help you go deeper and learn on the moveA practical worksheet or prompt to instantly apply the nudge to real work or life projectsAn optional “buddy system” to check in and share learnings boosting accountability and connectionA short WhatsApp-style audio note from Claire with bonus stories and inspirationAll the resources and worksheets are yours to download for your own use or for running creative sessions with your team.Claire’s approach is all about building creative agility and confidence through small, consistent habits so you finish the summer with a toolkit you can actually use. At the end, you’ll receive a creative habit map to guide your next steps.Interested? Sign up here https://mailchi.mp/nowgocreate.co.uk/creative-nudgeThe first email drops July 16th, and you can join any time for the full six-week journey.If you already subscribe to my newsletter then you'll get the emails!About Claire BridgesClaire Bridges is the founder of Now Go Create. She’s helped over 50,000 people across the globe unlock their creative potential, and her mission is to show that creativity genuinely is for everyone. Claire’s background includes leading creative strategies for big-name brands and authoring the best-selling “In Your Creative Element.” She holds an MSc in Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation, and thrives on equipping individuals and teams with tools to tackle challenges and grow creative confidence.Get more creativity resources, worksheets, and podcast updates by joining the Now Go Create mailing list.Get in touch with Claire: [email protected] with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Ever wondered how the world’s best creative ideas are born and why some of them come from the unlikeliest places? In this episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges sits down with ex-PepsiCo marketer Arif Haq to deconstruct some of this year’s most standout campaigns from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.We want to figure out how the work got made!From destigmatising herpes in New Zealand to revolutionising Indian Rail ticket sales, making insurance matter, and some classic Burger King mischief.Together, Claire and Arif break down how creative thinking thrives when you flip assumptions, lean into cultural truths, and use constraints as springboards rather than blockers. If you want some insight into the award-winning creative minds behind the campaigns and practical inspiration for your own work this episode is for you.Highlights:Claire and Arif break down creative case studies from this year’s Cannes Lions Festival of CreativityThe New Zealand Herpes Foundation campaign succeeded by combining humour, national pride, and destigmatisation, using Kiwi sporting iconsThe power of “thinking the opposite” is highlighted as a creative tool, ask what the wrong approach is, then flip it for a fresh perspectiveBurger King’s ‘Burger to King’ campaign cleverly used gaming and cheeky humour, reinforcing the brand’s underdog, community-driven persona.Consistent brand identity mixed with fresh execution - is a key factor in long-term creativity that balances “new and old at the same time.”The Indian Railways ‘Lucky Yatra’ campaign transformed train tickets into lottery tickets, leveraging cultural insights and changing public perception effortlesslyCreative problem solving often means reframing the product or looking at challenges through a new lens, as demonstrated by AXA InsuranceGenuine innovation often comes from becoming “professionally nosy”Simple creative ideas can have a huge impact, but getting there requires space to think, marinate, and push past the obvious answers‘Own the Dream’ by Rocket, a unifying Super Bowl film, shows the emotional power of music and collective experienceBuilding creativity is like exercising a muscle: immerse yourself in great work, get curious, challenge assumptions, and constantly evaluate ideas Award-winning creativity often means flipping the brief, rooting ideas in strong cultural or human insight, and executing with authenticity and craft.Would you like Claire & Arif to review creative campaigns with your team, or run a bespoke creativity session? Get in touch: [email protected] you have a creative challenge or dilemma for a future episode? Email [email protected] or join our weekly email for free creativity resources and worksheets at nowgocreate.co.ukAbout Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our weekly email for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Arif Haq:Arif Haq is an experienced brand and innovation consultant, ex-PepsiCo marketer, and co-creator of the Heineken Ladder - a framework for evaluating creative work. Arif brings a fresh, practical perspective on how the industry thinks about creativity, brand consistency, and breakthrough ideas.Connect with Arif:Website: www.arifhaq.comLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/arifhaq/

What exactly is strategy and why does it seem so confusing (or intimidating) to so many of us? In this episode of Now Go Create, Claire Bridges talks to Julian Cole, the globally renowned strategy consultant and educator who has worked with brands like Uber, Apple, Facebook, and Disney. If the word ‘strategy’ makes you think of war generals, chess masters, or just gives you imposter syndrome, let this episode be your practical, jargon-busting guide. No matter your creative discipline, you’ll walk away with practical tools for critical thinking, working smarter, and showing your unique value in any room. Highlights:Why strategy shouldn’t be left to the C-suite and why anyone can be strategic How to actually define a strategy The difference between a fact and a true *revelatory insight (and how to spot the “aha!” moment) Real-world examples including the Snickers “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” and PlayStation’s “Greatness Awaits” Why there’s rarely a single right answer in strategy and how to build your creative confidence regardless The importance of frameworks and how to use AI think of ChatGPT as a “sparring buddy” for rapid idea generation The crucial (and often overlooked) role of office politics and soft skills in making your ideas land How to present your strategic thinking, not just your process, for maximum impact Myths about strategy that need debunking including why a great insight is more emotional than rational Confidence, imposter syndrome, and the real skills every modern strategist needs to thrive Do you have a creative dilemma for Claire? Send your questions, challenges or strategy dilemmas for future episodes to [email protected] Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our weekly email for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Julian Cole:Julian Cole is a strategy consultant to leading brands including Uber, Apple, Facebook, and Disney. Previously he was Head of Comms Planning at BBDO New York, where he oversaw a team of 15+ strategists who created award-winning work for Bacardi, Footlocker, Mountain Dew, GE, Snickers, M&Ms, Lowes, Interscope Records, Bombay Sapphire and the Sandy Hook Foundation.Prior to that he was Head of Communications Planning at BBH New York, helping to launch the PlayStation 4 to be the highest selling console launch in gaming history.With a void of practical strategy education, in 2019 Julian started the Strategy Finishing School and he has taken his world class experience and taught it to over 4,000 strategists.Connect with Julian:Website: https://strategyfinishingschool.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliancole/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change at work, worried about AI or just not sure where your own career goes next? This episode of Now Go Create might be the creative inspiration you need. Claire is joined by Christopher Bishop, a self-styled “Chief Reinvention Officer,” ex-touring rock musician turned IBM exec, and now author of the new book Improvising Careers: Succeed at Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet.Christopher’s optimism is infectious. He shares personal stories from his nine wildly different careers (band on the road, TV jingle writer and IBM strategy role) and how curiosity, creativity and a love of technology powered every transition. More importantly, he explains why, in a world where the majority of jobs haven’t been invented yet, reinvention will become a normal part of people’s working life.Highlights:Why the norm will be to have 8-10 jobs before you hit 40 and why that’s a good thing The “future career toolkit” you can use right nowHow to flex your creativity muscle (even if you don’t think you’re “creative”) and upskill for the unknown What a nanopharmacist, lunar tour guide, or AI ethics consultant might do... and why jobs like “AI trainer” are popping up daily How Christopher went from playing bass on stage with Chuck Berry to shaping IBM’s corporate strategy Practical tips for students, career-changers, and anyone thinking: “What should I be learning next?” Why it’s completely normal to feel unsettled and why the trick is to “chase the maelstrom,” not run from it The importance of frameworks and tiny habits when reinventing yourselfWhat to do when the world feels nonlinear, ambiguous, or intimidatingly fast and where creative thinking fits inChristopher and Claire also road-test his toolkit live, uncovering how your favourite movies, comedy shows, and even game shows can spark clues to your next career move. No matter where you are on your work journey, from Gen Z students to seasoned professionals this episode will help you become intrigued and excited about the future of work.Let Claire become your creative agony aunt, please share a creative dilemma or challenge you’d like her to tackle on the show. Please email [email protected] to share your ideas and dilemmas.About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our weekly email for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Christopher Bishop:Christopher Bishop is a TEDx speaker, ex-IBMer, former touring rock musician, deep tech MC, future workplace consultant, quantum podcast host, and a firm believer in the power of innovative technologies to drive exciting careers. He is the author of the groundbreaking new book Improvising Careers: Succeed at Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet, the career roadmap for the 21st century.Chris has delivered Future Career lectures at top institutions in the US, including NYU Stern, Columbia, Georgetown, Duke, as well as in the UK at the London School of Economics, King’s College, Royal Holloway, Bayes Business School, and The Institute of Physics. Chris’s sessions provide audiences with a socio-historical perspective on jobs and skills as well as insight into the business and career implications of bleeding-edge technologies, including quantum information science, artificial intelligence, cryptoassets, blockchain, fintech, augmented/virtual reality, genomic editing, and robotics.Connect with Christopher:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbishop123/Buy Christopher’s book: Improvising Careers: Succeed at Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet https://amzn.eu/d/bAsgCkaProduced by winteraudio.co.uk

What do you do when your brilliant idea just isn’t getting noticed? In this launch episode of our new “Creative Dilemmas” feature, Claire tackles Nicky’s real-life challenge: she’s poured her heart into designing and patenting the Wedgee Box, a beautiful, shoe-saving solution for travellers but isn’t seeing the sales or engagement she hoped for, especially on social media.Stuck in that all-too-familiar gap between your vision and your audience’s attention? You’re not alone. Claire steps into “creative agony aunt” mode to help Nicky (and anyone facing the dreaded sound of crickets after a big launch) reframe the problem and unlock fresh creative tactics using one of her go-to creativity tools - SCAMPER.Highlights:Learn why “Wouldn’t it be amazing if...?” is the only question you need when you’re feeling stuck How to balance emotional and rational messaging A breakdown of the SCAMPER framework - seven prompts to generate bold new content and collaboration ideas Practical content tips: From shoe “horror stories” and gripping before/after reels to finding clever partners and reframing your Insta strategy Why sometimes “too perfect” can work against you on social, and what messier, realer posts can do for your brand The importance of playing, experimenting, and showing both the disaster (crushed shoes!) and the solution Easy collab ideas: partnering with wedding planners, flight attendants, influencers, and more to boost your reach How to pitch your product for gifting, bridal parties, or as that next suitcase must-have Why every creative faces the “gap” between effort and traction and why it’s totally normal and fixable.In this episode, you’ll find lots of actionable advice on getting unstuck and bringing more play and results into your creative work and campaigns.You can also listen to Episode 7 of the podcast to learn more about the creative tool SCAMPER. Got a dilemma you’d like Claire’s help with? Just email her [email protected] to feature in an upcoming episode.Do you have a bold story or breakthrough you want to share, or a creative challenge you want Claire to discuss next, or a creative dilemma you’d like her to tackle on the show? Email [email protected] Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our weekly email for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Connect with Nicky's store: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheWedgeeBoxProduced by winteraudio.co.uk

How do you really know if an idea is any good? Can you truly judge creative work without getting tangled in your personal taste or letting your biases get in the way? In this episode of Now Go Create, I dig into the messy, often emotional process of evaluating creative ideas.It's award show season, and competition for gongs is fierce. I’m joined by my fellow judges for the Creative Moment Awards by top-of-their-game creative directors Kim Allain (Golin), Greg Double (Burson), strategist Gemma Moroney (SHOOK), and the king of creative excellence, Arif Haq. Together we pull apart what “good” actually means, and how you can bring real objectivity and confidence to your feedback, judging, or sign-off.You’ll hear about three powerful frameworks I’ve honed through years of practice and study, which can help you move from gut feel and fuzziness to clear, actionable creative decisions. If you’ve ever agonised in a judging room or struggled to explain what you think about a creative concept, this is the episode I wish I’d had when I started out.Highlights:Why creative evaluation is so tricky: where instinct meets process, personal taste clashes with objectivity, and why that tension is essential How Heineken’s Creative Ladder gives you a “dictionary” of creativity, and a shared language to discuss what’s great, bland, or legendary in your ideas Testing for authenticity: Kim Allain on digging below the case study to see if an idea really had impact and relevance IDEO’s Lifeline Cards: Seven lenses (Heart, Beauty, Brains, Bravery, Magic, Mastery, Destiny) that unlock richer creative conversations and better feedback The effectiveness lens: James Hurman’s ladder for measuring results from behaviour change to brand fame Field wisdom: When “good” is a feeling in your gut, and when it’s time to step back and question what’s driving your opinions The practical side: Frameworks, worksheets, and questions you can use to level up your creative conversations, pitch, or awards judging How to fight for someone else’s idea and why strong critical thinking means challenging your own biases, too.Do you have a bold story or breakthrough you want to share, or a creative challenge you want Claire to discuss next, or a creative dilemma you’d like her to tackle on the show? Email [email protected] Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our weekly email for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast here http://eepurl.com/dtrWZfConnect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Creative Moment Awards: https://www.creativemomentawards.co/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

When’s the last time you broke a rule not recklessly, but smartly, strategically, and creatively? This week on Now Go Create, Claire Bridges explores the maverick mindset that drives creative breakthroughs, inspired by her conversation with Graham Goodkind (Frank PR) and high-jump legend Dick Fosbury, whose “Fosbury Flop” didn’t just win medals but changed the sport forever.Claire breaks down how to spot the unspoken rules, question industry norms, and turn constraints into creative catalysts. Through stories from brands like Brahma, Netflix, KFC, Patagonia, Burger King, and Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS, Claire shows how challenging constraints and taboos can fuel ideas and inspire campaigns. Have a listen, we dare you!Highlights:The maverick mindset: Why breaking the rules (strategically) is a route for creativityTurning “we can’t” into “we can if” - the genius of creative constraintsBrazilian beer brand Brahma’s workaround: leveraging footballers’ hair to sidestep legal restrictionsNetflix’s “no rules rules”: radical candour Addressing the elephant in the room for business breakthroughsControversy as a strategy: SKIMS, Paddy Power & triggers to tryPick a fight: lessons from Burger King, Subway for challenger brands everywherePractical exercises to help you flip conventions next time you brainstorm.Do you have a bold story or breakthrough you want to share, or a creative challenge you want Claire to discuss next, or a creative dilemma you’d like her to tackle on the show? Email [email protected] Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Sign up for our weekly email for free podcast worksheets and to hear about new courses, events and all things creative. Receive 21 free creativity hacks as a thank you. http://eepurl.com/dtrWZfConnect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

He trademarked the word talkability and then watched the rest of the PR world borrow it. Frank PR founder Graham Goodkind joins the Now Go Create podcast this week to talk fame, making ideas, creative bravery, and why being a dick is the highest creative compliment. Graham is the founder of Frank, the PR agency known for creating ideas that are impossible to ignore, that spark conversations, headlines, and sometimes even end up being debated in parliament. In this episode, Graham joins me to talk about twenty five years at the helm of Frank, what it takes to stay creatively sharp in a risk averse world, and why he thinks that charging for ideas and not time is the future of the agency model. We get into the stories behind some of Frank's most infamous campaigns and he shares why his creative mantra is to be a dick, a tribute to high jump icon Dick Fosbury, and a reminder to us all to flip the brief, break the rules, and do things differently. Highlights:25 years of Frank: from startup to building one of the UK’s most talked-about agenciesWhat 'talkability' really means and why it's more relevant than everThe stories behind iconic campaigns like Weetabix & Beans – the tweet that broke the internetWhy Graham’s creative mantra is “Be a Dick” – a tribute to high-jump legend Dick Fosbury What it really takes to lead a creative culture and how Frank reignited theirs after losing momentumMeet Graham GoodkindGraham is the Founder and Chairman of leading consumer public relations agency Frank PR. Winning just about every industry award there is, GG as he is more commonly referred to, has been behind many of the most famous, creative and engaging campaigns and stunts in the business and is the person responsible for introducing the word Talkability to the PR lexicon. He set up Frank PR in September 2000 (and trademarked Talkability®) having cut his teeth at the 'absolutely fabulous' agency Lynne Franks PR, where he worked his way up from a work experience placement to MD. In 2007, he sold Frank to Photon, a publicly-listed Australian marketing services company, subsequently renamed Enero Group. At the start of 2021, Graham orchestrated an MBO (management buy out) and the agency became fully independent once again. In July 2024, Graham completed another deal to sell this shareholding to the employees of the business via the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). GG is also a 'Dutch Uncle', a term he coined for a new type of business and growth consultant and NED. He works with a variety of consultancies specialising in experiential, digital and cultural marketing and he is often brought in as an advisor to consult on various M&A deals in the media space given his own experiences.He is a proud father of twins (Dexter and Summer), an OK husband of 26 years (to Lisa), a decent golfer (he represented TeamGB at the Maccabiah Games in 2022) and a massive Arsenal fan. About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Join our newsletter for free resources and worksheets to go with the podcast.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Connect with Graham:Website: https://welcometofrank.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodkind/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Arianna Huffington once called it “the obnoxious roommate in your head.” Yep – we’re talking about the inner critic. That voice that pipes up with doubt, judgment, and unhelpful commentary, just when you’re trying to do something creative, brave, or important.In this episode, Claire chats with hypnotherapist James Mallinson – who also happens to be Mr. Now Go Create – to explore what negative self-talk really is, why it shows up, and how to deal with it. With up to 55,000 thoughts a day bouncing around in our heads, it’s no wonder some of them get a bit loud and unhelpful. But if left unchecked, they can seriously sabotage our confidence, creativity, and resilience.Claire and James dig into the psychology behind that inner voice, the link between our thoughts and our performance, and how to shift from a critical inner monologue to something more supportive – like an inner coach. James shares practical techniques based on years of experience helping everyone from CEOs to Olympians, along with insights from his work in hypnotherapy and as founder of the AI mental health tool, Mallo.ai.You’ll learn why emotional prep matters just as much as practical prep, and how to quieten that tracksuit-wearing critic in your head when it threatens to derail your best efforts.What we cover in this episode:Why your inner critic is such a creativity killerHow negative self-talk holds you back – and what to do about itThe first step to change: becoming aware of your inner dialogueA simple but powerful exercise to create your own inner coachThe underrated importance of emotional preparationWhy remembering positive feedback can be a game-changer on hard daysMeet James MallinsonAfter two transformational hypnotherapy sessions in 2006, James switched careers and trained to become a clinical hypnotherapist. Since 2008, he’s clocked over 800 hours of training and has worked with thousands of people – from business leaders to musicians and athletes – to overcome personal challenges and unlock their potential.Before retraining, James had a multi award-winning media career at the BBC and as Publishing Director at FHM. That background gives him a unique insight into the high-pressure world of creative work – and how to stay mentally fit within it. He’s also the founder of Mallo.ai, the world’s first AI hypnotherapist.Connect with James:Website: www.fixmymind.co.ukProven Clinical Therapy powered by AI: mallo.ai Do you have a bold story or breakthrough you want to share, or a creative challenge you want Claire to discuss next, or a creative dilemma you’d like her to tackle on the show? Email [email protected] Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Sign up for our weekly email for free podcast worksheets and to hear about new courses, events and all things creative. Receive 21 free creativity hacks as a thank you. http://eepurl.com/dtrWZfConnect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

How well do you actually know your creative self? In this episode of the Now Go Create podcast, host Claire Bridges invites you to question what truly fuels your creativity and why understanding your creative type might be the missing link in your team’s collaboration (and your own self-awareness). Joined by Carolyn Gregoire, co-author of Wired to Create and the mind behind Adobe’s wildly popular Creative Types assessment we delve into the science, psychology, and paradoxes that make creativity such an enduring mystery.Discover how a playful, 15-question test can unlock surprising insights about your creative strengths, quirks, and blind spots. Carolyn shares the story behind developing the Creative Types framework, reveals why creativity resists easy labels, and unpacks the latest updates exploring the future of human innovation including our ever-evolving relationship with AI!Here are the highlights:What is creativity, and where does it come from?Meet Carolyn Gregoire: Author, psychology writer, and creator of the Adobe Creative Types test (taken over 15 million times!)The Adobe Creative Types Assessment and how it helps you and your team understand creative preferencesThe 8 Creative Types: Artist, Dreamer, Maker, Producer, Visionary, Innovator, Adventurer, ThinkerThe science and psychology behind the assessmentUsing creative types in your team to identify strengths, blind spots, and improve collaborationThe updated creative types “Shape the Future” testThe importance of self-awareness and embracing your creative complexity, including strengths and shadows.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Carolyn: Carolyn Gregoire is a writer, editor and creative consultant whose work explores the inner lives of humans. She writes and speaks widely on the psychology of creative people and creative processes, and is the co-author of Wired to Create: Unravelling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind and creator of the CREATIVE TYPES personality test, which has been taken by over 15 million people worldwide. As a ‘book doula’ she has supported dozens of emerging authors in bringing their ideas to life. Connect with Carolyn:Website: https://www.carolyngregoire.com/Creative Types Assessment: https://mycreativetype.com/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

What do a paperclip, a random word in a book, an old magazine photo or the smell of cut grass have in common? They could all be the starting point for your next big idea.In this episode, your host Claire Bridges explores how random prompts can open up surprising new pathways in your creative thinking. Often, it’s not about finding something entirely new, but seeing what’s already around you in a different way or making unexpected combinations.So if you’re feeling stuck, or just curious about a new way to kickstart your creativity, this short episode might be just the creative nudge you need.Here are the highlights:Introduction to three random stimuli techniquesWhat random stimulus does to your brainTool 1: how to use random objectsTool 2: take a random visual safariTool 3: the cut-up technique - David Bowie’s trick for breaking routineBuild your creative toolkit: one brick at a timeAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

We can’t talk about creativity without talking about AI as the technology moves apace. In this episode of Now Go Create, and the first in a series on the topic, Claire chats with Craig Fenton, former Google exec, now founder of Fenton Innovation, about how he’s getting hands-on with AI in unexpected ways.From building an AI lawyer to help a friend to creating a virtual team of agents for his own startup, Craig shares his AI learning journey. He’s publicly sharing his experimentation and talks to why prompt engineering isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, and how AI can become a surprisingly helpful creative partner.Whether you’re deep into tech or just AI-curious, this one’s about experimentation, tinkering and learning as you go. Craig’s approach is curious, practical and a great reminder that creativity and innovation often follow when you’re prepared to start without knowing exactly where it is you’re going.Tune in and find out how to confidently upskill in AI tools.Here are the highlights:Building an AI lawyer Creating a DIY AI curriculumForget what you know about search. Learn to converse with AITips for getting started Meet Craig’s team of virtual agents for his start-upWhen AI gets it wrong (and why it matters)Creativity needs curiosity, not confidenceQuickfire: surprises, fears & fantasy agentsWhat’s next: building Fenton innovationGrab the worksheet with the 18 tools we discuss here About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Craig:Craig Fenton is a business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a 20-year career at the forefront of technology, media, and innovation. He is the Founder & CEO of Fenton Innovation, a company specializing in AI automation solutions for businesses.Previously, Craig was the COO of Google UK & Ireland for seven years, Managing Director of Accenture’s Communications, Media, and Technology division across EMEA and LATAM, and most recently, CEO of New Zealand Rugby Commercial, leading the business of the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and other national teams.Beyond his corporate leadership, Craig is an author, angel investor, and founder of a record label dedicated to giving creatives from underprivileged backgrounds a platform in music and film. In 2023, he was honoured as UK New Zealander of the Year.Connect with Craig:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigfenton/ Fenton Innovation: https://www.fentoninnovation.com/ Craig’s book on creativity and education: Playful Curiosity: https://shorturl.at/zC1cBProduced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this short special reflections episode just 13 minutes long, your host Claire Bridges takes you through her highlights and thought-provoking moments from her inspiring conversations with creative professionals who have opened up about the chaos, doubts, and triumphs behind their craft. From embracing spontaneity with Grammy-nominated songwriter Dyo, to understanding the brain's hidden pathways with neuroscientist Dr Ben Martynoga, tune in to reflect on how these stories remind us there's no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity and the impact it can have on ourselves, on business and on the planet.Here are the highlights:A round-up of creative perspectives from guests Moments that challenge creative cliches and assumptionsFrom our guests:Tom: be brave, challenge the brief, reject mediocrityAnahita: the art of facilitation to unlock creativity Andrew Howley: innovate by observing natureBen: understand your brain, hack your creativityMax: how to be a better collaboratorLauren: a creative career is not a straight lineDyo: embrace spontaneity and say yesGemma: how tiny habits lead to big breakthroughsAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Are you feeling creatively drained, staring at a blank screen, willing ideas to come, wondering what happened to your well of creativity? You're not alone. Join your host Claire Bridges as she tackles the pervasive issue of burnout that affects countless creative professionals. With personal insights and expert research, we're exploring the crippling effects of burnout on creativity and more importantly, how to manage and overcome them. Tune in to discover practical strategies for taking stock, replenishing your energy, regaining your confidence, and reconnecting to your creativity. Listen now to reclaim your creative spark. Here are the highlights:The different ways that burnout can show up in peopleTools and practices for identifying and managing burnoutCreating a wellness action planWhy it's important to acknowledge and respect your own creative processHow to talk about burnout yourself, and with others Recovering from burnout and ways to re-engage with your inner creative About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Useful links:https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/https://www.marketingweek.com/2025-marketing-pay-revealed/https://womeninpr.org.uk/what-we-do/burnout/CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) can be contacted on 0800 585858 or via the CALM website https://www.thecalmzone.net/Read: Burnout: The Secret to Solving the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia NagoskiProduced by winteraudio.co.uk

What if the key to unlocking fresh ideas lies in shifting your perspective? In today's episode, we're stepping behind the lens with award-winning portrait photographer Tom Oldham. Join your host Claire Bridges as she talks to Tom about his journey, from photographing music royalty including Rick Rubin, Alicia Keys, Nick Cave and the Gallaghers, to his brand work and personal projects that fuel his curiosity. Discover Tom's insights on dealing with constraints, why rapport is his secret weapon and why altering your ‘lens’ can be a game-changer. Tune in to explore the highs and lows of his 30 year career, and hear about life through his lens. Here are the highlights:Why being brave with your ideas is essentialHow to push the creative brief On resilience, thick skin and self-esteem in a competitive field How to stay creatively fresh Dealing with problems, setbacks and fragile egosAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Tom Oldham:Tom Oldham is a London based portrait photographer working globally on commercial briefs, as well as shooting editorially and for purpose driven, socially conscious NGOs and charities. Alongside this, Tom shoots personal projects and is a multiple award winner. In 2024, Tom shot a project around the UK election entitled The Hopefuls, where he photographed portraits and interviewed a vast array of politicians hoping to get elected. Tom is also the founder of Creative Corners, a scheme which gathers in photobooks and donates libraries to state school photography courses, of which he has collated 20 so far with more to come. If you have books to donate please find details below.Connect with Tom:http://www.tomoldham.com https://www.creativecorners.uk/ https://thehopefuls.co.uk/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Can tiny habits unlock your creative potential? In this episode of the Now Go Create podcast, Claire Bridges poses this thought-provoking question while diving into the transformative power of tiny creative habits and behaviour design. Joined by Gemma Moroney, co-founder of PR agency Shook, Claire unravels how small, consistent actions can compound into more creative output over time. Together, they share science-backed strategies and personal stories that illustrate the profound impact this approach can have, offering listeners practical insights to kick-start their own tiny habits. Listen to discover how small changes might just be the key to your next big creative breakthrough.Here are the highlights:Inspired by Tiny Habits author BJ Fogg, we explore how to design tiny daily habits to improve almost anything, including your creativity 4 different approaches to tryTiny habit 1: Start a creativity journal a line a dayTiny habit 2: Schedule creativity micro-sessionsTiny habit 3: Celebrate small creative winsTiny habit 4: Use habit stacking Shook agency culture includes three carefully designed daily habitsHow this approach sparked the campaign for adult cerebral palsy hub to call for healthcare equalityCheck out the free resources on the www.nowgocreate.co.uk websiteAbout Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 of people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Gemma Moroney:Gemma Moroney learnt all the tools of the trade at H&K before landing at Frank, where she realised what being creative really meant. After five years at Mischief leading award-winning work for LEGO, Dulux and the National Trust, she set up the creative, consumer-focused comms agency SHOOK with her creative partner of nearly twenty years Damon Statt. The agency uses creativity backed by behaviour design, which Gemma studied with Stanford’s BJ Fogg thanks to a WACL Future Leaders Bursary. They make ideas that shake the world for globally known, and locally loved brands, and won a Creative Moment Agency of the Year award 2024. They’ve also been named one of PRovoke’s top 50 agencies in EMEA 2025. The agency has three shared ‘tiny habits’ it does every day to keep its creative work buzzing.Connect with Gemma:www.welcometoshook.comInstagram: @WelcomeToShookTwitter/X: https://x.com/welcometoshookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/welcome-to-shookOther resources BJ Fogg https://tinyhabits.com/James Clear, Atomic Habits https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsProduced by winteraudio.co.uk

What if the answers to our creative challenges have been right in front of us all along - in nature? From bike helmets inspired by woodpeckers to ants teaching us about communication strategies, the natural world offers an endless source of creative inspiration. In today's episode, your host Claire Bridges speaks to Andrew Howley, Chief Editor of Ask Nature, about the game-changing field of biomimicry - using nature's time-tested strategies to solve human problems. Tune in as Andrew reveals how anyone can tap into nature's 3.8 billion years of R&D to spark innovation and creative problem-solving. Here are the highlights:Andrew's career and adventures at National Geographic What is biomimicry?Examples of biomimicry in action How we can look to nature for innovation, to help solve big challenges, and day to day inspiration for ideasSupporting innovations that harmonise with natureHow to use the ask nature website to help you innovateFinding the right creative tools that work for you About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Andrew Howley:Andrew has a lifelong passion for nature, deep history, and storytelling. He has spent his career working to connect scientists, researchers, and conservationists with the public through communication, understanding, and inspiration. Following over a decade working for National Geographic as Director of Science and Exploration online, he has had a variety of roles championing and uncovering engaging stories and put them to work for clients in science and the arts. He has had a lifetime of adventure accompanying explorers all over the world helping to elevate the voices of indigenous people and cultures and making science accessible.Andrew is Chief Editor for Ask Nature - a project of the Biomimicry Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the practice of looking to nature for inspiration to solve design problems in a regenerative way.Connect with Andrew:Website: https://asknature.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-howley-496246a/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Stuck staring at a blinking cursor waiting for inspiration to strike? We've all been there! In this toolkit episode, your host Claire Bridges shares one of her favourite creative problem-solving techniques to help you get unstuck fast. The Related Worlds approach opens up exciting new possibilities by looking for solutions in unexpected places - we can get stuck in a rut of thinking and need to seek solutions in a different context. because somewhere, someone has solved your problem challenge to yours. Using examples from one of the best ads of all time to Formula 1 pit stops to Velcro's nature-inspired origins, Claire shows us how this versatile tool can help unlock fresh perspectives and innovative solutions for even the most stubborn business challenges by making the familiar, unfamiliar. Let’s get started!Here are the highlights:Find fresh and innovative solutions by looking outside your fieldFinding a metaphorReal examples of creative solutions using the creativity toolThe related worlds tool in practice - how to Claire uses Chat GPT to brainstorm different related worlds for a hypothetical challenge Why the related worlds creativity tool can help with any challengeCheck out Now Go Create's free resources with our weekly email sign up here http://eepurl.com/dtrWZfDid you know you can hire Claire to come and work with your team email [email protected] Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this fascinating conversation, Claire Bridges and Dr. Ben Martynoga explore the intricate relationship between the brain and creativity and what you can do to ‘hack’ your brain to be more creative. They discuss how being in nature can enhance creativity and mental health and the finite nature of attention, the impact of deadlines on creative processes, and the importance of understanding hunches and intuition. They also delve into the inner critic's role in creativity, how awe experiences impact creativity, and the significance of embracing mundane tasks for creative insights. Finally, they debunk the left brain vs. right brain myths and emphasize the complexity of creativity as a collaborative process within the brain.Ben shares insights emphasising the importance of understanding brain chemistry to foster creativity in everyday life. Here are the highlights:The Journey from Lab to WritingUnderstanding Brain Chemistry and CreativityThe Role of Exercise in Creative ThinkingEmbracing Creative DowntimeThe Healing Power of NatureUnderstanding Hunches and IntuitionThe Inner Critic and Creative BlocksEmbracing the Mundane for CreativityDebunking Left Brain vs Right Brain MythsThe Team of Rivals: Understanding Your BrainAbout Ben Martynoga:Ben Martynoga is a biologist and science writer. After a decade in the lab exploring the insides of brain cells, he swapped his white coat for a pen. Since then he has written about everything from the latest tech innovations to re-wilding, running, stress, creativity, microbes and the history of science. Always aiming to make scientific research as clear and relevant as possible, he publishes and edits books, articles, blogs, videos and podcasts. He loves talking about science - and why it matters - with children and adults alike at science festivals, in classrooms or anywhere else. His writing appears in The Guardian, New Statesman, The i, the Financial Times and beyond. He lives, works, wanders and wonders (often all at once) in the Lake District.Connect with Ben:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ben-martynoga-61689898X - @mountainogrehttps://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/collections/author-books-by-ben-martynogaAbout Claire Bridges: Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this toolkit episode, host Claire Bridges introduces SCAMPER, a versatile creativity technique designed to help individuals and teams generate innovative ideas. The episode explores the seven principles of Scamper: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Through practical examples, using the humble pizza as an example of how you can use SCAMPER to innovate just about anything, along with real-world marketing and business examples. Claire demonstrates how to apply each principle to overcome creative challenges and make brainstorming easier and more productive. The conversation emphasizes the importance of separating idea generation from evaluation and practicing regularly to hone your skills.Here are the highlights:Introduction to the SCAMPER technique Understanding the seven principles of SCAMPERApplying SCAMPER - where to start - the pizza example How to use the substitution principleAdapting ideas for new contextsModification: changing the gamePrinciple: What can you put to another use?Eliminate: What can you strip away to make things easier?Reversing assumptions to innovateGrab a pen and paper or note taking app and pick something to SCAMPER!About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Claire Bridges sits down with Lauren Spearman, a changemaker and creative force who has defied traditional definitions of creativity to build an impressive career. Her roles include sales, social media, creative direction and as an ‘accidental’ content creator where her unfiltered marketing career advice on TikTok has gained her over 50,000 followers. Lauren shares candid insights about navigating her career challenges, and how to build trust in creative teams. This episode raises the idea of creative gatekeepers, and offers inspiration and wisdom for anyone looking to develop their creative confidence, regardless of their job title. Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction05:28 Creativity can have many different definitions08:16 How perceptions shape creativity15:20 Challenging creative ‘gatekeeping’ 16:35 Content creation in social media vs traditional campaigns19:21 What's the value in taking your time?23:18 Creativity under pressure when working with brands27:56 Using creativity to help your job searching strategies29:36 Setting yourself audacious ambitious goals About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Lauren Spearman:Recently named as a changemaker by Marketing Week, Lauren is a Social Media Consultant and Content Creator, perhaps best known for her content creation work advocating for improved hiring practices and salary transparency in the marketing industry.Her career has definitely not been a straight line. Following almost a decade in advertising sales she joined Benefit Cosmetics as Digital Manager leading influencer marketing for the brand before moving to MADE as Head of Consumer Comms. A short unfulfilling short stint in-house for an insurance brand followed and she left to look for another role. Lauren’s career path took an unexpected turn when she documented her challenges navigating the job market and she grew a community of over 50,000 followers. Lauren has generously been sharing her experience, offering thousands of marketers – of all different levels – her insights, learning experiences and highlighting the negative underbelly of recruitment, while simultaneously offering encouragement and guidance. Lauren has turned a negative experience into something positive and now focuses on her career content as well as her consultancy projects at brands including Habitat and Yoto.Connect with Lauren:TikTok @spearmanlaurenLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Are you feeling creatively stuck or overwhelmed by the constant hum of technology? Join us as we embark on a "Creative Safari”. A unique journey designed to spark your creativity and connect you with new ideas. In this episode, Claire introduces the concept of a Creative Safari, an invitation to step away from your desk, immerse yourself in new environments, and embrace the power of incubation to solve problems and generate fresh insights. With practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, Claire guides you on how to thoughtfully explore your surroundings, find unexpected inspiration, and integrate these experiences into your creative process. It's time to put on your comfy shoes, switch your phone to silent, and let’s get creatively inspired. Tune in and discover how embracing a little wandering can lead to wondering big and breakthroughs in your creative endeavours.Get your free how-to podsheet to go with this episode here. Here are the highlights:00:04 Get creative away from screens: try a safari.05:34 A creative safari is a walk with creative purpose to inspire ideas. Grey walls = grey ideas.06:29 Took grads to London's Leake Street Arches Graffiti walls for inspiration; murals change daily there as work is created and then painted over.13:04 Gather firsthand experience for creative inspiration.15:38 Empathy exercises from design thinking can help customer understanding.16:58 A reflective activity for uncovering insights using visuals.21:31 Creative safari: wander, observe, incubate, boost creativity.24:01 Try a meditation exercise: mindfulness through using all your senses.About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Email [email protected] by winteraudio.co.uk

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of creating hit records? The immensely talented singer and songwriter, Dyo joins Claire Bridgers to talk about the creativity behind music. You might know Dyo from her empowering anthem "Sexual," or from her collaborations like the Grammy-nominated soundtrack of "The Color Purple". Dyo offers us a fascinating glimpse into the work that goes on behind the music. Join us as we listen to her thoughts on writer's block, the importance of persistence, and the art of collaboration. Plus, she shares inspiring stories about overcoming self-doubt and trusting the creative process. So, if you're ready to uncover the secrets of a chart-topping artist and learn how you can apply these lessons to your own creative projects, this episode is for you. Here are the highlights:04:33 Dyo shares how songwriting is like therapy for her.06:12 Less pressure in writing songs for others: creative expression without personal vulnerability.12:18 There's excitement for new songs, but over time tastes and trends change.14:56 How mood affects songwriting and why forcing creativity isn't inspiring.19:27 Find a compatible team for successful collaboration.20:35 Say "yes" to unexpected opportunities and navigate any self-doubt.Check out Dyo’s Firestarter playlist created for Now Go Create: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0u7RKJ3fz7MKAQcGJpWRco?si=0_hHW7VdRYSRYT6gbFSJiQ&pi=e-ss7yHiSMTrasAbout Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14About Dyo:Dyo, is a Nigerian-British singer and songwriter. She began her music career in 2009 and gained popularity after writing songs for and with, several prominent musicians, including Wiley, Iggy Azalea, Flo and Jess Glynne amongst many others. Her single Sexual earned her an Ivor Novello award nomination for Best Contemporary Song and Dyo’s vocals feature on The Color Purple movie soundtrack, nominated for a Grammy in 2024.Her music is known for its blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop influences, and she is admired for her soulful vocals and relatable lyrics. Connect with Dyo:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4H1PNuHElBLVok0lnYMrRbTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dyoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdyo/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Does the word ‘brainstorm’ fill you with dread? In this conversation your host Claire Bridges is joined by a special guest, strategist and facilitator Anahita Milligan, to explore the art of hosting effective creative sessions. Having run thousands of brainstorms between them, together they delve into common pitfalls, explore alternatives like ‘question storming’, discuss why brainstorming can be torturous for introverts, and what to do instead. Join us as we break down the barriers to collaboration, debunk myths, and equip you with tools to make your creative sessions more effective. Here are the highlights:03:11 In-person brainstorming is prompting requests for staff to return to offices. Alex Osborne coined "brainstorming" in the 1950s. 06:26 Discusses brainstorming experiences, challenges, and pros and cons, including virtual adaptations like MURAL.10:44 Choose brainstorm participants wisely.15:48 Facilitators can manage dominant participants by using body language and employing silent brainstorming techniques.18:05 Encourage individual idea generation before group brainstorming.20:53 Emphasise collaboration by listening and responding well26:09 Nurture ideas gently; reframe negativity into possibility.28:26 Trust and psychological safety are crucial for creativity.36:26 Invite outsiders to a question storm for fresh, unbiased perspectives.38:42 Experience the thing you're brainstorming firsthand to understand it.47:13 Blend styles for balanced, effective group facilitation.50:13 A ‘pitchers and catchers’ analogy about creative collaboration and throwing ideas around.About Claire Bridges:Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011 Sign up to our weekly email with creative tips and worksheets http://eepurl.com/dtrWZfConnect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Connect with: Anahita MilliganAnahita is the Insight, Strategy & Creative Trainer at Now Go Create. She has been running our strategy, creative and brainstorming training course for over a decade. In her previous career as ex-Head of Strategy at the award-winning planning agency Manning Gotlieb, she ran hundreds of brainstorming sessions and client workshops, winning awards for her work. She shares her experience in how to best solve problems and become an expert in thinking tools and group idea generating tools. She is qualified in creative problem solving and loves unravelling a problem! Anahita is experienced in working with young adults with special needs, and is passionate about making creativity accessible to all.Connect with Anahita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahita-milligan-0377b02b/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Claire sits down with improv performer Max Dickens, scriptwriter and the author of "Billy No Mates" and director at Hoopla, the UK's first improv theatre school. Max believes that being good at improv can make you better at almost everything, and it’s particularly good for creative thinking. Max shares his insights on how improv fosters a more collaborative mindset and offers practical ways to enhance spontaneity. Claire and Max practice the famous improv exercise ‘Yes, and’ together explore practical strategies to improve brainstorming sessions, handle difficult team dynamics, and engage in successful creative collaborations. Whether you're looking to upskill your creative processes or simply want to unlock your innovative potential, this episode is packed with advice and inspiring stories.Here are the highlights:05:29 How structuring the creative process can help you to brainstorm.09:08 Collaboration in relaxed, open spaces can help you structure creative processes.13:40 Active listening builds trust in a phone-distracted world.21:48 People "learn by doing" and feedback is more effective than over-planning.25:56 Focus on really understanding a problem deeply before jumping to solutions.32:42 Why it's important to clarify your purpose and manage your expectations.35:40 Claire and Max practice the famous improv exercise ‘Yes, and’ to help build on your creative ideas.44:11 How to ask questions to broaden your perspective and generate ideas and solutions.About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative. Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies. Claire and her hand-picked team of experts has worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 of people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.About Max DickinsMax is the Director of the UK’s first dedicated improv theatre and school, Hoopla! In his other life, he is the author of three books, most recently the best-selling Billy No Mates. He loves applying what he’s learned writing for the page - and performing on the stage - to the business world and has worked previously with Tyra Banks, Richard Branson and - less good, admittedly - the candidates on BBC1’s The Apprentice.Connect with Max: Website: https://www.maxdickins.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-dickins-improv/Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Connect with Max: Website: https://www.maxdickins.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-dickins-improv/Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Welcome to the debut episode of Now Go Create, where we uncover the fascinating realms of creativity and mindset. Your host Claire Bridges, founder of the UK's leading creativity training consultancy and best-selling author, is interviewed by Claire Winter to explore what's coming up in the series.The two Claires talk about everything from creative inspiration and where ideas come from, to the intricate neuroscience and psychology of creativity. They talk about Claire’s journey from PR to Creative Director to becoming a trainer, and the challenges along the way. In this series you'll be introduced to creative techniques, learn about overcoming creative blocks, and hear the personal highs and lows over three decades of a creative career. Here are the highlights:01:33 Let's demystify creativity, together.05:38 When Claire became Creative Director in charge of 120 people, she really started to explore how creativity is a skill that can be learned and honed, and not something you ‘have or have not’.08:35 Creativity involves many different elements including grit, determination, resilience, and imagination.11:03 Trust is essential for creativity and without it, teams will feel inhibited and collaboration is unlikely.14:06 How to embrace the creative process as an experiment that you can't fail.19:23 Why you need clarity in innovation processes.21:32 Creativity tools provide structure to support diverse thinking.25:53 Exploring creativity through mindset and neuroscience.About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose aim is to democratise creativity and make it accessible to all.Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world.Connect with Claire:Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreateLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14Email [email protected] by winteraudio.co.uk

In today's world, creativity isn't a nice-to-have in business, it's a must-have. But despite some common misconceptions, creative is not a department, it’s a mindset and a range of skills that anyone can learn and master.The brand new Now Go Create podcast is hosted by Claire Bridges, a former Creative Director, author and now educator who is obsessed with unleashing creativity! She’s trained over 40,000 people in creative thinking skills, and worked with teams at brands like ASOS, Netflix and Marks and Spencer to use creativity to their advantage. She’s seen firsthand what impact powerful creative ideas can have to change behaviour, raise awareness, drive sales and be a force for good.Each week, Claire will explore all things creative in business with actionable advice and practical tools that you can use right away. Plus, you'll get a downloadable pod sheet packed with exercises and resources to help you put these ideas into practice.She’ll also be chatting with some of the smartest creative thinkers out there to get the inside scoop from award-winning songwriters, brand marketers, improv performers, and a neuroscientist, to name just a few, to find out what makes us creative and what we can learn. Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or just looking to unlock more creativity in your daily work this is the podcast for you. Make sure you tune in and follow the show to unleash your creative potential.About Claire Bridges Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone is creative.Claire worked as Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission. She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.Claire and her hand-picked team of experts has worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 people around the world.About Now Go Create Creative thinking is one of the most in-demand workplace skills. At Now Go Create we help individuals and businesses to improve their creative capabilities and skills to bridge what the World Economic Forum calls a ‘21st century skills’ gap. Our focus is on practical ways to up the creative output and improve the quality of thinking in your business for competitive advantage. Working as a creative catalyst for clients like Netflix, Kenwood and ASOS as well as hundreds of PR, social and digital agencies, our training and approach is underpinned by academic rigour.Our training covers everything from tackling the blank page, to how to devise the strategy to underpin creative ideas, to how to pitch your brilliant ideas once you’ve had them! It is for everyone from communications teams to brand managers to CEO’s and PR’s who want to be more creative day-to-day.Find out more about our creative thinking training courses at www.nowgocreate.co.ukConnect with ClaireEmail:[email protected]: www.nowgocreate.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/Buy Claire’s book In Your Creative Element on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/0koP5OB0d58694cfd6a82ff16f39f89a939b4ea02aa967ekSNo3e6qQThMnVPvwDxV