The Art Brewery

Nothing like a good fashioned spring cleaning… Luke has some pretty cool downloads in this post if you care to ‘steal’ you have his permission! Now…I gotta find those 27 minutes of an already packed day! 🤨

Building Bridges... between #classrooms to #boardrooms At The Art Brewery, Jasmine Stevens Wong, Ted Temertzoglou and I have been brewing up a storm of #creativeideas! 💡 We believe that creativity is the secret sauce for innovation, the key that opens doors to fresh perspectives. But what if we told you the recipe for creativity starts way younger than stuffy boardrooms and brainstorming sessions? Here's the twist: Creativity thrives in wide-eyed wonder. Remember your childhood? Seeing shapes in clouds (thanks, #pareidolia!), and transforming cardboard boxes into spaceships – pure joy! #Curiosity, exploration, and the freedom to play with ideas are the ingredients that bake a brilliant, creative mind. So, what if we could build a bridge between those early 'ah-ha' moments of wonder and the collaborative problem-solving skills needed as adults? By planting seeds of empathy and celebrating different viewpoints in classrooms, we're not just teaching facts. We're equipping the next generation with the tools to be inclusive leaders, innovative thinkers, and clear communicators. The Art Brewery's educator program is a story for another day! For now, let's get curious: How can we create learning spaces that brim with creativity and social-emotional learning? How can we cultivate those wide-eyed wonders that will bridge the gap from classrooms to boardrooms? Share your thoughts below! We'd love to hear from educators, parents, and anyone who believes in the power of #curiosity! #socialemotionallearning #education #classroom #internationalschools #curriculums #educators

80% of leaders struggle with this... ...how to stimulate your team's creativity? According to a recent Harvard Business Review article by innovation expert Scott B. Dust, creativity is no longer a luxury in the corporate world – it's the new currency. The article cites a study by Adobe showing that 80% of business leaders believe encouraging a culture of creativity is essential for their organization's success. But 'HOW' do you encourage that creativity? The answer isn't just about putting in more hours. It's about incorporating movement to break free from unproductive cycles. Here's how some of the biggest names in business are using movement-based techniques to fuel team performance: 1. The #PowerofWalking Meetings Source: Cali Ressler, CEO of HackerRank (Podcast: How Success Happens with Valerie Jarrett) Technique: Get those creative bugs moving with a walking meeting! Cali Ressler, swears by this approach. Studies by Stanford University have shown that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing problem-solving and idea generation. 2. #Designthinking workshops Source: IDEO U (IDEO U Courses: Design Thinking for Business) Technique: This human-centred approach championed by design giant IDEO encourages teams to think outside the box. Through interactive exercises and movement-based activities, teams can break confirmation bias and explore diverse viewpoints, leading to more innovative solutions. 3. The Innovation Matrix Source: InnovationManagement.com (Article: The Innovation Matrix: A Powerful Tool for New Product Development) Technique: Move beyond the echo chamber! The Innovation Matrix helps teams map out existing solutions, identify gaps, and encourage them to physically move sticky notes around to explore new possibilities. This visual and dynamic approach drives collaboration and reduces conflict as teams literally break free from confirmation bias. 4. #MindMapping on the Move Source: Carmine Gallo, Author of Talk Like TED (Book: Talk Like TED) Technique: Grab some markers and get moving! Create a mind map on a whiteboard, physically walking around and adding ideas as connections emerge. This approach, advocated by communication expert Carmine Gallo, encourages movement and helps teams break free from traditional thinking patterns, leading to more dynamic and engaging presentations. Finally, one of my #favourites! 5, Gamified #Challenges Source: Nir Bashari, Author of Gamification: A History of Gamification and Game-Based Learning Technique: Healthy competition can trigger creativity! Design challenges that require teams to move around the office, collaborate on solutions, and present their ideas in a fun and engaging way. This approach, inspired by gamification expert Nir Bashiri encourages teamwork, reduces conflict, and gets everyone moving! Get your #teamsmoving! #activeworkplace #healthyworkhabits #creativityatwork #hbrupdate #businessstrategy #futureofwork #linkedinlearning

It's #NationalPetDay, and what better way to celebrate than by showering our furry (or feathery, or scaly!) companions with love? A post from CAMH caught my eye - apparently, petting our pups can actually lower our blood pressure and ease tension! Who knew a cuddle with a canine could be such good medicine? Speaking of cuddles, meet the stars of my post: my daughter's adorable bulldog, Yukon and Scottish fold, Saska 💞 Now, they might not be the typical stress relievers for her high-pressure lawyer job. But guess what? These two have a surprising friendship! Maybe that furry companionship helps them both chill out after a long day, even if it's not helping my daughter with work woes directly 😍 #petsrule #stressrelief #mentalhealthmatters

The Hidden Cost of Easy Communication... 🤔 ...Are Emojis Dumbing Down Our Workplaces? Emojis. They're everywhere in our communication – a quick thumbs-up, a playful wink, a reassuring smile. While these visual icons add a touch of personality to our digital interactions, are they inadvertently hindering effective communication, especially when it comes to the cornerstone of strong teams: powerful questions? In today's fast-paced business environment, clear and concise communication is essential. However, relying solely on emojis can create ambiguity and leave crucial questions unexpressed or misunderstood. A simple thumbs-up might mask disagreement or hidden concerns. A playful wink can deflect from the seriousness of a matter. True progress hinges on the ability to ask clear, insightful questions and actively listen to the answers. Here's why prioritizing questions over emojis can be a game-changer for your organization: 1. Questions Drive Clarity and Deeper Understanding: A well-crafted question can unlock new perspectives, unearth hidden assumptions, and ensure everyone is truly on the same page. 2. Active Listening Amplifies the Power of Questions: Asking powerful questions is only half the battle. The real magic happens when leaders and teams actively listen to the answers. 3. Thoughtful Communication Empowers Teams: Replacing emojis with thoughtful communication can drastically improve team dynamics. A teaser to what Ted and I cover in our "Mysteries in Colour" workshops, interactive and playful workshops. We emphasize the key concepts of effective communication. And the journey doesn't end there! Come back to this space soon for a link to our fun, interactive quiz – a tool to help you crystallize the most critical questions for boosting your team's performance. Because let's face it, emojis are a handy shortcut, but they can't unlock the true potential of your team. Invest in powerful questions today and pave the way for a more innovative and successful future! #effectivecommunication #workplaceculture #activelistening #futureofwork #learnmore #theartofasking #questioneverything

Playful Movement Hacks... ...to prime your Brain for Peak Performance Staring at a screen, chasing elusive inspiration – it's a common scene in today's fast-paced work environment. But what if the key to unlocking creativity wasn't just another brainstorming session, but a few simple movements you can do right at your desk? Neuroplasticity: The Science Behind the Fun The human brain is an amazing thing, constantly adapting and forming new connections. This ability, called 'Neuroplasticity', is key to boosting cognitive function and, you guessed it, creativity.  It turns out playful movement can be a powerful tool for hacking your brain's potential. 1. Enhanced Memory & Focus: Cross-lateral movements, those that involve crossing your body's midline (think clapping with alternating hands), stimulate communication between both brain hemispheres. This translates to sharper memory and improved focus. 2. Problem-Solving with a Twist: Challenging your brain's processing power through cross-lateral exercises is like shaking up a snow globe. Unforeseen connections emerge, fostering innovative solutions and fresh perspectives. 3. The Creativity Catalyst: Feeling stuck in a rut? Cross-lateral movements can increase blood flow, boosting alertness and igniting creative thinking. It's a natural energy boost that can help you approach challenges from new angles. Childhood Games are back! Let's be honest, sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected places. Who knew those childhood games of patty-cake or mirroring your friend's drawing held the key to workplace innovation? Putting Play to Work for Your Team At The Art Brewery, we believe creativity is a muscle that needs constant exercise. That's why we incorporate cross-lateral movement exercises into our workshops and team-building activities. These can be as simple as: 1. Partnered Stretches 2. "Mirror Me" Doodling 3. Active Breaks The Takeaway? Playful Movement for Peak Performance! Incorporating these playful movements into your workday isn't just about having fun (although that's certainly a perk!), but it's about actively enhancing your cognitive function, memory, and yes, creativity. So, next time you feel stuck, ditch the blank stare and embrace the power of movement. Your brain – and your colleagues – will thank you for it 😊 What are your favourite ways to get your team's creative juices flowing? Ted Temertzoglou and I would love to hear from you! #creativeplay #highfunctioningteams #flowintocreativity #move #brainpower #superchargeyour #peakperformance #simplesteps #cognitivefunctions #whymovingmatters

I've never been one to learn solely from books. Give me lively discussions, thought-provoking movies, and yes, even podcasts! Lately, I've been obsessed with "Think Fast, Talk Smart" by Matt Abrahams. It's been a game-changer, especially for someone like me who's transitioning from creative to creative entrepreneur. Matt and his guests provide practical and actionable insights – no wonder they're nominated for a Webby! #podcast #creativeentrepreneurs

Rethinking Workplace Inclusivity The recent Easter weekend got me thinking about something seemingly simple: holiday greetings. In today's diverse workplaces, a one-size-fits-all approach like "Happy Holidays" might miss the mark. It made me wonder, are we truly building inclusive teams, or just going through the motions? Diversity and inclusion are hot topics, and rightly so. But what about celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make up your team? Here are a few ideas to bridge the gap: 1. Shared Experiences: Imagine a team celebrating Diwali with a delicious lunch or enjoying a short Korean film during a cultural day. These shared experiences foster empathy and understanding, building stronger, more connected teams. 2. Meaningful Connections: A generic holiday greeting might feel impersonal. Taking a moment to understand your colleagues' backgrounds shows genuine care and creates a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their traditions. 3. Movement for Motivation: Creativity isn't just about sitting at a desk. Short bursts of movement, like a team walk or a quick stretch break, can spark fresh ideas and boost problem-solving skills. Building Bridges in Action I've seen firsthand how these simple practices can create a more inclusive and productive work environment. For example: 1. Breaking Down Silos: Shared experiences can bring teams together, fostering communication and breaking down departmental barriers. 2. Boosting Innovation: Movement and creative exercises get minds working outside the box, leading to innovative solutions and fresh perspectives. 3. Employee Well-being: A happy and healthy team is a productive team. Building a sense of community and well-being leads to a more engaged workforce. Let's Start a Conversation! Because building a truly inclusive workplace benefits everyone. Start with some actionable tips: Celebrate Cultural Events: Organize potlucks or team outings that showcase different cultures and traditions. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for employees to share their backgrounds and experiences. Move More, Think More: Schedule short breaks for movement throughout the day. Do you have ideas to share on creating a more inclusive and vibrant workplace? Let's share and learn from each other in the comments below! And if you'd like to know more about our unique workshop structure, book a call with us, we'd love to have a chat with you! #corporatehealth #inclusivityanddiversity #culture #connectandcommunicate #celebratediversity #teamevents #bridgethegap #everyonematters #collectivewellbeing

This is gold!  Eric Partaker has shared such key insights in his post that I had to share 👏 Especially the point about celebrating feedback. It can be such a powerful tool for growth, but it only works if everyone feels comfortable giving and receiving it. What are some of your best practices for creating a culture of open communication and feedback?  I'd love to hear from you all!

Judgement trap! We constantly hear "life isn't black and white," yet judging ourselves often happens in a blink.  This TED Talk on self-compassion struck a chord because it highlights this internal tug-of-war. We label emotions as "good" or "bad," creating a constant battle within. But what if we could rewrite the script? Can we learn to accept the full spectrum of human experience, from joy to frustration, without judgment? Now, some might say this is easier said than done. Our brains are wired differently, and self-compassion might not come naturally to everyone.  So the question becomes: How can we cultivate this as a universal way of thinking, despite our unique wiring? Sharing strategies and fostering open conversations is a great start. Let's ditch the self-war and embrace the beautiful complexity of being human. #SelfCompassion #HowToBeABetterHuman #SelfKindness