Create the Impossible! How Play, Imperfection and Fast Learning Drive Innovation | Melissa Dinwiddie

In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, Vit Lyoshin and Melissa Dinwiddie discuss Melissa’s Create the Impossible™ framework, which consists of three steps: play hard, make crap, and learn fast. Melissa emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and playfulness in the workplace to unlock creativity and innovation.

Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist, keynote speaker, and creativity consultant whose journey, from Juilliard-trained dancer and professional calligrapher to jazz singer and innovation coach, brings a rich and artistic perspective to the world of business. Through her signature Create the Impossible™ framework, she guides tech leaders at companies like Google, Meta, Salesforce, and Uber to embrace playful experimentation, welcome “crappy” prototypes, and learn fast for breakthrough innovation.

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Takeaways

* Creativity can be unlocked through a structured framework.

* Embracing play is essential for innovation.

* Perfectionism can hinder creativity; making mistakes is necessary.

* Self-awareness and self-compassion are crucial for overcoming fears.

* Leaders must model vulnerability to encourage team experimentation.

* The concept of 'impossible' should be redefined in business contexts.

* Playfulness can enhance team dynamics and engagement.

* Recognizing and managing internal fears is a key to personal growth.

* Creating a culture of experimentation leads to breakthroughs.

* The journey to creativity is ongoing and requires continuous learning.

* Psychological safety is crucial for team dynamics.

* Leaders can generate safety by showing vulnerability.

* Celebrating failures can lead to valuable learning.

* Creating a 'creative sandbox' allows for experimentation.

* Sharing imperfect work encourages feedback and growth.

* Iteration is key to learning and improvement.

* Resistance to change is common but can be managed.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:49 The Create the Impossible Framework

06:47 Defining the Impossible in Business

11:14 Overcoming Blockers to Creativity

18:17 Embracing Play in the Workplace

25:55 The Importance of Making 'Crap'

32:50 The Importance of Iteration and Learning Fast

34:04 Examples of the Create the Impossible Framework

39:22 Embracing Play and Experimentation in Work

41:21 Leadership's Role in Fostering Creativity

45:10 Connecting with Resources and Further Learning

Connect with Melissa

* Website: https://melissadinwiddie.com/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddie/

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDinwiddie

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_creative_life/

* Book: https://melissadinwiddie.com/my-book/

* Link from the QR code: https://bit.ly/hoipthankyou

Connect with Vit

* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/

* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin

Podcast Website

* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/