#119 - Working with Source: Acknowledging the Creative Hierarchy with Tom Nixon

In this episode, we welcome Tom Nixon, author of Work with Source, to explore the powerful yet often overlooked idea of “source” - as the person who first conceives and commits to a creative initiative - and the impact such a role has on organizations.

Drawing from his extensive experience advising founders and mission-driven projects, Tom helps us unpack what it truly means to hold the role of source - beyond conventional leadership, and as he puts it, “being the author of the story that unfolds.”

Together, we explore how organizations can enable a deep human dimension behind all authentic ventures, and work towards a truly regenerative and evolutionary way of organizing.

While many conversations around leadership focus on structure, roles, or decision-making, this episode looks at a deeper assessment of where creative initiatives truly begin - and how they should maintain coherence as they evolve. Tom Nixon introduces us to the subtle but powerful idea of “source” as the unique origin point from which meaning, direction, and integrity flow.

We explore how the source perspective can help us navigate complexity, and why the source is simply not a “genius hero” figure, as we presume.

He also helps us unpack more regenerative, emergent, and resilient ways of working together. So, for listeners looking to understand the creative dynamics that often hide behind hierarchical organizational structures - and why honouring the human in a project is highly strategic - this conversation is a source of guidance.

Key Highlights
👉 The idea of source reframes leadership as a creative, intuitive role - the one who first sees and commits to a new possibility.
👉 Beneath formal org charts and policies lies the creative field - an energetic structure established by the source, which can’t be captured by governance documents but is deeply felt.
👉 Many people think the “source” is a visionary genius who always knows what to do - but that’s a myth. In reality, being the source means holding the responsibility for the creative edge, often with doubt and uncertainty.
👉 Regenerative organizing calls for living systems thinking - where purpose drives structure and growth emerges organically rather than being imposed top-down.
👉 Being the source is not about authority or control, but about holding the original impulse with integrity and enabling others to contribute meaningfully.
👉 Recognizing who holds the source in a project helps clarify roles, resolve tensions, and unlock greater flow and coherence within teams.
👉 Working with source calls for deep listening, intuition, and the courage to protect the original impulse - even when it's not yet fully understood by others.

Topics /chapters
(00:00) Working with Source: Acknowledging the Creative Hierarchy - intro
(00:51) Introducing Tom Nixon
(02:37) Introduction to Source Work
(06:29) Overlapping Creative Hierarchy and Organizational Hierarchy
(09:52) Managing Hierarchy in Evolving Organizations
(16:09) Ownership of the Source
(19:33) Managing system thinkers and complexity mindset to coexist with intelligent creation
(26:34) Shaping a Founders Mindset for a Balanced Business
(37:13) Source’s Impact on a Brand Story
(46:04) Sources and their Ownership
(51:41) Breadcrumbs and Suggestions

Remember that you can always find transcripts and key highlights of the episode on our website: https://www.boundaryless.io/podcast/nixon-tom

Episode recorded on Apr 01, 2025

Find out more about the show and the research at Boundaryless at https://boundaryless.io/resources/podcast/