The Creative Switch

https://lulamorris.substack.com/

Afflliate Links

Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

The Hidden Cost of Not Starting Over: 3 Hard Truths from a Surgeon-Turned-Creative

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

The Hidden Cost of Not Starting Over: 3 Hard Truths from a Surgeon-Turned-Creative

What happens when a paediatric trauma surgeon dares to leave it all behind in search of a more authentic, creative life? In this episode boldness takes centre stage as Louise Morris shares the harsh realities of embracing radical change. The conversation explores the emotional toll of staying in a hard earned but unsustainable role, the paralysing perfectionism, and the sacrifices required to step away from external validation.

Through Louise's candid reflections, you are invited to consider the risks and rewards of forging a new path, discovering that genuine fulfilment demands a whole lot of courage to start over.

Louise Morris Bio:

Louise is a poet, storyteller, educator, craft-dabbler and community-gatherer who used to be a consultant paediatric, neonatal, and trauma surgeon. After 18 years in the NHS caring for children and families, she now writes full-time, with a focus on decision-making, career transition, feminist leadership, and everyday joy. Alongside her writing, she is developing a portfolio of work that includes reflective writing circles for clinicians, strategic support for women in leadership, and in-person gatherings for creatives seeking deeper connection. Louise lives in rural Nottinghamshire with her husband and two young children, and serves as a non-executive director at Lemon Jelly Press CIC, a small independent publisher with a mission to amplify unheard voices.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

02:49 - The Edge
00:18 - Reconnecting with Creativity
06:21 - The Courage to Create: Louise's Journey
13:14 - Exploring Creativity and Career Paths
19:37 - Rediscovering Creativity Through Writing
24:23 - The Art of Decision Making in Surgery
31:45 - The Human Connection in Medicine
33:48 - Finding Connection in a New World
37:00 - The Journey of Fitting In
44:11 - Navigating Change and Embracing Creativity
45:03 - Creative Adventures - going back to singing

Four Creative Nuggets:

“When that fixed term post ended last July, I made a decision not to apply for any more jobs and I came home to my children.” — Louise Morris

“There was a little bit of me thinking, now that I'm finished training and I've ticked off all the boxes I had to tick to get to here, is this it? Is this my life for the next 20 years?” — Louise Morris

Talking about not taking up a permanent role. “My goodness, it's been such a gift not doing that. I feel like I've woken up to Mary Oliver's one wild and precious life.” — Louise Morris

In a high pressure, high commitment career, “You don’t have space to think about who you are and what you want… You don’t have that time to breathe.” — Louise Morris

Links:

Louise Morris

https://livestack.substack.com/

The Edge

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/burnout-belief-reforming-the-nhs

https://www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/site-content/young-people-get-insight-into-creative-jobs-in-discover-creative-careers-initiative

Creative Adventures

Episode mentioned: Caroline Pearce

Nikki Vallance

About my career switches

The Bold Types on Substack

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Xenia Davis - Choir leader and singing teacher

Afflliate Links

Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

How Xenia Davis Created Space for Creativity And Why You Can Too

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

How Xenia Davis Created Space for Creativity And Why You Can Too

What if the real secret to creative transformation lies not in doing more, but in allowing yourself the space to say yes? In this episode, Xenia Davis shares how stepping back from rigid plans and inviting spaciousness into her life led her from self-doubt to a thriving career as a community song leader. Through her story, you’ll discover how making room for possibility—emotionally and practically—can open the doors to confidence, community, and joy, even in the face of uncertainty.

Guest Bio:

Xenia Davis is an experienced song leader and workshop facilitator with a passion for bringing people from all walks of life together to sing in harmony. She uses her warm and inclusive style to create playful and supportive spaces for people of all levels of experience to explore their voices and enjoy singing together.

Xenia is a member of the Natural Voice Network and strongly believes that everyone can sing and should have opportunities to do so. Her teaching style reflects this inclusive approach. She teaches everything by ear, so it doesn’t matter whether or not you have previously learnt to read music.

Xenia currently runs 4 regular community choirs across south London (Sydenham, Catford, Peckham and Streatham), and works with over 180 singers a week. Her choirs have performed at a wide range of events from supporting local community fairs to performances at venues including the Southbank Centre, Southwark Cathedral and Lambeth Country Show, as well as occasional singing flashmobs. In addition to this she has led singing at Stonehenge as part of the winter and summer solstice celebrations, organises highly popular residential singing retreats, and runs workshops at workplaces, weddings, festivals and community events.

Her earliest musical memories are of dancing round the living room aged 3 in Mozambique, where she was living at the time, to gorgeous harmonies from the South African musical Ipi Ntombi. She has been singing for as long as she can remember, and can also (rustily!) play clarinet, piano and guitar. Aside from music, her background is in youth and community work, social action, participation, and training and facilitation.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

02:03 - Creative News in The Edge
06:22 - Introduction to Xenia Davis: Embracing Community Singing
10:42 - The Turning Point: Embracing a New Passion
22:03 - Exploring the Essence of Creativity
29:44 - The Importance of Overcoming Self-Judgment
34:16 - The Value of Creativity in Education
40:54 - Exploring Creative Connections through Singing
45:56 - Creating Space for Creativity
46:44 - Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Together we can make a sound that we can’t make on our own." — Xenia Davis

"I’ve got a bit more spare time in the day to start thinking about what could I do.” — Xenia Davis

“A really big part of a tricky warm up game is feeling okay and being able to laugh at ourselves and thinking, oh, that didn’t quite go right. But that’s okay… we’re not at the Proms.” — Xenia Davis

"I felt really scared about doing it and decided just not to tell my colleagues that I was really scared of doing it and did it anyway, which is the best thing to do.” — Xenia Davis

Links:

Xenia Davis

https://www.instagram.com/sing.with.xenia/

The Edge

‘Music reached a part of him that words no longer could’ | BPS

Bingley gears up for three-day community arts festival | Bradford Telegraph and Argus

Over 50 groups awarded micro-grants to take part in Bradford 2025 | Creative Lives

Creative Adventures

The Creative Switch Episode mentioned with Richard Tyler

Nikki Vallance

The Bold Types on Substack

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://instagram.com//rebeccalaceyart

Afflliate Links

Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

How Rebecca Lacey Turns Collaboration Into Creative Courage

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

How Rebecca Lacey Turns Collaboration Into Creative Courage

Collaboration can provide the support you need to transform fear into bravery. In this episode actor, coach, artist, and poet Rebecca Lacey shares how trusted networks and friendships, creative partnerships, and her work as a life coach have sustained her across her acting, fine art, and poetry. From secretly beginning her professional acting career at fifteen to navigating motherhood, coaching, and exhibitions, Rebecca reveals how leaning into support and offering it to others creates resilience and joy. Her journey shows that courage grows when creativity is encouraged, nurtured and shared.

Guest Bio:

Rebecca Lacey is an Actor , Artist , Poet and Life Coach . She has been a professional Actor since her youth, working across all mediums. She has appeared in many popular television shows with over 40 credits to her name and a Bafta longlist nomination. She has been in over 25 stage productions including the West End ( The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Dead Funny ) and most recently at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Barbican .

Her Art is expressive and gestural using colour and form. Her practice begins by connecting with a playful sense of awe with the world , both within and around her. Nature is a constant source of inspiration and an urgent motivation. She tries not to “think too hard”, believing it is in the gaps between conscious thoughts where creativity can grow. She studied Fine Art Foundation at Richmond School of Art and has subsequently been self-taught . She has had 3 solo exhibitions since 2020 , 2 at RuptureXIBIT Gallery, in London, where she was also currently Artist in Residence. She has participated in several group shows in London and has a representation at Saatchi Art online.

She has been a working Life Coach for 20 years with a Foundation and Masters qualification from ITS.

She has 2 poetry pamphlets out and has had several poems published.

She lives in S.W London with her husband and 2 children .

Episode Chapters

00:17.68 Finding Support for Creative Endeavors

03:53.22 The Importance of Support in Creativity

12:13.90 The Turning Point of Motherhood

18:15.45 The Journey of a Life Coach

21:50.16 Turning Points in Life and Career

26:39.52 Exploring Art and Poetry During Lockdown

31:02.96 The Intersection of Art and Audience

38:26.14 The Phases of Creativity

42:14.88 Our Uniqueness

46:28.15 Creative Process: Embracing Imperfection

53:01.81 Embracing Creative Opportunities

54:23.45 Finding Creative Support

Four Creative Nuggets:

"I was going to the theater whenever I could, was still in touch with all my friends. I was really on top of what everyone was doing, what was happening, what the new plays were. I was really, really connected." Rebecca Lacey

"A friend of mine who's an artist and runs a small art gallery came over and said, can I see your foundation work? So I showed her and she said, this is great. I want you to do an exhibition." — Rebecca Lacey

“We had a group show called Many Actors Make Art. And there were 70 actors who also paint beautifully. And everybody was different and it was wonderful.” — Rebecca Lacey

“If one person says, ‘I like that,’ then you’ve won. That’s enough to keep going.” — Rebecca Lacey

Links:

Rebecca Lacey

Acting Website: https://rebeccalacey.co.uk

Art Website: https://rebeccalaceyart.com

The Edge

A Creative & Cultural Country: our development actions | Arts Council England

Help Musicians | Get support

Creative Lives: What We Do

Creative Adventures

Episode mentioned: Melanie Cantor

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.substack.com

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.ninalenton.co.uk/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Finding Balance: Juggling Creativity and Work with Nina Lenton

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

The Myth of Creative Balance with Nina Lenton

What if chasing creative balance is actually what’s throwing you off course? In this episode of The Creative Switch, creativity coach and former marketing project manager Nina Lenton unpacks the myth of balance, and shares how embracing life's different phases, custom systems, and imperfect rhythms can unlock deeper creative flow.

From her Friday morning ritual to her journey through regulated industries and motherhood, Nina offers practical insights for creatives navigating idea overload, neurodiverse planning challenges, and the tension between paid work and passion projects. Whether you’re stuck in overwhelm or resisting structure, this conversation invites you to rethink what balance really means—and how to reclaim your creative agency on your own terms.

Guest Bio:

Nina Lenton is a project manager and coach who works with creatives and creative thinkers (who have a lot of ideas). She helps them to get clarity, take action and find headspace so they can achieve their business goals AND enjoy being creative.

She believes that we are all creative, and that we all have our own form of creative expression and unique mix of creative thinking styles.

As well as untangling creative brains, she enjoys writing, photography and drawing penguin doodles.

Her creative rediscovery started over 10 years ago when she signed up to do a ’30-day challenge’ and started a blog - writing a post or poem every day during that time. That challenge led to more creative experiments with photos and writing, as well as helping her realise that her project management skills were really useful to people who have a lot of ideas.

At the time she was freelancing in marketing and communications, which she still does occasionally. Her focus changed last year when she trained in coaching skills and also gained a certification which enables her to use Creative ID (creative thinking styles) with her clients.

She now offers coaching, practical planning and mentoring sessions, gives talks and runs workshops about creativity and creative thinking styles. She recently published a book of her penguin doodles.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

00:18 - Finding Creative Balance
01:28 - The Edge - Creative news
04:10 - Balancing Creativity and Work
05:15 - Nina's Definition of Creativity
12:15 - The Origin of Nina's Coaching
15:15 - How Creativity Coaching works
19:58 - Overcoming challenges in a creative business
26:03 - Untangling Creativity: Structuring Support for Aspiring
Creatives
29:09 - The turning point of earning from your creative passion
35:40 - Understanding the Balance of Creativity and Business
37:38 - Exploring Creative Expression
40:06 - What's next for Nina's own creative projects
42:26 - Creative Adventures - Finding balance

Four Creative Nuggets:

"I see it as phases… sometimes I’m doing something more for the money than the love. You need a foundation to be able to do the playing—until that playing makes you money." —Nina Lenton

"Everyone’s creative. And when you know what your way of being creative is, find ways to do it!" —Nina Lenton

"For me... from a freelance perspective... I see it as a portfolio in an ever changing balance.'—Nina Lenton

"You're not likely to get me to do anything on a Friday morning because that's when I will go for a walk and take some photos… it's just become a thing." —Nina Lenton

Links:

Nina Lenton

https://www.instagram.com/ninalentonbusiness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninalenton/

https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/

The Edge

Creatives unite | Longstanding Health Crisis In Creative Industries Linked To Passion-Driven Work, Research Finds

How creatives are surviving the 2025 slowdown | Creative Boom

Skills Mismatches in the UK's Creative Industries - Creative Industries Policy andE vidence Centre

Creative Adventures

Episodes mentioned

Theo Michaels

Pernille Hughes

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.hannahbegbie.com/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Comedy Agent to Novelist: Hannah Begbie with 3 Hard Truths About Switching Sides

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Comedy Agent to Novelist: Hannah Begbie with 3 Hard Truths About Switching Sides

What happens when the person behind the scenes decides to step into the spotlight? In this episode, Hannah Begbie—former comedy agent turned award-winning novelist—shares the emotional and professional recalibrations required to move from representing creatives to becoming one. Through three hard-won truths, she reveals the identity shifts, mindset traps, and unexpected freedoms that come with switching sides. From near-missed opportunities to the myth of innate talent, Hannah’s journey offers a candid, resonant roadmap for anyone considering a creative pivot later in life.

Hannah Begbie Bio:

Hannah Begbie studied Art History at Cambridge University before working as a talent agent representing award-winning television writers and comedians for more than a decade. While developing her debut novel Mother, she won the City University’s Novel Studio Prize for New Writing. Published by HarperCollins in 2018, Mother went on to win the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award for New Writing. It was Book of the Month on Mumsnet and a pick for Fern Britton’s inaugural Book Club for Tesco. Hannah’s second novel Blurred Lines was published in July 2020. It was a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick and won Woman and Home’s prize for Best Psychological Drama of 2020.

Hannah is currently adapting Mother with Tom Edge and Clerkenwell Films as a television drama for the BBC. She has worked in writers’ rooms and is developing several comedy dramas with leading TV producers.

The Last Weekend published on 10 April and is Hannah’s third novel. ‘

She lives in London with her husband and their two sons.

Episode Chapters:

00:17 - Intro
01:59 - Creative news in The Edge
05:57 - The Journey of Creativity: From Agent to Novelist
16:38 - The Transition to Writing
26:11 - Becoming a Published Author
39:21 - Fostering a Creative Mindset
45:00 - Navigating Creative Challenges
47:00 - Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets:

“I grew up believing that creativity was something you were gifted before birth… like blue eyes or brown eyes.” —Hannah Begbie

“The only thing that can really keep you going in a situation like that is just grit and faith—getting up and failing and getting up again.” —Hannah Begbie

“I was in a silent room with a blank page… and it was an immense cultural shift for me.” —Hannah Begbie

“You’re not going to be able to do this unless you back yourself—because no one else is going to do it.” —Hannah Begbie

Links:

Hannah Begbie

https://www.instagram/hannahbegbie/

The Edge

Rediscovering Creativity in the Age of Generative AI | Psychology Today United Kingdom

AI for Enhancing—Not Replacing—Human Creativity | Psychology Today

What is creativity without sweat and tears? — Harvard Gazette

Creative Adventures

Lorna Gibson Episode

Mentions

Radio 4 Desert Island Discs - Hilary Mantel

The eight "Wealth Profiles" in Wealth Dynamics

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://x.com/stonexemma/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Writer's Block to Breakthrough: Insights from Best Seller Emma Stonex

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

From Writer's Block to Breakthrough: Insights from Emma Stonex

Episode Summary:

If you’ve ever felt creatively adrift after a big win, this episode will speak straight to your soul. Emma Stonex—Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lamplighters—joins me for a candid, deeply resonant conversation about the emotional terrain of writing, the grief of letting go of a beloved project, and the quiet magic of finding your way back to joy. From pen names and bonkbusters to lighthouse keepers and revenge thrillers, Emma’s journey is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, honouring the muse, and knowing when to walk away. It’s one of those episodes that lingers—and might just unlock something you’ve been stuck on.

Emma Stonex Bio:

Emma Stonex was born in 1983 and grew up in Northamptonshire. After working in publishing for several years, she quit to pursue her dream of writing fiction. The Lamplighters was a Sunday Times bestseller and has been translated into twenty-five languages. Her second novel The Sunshine Man was published earlier this year. She lives in Bristol with her family.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

00:17 - Balancing Creativity and Focus
13:51 - The Journey to Becoming an Author
16:25 - The Journey to Writing My Own Book
33:25 - Exploring Creativity: A Journey Through Writing
38:05 - Navigating Creativity and Contractual Pressure
43:10 - The Journey of Writing: From Inspiration to Reality

Four Creative Nuggets:

1. “Creativity is ultimately a two-way street… hoping to sort of hold hands with somebody that I've never met.”

—Emma Stonex

2. “Writing was an opportunity to express myself without any pressure… there was a real lovely refuge in that.”

—Emma Stonex

3. “It was just this really gentle, organic, lovely journey of learning… and it was a proper love affair.”

—Emma Stonex

4. “Just be honest. If you're trying and it's not working and it's not coming, the wrong thing to do is to force it. And I've learned that the hard way.”

—Emma Stonex

Links:

Guest

https://instagram.com/stonexemma/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lamplighters-Emma-Stonex/dp/1529047358/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunshine-Man-Emma-Stonex/dp/1529047366/

The Edge

Creative Adventures

Rachel Bamber Episode

Creative Retreat Blog

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.instagram.com/juliette.crosbie/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

A Creative Encounter with Juliette Crosbie: From Orange Boots to Bold Truths

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

A Creative Encounter with Juliette Crosbie: From Orange Boots to Bold Truths

Episode Summary:

I met Juliette Crosbie because I wore my orange boots—and thank goodness I did. Our conversation dives deep into what it means to live creatively, how discomfort can be a sign you're on the right path, and why letting your humanity show in your art is never a weakness. Juliette’s honesty, warmth and fierce insight make this one of the most memorable episodes I’ve recorded.

If you’ve ever felt torn between discipline and play, or wondered how to stay authentic when the world demands polish—this one’s for you.

Juliette Crosbie Bio:

Juliette is a graduate of Gaiety School of Acting, and a native of Louth. She recently starred in The Old Vic’s critically acclaimed A Christmas Carol, alongside John Simm (Life On Mars). She will feature in John Carney’s upcoming feature film Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, Báite (Danú Media) and the highly anticipated new comedy How To Get To Heaven From Belfast (HatTrick Prod). Other credits include Don’t Go Where I Cant Find You (Best Actress, Jim Thorpe Film Festival, DIFF Aer Lingus Discovery Award Nomination), Last Orders At The Dockside, Me, Sara (The Abbey Theatre) and the Irish Stage premiere of Maeve Binchy’s beloved novel Circle of Friends (The Gaiety Theatre).

As a singer, Juliette regularly performs as a soloist with The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, most recently with Killian Donnelly for A Celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber. She will join them again this May for Movies and Musicals (Bord Gais Energy Theatre). She has also performed with both The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and The Hallé, Manchester.

As a voiceover artist, Juliette provides the sounds of lead heroine Anna Myers in award winning Video game Murder in the Alps, animal-whisperer Anna Banana in Nickoloedon Jnrs tv series Rainbow Rangers and Promi, in Toonz Zoonicorns.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

00:17 - The Art of Finding Guests
07:05 - The Journey of Creativity: Embracing Change and Expression
23:49 - The Essence of Creativity
40:40 - Exploring Creativity and Process in Art
53:18 - Navigating the Creative Process: The Balance Between Clarity and Expression

Four Creative Nuggets:

"Creativity at the moment seems to kind of blend into everything in my life... which liberates everything." — Juliette Crosbie

"If it feels really raw and difficult and like you're going to burst into flames, you're probably on the right track." — Juliette Crosbie

"We're not saving lives on any level, but we are trying to help people make sense of what it is to be alive." — Juliette Crosbie

"You have to let the creative bit take control and not nitpick all the way through it." — Juliette Crosbie

Links:

Juliette Crosbie

Movies and Musicals Saturday 7 June 2025 - Movies and Musicals with Aedín Gormley

https://www.threads.com/@juliette.crosbie

Susannah Norris Agency

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Free-Play-Improvisation-Life-Canons/dp/1805301926/

The Edge

1 https://www.screendaily.com/news/2025-film-and-high-end-tv-productions-shooting-in-the-uk-and-ireland-latest-updates/5200306.article

2 https://www.screendaily.com/features/bafta-nominated-casting-directors-talk-process-self-tapes-and-why-availability-has-become-an-insane-problem/5201553.article/

3 https://www.screendaily.com/features/you-have-to-carry-on-pushing-good-chaos-founder-mike-goodridge-reflects-on-life-in-the-international-producer-fast-lane/5208288.article/

4 https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/musicians-silent-album-protest-ai-plans/

5 https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en/insights/perspective/ai-ready-creatives.html

6 https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about/global-annual-review/artificial-intelligence.html

7 https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=12d09254-57da-4388-8df9-ff39284f2a4c

Creative Adventures

Harriet Kelsall Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.lisamaltby.com/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Lisa Maltby on Balancing Passion and Profit in Creative Freelancing

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Lisa Maltby on Balancing Passion and Profit in Creative Freelancing

Episode Summary:

Today, we dive deep into the world of creativity and freelancing with the talented digital illustrator and designer, Lisa Maltby. After a decade in creative agencies, Lisa made the leap to freelance, and she shares the realities of balancing a stable income with the need for creative expression. We explore practical tips for anyone considering a similar transition, as well as the importance of understanding your audience and the unique challenges faced by freelancers in today’s market. Lisa's journey is not just about the work she produces but also her commitment to mentoring others and advocating for underrepresented voices in the creative industry. Join us for a conversation rich with wisdom, humor, and inspiration that will help you navigate your own creative path!

Lisa Maltby Bio:

Lisa Maltby is an illustrator and designer based in Sheffield, specialising in food and heritage brands. Her work blends beauty with functionality, creating thoughtful visuals that connect with audiences and bring stories to life. Grounded in craftsmanship and rich in detail, her designs are both purposeful and eye-catching.

With a diverse portfolio spanning publishing, editorial, branding, and heritage, Lisa has worked with clients including Penguin Random House, The Guardian, National Trust, Politico, and Waitrose Food. Whether through intricate digital illustrations, book covers, or large-scale murals, her approach is always led by storytelling, preserving tradition while engaging contemporary audiences.

Beyond her client work, Lisa is a lecturer and writer, contributing insights to creative industry publications and blogs. She is also an advocate for equal access to the arts, supporting initiatives that champion opportunities for young creatives from all backgrounds.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

Chapters:

00:19 - Starting a Freelance Creative Career
05:41 - Introducing Lisa Maltby: A Journey in Creativity
12:32 - Exploring Creative Freedom in Professional Work
20:23 - Finding Your Audience as a Creative
24:03 - Exploring Creative Identity and Financial Realities
36:22 - Navigating the Creative Industry: Insights and Reflections
42:13 - Navigating Creative Careers: Challenges and Strategies
48:28 - Exploring Creative Freedom and Constraints
56:13 - Creative Paths and New Beginnings

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Creativity is just the freedom to explore ideas and using those ideas to engage with others.” — Lisa Maltby

“I often will implement boundaries on myself on purpose because I know that if I'm just left to my own, I would use every single color and every single material, and it would just be a mess.” — Lisa Maltby

“You're essentially identifying problems and coming up with solutions for people… you're thinking a little bit more commercially about how your work solves problems.” — Lisa Maltby

“Creative careers are always changing and pivoting… I have a vision and I'm creative, so I can't not be that.” — Lisa Maltby

Links:

Lisa Maltby

https://www.facebook.com/lisamaltbystudio/

https://www.instagram.com/lisamaltbystudio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-maltby-28aa675b/

The Edge

1. Caroline Norbury to step down as Chief Executive of Creative UK https://www.screendaily.com/news/caroline-norbury-to-step-down-as-creative-uk-chief-executive/5208669.article

2. Ian Murray MP reappointed as Minister of State for Creative Industries

https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/the-business-of-events-welcomes-appointment-of-ian-murray-mp-as-minister-of-state-for-creative-industries

3. UKRI confirms next wave of Creative Industries Clusters launching January 2026

https://www.ukri.org/blog/creative-industries-clusters-the-next-chapter-in-a-uk-success-story

4. Creative Boom – Illustration trends for 2025 https://www.creativeboom.com/insight/illustration-trends-what-creative-directors-are-commissioning-in-2025/

5. Scream Digital – Illustration trends set to shape 2025 https://screamdigital.co.uk/blog/web-design/illustration-trends-set-to-take-shape-in-2025

Creative Adventures

Mike Hall Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://luxurylondon.co.uk/lifestyle/interiors/2025-interior-design-trends-texture-art-historical-touches

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Scores, Sketches, & Stories: Self-Redesign with Hannah Ashe

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Scores Sketches, & Stories: Self-Redesign with Hannah Ashe

Episode Summary:

After a highly successful career as a music teacher Hannah Ashe teacher made a pivot to interior design before discovering an additional and entirely different form of creative expression through her Substack publication, Chez Hanny. Her creativity knows no limits and I am excited for you to hear how it fuels everything she does.

The episode highlights the importance of embracing creative reinvention and nurturing creativity in various forms, including in education and through personal expression.

Hannah Ashe Bio:

Hannah’s interior design journey began in 2012 when she bought her first London flat which needed a serious revamp. Together with her husband, she went on to fully renovate two further homes and now lives in a beautiful Edwardian house in SW London where there are always new projects on the go. It often features on Hannah’s Instagram page.

In 2023, Hannah left her teaching career and position of Director of Music to follow her passion and retrain as an interior designer. She is a keen gardener and the natural environment and biophilic design concepts play a pivotal role in her design schemes. Hannah uses natural materials and forms in her design schemes as she believes they bring a sense of calm to the home. Helping clients to discover their unique personal style brings joy and satisfaction to Hannah's work and encourages a new sense of design confidence in those that she has worked with.

The creative arts still play a significant role in her life and Hannah writes a Substack newsletter - Chez Hanny - and hosts a podcast on Creative Career Change.

As well as a great eye for colour and detail, Hannah is particularly skilled in transforming Edwardian houses. She has excellent communication skills honed through 16 years of teaching, and she brings a calm presence and personal approach to every design project.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

00:17 - Introducing Hannah Ashe
07:40 - Meeting Hannah Ashe: A Creative Switch
11:38 - Exploring Creative Paths
15:55 - The Realization of Change
21:09 - Starting a New Chapter in Interior Design
26:59 - Exploring the Transition to Substack
35:01 - The Journey to Embrace Creativity
39:56 - Embracing Creativity and Structure
44:07 - The Journey of Creative Intuition
49:54 - Exploring Creativity and Connections
51:05 - Introducing The Bold Types - Exploring the Art and Science of Creative Living

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Creativity is very much linked to time and headspace… it’s about carving out specific pockets of time and space that enable those thoughts and ideas to come.” Hannah Ashe

“These creative switches don’t necessarily just happen instantly… it can be a gradual process that is evolving over time—and that’s definitely what worked for me.” Hannah Ashe

“If we write something just because we want to write it… not because we’re thinking, how can I market this… those are the things that people resonate with the most.” Hannah Ashe

“I don’t think I ever want creativity to be pigeonholed… they all just mush and merge into one—and the more that I embrace that, the more creative I can be.” Hannah Ashe

Links:

The Edge

1 Luxury London – 2025 Interior Design Trends

2 Houzz UK – Emerging Trends Report

https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/2025-houzz-uk-emerging-trends-report-stsetivw-vs~182019964

3 John Lewis – Press Release on John Cooper Collaboration

https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/pressrelease/johnlewis/details/23475

4 BBC – Interior Design Masters Series 6 Episodes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0029tns/episodes/player

5 UK Parliament – Debate on Music Education (3 July 2025)

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-07-03/debates/453D1DF2-6E16-4049-8767-17A00A9ABFCA/MusicEducation

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0148/

Creative Adventures

Kevin Chesters Episode

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f1d51f6-e7bb-4af2-92ff-90746c1c87de

Hannah Ashe

www.hannahashe.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/chez_hanny/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chez-hanny

https://chezhanny.substack.com

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

www.facebook.com/ruthmaryjewellery/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

From Setback to Sparkle: How Serious Illness Led Ruth Mary Chipperfield to Jewellery Design

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Episode Summary:

I talk with Ruth Mary Chipperfield, a bespoke jewellery designer who turned to creativity after illness changed her plans at university. In the Edge news, I cover recent UK jewellery news, including Harriet Kelsall’s studio being nominated for Bespoke Jewellery Retailer of the Year. In Creative Adventures, I also share tips from my own creative journey and highlight advice from Andrew Szczeck about connecting with your audience and understanding the distinction between what we make and how we sell. Plus, I cover recent UK jewellery news, including Harriet Kelsall’s studio being nominated for Bespoke Jewellery Retailer of the Year. The episode is all about creative reinvention, ethical practice, and taking action on your ideas.

Guest Bio: Ruth Chipperfield is a goldsmith and jewellery designer, who specialises in remodelling sentimental heirloom jewellery into meaningful jewellery pieces for today. Ruth has a deep appreciation for the story behind each piece, which is retold in every design she creates while reflecting personal style at the same time as preserving family history through the jewellery she works on.

As a former scientist, Ruth has never been bound by tradition. As a child, her aspiration was to become an inventor which led Ruth to study Chemistry. However, during her studies, Ruth was diagnosed with narcolepsy, which meant her husband became her fulltime carer for three years. During this time Ruth was collapsing 30+ times a day and sleeping for 18 hours in a 24 hour cycle.

However, this was the making of her current path as it gave Ruth the opportunity to go in a whole new direction. Ruth’s early designs, which are still popular today, feature delicate lace designs in precious metal, giving a nod to simpler times and reinventing the dying art of lacemaking.

The scientist hasn’t been left behind though. Much of Ruth’s work involves creating future heirlooms such as engagement rings and she has a passion for reusing preloved gemstones. Using her chemistry background, each gemstone undergoes full laboratory testing so her customers can have confidence in her work and the gemstones they buy.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

Introduction [00:00]

The Edge [01:58]

Ruth's Background [05:37]

Narcolepsy Diagnosis [06:51]

Creativity Defined [08:13]

Client Stories [08:55]

Creative Process [16:23]

Business Evolution [34:27]

Health Management [42:25]

Creative Adventures [48:32]

Four Creative Nuggets:

"I think that's the misconception people often have, is that creativity equals drawing. It doesn't... I personally believe that creativity is a way of thinking so you can be a creative person without making anything physical. I think it very much links to problem solving."
"I think creativity really is something that influences every aspect. It's bringing together multiple ideas."
"Sometimes you, as a creative person, just have to have the courage to break out of the narrative and go into a different direction and trust the process that all paths will lead to the right point."
"I think a lot of creative people are like this. You start something and you've got all these unfinished things and it's never linear."

Links:

Guest: Ruth Chipperfield

www.ruthmary.com/

www.instagram.com/ruthmaryjewellery/

www.linkedin.com/ruth-mary-chipperfield/

https://www.youtube.com/@ruthmaryjewellery/

The Edge

Lustre & Love wins Emerging Jewellery Brand of the Year

Dudley News – Full article

Rub-over jewellery trend spotlight

Why Rubover Jewellery is So Popular Right Now | The Diamond Store

Harriet Kelsall Episode

Creative Adventures

Andrew Szczeck Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

Thom Yorke “still struggling” to be creative post-pandemic: “I really valued that time”

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

From Consulting to Songwriting: Tricia Duffy's Creative Evolution

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

From Consulting to Songwriting: Tricia Duffy's Creative Evolution

Episode Summary:

In this climate of creative recalibration and music industry reform Tricia Duffy, a strategy consultant, podcaster, and self-described ‘creativity fairy godmother’, who took up songwriting later in life, talks about her own creative evolution, her philosophy and tips for living a creative life. Her story is a powerful reminder that creative balance isn’t just possible, it’s transformative. And mostly it hinges on one thing, your mindset.

Guest Bio:

Tricia Duffy is a polymath. A media consultant, podcaster, public speaker, songwriter, and singer based in West London. She began her career as a cruise ship entertainer in the U.S., transitioned into TV roles at IMG, Sky, and BBC, and founded the strategy consulting firm Lily Grey in 2012. After pursuing a Masters in songwriting, in 2017, she has made music through her Americana duo, Duffy & Bird and her solo project Little Lore, and in 2023 she became the UK Chapter Coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International. She created her philosophy, podcast and community, In Ten Years Time, to support others by sharing her experience navigating the challenges of combining consulting and songwriting. Tricia also writes music for other artists and media.

Episode Chapters:

00:36 - Reflecting on Past Seasons and Future Directions
04:54 - Exploring Creative Recalibration with Trisha Duffy
23:51 - Creative Exploration and the Beginner's Mindset
30:13 - The Genesis of the Podcast
52:50 - Creative Adventures and New Beginnings

Four Creative Nuggets:

Creativity is a verb, a way of living and being, which everyone possesses.
Embracing a beginner's mindset allows one to explore creativity without self-judgment.
Establishing a ten-year plan can provide clarity and direction for your creative journey.
Maintaining a balance between multiple creative pursuits requires self-reflection and intentional time management.

Links:

Guest

Website: https://littlelore.uk

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/littleloremusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleloremusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleloremusic/

In Ten Years Time: In Ten Years Time | How to live a creative life

Books: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us : Magsamen, Susan, Ross, Ivy

The Edge

Government secures label-led measures to boost earnings for UK artists - GOV.UK

Creative Adventures

Lorna Gibson Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

The Creative Switch Returns: Embrace Your Creative Self

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:58:00 +0000

The Creative Switch Returns: Embrace Your Creative Self

Welcome to The Creative Switch—the podcast inspiring the sensibly successful to switch on their unexpressed creativity for a more fulfilled life.

I’m your host, Nikki Vallance. I know what it’s like to have a career that looks great on paper but still feel like something’s missing. That’s why I made my own creative switch and now help others do the same.

After producing 24 episodes in my first year, I took a step back. Life played its part, but mostly I wanted to reflect, on what was working, what could evolve, and how to reach the right people with even more relevant, helpful content.

I’m so pleased to be back with a brand new season. The conversations are deepening, the creative disciplines are still beautifully broad, and the question that sparked it all continues to guide me:

What makes some people pursue their creativity and others not?

Season three continues the journey, with new voices and deeper questions to help you reconnect with your creative self.

Subscribe now and let’s switch on your creativity.

And Remember Why survive when you can thrive?

Links:

Nikki Vallance

Afflliate Links

https://facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/RuthHoganAuthor/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Ruth Hogan on Writing, Creativity, and Her Latest Novel, The Phoenix Ballroom

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ruth Hogan on Writing, Creativity, and Her Latest Novel, The Phoenix Ballroom

In this final episode of the Summer Authors Special, host Nikki Vallance sits down with Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hogan. Known for her evocative and heartwarming novels with eccentric characters, Ruth shares her journey from a career in local government to becoming a Bestselling author. They discuss the importance of creativity in everyday life, the inspiration behind Ruth's latest book, "The Phoenix Ballroom," and the significance of embracing second chances at any age. Ruth also delves into her writing process, the impact of life experiences on her work, and the value of intergenerational friendships.

Ruth Hogan Bio:

Ruth Hogan was brought up in a house full of books, fostering an unsurprising passion for reading and writing. She also loved (and still does) dogs and ponies, seaside piers (particularly the Palace Pier in Brighton), snow globes, cemeteries, and potatoes. Initially aspiring to be a vet, show jumper, gravedigger, or potato farmer, Ruth eventually found her calling as a writer. She studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where she hennaed her hair, wore dungarees, and had aspirations to be the fourth member of Bananarama. After a decade-long career in local government, a car accident left her unable to work full-time, prompting her to start writing seriously.

In 2012, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer, which led to an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. During sleepless nights caused by chemo, she wrote her bestselling debut novel, "The Keeper of Lost Things," a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Ruth has since published three more novels: "The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes," "Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel," and "Madame Burova." She lives in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and her long-suffering husband. Ruth is a magpie, always collecting treasures (or 'junk' depending on your point of view), a huge John Betjeman fan, and dreams of having a full-size galloping horses carousel in her back garden.

Episode Highlights:

- [00:05] - The Edge

- [06:13] Ruth Hogan's Introduction and Career Background

- [07:21] What Creativity Means to Ruth

- [09:15] Navigating Life and Career Transitions

- [18:11] Ruth's Switching Moment: From Local Government to Writing

- [23:40] Overcoming Challenges: Ruth's Battle with Cancer and Finding an Agent

- [32:22] The Inspiration Behind "Keeper of Lost Things"

- [40:15] The Genesis of "The Phoenix Ballroom"

- [50:21] Themes of Second Chances and Intergenerational Friendships in Ruth's Work

- [57:03] The Importance of Representing Older Characters in Fiction

- [58:57] Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets

"I've always had a really strong sense of who I am. I didn't always have the courage to show it." - Ruth Hogan

“You will make time because you have to write. It's not a question of I want to write, it's a question of I need to write." - Ruth Hogan

"It's never too late to start; age should not define your creative journey." - Ruth Hogan

Creativity " is the expression of the thing that is only me" - Ruth Hogan

Links

Ruth Hogan

https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/ruthmariehogan/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phoenix-Ballroom-brand-new-emotional-bestselling/dp/1805460706/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeper-Lost-Things-Richard-bestseller/dp/1473635489/

The Edge

Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Age and Ageing | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

Spaces for Creativity 2024 | Creative Lives (creative-lives.org)

Creative Adventures

Lorna Gibson Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://thewillowtreefoundation.com/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

And the podcast will be back later in the year with more great guests, updates on my progress with book two, and news of an exciting new cross discipline collaboration project.

Keep creating…

And remember, why survive when you can thrive?

Richard Tyler on Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Adversity

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Richard Tyler on Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Adversity

This is the second of three bonus episodes in the Summer Authors Special where Nikki Vallance talks to 3 talented and insightful writers as they dig into their inspirational stories and discuss the new books they have written.

In this episode of "The Creative Switch," host Nikki Vallance delves into the transformative power of creativity with guest Richard Tyler. Richard, a former West End star turned psychotherapist and author, shares his journey from the heights of musical theatre to the depths of battling stage four lymphoma. He discusses the importance of creativity in his life, how it has helped him navigate severe anxiety and cancer, and the therapeutic process of writing his new book, "As a Kite Falls." The conversation explores the essence of creativity, the societal pressures that stifle it, and the need for spaciousness and self-expression. Richard's story is a testament to resilience and the healing power of creative pursuits.

Richard Bio

Richard Tyler is a multifaceted individual: a dad, husband, musician, actor, writer, psychotherapist, and coach. He has transitioned from leading roles in iconic West End productions like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to becoming a significant figure in the personal development industry. Richard's latest creative project is his book "As a Kite Falls," which explores his journey through cancer and the profound lessons learned along the way.

TRIGGER WARNING Episode covers topics such as severe anxiety and cancer and has an open, frank and moving discussion which contains some swearing.

Episode Highlights

- [01:56] - The Edge

- Nikki shares up-to-date creative news and views, including a discussion on the benefits of failure and how to reframe it as a earning opportunity.

- Highlights from Tom May's article on failure and Elizabeth Gilbert's book"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear."

- [05:20] - Richard's Background and Creative Journey

- Richard shares his diverse roles and recent move from London to Wiltshire.

- Discussion on the challenge of defining oneself as a creative.

- [06:52] - Defining Creativity

- Richard explores the distinction between being a creative and doing creative things.

- Creativity as self-expression and soul expression.

- The importance of attunement and balancing heart and head in creativity.

- [17:02] - Early Influences and Career in Theatre

- Richard's early inspiration from a performance of Barnum at the London Palladium.

- His journey from amateur dramatics to leading roles in major West End productions.

- Transition from feeling creatively fulfilled to experiencing performance anxiety and burnout.

- [29:09] - Transition to Personal Development and Psychotherapy

- Richard's shift from theatre to working in leadership development and executive coaching.

- Incorporating music and theatre into corporate training.

- Training as a psychotherapist and focusing on one-to-one work.

- [46:35] - Impact of Cancer Diagnosis

- Richard's stage four lymphoma diagnosis and its profound impact on his life.

- The role of writing and haiku in processing his experience and emotions.

- The concept of "descent" and its importance alongside "ascent" in personal growth.

- [57:28] - Richard's Book: "As a Kite Falls"

- The book's inspiration and structure, including haiku and contextual

narratives.

- Themes of spaciousness, creativity, and the balance of ascent and descent.

- Publication details: Launch on 27th June, with pre-order bonuses available.

- [59:34] - Creative Adventures and Visibility

- Nikki shares advice from previous guests Nadine Benjamin and Andrew Scheck on getting visible and staying inspired.

- Nikki's own experiences attending events and exhibitions to expand her network and boost her creativity.

Four Creative Nuggets

"Creativity is about soul expression, reconnecting with our deepest self."- RT

"Creativity is a way of expressing our pain, our trauma, our loss, and our grief." RT

"We need to be more like jazz instrumentalists, improvising and creating space between the notes in life."-RT

"In order to live a full life, we must embrace both ascent and descent." - RT

Links

Richard

https://btfileadership.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/As-Kite-Falls-Through-Descent/dp/1800132689/

https://www.facebook.com/RichardTylerBTFI/

The Edge

How to embrace failure and turn it into a creative superpower | Creative Boom

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/B012Y8IXNG/

Creative Adventures

Nadine Benjamin Episode

Andrew Szczech Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.publishers.org.uk/publishingin2023/

Afflliate Links

Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Listen in next time and hear from one of my favourite authors the Sunday Times Best seller, Ruth Hogan as she generously shares great insights into her life, work and creative process. Oh and there might be a little surprise thrown in too!

And remember, why survive when you can thrive?

Melanie Cantor's Creative Switch: Celebrity Agent to Novelist

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Melanie Cantor's Creative Switch: Celebrity Agent to Novelist

In this first of three special summer bonus episode of The Creative Switch, Nikki Vallance chats with Melanie Cantor, a former celebrity agent who has successfully transitioned into a celebrated author. Melanie shares her journey from the world of TV publicity to becoming a novelist, offering invaluable insights into the creative process, the importance of tenacity, and the reality of facing rejection.

Melanie Bio

Melanie started her career working in theatre PR on shows including CATS, ANNIE and MY FAIR LADY. Towards the end of 1982, she was headhunted to be press officer at TV-am which launched in February 1983 with the ‘Famous Five’ but left in April 1984 to start her own PR company. She worked with clients from Adam Ant, Angela Rippon, Selina Scott, Michael Parkinson and Michael Aspel as well as magazines including New Woman, OK! and Tatler.

In 1991 she turned her hand to becoming an agent representing Ulrika Jonsson for seventeen years from weather person to Shooting Stars and beyond. In 1998 she teamed up with two other agents to start Take Three Management.Here she represented Melinda Messenger, Julia Carling among several others. She also went on to look after Melanie Sykes.

In 2008 she gave it all up to start a second career and pursue her passion: writing novels. It took ten years, four manuscripts and hundreds of rejections before she finally landed an agent in 2018. Her first book Death & Other Happy Endings (which became Life & Other Happy Endings as a paperback during the pandemic) was sold to eleven territories including US, China, Portugal, Israel, Czech Republic and Sweden. Her second book The F**k It! List was published by Penguin in May 2024. She is represented by Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown.

Alongside these two careers, Melanie hosted a television show in 2004 called Making Space where she tidied up people’s messy houses (a forerunner to Marie Kondo!) The show of 25 episodes was broadcast by Channel 4. It is still shown on demand on All 4. She was also scouted to be a real model for two Dove campaigns. No underwear was seen.

Melanie has two grown up sons and lives between Dorset and London with her dog Mabel.

Timestamps

● [00:05] – Introduction and Welcome

● [01:43] – The Edge – Up-to-date Creative News and Views

● [05:11] – Melanie Cantor's Background and Career

● [07:49] – Transition to Writing

● [10:32] – First Rejection and Perseverance

● [16:16] – The Yearning to Write

● [20:50] – Dealing with Rejection

● [24:51] – What Creativity Means to Melanie

● [28:56] – Balancing Creativity and Mental Health

● [32:39] – Understanding the Publishing World

● [35:35] – Where to Find Melanie Cantor and Upcoming Events

● [38:17] – Creative Adventures Segment

Four Creative Nuggets

"Rejection is what makes you a writer." - Melanie Cantor

"Failure is just a stepping stone on the path to success." - Melanie Cantor

"You have to believe in yourself, and then others start to believe in you too." - Melanie Cantor

"Lower your expectations to avoid crashing and burning." - Melanie Cantor

Links

The Edge

Publishers Association Annual Report

Creative Adventures

Rachel Bamber Episode

Melanie

Love Stories etc Festival - Library Live

Queen's Park Book Festival (queensparkbookfestival.co.uk)

Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival | Book Festival (edwomensficfest.co.uk)

https://www.instagram.com/melanie.cantor/

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.instagram.com/tigzrice

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Tune in next time for a conversation with author Richard Tyler, West End star turned personal development disruptor, who uses creativity and psychological insight to unlock individual potential.

And remember: Why survive when you can thrive.

Behind the Flash: Tigz Rice and the Art of Empowerment Photography

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Behind the Flash: Tigz Rice and the Art of Empowerment Photography

**TRIGGER WARNING - Contains discussion around burlesque, boudoir and body dysmorphia.

Empowerment photographer, Tigz Rice, is one of the UK's most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs. She has an impressive biography full of accomplishments and accolades, but it is her generosity of spirit and her unapologetic determination to celebrate everyone as unique and special, which shines through everything she does.

Tigz Bio

Tigz helps fearless humans re-connect with their bodies & feel empowered, confident & unapologetically present in both their personal and professional adventures. Combining luxury editorial photography with her own signature style of retouching, Tigz has been helping her clients level up their digital visibility since 2009, providing a portfolio of beautiful images that perfectly portray their unique personality, style and values.

Working with clients from all backgrounds, Tigz's photography has supported her clients to reconnect and/or reclaim their bodies after life-changing events including cancer treatment, surgical procedures, trauma and abuse. She also actively works with her clients to promote self-worth and a positive body image.

Based in Hertfordshire, UK, Tigz has toured Europe extensively over the years, as well as travelling the world virtually via her Virtual Shoot offering - attracting clients from Australia, Canada, Guadeloupe, New Zealand and more than 20 of the US States. Gaining a reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after empowerment photographers, in 2019 she published her award-winning book STRIP/TEASE with American publishing house Working Class Publishing, documenting a decade of work within the burlesque community.

Tigz is also a founding member and Director of Photography for The Underpinnings Museum, a radical innovation in showcasing and documenting exquisite objects, dedicated to the evolution of underwear through the ages. Offering free access to all, the museum creates an invaluable community resource with high-quality photography capturing garments dating as far back as the 1700s in exquisite detail. Each object is accompanied by extensive technical and historical contextual information, providing lingerie lovers, fashion students, historians and home sewers an unparalleled depth of insight and fresh perspectives on the world of undergarments through the ages and across the globe.

Consistently pushing creative boundaries wherever possible, in 2021, Tigz was named as one of Digital Women's Top 40 Digital Women To Watch, making the shortlist for Digital Woman of the Year. In 2022, she was shortlisted for Digital Creator of the Year, and in 2023, she was named as one of the UK’s most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs by the f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign, in partnership with Small Business Britain.

● [01:43] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [06:01] – Tigz introduces her empowerment photography business

● [08.26] – Bringing together, Burlesque, Boudoir and Branding photography.

● [11:35] – The evolution of Tigz’s Brand

● [13:59] – Tigz shares her thoughts on creative freedom

● [15:08] – Nikki and Tigz discuss the Creative, Mentor and Expert sides of Tigz

● [19:45] – The privilege of being an artist and why it’s important to Tigz to give back.

● [22:08] – Being a photographer wasn’t the plan, Tigz and her backwards switch.

● [25:04] – Nikki asks about the Burlesque world and Tigz’s early photography career.

● [30:00] – Tigz talks about the Underpinnings museum

● [32:38] – An obsession with Japan for Tigz

● [35:13] – Why passion propels your dreams

● [36:37] – Tigz describes her work and how it empowers her clients

● [39:06] – Photoshoots, body image and limiting beliefs

● [44:14] – Creative adventures – the top 5 tips from my guests this season

Four Creative Nuggets

“You just have to accept that you are your brand. Like, it's you. You can't hide behind a logo.” TR

“Creative freedom is just having the freedom to express yourself without boundaries."TR

“A rising tide lifts all boats.” Giving back by supporting others helps your creative community thrive. TR

“Just take a moment to celebrate everything that you are.”TR

Links

Tigz

https://www.tigzrice.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzrice/

https://twitter.com/Tigzy/

https://www.facebook.com/TigzRice/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tigzrice/

The Edge

https://creativebrainweek.com/

https://www.1in6by2030.com/about-the-project/

https://www.crick.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/hello-brain/

Creative Adventures

Kevin Chesters Episode

Lorna Gibson Episode

Andrew Szczech Episode

Martin Spendlove Episode

Mike Hall Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https:/www.instagram.com/mjhartstudio/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

A Kitchen Makeover, a Blank Canvas and No Regrets: Mike Hall’s Transition from Marketing to Bespoke Artistry

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

A Kitchen Makeover, a Blank Canvas, and No Regrets: Mike Hall’s Transition from Marketing to Bespoke Artistry

Dive into the creative world of Mike Hall, founder of MJH ArtStudio Limited, who has mastered the art of merging aesthetics with function. From his journey transitioning from a technical illustrator to a marketing director, and finally to an artist, Mike shares invaluable insights into building a brand and staying true to your craft. Tune in to learn about his creative journey, his philosophy of ‘no regrets’, and how his business all started with a kitchen refurbishment.

Mike Bio

Mike is the founder of MJH ArtStudio Limited, a company dedicated to producing affordable, unique abstract art tailored to clients' brand or home colours. With a technical illustration background from the '80s and over 35 years of experience in marketing, illustration, and design, he knows how to merge aesthetics with function.

Mike has worked extensively with large blue-chip companies, SMEs, and start-ups, applying his expertise to a variety of business landscapes. He spent 30 years working for an agency, working his way up from technical illustrator to being Managing Director. After that he spent another seven years setting-up and jointly running a new marketing agency before returning to his true passion—creating art.

He has a unique seven-step process that ensures client involvement at every stage, making each piece a collaborative effort. While he's been an artist for over three years, his new business became officially registered in June 2023. His mission is to partner with business owners to breathe life into their brand spaces and collaborate with interior designers to add that extra flair.

Besides his artistic pursuits, Mike is also a Level 2 Badminton of England qualified Coach with over 45 years of playing experience. A believer in seizing opportunities, he lives by the motto 'no regrets,' and thinks good art shouldn’t break the bank.

● [01:56] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [06:31] – Mike introduces his business

● [07.04] – Creativity and what it means to Mike

● [08:05] – A kitchen makeover, a blank canvass led to a creative switch

● [10:48] – Mike’s explains how he transitioned from technical illustrator to marketing to his branded art business

● [12:52] – Lessons learnt from launching a marketing business and how they apply now

● [14:31] – Why staying visible is essential to building a brand.

● [18:23] – Know your audience, what you offer them and why they would want it.

● [23:58] – Networking is just talking to people, being curious and listening.

● [29:23] – How Mike decided how to make art for a target market

● [32:52] – Nikki and Mike discuss the difference between making physical and digital art

● [35:35] – Future plans for MJH Art Studio Ltd

● [36:37] – One piece of advice for getting a new creative practice going

● [39:27] – Creative Adventures and advice from Holly Matthews on exploring your creative identity

Four Creative Nuggets

“It's everything a bit at a time.” It’s important to put the essentials in place first. A dedicated space doesn’t need to cost the earth.

“It takes ages to build a brand and reputation."

“It's about staying true to what I can do rather than trying to be something else and enjoying it.”

“Go trust your gut. Give it a go. What's the worst thing that can possibly happen?”

Links

Mike

http://www.mjhartstudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehall66/

The Edge

UK’s Bectu calls for “urgent” government summit to address freelancer crisis (screendaily.com)

UK Fails to Create Copyright and Gen AI Voluntary Code of Practice (natlawreview.com)

Creative Adventures

Holly Matthews Episode

Five Institute

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.twitter.com/MartynSpendlove

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Listen in next time and hear from guest one of the UK’s most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs, empowerment photographer, Tigz Rice!

The Art of Rebellion: Martyn Spendlove’s Transition to Acting

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The Art of Rebellion: Martyn Spendlove’s Transition to Acting

Corporate trainer turned actor Martyn Spendlove believes in being “Rebellious” and pushing back against anything preventing us from achieving our potential. Find out what happened when he asked himself “Are you really doing what you want to be doing? And how his Martial arts training set him up for success.

Martyn Bio

Martyn is an up-and-coming British actor who you will see starring in feature films “The Mystery of Mr E” written by bestselling author, Sophie Hannah and “The Demonic Fae” by Simon Wells and new writer, James Wrench.

You can also see Martyn featured as the villain in “Fortune Favours the Fantabulous”, a magical short film from the sensational new director, Emmauel Li, available to stream on the All 4 app.

Martyn became a professional actor shortly after finding himself redundant from his full-time role as a Learning and Development Consultant, for a large group of UK businesses.

Martyn now works on the art, skill and business of being an actor while running training courses for clients as a freelancer.

With 2020, came a realisation that Martyn wanted to perform professionally. He immediately researched actor training, found Mark Pegg at The Acting Academy and threw himself into an unknown industry.

Three years later and Martyn has representation with Vella Wozniak Talent and a healthy selection of credits to his name. He is a husband, a dad (2 kids, 3 dogs!), a martial artist and a vegan.

● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [08:39] – Martyn’s views on the meaning of creativity.

● [10.14] – The origins of Martyn the Performer

● [13:21] – Being sensibly successful and putting acting second

● [15:50] – Covid and Martyn’s creative switching moment

● [18:02] – The Freelancer mindset.

● [20:30] – Martyn shares the practical steps to turn a dream into a goal into action.

● [23:57] – Nikki and Martyn discuss the business of acting

● [27:47] – Rebellious, and why it is Martyn’s mantra.

● [30:28] – Excuses, reasons and the difference between the two

● [34:21] – The martial arts mindset and how it underpins Martyn’s creative practice

● [37:33] – Landing a dream role in The Mystery of Mr E, Sophie Hannah’s Murder Mystery Musical Feature Film.

● [44:20] – The pros and cons of Big Fat Hairy Audacious Goals.

● [48:25] – Creative Adventures and advice from Holly Matthews on finding a way through when you feel stuck

Four Creative Nuggets

“Excuses can get in the way of creativity and stifle creativity.”

“Are you really doing what you should be doing?”

“I can keep going as long as I'm able to go in whatever it is that I want to pursue."

“Just do one bit at a time and see where it takes you. Enjoy the journey because you don't know where it's going to go.”

Links

Martyn

https://www.instagram.com/martynspendlove

https://www.rebelliouslearning.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martynspendlove

The Edge

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68332535/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67908749/

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/feb/14/bring-the-drama-review-bill-baileys-new-acting-competition-is-a-warning-sign-for-us-all/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5zqcFFwj2KKMHspNrV1jSvd/welcome-to-the-bring-the-drama-festival/

Creative Adventures

Holly Matthews Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.creativityfound.co.uk/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Listen in next time and hear from guest Mike Hall whose career took him from technical illustrator to Managing Director and then co-founder of his own marketing agency before returning to his true passion—creating art.

Dancing Through Life: The Unfolding of Claire Waite Brown’s Creativity

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Dancing Through Life: The Unfolding of Claire Waite Brown’s Creativity

Nikki chats to fellow podcaster and host of Creativity found, Claire Waite Brown. Her on entrepreneurial spirit has brought her from a degree in dance to a career as a nonfiction editor to podcasting. But what are the origins of her love for performance? And how did she end up becoming an accidental champion of creativity after a tough period in her life?

Claire Bio

Claire Waite Brown is host of the Creativity Found podcast and founder of creativityfound.co.uk, and she is all about helping adults to tap into their creativity. She is also a book editor, dance lover, wife and mother.

In 2016, while suffering with anxiety, and as a way of focusing her attentions, Claire founded Open Stage Arts, fun drama and singing classes for adults who don’t want to commit to putting on an actual show. No experience necessary. Lots of the adults who came to the workshops were looking for a creativity that had been put to one side during their sensible, grown-up years.

Claire found this to be a common experience among other creatives too, and was inspired to start the Creativity Found podcast, in which she chats with painters, crafters, photographers, writers, printmakers, actors, musicians, and more, who have found, or re-found, their creativity as adults.

Making the podcast helped Claire tap into her own creativity and was the inspiration behind creativityfound.co.uk. Claire wants her listeners, and others, to know that they can try something new and creative at any stage in their lives – and not to worry that they might make a mess of it! If you are in search of a creative outlet for yourself, visit creativityfound.co.uk to find workshops, courses and online events or access kits, books and materials to help you to get creative at home.

The creative facilitators featured on the website are members of a promotional and networking collective for artists and crafters, as well as for business-support enterprises who use their expertise to help those artists and crafters to grow their businesses.

● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:37] – Claire introduces herself, her podcast and her business

● [06:29] – Creativity as problem solving, ideation and adaptability.

● [10.29] – The ‘rolling switch’ of Claire’s creative journey.

● [16:51] – How Creativity Found grew out of Open Stage Arts during lockdown

● [18:58] – Claire explains how the membership supports creative businesses and creative individuals

● [24:35] – How empathy and giving to others plays a big role in Claire’s work

● [16:33] – Nikki and Claire get to the heart of why Claire loves podcasting

● [30:13] – The ups and downs of not knowing who our listeners are.

● [32:12] – Creative control within podcasting and why it matters to Claire

● [35:21] – What’s next for Claire as podcasting develops

● [38:52] – Creative Adventures and advice on finding your creative direction.

Four Creative Nuggets

“What your aim was doesn't have to be what the result is, if the result is still fabulous for you.”

“The piece of pie that is something for yourself, just doing something for fun for yourself. Nothing. I couldn't put anything in there.”

“You can do what you want.”

“With editing text and audio, it's what you take out that nobody knows that makes what's left in sparkle and be wonderful.”

Links

Claire

https://facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativityfound

https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/creativityfoundpodcast/

The Edge

https://podcastingtoday.co.uk/audiotrain-sessions-to-look-at-ai-in-podcasting-audiobooks-and-radio/

https://podcastle.ai/blog/top-podcasting-trends/

British Podcast Awards - British Podcast Awards

Creative Adventures

Tessa Richter Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.hkjewellery.co.uk/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Listen in next time and hear from guest Leadership Trainer turned Actor, Martyn Spendlove and learn what happened when he asked himself the question ‘Are you really doing what you should be doing?

And Remember Why Survive When you can Thrive

Crafting Brilliance: Harriet Kelsall's Bespoke Jewellery Journey

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 10:13:00 +0000

Crafting Brilliance: Harriet Kelsall's Bespoke Jewellery Journey

In today’s episode, explore the remarkable path of a multi-award-winning designer who ignited a revolution in bespoke jewellery from her kitchen table. Uncover how Harriet’s vision transformed the jewellery industry, making bespoke design accessible to all while championing ethical practices.

Harriet Bio

Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She founded her multi-award-winning business from her kitchen table in 1998, with the ambition to inspire and celebrate individuality through creativity. It is with these aspirations she started a wave to bring reachable bespoke jewellery design to the high street for the first time, whilst also pioneering ethics and sustainability within the industry too. Since then the business has become one of the UK’s leading bespoke jewellers, with a team of over 40 across four studios.

Harriet has been the HSBC Forward Ladies “Retail Businesswoman of the year”, Everywoman’s “Retail Woman of the Year”, and one of The Institute of Directors magazine’s six “women who have most changed the business world”. She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and of the City of London.

She has sat on numerous boards as a non-executive director including the Responsible Jewellery Council, the British Hallmarking Council and she has been the chair of the National Association of Jewellers. She currently sits on the Board for both the Intellectual Property Office and the British Allied Trades Federation.

Harriet is passionate about helping creative businesses and individuals flourish, which motivated her to write her book “The Creative’s Guide to Starting a Business” which won an award at the2019 Business Book of the Year Awards. She is a regular keynote speaker on starting and growing creative businesses and the benefits of dyslexia and she speaks nationally and internationally about responsible business. Harriet lives in Cambridge in the UK and has 2 children.

● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [05:06] – Harriet describes her business and the many hats she wears

● [08:06] – Creativity as Harriet sees it – thinking in three dimensions.

● [10.26] – How pottery lessons help surgeons cut in straight lines

● [12:41] – The importance of considering who you are creating for

● [15:02] – Harriet’s book. What it’s about and why she wrote it.

● [17:15] – Dyslexia and everything else which lead to the kitchen table moment.

● [18:50] – The internet and Harriet’s jewellery website, a first in 1996!

● [21:41] – The moments which led to the ‘switch.’

● [23:04] – Non Executive directorships and giving back.

● [26:43] – Harriet explains the process of creating bespoke jewellery.

● [29:41] – Creative Adventures – tackling the fear of doing something new

Four Creative Nuggets

“When I'm thinking at my most creatively, I'm thinking like layers of an onion.”

“You can combine things that are preexisting but combined in a completely new way. And that's definitely creative, too.”

The right team makes the difference. “We can do this together because we can be better than the sum of our parts.”

“It's really important to let people stand on your shoulders and let people grow.”

Links

Harriet

https://www.facebook.com/HarrietKelsall/

https://www.instagram.com/harrietkelsall/

https://twitter.com/HKJewellery/

The Edge

Kimaï hopes sales of lab-created diamond jewellery will sparkle after Dragons' Den | Evening Standard

https://luxurylondon.co.uk/style/watches-and-jewellery/jewellery/best-ethical-sustainable-jewellery-brands-british/

https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/laura-moyer/

Creative Adventures

Emma Baylin Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

www.audiobiographers.co.uk

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Listen in next time and hear from guest Claire Waite Brown, fellow podcaster and host of the Creativity Found podcast and founder of creativityfound.co.uk, through which she is all about helping adults to tap into their creativity.

'Switching Stories' : From PR to Audiobiography with Caroline Pearce

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Switching Stories: From PR to Audiobiography with Caroline Pearce

In today’s episode we delve into the story of how Biographer Caroline Pearce transitioned from working in PR, through a career in ghost writing to running the Audiobiographers.

Caroline Bio

After living a fairly conventional suburban north London childhood, Caroline left for New York City at the age of nineteen without a work permit, a return ticket, or a plan. For the next twenty years Caroline moved between New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and London, raising two children and acquiring dual citizenship along the way. Working in public relations gave Caroline a taste for writing about people, which led eventually to completing a bachelor’s degree in English Literature with Creative Writing in her mid-forties, and later an MA in Biography and Creative Non Fiction.

During her ghostwriting career Caroline has worked with a 1930s Barnardo’s child, a GI baby who found his father after decades of searching, an Auschwitz survivor, a Polish woman who spent her early childhood years in Siberia, an Australian gynaecologist who pioneered colposcopy, and many more. She is fascinated with stories of ordinary lives as well as the extraordinary, and recognises the enormous power of the human voice in conveying the emotions, nuances and infections of each individual believing that audio biographies can capture and preserve the very essence of a person.

Apart from working, Caroline enjoys spending time with the people she cares about, walking on expansive sandy beaches and singing her heart out.

● [02:09] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [05:52] – Caroline explains what she does and her career path to this point

● [08:18] – The switching moment

● [10.57] – Returning to study creative writing as a mature student

● [14:31] – Why Caroline chose Biography

● [15:03] – Nikki and Caroline talk about writing poetry

● [18:51] – Caroline talks about writing her own life story.

● [22:50] – Creating our stories for our children

● [27:49] – All the other ways Caroline enjoys creativity

● [32:37] – Writing with a pen on paper

● [35:00] – Digital detox on holiday

● [37:47] – The process of creating an audio biography

● [42:50] – Creative Adventures – How to make time to build a side hustle

Four Creative Nuggets

Studying as an adult is a way of exploring your creative passion. “I just really enjoyed the experience of being in the classroom and being around other people who wanted to learn.” CP

If there’s something you enjoy and know you are good at start there. “Why create a challenge that's really unrealistic.” CP

“I have had to deal with not giving myself permission to do things that I enjoy.” CP

“We close doors or we see them as closed doors, when actually they're not closed doors.” CP

Links

Caroline

https://www.facebook.com/theaudiobiographers

https://www.instagram.com/audiobiographers/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepearceaudiobiographers/

The Edge

https://danielaparkes.com/blog/brief-history-of-storytelling/

https://ingostudio.com/storytelling/oral-storytelling/

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jan/06/storytelling-back-in-fashion

https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources/national-storytelling-week/

Creative Adventures

https://lightroom.uk/whats-on/the-moonwalkers/

Paulomi Debnath Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.andrewszczech.com/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Listen in next time and hear from guest Harriet Kelsall, one of the most respected bespoke designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today.

From Bytes to Brushstrokes: Andrew Szczech's Transformation into Visual Artistry

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:58:00 +0000

S2Ep5 Andrew Szczech.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of Andrew Szczech, a creative switcher who has transitioned from the world of IT to the realm of fine art.

Andrew Bio

From 1987 to 2017, Andrew worked in IT, both in-house and for solution providers. At the outset he was the link between the user community and the developers, ensuring that their requirements were met by new systems. He moved into more of a sales role as his career progressed.

Towards the end of his IT career, he was the Director of Legal Technology Services at Kroll Ontrack and was responsible for the growth and delivery of legal technologies services in the EMEA region. These services included ediscovery, computer forensics and consulting which were provided in order to assist clients in multiple practice areas including dispute resolution and antitrust.

Andrew’s main focus was always to ensure clients were able to maximise the benefits of using technologies within their organisations.

From 2017 to 2020, he studied for a BA in Fine Art at City and Guilds of London Art School (CGLAS) and was a awarded a first class degree.

From 2020 to 2021 Andrew then studied for an MA in Fine Art at CGLAS and was awarded a distinction.

He now works as a visual artist expressing his interest in the socio-politica landscape through traditional painting techniques.

● [02:43] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [06:37] – Andrew’s views on the meaning of creativity

● [08:28] – Comparing expectations of an artistic life vs the reality

● [13:41] – A discussion about the tension between artistic creation and commercial need.

● [17:38] – Andrew shares his switching moment -the push and the pull.

● [21:12] – Nikki talks about the different phases of a creative journey

● [23:42] – Details about Andrew’s artistic practice and the inspirations behind it.

● [32:42] – Andrew explains the different stages of his work

● [33:53] – A discussion about wearing ‘all the hats’.

● [35:30] – Marketing is a very different thing.

● [39:51] – A sound piece of advice from Andrew about priorities

● [42:43] – How to put your transferable skills and experiences from a previous career to good use.

● [44:27] – Nikki shares a tip on turning rejection into a positive

● [47:38] – Creative Adventures – How curiosity can guide your creative path

Four Creative Nuggets

“It's creativity that the ideas you get are things you get through hard work, through research, through making things, through deciding from the things you make, which things work well, which don't work well, and using those as a springboard to move forward.” AS

The making and the selling, “Are completely parallel worlds. They are actually worlds which conflict.” AS

“I can find a location that represents the things that I'm interested in, and then I can make work that responds to that location..” AS

“Find ways of bringing creativity higher up your list of priorities.” AS

Links

Andrew

https://www.instagram.com/andrew_szczech/

The Edge

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2023/12/vr-art-exhibition.page

https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/mental-health/museums-art-galleries-benefits-one-good-thing/851164

https://secretldn.com/art-exhibitions-london/

https://artuk.org/visit/whats-on

Creative Adventures

Nadine Benjamin Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.helpingyoushine.com/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Do you know what a audio biographer does? Tune in for the next episode, to hear how my guest Caroline Pearce, found her calling as one after being an editor and ghost-writer along the way.

How to Succeed as YOU with Helena Holrick

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Creativity is a valuable skill that can help you in many aspects of life, but it can also be challenging to cultivate and maintain. You may feel stuck or uninspired, and you can't seem to generate any new or original ideas. Today’s guest, Helena Holrick has some great tips to help you get unstuck, reframe your fear of making mistakes and keep your creative passion burning.

Helena Bio

Helena Holrick is the Chief Cheerleader at Helping You Shine, where she gets entrepreneurial creative souls into alignment or back on track. She helps you ‘Succeed As You’ through personal growth, practical learning and professional guidance.

Having trained thousands of people in diverse organisations for over 30 years, and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, Helena knows that structure and systems are the key to success for every business. She’s trained in many tools, models and qualifications to support personal and business growth – including Clean Language, NLP and Strategy On A Page. She’s strategic and creative, using her perspectives and learning to define and reframe individual success, so it’s sustainable and manageable and growth is possible for all those she works with.

Her core philosophy at Helping You SHINE is to help you ‘Find, Own and Share Your Brilliance’. Her signature programme ‘Trust Yourself To Start Anew’ is focused on getting you the clarity, certainty, and confidence to live a life you love - sharing what you know, making the impact you want to make and bringing your unique brand of creativity and perspective into the world.

She’s tireless about helping you overcome your hesitation and step out of hiding so you can make your difference by using your creativity, building connections and being the contribution you want to be.

● [02:33] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:37] – Helena tells us about her brand of creativity

● [08:07] – Nikki asks Helena ‘What are the common things that hold people back?’

● [12:25] – Nikki shares a useful tool to combat comparisonitis - The 4 stages of learning

● [13:38] – Helena talks about the fifth stage – reflective competence

● [18:37] – The foundational steps to take before a creative switch.

● [22:33] – Helena advises taking the time to learn and enjoy the learning

● [23:52] – Nikki recalls a recent mindfulness tip from Jay Shetty

● [25:54] – A life ‘On your TERMS’ – Helena explains what it means.

● [28:47] – Finding your Creativity – it’s all about the ‘exploring’

● [32:00] – A discussion around connections and connectivity.

● [35:58] – Finding your purpose and then what?

● [44:08] – Creative Adventures – How to deal with feeling vulnerable about your creativity

Four Creative Nuggets

“Belief systems are pesky...” To replace an old unhelpful belief, ”you might have to have three or four interim beliefs” to embed a new one." HH

“If you really want to master your expertise or your creativity, it pays to actually go. And how am I learning that? And what am I actually doing that allows that to happen?.” HH

“You know that you're feeling creative simply by the feeling.” HH

“Inspiration is the spark that helps to join the dots.” NV

Links

Helena

https://www.instagram.com/helenaholrick/

The Edge

The experts: artists on 20 easy, mind-expanding ways to be much more creative | Art | The Guardian

Creative Adventures

Theo Micheals Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.steamco.org.uk/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Tune in for the next episode, to hear how my guest Andrew Szczech, switched from his successful IT career to becoming a full time artist, gaining a couple of degrees along the way.

Why The A in STEAM matters with STEAM Co. Founder Nick Corston

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 22:47:00 +0000

If you have school age children or are passionate about the importance of education, you'll probably be aware of the general push towards the STEM subjects. That's science, technology, engineering and maths. Of course, the world needs these and studying towards careers in these disciplines is sensible, right? Today's guest Nick Corston has an alternative view. In the last ten years, Nick has been described as a man on a mission by Wired magazine and the Guardian. Dad and co founder of community interest company STEAM Co. joins me to talk about that mission and why the A in STEAM is so vital.

Nick Bio

Nick’s mission is to’ raise a million quids to inspire a million kids to aim higher than his high viz’, powered by their creativity and our communities. Sir Ken Robinson and Prof Sugata Mitra have both endorsed Nick for a TED Fellowship. In the last year he was a finalist as Art Council England’s Digital Evangelist and for Digital Transformation, a Finalist in the Charity Film awards awards and listed in the #EdTech50. Prior to founding STEAM Co. to help connect our kids with their art and communities with their schools, Nick was a pioneer launching two of the country’s first digital agencies and creating the first beer ad on a CD ROM for Heineken, Microsoft’s first web cast and helping launch the PS2. But Nick says he’s just a dad, and if you have any tricky questions to ask a teacher. He now flies round the UK in #StarShip22 and blames Chris Dyson and John Jackson for most of the adventures he’s had in the last few years with cardboard, code and creativity.

This year his work was recognised and turbo charged when McLaren put the STEAM Co. logo on the front of their cars at the British Grand Prix and made this film about STEAM Co's work.

● [02:37] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:37] – Why Nikki wanted to talk to Nick

● [05:36] – Nick talks about three key pillars of his skills, being a Blue Peter kid and the origins of STEAM Co.

● [13:00] – Sir Ken Robinson and Seth Godin, Nick discusses their views on creativity and art.

● [14:55] – Nikki shares a story about creativity at her primary school

● [16:10] – Nick’s view on how schooling has changed from the environment he experienced

● [16:44] – The origins and creation of Mr Bear and his world.

● [18:10] – STEAM Co. and how it works

● [20:02] – The history and future of STEAM Co.

● [26:32] – Living the Dream?

● [28:37] – Challenges for community involvement and funding

● [36:44] – The Unbox Festival, SEE Monster and Benji

● [40:59] – Creative Adventures - Tip for not feeling good enough

Four Creative Nuggets

“Allow your children to be bored, because boredom is the engine of imagination.” Prf Guy Claxton
“I've never considered not using all the talents I have.”
In the past, “I think we took for granted that creativity, arts and crafts and drama were just an accepted part of the curriculum, part of the thread. ”
“Art is the coal of the creativity revolution.”

Links

Nick

https://www.nickcorston.com/

#ourmillion23

The Edge

The Great British Creativity Gap - what's your learning style? - The Great British School Trip

Three-quarters of Brits feel UK education system is too 'one-size fits all', study finds - Hull Live (hulldailymail.co.uk)

Hull college principal calls for curriculum shake-up to bridge critical skills gaps - Hull Live (hulldailymail.co.uk)

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.instagram.com/tootsdesign

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Tune in for the next episode , How do you succeed as you? I do hope you join me next time, and my guest, Helena Holrick, personal progress master coach and chief cheerleader at Helping You Shine.

Stephen Fry, the BBC and a Bear: Lorna Gibson shares her journey of creating Mr Bear's Christmas

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Why stick with your planned episodes when you can add in another one? Lorna Gibson, joins me for a bonus seasonal episode. Formerly a ski instructor and latterly a personal trainer, she combined her loves of all things wintry, drawing and woodland animals to create the world of Mr. Bear. Hear how both her stories, and her own journey to becoming a stop motion animator are full of magical moments, not least of which is the Stephen Fry connection.

Lorna Bio

Lorna Gibson is the founder of Toots Design. A self taught author and illustrator, she creates powerfully beautiful words and illustrations which touch the hearts of both adults and children. She has captured the hearts of those who are grieving with her resonating story Love Never Dies. Yet she manages to perfectly balance her delicately comforting work with the creation of worlds which are heart-warmingly joyful and which delight in the magic of the everyday. Her illustrated Tales Of Mr Bear have a nostalgic charm which Lorna recently bought to life when she taught herself to animate and created the magical short film Mr Bear’s Christmas. Since creating her first animation, Lorna has continued to bring subsequent stories to life creating further animations based on stories in her much-loved book The Tales Of Mr Bear.

● [01:31] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:07] – Nikki asks Lorna where her creativity first started

● [05:54] – Lorna’s academic start and her unconventional early career

● [05:30] – How our brains have evolved to react to the new and the different.

● [07:45] – Turning a hobby into a business

● [12:47] – Inspiration for becoming an animator and how that unfolded

● [16:44] – The origins and creation of Mr Bear and his world.

● [18:59] – Leaning into the uncertainty of creative freedom

● [20:46] – The bonkers Stephen Fry story!

● [26:34] – How to deal with a drop in confidence.

● [26:34] – The benefits of letting go of the idea of a linear pathway.

● [33:36] – Where to catch Mr Bear’s Christmas

● [50:24] – Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets

“What if I had no one telling me what to do? What would I do?.”

Ideas are “A bit like having something tugging at your coattails. It's like an idea that just keeps coming and keeps coming.”

“Sometimes you have to wait a little bit and that space can be uncomfortable, but I think keep repeating a bit of faith and patience and belief.”

“I would choose to focus more on the thing that feels more in my heart than in my mind.” Trust in the process and yourself.

Links

Lorna

https://www.tootsdesign.co.uk/

The Edge

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/20/wallace-and-gromit-studio-aardman-animations-running-out-of-clay

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://kevinchesters.com/

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Tune in for the next episode , where ‘Man on a mission’, co-founder of community interest company, STEAMco , Nick Corston talks about the vital importance of the A in STEAM.

S2Ep1 The Creative Nudge: Simple Steps to Unleash your Creativity with Kevin Chesters

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Meet the wonderful Kevin Chesters, author of Amazon bestseller the Creative Nudge as shares his knowledge from years of experience leading strategy for both creative agencies such as Saatchi and Saatchi and his clients. He gives us some unmissable tips on brand building, and how to overcome the evolutionary and societal forces challenging our creativity and how to live a happier, healthier, wealthier life.

Kevin Bio

Kevin Chesters has 25+ years’ experience leading strategy for both agencies and clients – including W+K London, Saatchi & Saatchi and most recently as CSO at Ogilvy. He has also been the Head of Strategy on the client-side for British Telecom. He is a prolific industry commentator and lectures on creativity and storytelling at four UK universities. His first book, “The Creative Nudge” was an Amazon best-seller and he is now writing his second

● [00:00] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [02:43] – Kevin explains his latest shift in direction

● [03:59] – Creativity - the problem with the misuse of the word

● [05:30] – How our brains have evolved to react to the new and the different.

● [13:39] – The tribe and the societal impact of being different

● [18:45] – Where are the beans? The Von Restorff effect and Optimal Distinctiveness

● [22:48] – Kevin talks about his book, The Creative Nudge and why he wrote

● [29:38] – Nikki and Kevin discuss the impact of AI on creativity and technology hype cycles

● [40:23] – Kevin’s Doubting Doris story, his grandmother’s life and the inherited impact.

● [43:45] – Tip for dealing with self doubt.

● [50:24] – Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets

- “Never fear getting old. The alternative for getting old isn't anything you want to aspire to.”

- “When new technology shows up, it's a little bit like an uninvited, unexpected guest turning up at your dinner party.”

- Sigourney Weaver said, “Please God, don’t let me be normal.” Different is good.

- “Would you stand in front of your boss and say “I’m not original?” Everyone is creative.

Links

Kevin

https://thecreativenudge.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chesters-953818a/

The Edge

8 Ways To ‘Think In New Ways’ (forbes.com)

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

Afflliate Links

https://www.iamhollymatthews.com

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

Tune in for the next episode , where self-taught, author, illustrator and animator, Lorna Gibson shares the moment when her path crossed with that of Stephen Fry!

Ep 10: How Play can help You Switch on your Creativity with Holly Matthews

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:19:00 +0000

We are round rounding off the season with a double Doubting Doris story and a cracking conversation with founder of the Happy Me Project, Holly Matthews. As an actor, author, entrepreneur and mum, she discusses creativity with Nikki and how it plays an important part in everything she does, from helping her clients, to bringing joy and fun into her daily routines.

Holly Bio

Former TV actress (Waterloo Road, Casualty & Byker grove) and singer (Sony Music) a widowed Mum of 2, Self-Development Coach & founder of The Happy Me Project. The Happy Me project is an online and in person, straight talking self-development membership, podcast and award-winning, best-selling book (Bloomsbury Publishing).

Holly’s Ted Talk has been watched by half a million people and she has appeared on Lorraine, BBC, ITV, Talk Radio, Channel 5 News and featured in The Daily Mail, Mirror, The Sun, Closer, Hello, Psychologies Magazine, Spirit & Destiny and Prima Magazine.

The Happy Me Project boasts two sell out workshop tours across the UK and more recently two sell out RESTIVAL events (a positive mindset festival event with guest speakers, activities and the punchy Happy Me Vibe running throughout). The Happy Me Project has a focus on simplifying self-development and takes the ‘fancy’ out of positive thinking.

Holly is a popular guest expert on podcasts, radio and TV, with her being the 'go to' in self-development on BBC radio, where producers call her the ‘motivator in chief’.

Holly is neurodivergent and has diagnosed ADHD which informs much of her work. She is nominated for a Diversity Award for her work and the accessibility she aims to create for people across all brain types.

Holly has amassed over 50,000 followers across her social media platforms and her award winning YouTube Channel ‘Happy Me TV’ also offers regular advice on navigating life and all it’s challenges. Holly used this space to vlog about the death of her husband to brain cancer, which generated huge press interest in her story and allowed her to turn her pain into something positive.

● [01:08] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:39] – Holly gives an overview of her TV, Writing and businesses.

● [09:05] – What is Creativity to Holly?

● [14:30] – Nikki asks Holly how creativity and happiness are connected

● [15:06] – Tips and tricks from Holly on using play to get unstuck and access creativity

● [22:57] – Holly reflects on how her family supported her to be herself, be confident and explore her acting passion

● [33:04] – Nikki shares a fun and creative way to look at age.

● [38:59] – Why Holly’s husband knew she wasn’t destined to be Queen of the Pompoms

● [42:17] – Holly explains why we are like gnarly old trees.

● [48:10] – Who is your Doubting Doris? Author, Coach and Ghostwriter, Nicole Johnston met double Doubting Dorises en route from her politics career.

Four Creative Nuggets

‘All of us, whether we see ourselves as creative or not, we are creative by default.’

Research shows that play and creativity help with happiness, wellbeing, resilience, problem solving.

‘Let the Pompoms be the pompoms.’ Not everything has to have an end goal to be valuable to you.

If you’re stuck, wherever you are, there’s always a way through.

Links

Holly

https://www.instagram.com/iamhollymatthews/

The Edge

The Intersection Of AI And Human Creativity: Can Machines Really Be Creative?

The Difference Between Human Creativity and Generative AI Creativity

EMERGENCY EPISODE: Ex-Google Officer Finally Speaks Out On The Dangers Of AI! - Mo Gawdat | E252 - YouTube

Ex-Google Officer Says AI Is a Bigger Emergency Than Climate Change

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.nikkivallance.com/news/

It’s a wrap. Season two will be out in the autumn in the meantime follow Nikki’s creative adventures through her blog or newsletter.

Ep 9: Nadine Benjamin MBE From the City to the Royal Opera House

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Did you dream of being a star when you were small but have kept your talent hidden? Are you worried it's too late? Listen to my conversation with soprano Nadine Benjamin to hear how she switched direction at the age of 35 and has since realized her childhood dream.

Nadine

Nadine Benjamin MBE - Soprano and Empowerment Coach/Mentor

Certified High Performance Coach

Accredited NLP Mind Coach

Founder of Everybody Can! Opera and Mentorship Programme

Former English National Opera Harewood Artist

Member of the Institute of Mind Coaches

Trustee Board Member of Fuel Theatre

Board Member of Opera Brava

Nominated (vocal category) for Emergence: Emily Dickinson at the international Classical Music Awards

Sky Arts Awards Presenter - 2021

Sky Arts Awards Nominee - The Times Arts Award 2019

Ambassador - London Music Masters Since 2017

"Highly Commended" at the Aviva Women of the Future Awards 2016

Winner of the Fulham Opera Verdi Prize 2015

Finalist of the Genesis Competition

DipMus Music (Performance)

Agent: Robert Gilder

Personal Manager: Rita Grudzien

Engagements 2021/2022 Season:

January 18th - Strauss Four Last Songs with Lambeth Orchestra

February 3rd - Shakespeare - soprano soloist - St James's, Piccadilly

February 21st Songs of Joy - Music by Black and Mixed Raced Composers - Barbican, Milton Hall

March 18th - Elgar Coronation Ode - Soprano Soloist - with Waynflete Singers, Winchester Cathedral

April/May - BLUE - Role: Mother - English National Opera

10th June - Verdi Gala - Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra

11th June - Strauss Four Last Songs - Worthing Symphony Orchestra

● [01:20] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [05:12] – Nadine’s childhood dream and ‘Having the twinkle’

● [08:10] – The moment of switching from a banking career to Opera

● [12:17] – How training as a coach, NLP and therapy have played a huge role in Nadine’s success.

● [19:29] – Why as a creative, you need to understand your value

● [24:39] – Nadine talks ‘curveballs’ and ‘terror barriers.’

● [24:39] – Nikki and Nadine discuss education

● [28:56] – Nadine talks about her Doubting Doris's and how they are her greatest gift.

Four Creative Nuggets

“I wrote a business plan for becoming an opera singer and sent it off to about 150 people and got people to sponsor me.”

“If there’s one ingredient I would never miss, it was that study of NLP.”

“Think how limitless you are and get really curious about discovering new pathways, even the ones that you don't even know are there yet.”

Your visibility and sharing your creative being with the world is vital. “Your work needs to be seen. Your books need to be read. Your voice needs to be heard.”

Links

Nadine

https://www.instagram.com/nadinebenjaminsoprano/

https://www.instagram.com/everybodycanwithnadinebenjamin/

https://www.everybodycan.com/

Conscious Creative Leadership on Apple Podcasts

The Edge

Arts Council England and the English National Opera Statement Jan 2023

English National Opera names five cities on relocation

Creative Industries UK Economic Contribution

Petition to Protect Jobs at English National Opera

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

www.oursecretpotential.com

Tune in for the final episode of the season where actor, author, coach and founder of the Happy Me Project, Holly Matthews shares how creativity and creative thinking have been the constant thread through life’s tragedies and celebrations.

Ep 8: Is Being Highly Creative a Blessing or not, with Tessa Richter.

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:30:00 +0000

What does it mean to be highly creative? Listen to my conversation with artist, musician and coach Tessa Richter, to find out and hear her views on creativity, health and accessing your full potential.

Bio Tessa Richter

Musician, Artist, Business Owner, Coach and author.

Having been diagnosed as a Highly Creative Person, she has become an expert on the topic, as well as on how living our potential is connected to our wellbeing. Fascinated by what humans can accomplish, her journey has taken her to explore practices from ancient cultures, such as meditation and mindset techniques, on to the realms of modern physics as a way to understand the world we live in. In 2020 she published her findings in her second book, Our secret potential - a new approach to purpose, performance and wellbeing in the 21st century.

For the last 10 years Tessa has been coaching individuals, including C-level executives, who have lost their jobs, are facing health issues or wish to take their creative or leadership skills to the next level. Her research over the past decades into understanding how creative processes work and how this energy can be harnessed for a sustainable future for all of us, as well as specifically for those with this gift, has inspired her to write her third book, to be published soon.

● [00:54] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:40] – Tessa tells what she does including the meaning of the term Highly Creative

● [14.14] – Nikki and Tessa discuss the connection between creative energy and wellbeing.

● [18:07] – Techniques for connecting with your creativity

● [22:30] – Tessa talks about working on her latest book.

● [27:00] – How can you tell the difference between AI and human generated music?

● [33:41] – Who is your Doubting Doris? – A double Doubting Doris story

Four Creative Nuggets

- Being creative is not being artistic. Expressing artistically can be one form of being creative, but is not per se creative.

- what happens in a creative brain is that parts of our brains that normally don't interact connect.

- Channelling your creativity into your purpose ‘Triggers your potential’.

- Synaptic connection that is not predictable in human creativity.

Links

Tessa

The Edge

AI Outperforms Humans in Creativity Test - Neuroscience News

https://mindmatters.ai/2023/07/does-chatgpt-pass-the-creativity-test/

Grammys CEO on new AI guidelines: Music that contains AI-created elements is eligible. 'Period.' | The Independent

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-baylin-frsa-121123b6/

Tune in for episode nine, where Nadine Benjamin shares the moment she almost went for a big promotion in the city but switched direction as she followed her creative passion.

Ep 7: Singing, Creativity and Wellbeing with Emma Baylin

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 18:51:00 +0000

What happens when you smush your creative passion with your career in mental health and well being? Listen to my conversation with guest Emma Bailin, founder of Shared Harmonies, to find out how she did it.

Guest Emma Baylin

Emma has approaching 30 years’ experience of supporting transformation for people, communities and organisations. She is a highly recognised facilitator, working on the development and delivery of a number of national programmes for clients including NHS England as well as bespoke programmes for individual organisations.

In 2013 Emma founded Shared Harmonies CIC, a not for profit organisation specialising in creative development services for companies & communities, improving connection, confidence & wellbeing through inspirational singing.

Shared Harmonies help organisations explore leadership, team working and wellbeing working with some of the UK’s leading companies including Nissan, Hermes, Royal Canin, Pinsent Masons and PwC. The profits from this work support the delivery of Shared Harmonies community programmes working with participants affected by health & wellbeing conditions including COPD, poor mental health, cancer, Parkinson’s and dementia.

During the pandemic, Shared Harmonies developed many creative ways to still connect, offering services through Zoom and Facebook, interactive DVD’s & Ring & Sing services. They connected hundreds of people through producing co-creative songs, winning awards and coming runner up in the Song for Yorkshire competition. Emma was awarded a Prime Ministers Point of Light Award for services to communities and was invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts

Emma is also co-author of Amazon best seller Awakening Legacy, curated by Sarah Parkes and Shine On You Crazy Daisy Vol.5 curated by Trudy Simmons

● [00:58] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [03:51] – Emma tells the story of the beginnings of her singing passion

● [08:31] – The science behind why singing together is good for wellbeing

● [13:11] – Emma explains the work of Shared Harmonies and it’s impact

● [17.38] – Nikki asks whether Emma would rather be a performer and her other creative interests

● [29:24] – Emma shares her own doubts about her writing ability and overcoming her fear of telling her own story

● [36:06] – Who is your Doubting Doris? Hear coach and creative, Amy Bose’s story

Four Creative Nuggets

- The stretch zone is where we get our biggest most powerful learning experiences.

- Creativity can give us that mechanism to look at something through a different lens.

- Being told you can’t sing is “as ludicrous as somebody going into a maths class at age five and being told well that's it, you'll never be able to do maths.”

- Our voices are how we project ourselves into the world. Being told yours isn’t good enough can leave deep trauma. Singing can liberate these.

Links

Emma

https://www.linkedin.com/company/shared-harmonies-cic

https://www.facebook.com/SharedHarmonies/

https://www.instagram.com/sharedharmonies/

https://twitter.com/SharedHarmonies

The Edge

New vision for creative industries | Arts Council England

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.instagram.com/saranishaadamsbooks/

Tune in for my next episode , where musician, artist author and coach Tessa Richter shares the moment she was told she was a highly creative person, what this means and the impact it has had on her life.

Ep 6: Switching full time to being an Author with Sarah Nisha Adams, The When, the How and the Why

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 19:59:00 +0000

How do you build creative freedom into your working day? You'll find out in this episode, one possible way from my guest Sara Nisha Adams, along with the story of how her dream of becoming an author at 16 eventually came true.

Guest Bio

Sara Nisha Adams is a writer and now freelance editor. She lives in London and was born in Hertfordshire to Indian and English parents. Her debut novel The Reading List was a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction 2021. Her second novel, The Twilight Garden, is just out, published in June 2023 and she is currently working on her third novel.

●[00:00] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

●[04:38] – Sara’s path to becoming an author through working in publishing.

●[14:17] – Working in publishing was an advantage and a disadvantage

●[19:15] – The success of The Reading List through word of mouth befits the story

●[20:46] – Tips from Sara’s creative writing process – procrastination is a good thing

●[27:00] – Nikki and Sara discuss knitting and walking as ways to unlock creativity

●[36:06] – How and Why Sara switched to full time writing

●[37:32] – Who is your Doubting Doris?

Four Creative Nuggets

“I spent an hour before work writing. And it felt so satisfying to

have done that before I've even started my working day.”

Often the most inspiring stories are those where success comes to

an author several books into their career.

So much is unknown in publishing, you just have to write the books

you really want to write.

Walking and talking are great ways to resolve plot holes

Links

Sara

Sara Nisha Adams - author | Linktree

The Edge

https://www.innovatorsmag.com/why-walking-is-going-to-make-you-more-creative/

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

http://www.rachelbamber.com/

Can everybody sing? Join Nikki and Emma Baylin, founder of Shared Harmonies, to find out the truth about singing and its many benefits.

Ep 5: Tapping into your creative brain with Neuroleadership expert Rachel Bamber

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 20:52:00 +0000

Are you in need of tips to stop creative procrastination, or fear of being judged ‘not good enough?’ Lean in to this episode where Coach, Rachel Bamber share brain-friendly techniques to overcome these challenges and the neuroscience behind them.

Guest Bio

Rachel Bamber is an expert in using powerful, brain-friendly strategies to deliver peak performance. She helps people to work with their brain to get what they want - faster and with zero stress.

Among the pioneering adventurers who have hired her include people in the public eye, elite sport, corporate leaders and super-ambitious business owners. Rachel’s clients become skilled at working and leading with their brain, rather than against it!

Rachel is renowned for her bold and intuitive coaching, creating a motivating and powerful transformative experience which is also sustainable and fun!

Challenges her clients have overcome include lost confidence, leadership development of a new team, increasing visibility across international organisations, at a career crossroads and unsure of direction to take, improving effectiveness, work-life balance, enhancing creativity, improving communication and relationships, increasing wellbeing and stress management, and eliminating procrastination and lack of motivation.

In addition, Rachel’s trained and assessed thousands of corporate professionals in brain-based coaching skills located on six continents. Antarctica tbc...

A nominee for the GLE Rising Star Award in business, Rachel is the first person in the world to be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in the Neuroscience of Leadership. Rachel also supervises new and established coaches to support and enhance their professional practice, increase their confidence and skills. Plus, she enjoys mentoring coaches towards their ICF accreditation.

A keen writer, Rachel’s Brighter Thinking Tips have been published online since 2008 and she’s currently editing her first book. Regularly challenging herself, Rachel became a digital nomad in 2023.

● [01:08] – The Edge – up to date creative news and views

● [04:21] – Rachel explains her training in the Neuroscience of Leadership differentiates her coaching methodology

● [07:03] – How creativity shows up in the brain and differs between people

● [13:43] – Nikki and Rachel discuss creativity and AI

● [23:10] – The neuroscience behind creativity and wellbeing, travel and more

● [27:00] – Brain-friendly Tips from Rachel on Procrastination, fear of mistakes, inner critic

● [36:06] – Who is your Doubting Doris? Graphic designer Col Dixon’s story.

Four Creative Nuggets

“We exercise muscles, we tone them up. So with our brain, the same, the more creative endeavors we do, the more likely then that's going to help us.”

Writing down with pen and paper has been shown to be more effective than actually typing on a keyboard. The motor part of the brain has been shown to be really essential in learning

Wherever we put ourselves in new situations, see new things, hear new things, have new experiences, our brain is going to do is have new insights, make new connections.

“Courage is acting in spite of fear.”

Links

Rachel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbamberbrighterthinking/

The Edge

The (Ignored) Principles of Creativity | Psychology Today

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.handmadebytinni.com/

Tune in for episode six, where novelist Sarah Nisha Adams shares the moment she switched to being a full time author.

Ep 4: Creativity as a Side Hustle with Wearable Art Designer Paulomi Debnath

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:15:00 +0000

Paulomi Debnath, artist and founder of Handmade by Tinni shares her tips on running this award-winning creative side-hustle along side her successful hospitality career and why her creative switch differs from others.

Guest bio

Paulomi was born and brought up in India and has lived in London for the past 16 years.

She has always been passionate about handcrafted unique jewellery and being an Indian, Paulomi has been spoiled for choice and inspiration. Her art is heavily influenced by the bright colours of nature, the exotic places Paulomi has travelled and the rich Indian heritage and colours.

Paulomi launched Handmade by Tinni in 2020 as a sustainable modern textile design brand that creates unique wearable art. She chose organic cotton as her leading material for her designs as it is biodegradable and extremely flexible to let the designs flow freely.

Specialising in the art of traditional rope knotting crafts and processes like macramé, Paulomi creates colourful, unusual and bold designs that make you feel unique. By adding zero-waste designs and partnering with Ecologi, Paulomi is making a positive impact with her brand.

● [00:07] The Edge – this episode’s creative news

● [04:17] – Paulomi tells us the origins of her love of jewellery, colour and being a maker and being an entrepreneur from a young age to today

● [14:59] – Nikki asks how do you balance a full time career with a successful side hustle?

● [16:03] – If you want juicy tips about launching a brand, listen here!

● [34:41] – Paulomi shares her plans for growth whilst still maintaining her ethos

● [41:18] – A Doubting Doris story from musician and author Tommy Ellis

Creative Nuggets

- ‘I had no other reason apart from love, which is, I think, the biggest reason of all for making big changes.’

- If you love your job you don’t have to switch it off to pursue a creative passion. It is ok to have more than one passion.

- It takes preparation, organisation and commitment to run a side hustle. You have to sacrifice some of the down time you’d have with a 9-5 job. It is hard work!

- Start building your brand long before you launch. Build savings too. There’s nothing good about feeling under financial pressure, especially if it’s a creative venture

Links

Paulomi

https://www.instagram.com/handmade.bytinni/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/HandmadebyTinni/

The Edge

Meet the Saudi woman transforming Arabic literature into wearable art

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2323926/saudi-arabia

Bournemouth artist creates watch with van Gogh paintings

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23605701.bournemouth-artist-creates-watch-van-gogh-paintings/

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://pernillehughes.com/

Next Time

Join Nikki and NeuroLeadership expert Rachel Bamber for a conversation in challenging circumstances from another country as Rachel works as a digital nomad.

Ep 3: Pernille Hughes on Motherhood and Writing 'Funny Kissing Books'

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:10:00 +0000

Would you like to be a writer or an author? What style of writing would you like to do? Pernille Hughes shares her creative journey and explains how keeping an open mind about writing styles can allow your creativity to evolve and grow with you.

Guest bio

Pernille Hughes

“I write funny kissing books, with modern, capable women who have lost their way or can’t catch a break. I believe love and laughter go hand in hand, so that’s what I write.”

Pernille Hughes is a RomCom author and mum, published by HarperCollins. Before moving to writing full-time, Pernille (pronounced Pernilla) studied Film & Literature at university. After graduating she went into Advertising, then to marketing Natural History films before working in Children’s television, which meant living in actual Teletubbyland for a while. From 2011–2015, she regularly contributed to The Sunday Times column ‘Confessions of a Tourist’. She's had three novels published - Ten Years, Probably the Best Kiss in the World and Punch-Drunk Love (previously Sweatpants At Tiffanie's).

Pernille lives in Buckinghamshire, with her husband and four kids, scoffing cake and writing stories to maintain a shred of sanity. 

· [00:53] - The Edge. Nikki shares creative news stories and explores how creativity is showing up in the world.

· [03:29] – Pernille describes the many writing experiences that ultimately led her to become a successful RomCom author.

· [08:33] – Becoming a switcher can be the result of a life change which allows you to see what you need and what you want to do.

· [11.54] – Nikki asks Pernille to define ‘creativity’

· [17.28] – The idea of allowing the creative career to be plan A, and the sensible career to be plan B.

· [28.06] – Doubting Doris. This week, guest Pernille Hughes shares her story with Nikki.

Creative Nuggets

· ‘I write happy kissing books because those are the kind of books that make me happy and that's what I do.’ Do what makes you happy!

· Trying a large variety of writing styles can allow you to learn more about your voice and tone – the things that are unique to you.

· Author and writer - one is an actual role, a job, and one is a lovely creative joy. And you can be both or either.

· ‘You have a responsibility to your own self and brain to keep it stimulated in a way that can bring you some contentment’

Links

Pernille

https://www.instagram.com/pernillehughes/

https://twitter.com/pernillehughes

Book Links:

https://pernillehughes.com/punch-drunk-love/

https://pernillehughes.com/probably-the-best-kiss-in-the-world/

https://pernillehughes.com/tenyears/

The Edge:

Children’s writing at ‘crisis point’ as enjoyment among pupils drops – report | The Independent

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Artificial Intelligence and Women

Next Time

I do hope you join me and my next guest, Paulomi Debnath, founder of Handmade by Tinni, a sustainable modern textile design brand that creates unique wearable art. Paulomi talks about how she didn't want to choose between her two loves. And remember, Why Survive When You Can Thrive?

Ep 2: Talking Creativity Books and Wellbeing with BiblioTherapist Bijal Shah

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:05:00 +0000

Far from being a new therapeutic tool, bibliotherapy has its roots in Ancient Greece. In this episode Bijal Shah introduces us to the techniques of bibliotherapy, and the often surprising ways that reading can help emotions, well-being, and creativity interconnect.

Guest Bio

Bijal Shah is a bibliotherapist, counsellor and author. She is the founder of Book Therapy, which offers individual, couple’s and group bibliotherapy, literary curation and personalised reading services as well as bibliotherapy training. Bijal’s book recommendations have featured in the Guardian, Marie Claire, NBC News, Asian Voice and various other publications. She’s a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and the American Library Association. She is also the author of the non-fiction book, "The Happiness Mindset”, which has received more than 50 reviews on Amazon with a 5-star rating.

Bijal has also completed a post-graduate diploma in counselling, in addition to a post-graduate professional accountancy qualification and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Warwick. She previously worked in Investment Banking at Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital. She’s a mother of two and currently resides in Hampstead, London with her husband.

● [00:06] - The Edge. Nikki shares creative news stories and explores how creativity is showing up in the world.

● [07:51] – Bijal talks about what lead her to switch from a career in banking to bibliotherapy.

● [15:53] – What happens in a bibliotherapy session? Bijal explains.

● [23:30] – Bijal discusses her own creative outlet – writing poetry.

● [29:11] – Nikki and Bijal ask, why do we feel more connected when expressing our creativity in a sensory way?

● [36.52] – Doubting Doris. Nikki share stories from people who were turned away from a creative life by their own ‘Doubting Doris’

Creative Nuggets

· The things that we would like to invite into our lives initially come from getting in touch with our emotions and releasing them. It can open up new ways of thinking and allow new thoughts to come into our minds.

· The language of literature can allow us to find ways to express how we’re feeling when previously we didn’t have the words to do that. Reading can allow us to connect with ourselves and what we’re going through.

· Creativity allows us to aid our mental health in the sense that creativity allows us to explore our emotions.

· Bibliotherapy is not a new therapy, it was used by the Ancient Greeks. During the world wars, Doctors used poetry as a way to communicate with, and treat their patients.

Links

Bijal

You can book in a Bibliotherapy session with Bijal here: https://www.booktherapy.io/collections/bibliotherapy or sign up for her online Bibliotherapy, Literature and Mental Health Course here: https://www.booktherapy.io/products/bibliotherapy-literature-and-mental-health

You can follow her on Instagram @booktherapy_by_bijal

Lastly if you would like to reach out to Bijal, don't hesitate to email her at bijal@booktherapy.io 

Book on Amazon for pre-order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bibliotherapy-Healing-Reading-Bijal-Shah/dp/0349436037

Book on Bookshop.org for pre-order: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/bibliotherapy-bijal-shah/7271857?ean=9780349436036

The Edge:

AI Could Help Free Human Creativity | Time

Artificial intelligence: practical steps for members - The Society of Authors

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.fivedinners.com/

Up Next

I do hope you join me and my next guest, Pernille Hughes, who writes what she calls 'funny kissing books.' And remember, Why Survive When You Can Thrive?

Ep 1: Theo Michaels on turning his food passion into a career

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

What is it that finally drives people to take the leap and switch to a more creative life? Is it a push away from a lifestyle or job where you don’t feel fulfilled? Or is it a pull towards the excitement and passion of a creative way of living? Chef Theo Michaels talks to Nikki Vallance about the push / pull of his own creative switch.

Guest bio

Theo Michaels Executive Chef, award winning author and co-founder of FiveDinners.com

After appearing on Masterchef 2014, Theo resigned from his IT business of 15 years to follow his passion for food. Theo comes from a large Greek Cypriot family, lived in America for five years and has backpacked around the world and now lives in Hertfordshire with his wife, three children and dog.  

Theo is famed for love of Mediterranean food taking inspiration from his Greek Cypriot roots to cooking easy family food from around the world.

Theo is resident chef on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, has a monthly food column in Hertfordshire Life Magazine, is a Kenwood Ambassador and frequently in the press and media and food festivals.

Theo is co-founder of FiveDinners.com an online meal planning service and is an award winning author with his eight cookbook being published autumn 2023.

Two of Theo’s books have won the Gourmand World Cookbook awards, with some of his titles including Orexi (translated into 3 languages) Rustica, SHARE, CANNED, Grazing and Feasting Boards.

Theo still gets’ his hands dirty as Executive Chef for an international events company and also co-owns a cool little coffee shop in Hertfordshire.

Theo has three children and during lockdown Theo was named internationally as the ‘UK’s home economist’ after hosting 36 live kids cookalongs for 3 months to thousands of families around the world.

[00:06] - The Edge. Nikki shares creative news stories and explores how creativity is showing up in the world.

· [04:17] – Theo explains where his passion for food came from.

· [06:18] – Theo and Nikki discuss the push and pull drivers that can lead to making a creative switch.

· [13.21] – ‘How do you keep the passion when you’ve turned your passion into a job?’

· [26.47] – ‘What advice do you have for people considering switching direction?’

· [31.52] – Doubting Doris. Nikki share stories from people who were turned away from a creative life by their own ‘Doubting Doris’

Creative Nuggets

· The move towards a more creative life can be driven by either the desire to push away from an unfulfilled life or the pull towards a passion. Or both!

· Turning a creative passion into a full-time job requires a different mindset and realistic expectations about the balance of creative work and non-creative work.

· Be prepared to be vulnerable! It’s a big thing to put your creativity out into the world, but ultimately worth it.

· Be open to the evolution of your creative passion. There are lots of opportunities that you may have never considered.

Links

Theo

https://theomichaels.com

https://theomichaels.com/books/

https://instagram.com/theocooks/

The Edge:

The World’s 50 Best Awards Host City, Valencia, Is A Culinary Star In Its Own Right (forbes.com)

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/