Leadership is a creative act. When founded on integrity and optimism, true leadership has the power to change the world in positive ways. My mission is to unlock the creative potential of learners, leaders, and organizations — helping them translate their vision into reality with bold thinking and actionable strategies. I call this approach: Creative Leadership.

My leadership philosophy is summarized in the 5 concepts below. If you want a complete description of the Creative Leadership framework - read my book!

True leadership is a creative act that requires imagination, collaboration, and patience. And not just from the leader, but from everyone on the team. Together, we work toward our collective vision and are successful when we can translate that vision into reality. Like the creative process, leadership is a series of decisions and actions that serves to maximize the efforts of the group and helps them accomplish their vision.

Creative leadership has the power to unlock human potential and change the world in positive ways. I am inspired by potential in people, teams, and organizations. And I am motivated by helping them see and realize their true potential. For creative leaders like me, it is not enough to simply lead others forward without developing them in the process. Wherever the group is trying to go, they need to arrive there as better people, even better leaders.

I respect the agency of those I lead. Leaders and followers are part of a give/give relationship. And as the leader, I make the first move. As I give power (by delegating authority or responsibility) I gain influence. As I give respect, I earn trust. With trust, the partnership goes forward and the group can work toward their shared vision.

Creativity is the imaginative and constructive ability to translate vision into reality. I believe in the transformative power of creativity as a fundamental human ability to bring meaning into our lives. Leading with my imagination means bringing all of my imaginative and constructive skills and applying them toward learning, innovation, and breaking the status quo in meaningful and purposeful ways.

I believe in character over charisma. And that respect, truth, and humility are the foundation of both good leadership and good living. I am guided by a set of fixed principles that don’t shift with current situations — things like faith, honesty, and a deep sense of personal responsibility. I strive for integrity - a clear connection between my expressed beliefs and my actions.