How do you stay curious and creative as a strategy pro?

I set google Alerts on topics I am interested in learning more about. I also do this with my name, my family, my business, and clients/the topics they are subject matter experts in. It's free and it's incredibly helpful.

Intentionally look for how people from different fields would solve our problems - usually by reading, but not only - and building scenarios. How would a 1900's explorer solve a resource management issue we have today? How do modern sailors exchange information across the world? What horse whisperers can tell us about building trust? What can I learn from yogis that I can apply for mitigating conflict? How do jiu jitsu players transform a weakness position into a strong one? The list is never ending and it is a quite fun exercise.

I find I get my most creative ideas by listening to the people I serve, whether those are internal or external customers. I say, if you want to know where the bodies are buried, ask the people holding the shovels. I also learn a lot by making time to listen to senior leaders, and ask questions about their priorities. That allows me to connect the dots cross-functionally and provide context.

For me business coaching overlaps with my weight management and fitness coaching. People arent often ready for a new phase. The why, benefit and roadmap are essential and often not communicated well.

There are sweet spots at the intersection of core disciplines. For example, neural networks in AI was inspired by how neural networks in biological brain function. The trick was to determine how to codify this biology. This is one of the reasons the word "collaboration" is very popular. Creativity in Strategy is no different. For example, Climate Change is changing the way humans work, live, transport and consume. This change is set to disrupt our historical understanding of “growth" in business. The way forward may require businesses to embrace a sustainable mindset to maintain a state of going concern. Creative Strategies that synergizes these two opposite forces will likely prevail.

Connect informally with people in your company and organizations, such as those in other departments or teams, and create situations where you can ask questions perhaps over coffee or lunch. In my prior role at a Fortune 500 managed care company, I reached out and built relationships with colleagues in other functional areas and business lines to learn from them, understand their perspectives, and more importantly, listen to their stories. For example, I gained tremendous insights from the actuary team by connecting with them and having the space to ask questions and have them share their knowledge. They helped me show up better as a leader and business operator.

There are very few constant truths in the world and strategists of any type need to be comfortable that what is true today, won’t be true tomorrow. Alternatively though, most things we understand and know incrementally evolve instead of radically change. If we become comfortable with constant change in what we know, and treat it as an opportunity, not a threat - we as strategists have a strong foundation to adapt. It can shift us from hoping to maintain our understanding and “strategic edge” to constantly refining it.

We have to get to a place where we want to experiment, so often I've seen friends and other entrepreneurs just do. Meaning they just do the thing they think they need to with a whole bunch of data behind it. Instead of taking the opportunity to test. If we allow ourselves to reframe the doing to experimenting, we can take ourselves out of the failure closet. Detach ourselves from the result, it's the experiment didn't work.

The fear of failure often deters people from engaging in experimentation. This fear acts as a barrier, keeping individuals within their comfort zones and in their own comfortable walls of creativity. Consequently, their capacity to explore novel ideas and approaches becomes limited. When you test your ideas and strategies in real-world situations, you acquire valuable insights into what is effective and what is not. Embracing this data-driven approach enables you to enhance your thinking, challenge preconceived notions, and discover new creative solutions.

You have to dedicate time to being curious. - Find people that also share this passion. Say Yes to things they invite you to that don't seem like your typical comfort zone. - Don't just skip over an event or concert that isn't your "preference"- go to it. people watch. listen. learn Get outside - As much as possible. This 100% unlocks all the right things in your brain to think in new ways Immerse yourself in different cultures - There are so many ways to do this in your own community. - And if you have the opportunity, travel.

Networking is most useful when it avoids confirmation bias. Spending more time with those that disagree with your POV or challenge you vs those that confirm what you already know is where the most value is found.

Some of my most creative ideas don’t happen at my desk. I’ve written many briefs, reports and campaigns walking “the loop” at the park or attending my daughter’s volleyball games. A lot of times inspiration can come from the most unlikely source. Put your energy out there and you’ll be surprised at what comes back.

Agree. Distance and fresh thinking are needed. Give yourself a break seeing nature, walking or leaving a space where there is pressure. Your mind will reset.

I absolutely love the way a Ted Talk can pique my curiosity about the most random things –?and they're always delivered in a snack-size format for me to consume. I've found myself watching Ted Talks in the Tesla while it's charging, after a long day, and when I want to feel inspired to start rehearsing my own speeches again. I find the Ted platform not only introduces me to new voices and new ways of thinking, but stimulates something inside to want to take action.

Take Calculated Risks Take calculated risks using game theory principles, and understand the 'game' context, including players and potential outcomes. Apply this knowledge to anticipate others' actions and balance potential payoffs against risks. Iterative learning and experimentation are crucial; adapt your strategies based on outcomes. This process fuels curiosity; constantly seeking new information keeps you aware of shifting dynamics. Creativity, too, is vital, enabling innovative solutions to complex problems. In sum, blend calculated risk-taking and game theory for strategic decisions while fostering curiosity and creativity to stay flexible and receptive to new possibilities.

Cultivate a sense of awe in the moments of living. Allow wonder and mystery to touch you daily. Here's how: 1. Meditate. 2. Read a delicious book. 3. Have a heart-felt conversation. 4. Spend time in the majesty of nature. These strategies can help you build a sense of awe every day. Try one today. You'll be in awe.

In the ever-evolving strategy landscape, staying curious and fostering creativity is essential. As a seasoned strategist, I continuously engage in cross-industry research, attend conferences, and collaborate with diverse thinkers to stimulate my curiosity. Having a growth mindset, I encourage my team to challenge assumptions and explore unconventional solutions.