Ian Ziskin, Author, Lives Lost and Leadership Found

Today, we’re welcoming back Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group, a leader with more than 40 years of experience as a business executive, board advisor, coach, consultant, and author. Ian has held senior leadership and Chief Human Resources Officer roles at three Fortune 100 companies, written extensively about the future of work, HR, and leadership, and continues to influence how organizations develop people and purpose.Ian's Website Ian first joined us on Your World of Creativity back in 2022, when he shared insights from another collaborative anthology project that brought together diverse voices in leadership. Today, he returns to discuss his new book, Lives Lost and Leadership Found, just released by Routledge. The book blends neuroscience, survey insights from 150 professionals, and deeply personal essays from dozens of contributors to explore how grief, loss, and connection can actually deepen our leadership capacity — and how our ‘special somebodies’ may be our most powerful teachers.Why This Book, and Why Now?Ian, you’ve written and spoken extensively about leadership and HR — but Lives Lost and Leadership Found takes a much more personal and emotional turn. What inspired you to write this book, and why was now the right time?Neuroscience, Grief, and GrowthThe book explores how neuroscience rewires our leadership capacity through experiences of loss. What did you discover about the connection between grief, empathy, and leadership resilience?Collaborative Creativity, Round TwoYou were last on the podcast in 2022 discussing another anthology you co-created. How has that collaborative creative process worked for you over the years — and what lessons did you carry forward into this new project?Leading Together — The Power of Many VoicesIn Lives Lost and Leadership Found, you serve as the lead author but included essays from dozens of contributors. What were the benefits — and maybe the challenges — of weaving so many perspectives into a single narrative?Lessons from the Data and the StoriesYou surveyed 150 professionals and featured essays from leaders and coaches across industries. What key lessons or themes emerged — and were there any surprises in how people transformed loss into growth?Music, Reflection, and RenewalYou even wrote and recorded a song for the book, “Here and Gone,” to honor your parents and brother. Tell us about the story behind that song — and why you encourage readers to write their own essays about their “Special Somebodies.Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, remember to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today we’re joined by Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company based in Austin, Texas, whose mission is to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more, and build a healthy work life. His latest creation, the Sukha Focus App, integrates science and soul to help people achieve deep, sustainable focus in a distracted world.Steven's Website The Journey from Hollywood to HappinessSteven, you’ve had such an eclectic career—from film production and tech startups to founding a company devoted to focus and balance. Steven’s creative journey spans journalism, film, technology, and now mindfulness. He began as a newscaster for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market, then went on to work as a software engineer and Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM.From there, he entered the film world—producing computer-generated visual effects for Independence Day and 13 other movies, launching his first company, Centropolis Effects, which he later sold to German media conglomerate Das Werk. He went on to senior leadership roles at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, developing hit franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Transformers, and Star Trek.What turning point inspired you to create The Sukha Company?Creative Systems and ScienceYou’ve led creative and technical teams at the highest levels—from Independence Day to Transformers. What lessons from those high-pressure creative environments have shaped how you now think about productivity, empathy, and well-being at work?Defining “Sukha” in Modern WorkThe Sanskrit word sukha means happiness through self-fulfillment. How does that philosophy show up in your company’s products—and in your own daily focus habits?Focus in the Age of OverloadYou’ve built an app to help people stay focused in a world of constant distraction. What are the biggest focus challenges you see today, and how does The Sukha help users navigate them?The Future of Work and Well-BeingYou talk about “healthy productivity.” What do you see as the next evolution for creative professionals and organizations who want to get more done without burning out?Steven, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to creatives and leaders who are trying to find focus, fulfillment, and flow in their daily work?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, we’re talking with Dave Lee, the creative engineer and co-creator of Cardboard Sessions, the viral series where paper becomes possibility. In each episode, top-tier artists step into the studio to create unrehearsed sonic magic using fully playable instruments made entirely out of cardboard.Dave on YouTube @cardboardsessions on Instagram From cardboard Stratocasters and Telecasters to full drum kits, Dave and his team turn imagination into reality, documenting the process in stunning behind-the-scenes videos that blend art, science, and pure creative courage.The Spark of Cardboard ChaosDave, where did this idea begin—what first made you look at cardboard and think, “let’s make a snowboard, a guitar, or a pair of Vans out of this”? What was the creative leap from Cardboard Chaos to Cardboard Sessions?Engineering Meets ArtYou’ve built fully playable instruments out of cardboard—something that sounds impossible until people see and hear it. If you’ve ever looked at an everyday object and thought, ‘What if we made this out of cardboard?’—Dave’s probably already done it. Your creative journey—from Cardboard Chaos experiments to collaborations with icons like Tony Hawk, Marcus King, and Keanu Reeves—proves that true innovation often starts with the simplest materials and the boldest questions. I was watching the Cardboard Session with Peter Yorn -- How do you and your team balance the technical precision of engineering with the spontaneity of creative experimentation?The Magic of Unrehearsed MusicEach Cardboard Session is unrehearsed, unfiltered, and full of creative risk. What do you think happens to artists when the normal studio structure disappears and they’re just responding to the moment—with instruments made of paper?Collaboration and Creative FlowYou’ve brought in everyone from ZZ Top to Marcus King to Keanu Reeves. What have you learned about collaboration from these sessions—and how do you create an environment that invites trust, play, and genuine creativity?The Lesson for Creatives EverywhereYour work embodies the idea that creativity thrives on limits and curiosity. What’s your advice for listeners who want to tap into that “build it anyway” mindset—especially when they’re facing doubt or resistance?What’s one takeaway you hope creators remember from your work—about staying inventive, curious, and hands-on in a digital world?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, we’re heading to Australia to welcome Duncan Toombs—one of the country’s powerhouse vocalists and storytellers. Duncan’s music reconnects us to our humanity and reminds us of the importance of love, life, and family. I first heard Duncan live this summer when I visited Sydney and stopped into Jolene’s country bar and I was blown away by his performance.Then, I learned Duncan appeared on Channel Seven’s The Voice, where his raw, powerful vocals won over the hearts of millions. His original song, Steel on Steel, went viral with nearly 3 million viewers tuning in, and it has since reached audiences worldwide on TikTok and Instagram.Duncan is also a nine-time Golden Guitar Award winner, an ARIA #1 album artist with Steel on Steel, and a Hands of Fame inductee.Duncan's Website @duncantoombs on Instagram Duncan's Facebook page Duncan on YouTube Here is an overview of our conversation, plus you'll hear samples from 3 of Duncan's songs:The Voice & Viral BreakthroughDuncan, your performance of Steel on Steel on The Voice captivated millions and went viral globally. What was that moment like for you—and how did it change the way people connect with your music?Storytelling Through SongYour songs are deeply rooted in love, life, and family. How do you translate personal experiences into stories that resonate so universally with listeners?Crafting an AlbumYour album Steel on Steel reached ARIA #1. What was your creative process in pulling that project together, and what makes it different from your earlier work?Sustaining a Career in MusicWith nine Golden Guitars and a Hand of Fame induction, you’ve already built an incredible legacy. What has kept you inspired to keep writing, performing, and pushing your artistry forward?The Other Creative Pursuit: Filmmaking & Content CreationMany of our listeners are creatives themselves—writers, musicians, makers—trying to find their voice. What advice would you share about staying true to your craft while navigating other creative pursuits and an ever-changing industry?Duncan, what’s one message you’d like to leave with listeners about the role of music in keeping us connected to each other and to what really matters in life?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Today, we welcome Kay Smith-Blum, an author whose journey has taken her from the world of fashion to education leadership and now to award-winning historical fiction.Kay's Website @discerningKSB on Instagram Kay's Facebook page A longtime Seattle resident, Kay has recently been honored with multiple awards for her debut novel TANGLES, including Best Historical Mystery/Suspense at the 2025 American Fiction Awards, Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards, Best Regional Fiction/West by the National Indie Excellence Awards, and Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards.Inspired by the mid-20th century and the haunting realities of leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Site, Kay brings history, suspense, and humanity together in her storytelling.The Spark for TANGLESYou’ve said that the recent controversies around radioactive waste tanks at Hanford compelled you to write this story. What was the moment or piece of history that made you say: this has to become a novel?From Fashion to FictionYour background includes running a successful fashion business and serving as Seattle School Board President. How did those experiences shape your perspective as a writer—and ultimately lead you to TANGLES?Historical Suspense & CraftTANGLES blends mystery, suspense, and historical detail. How did you balance historical accuracy with narrative drive? What were the biggest challenges in weaving fact with fiction?Writing Process & RitualsYou describe yourself as a sunrise writer who works out writer’s block in gardens and lap pools. Could you share more about your creative process—and how these routines fuel your storytelling?Recognition & Next StepsWith TANGLES winning so many awards—including Book of the Year—what has this recognition meant for you personally and professionally? And what’s next on your creative horizon?What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to aspiring authors who feel drawn to tackle historical or regional stories, but maybe hesitate to take the leap?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.Also, as a thanks to you for listening, I’d like to offer you a free download of my e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, we welcome Gail Straub, author of Home Inside the Globe, her new memoir that reflects on a life of travel, activism, empowerment, and creative exploration.Gail 's Website Gail is the author of eight other acclaimed books, including the best-selling Empowerment, co-authored with her husband David Gershon, as well as The Rhythm of Compassion, Returning to My Mother’s House, and The Ashokan Way. She has won multiple Nautilus and Foreword Reviews awards for her writings on feminism, nature, and healing.Beyond her books, Gail cofounded the Empowerment Institute in 1981 and later IMAGINE: A Global Initiative for the Empowerment of Women, which has impacted millions of lives across Africa, India, and the Middle East. She is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on empowerment and continues to blend personal storytelling with global activism.Here's an outline of our conversation:Home and BelongingAfter a lifetime of travel across cultures and causes, what does “home” mean to you now—and how did writing Home Inside the Globe help you integrate your inner and outer journeys?Empowerment Across GenerationsSince cofounding the Empowerment Institute in 1981, how has your definition of “empowerment” evolved, particularly as you’ve worked with women around the world?Global Voices, Local LessonsThrough IMAGINE, you’ve supported women in Africa, India, and the Middle East. What have you learned from their resilience, and what lessons could Western feminism draw from those experiences?Balancing Activism and StorytellingYou’ve written nature meditations, feminist memoirs, and now a life-spanning reflection. How do you balance personal storytelling with activism in your work—and what role does compassion play in sustaining that balance?Legacy and Future ChangemakersWith Home Inside the Globe, what legacy do you hope to leave for readers—and what message do you want to pass on to the next generation of changemakers, especially those searching for purpose later in life? Gail, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to listeners about finding both courage and compassion on their own creative and activist journeys?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, we welcome Beau Dromiack — an architect, author, educator, and national voice on reviving craft in design education and practice. Beau blends decades of mission-critical architecture with a passion for teaching what he calls ‘success empathy’—the soft skills and high-craft mindset needed to thrive in today’s built environment. He leads a graduate design program at Arizona State University, mentors emerging professionals, and has just released his second book on the future of architecture and the Super-Architect.https://www.dromiackinvention.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-dromiack-aia-dbia-ncarb-scup-310747124/https://a.co/d/5NSYyZXThe Call for CraftYou’ve said, “Craft is Care—Care is our Craft. Less craft means less humanity.” Why is reviving craft so critical to the future of architecture—especially in a world driven by speed and AI?The Super-ArchitectIn your new book, you define the “Super-Architect” through values, skills, and optimism. Walk us through those qualities—and how they help architects build resilience amid today’s pressures and opportunities.Empathy and EducationYou teach “success empathy.” How do you cultivate those soft skills and a high-craft mindset with your ASU graduate students and emerging professionals?AI, Speed, and SustainabilityYour Roadmap for Resilience aims to protect craft and humanity while embracing tech. How can architects balance AI’s efficiencies with imagination, creativity, and care?Relevance and ResponsibilityMany argue architecture faces a relevance crisis. How can architects reclaim influence in the built environment—and what role does optimism play?Beau, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to both seasoned professionals and students on keeping imagination, empathy, and craft alive as design accelerates?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.comCome back for our next episode, when we’ll continue our round-the-world travels to talk with creatives about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and most of all, how they gain the confidence and connections to launch their work out into the world.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we explore how creative professionals around the world are bringing their ideas to life — from inspiration to implementation.Today, we’re diving deep into the high-stakes, high-impact world of healthcare branding. Our guest is Joe Daley, President of Addison Whitney, a global leader in brand strategy, identity, and naming — especially in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.https://www.addisonwhitney.com/linkedin.com/in/joseph-daley-4535698Joe brings decades of experience across healthcare sales, marketing, advertising, and strategy, and now leads an award-winning team that's behind the names of nearly 50% of the top 200 prescription drugs on the market.He’s here to share how Addison Whitney is pioneering the use of AI in brand naming — especially with the launch of Ari™, the first AI-based brand design application tailored for pharma.1. From Sales to Strategy to Creative Leadership“Joe, your journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to global branding leader is quite remarkable. How has that full-spectrum view of healthcare shaped the way you approach brand strategy today at Addison Whitney?”2. The Art and Science of Naming Pharmaceuticals“You’ve said naming a drug is a peculiar and specialized process. Can you walk us through what makes naming in the healthcare space so unique — and what success looks like in this arena?” “What are some recent branding trends you're noticing in clinical trial naming or tech-health crossover products?”3. Ari™ – Merging Human Expertise with AI“Tell us about Ari™ — your proprietary AI platform. What inspired its development, and how does it amplify rather than replace the creative work your team does?”4. Creative Compliance: Balancing Innovation and Regulation“Pharma branding has to navigate regulatory approval, global trademark clearance, and more. How does your team maintain creativity within these tight guardrails?” “How does your team collaborate globally across cultures and languages to develop universally resonant brands?”5. Future Vision: Creativity in a Regulated World“As the boundaries between healthcare, tech, and consumer branding blur — where do you see the next frontier of creative innovation coming from in brand design?” “What advice would you give to a young creative entering the healthcare branding space?”Joe, thank you for sharing such incredible insights into the fascinating world of brand naming and strategy — especially how you're combining three decades of expertise with the power of AI to shape the future of healthcare brands.Listeners, as always, we want to thank our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can get 10% off your first order by using the promo code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com to learn more.Make sure to subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app, leave us a rating and review, and join us next time as we continue to explore the creative process around the world and across industries.

Today, we welcome Tami Eagle Bowling — motivational speaker and advocate for #LightUpMBC, a global event illuminating landmarks and amplifying patient voices. The program has raised hope and more than $2 million for metastatic breast cancer research.Here are links to #LightUpMBC resources:www.lightupmbc.orghttps://www.instagram.com/lightupmbc/https://www.instagram.com/metavivor/After 20 years in media sales leadership at Condé Nast and Hearst, holding roles like Associate Publisher of Marie Claire and Teen Vogue, Tami’s life changed at 41 when she was diagnosed de novo with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer while raising two young children.She transformed her energy into advocacy, creating #LightUpMBC LIVE, She also co-produces The Janice Jam, Broadway for Breast Cancer, and has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and beyond. She’s here to share her journey of resilience, advocacy, and creativity.From Publishing to Purpose: Tami, you spent two decades leading in the media world. Can you share what skills and experiences from that career you drew upon when shifting your energy into advocacy and creating #LightUpMBC LIVE?The Power of Visibility: Close to 300 landmarks across 166+ cities around the world will be illuminated on Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 as part of the incredible global campaign. How are landmark owners joining the #LightUpMBC campaign by lighting in the symbolic MBC colors of green, teal and pink on October 13? Why is visibility — literally lighting up the world — such a powerful metaphor and tool for raising awareness and hope in the MBC community?Patient Voices & Advocacy: You’ve said your mission is to amplify patient voices. What are some of the most important stories and lessons you’ve witnessed through the livestreams and advocacy work that you think the wider world needs to hear?Survive and Thrive: You’ve been honored with awards and legislative recognition for your impact. But beyond the spotlight, what does “survive and thrive” mean to you personally, as a mother, a patient, and a leader?The Eagle Method: You’ve created The Eagle Method as a framework to build resilience, embrace uncertainty, and improve mental health. Can you walk us through what it is, and how you apply it in your own life and with others?Tami, what’s one piece of advice you would share with someone facing uncertainty or adversity about finding their voice and turning it into something that helps others?Connect with Tami at Tami's Website , and @EagleMethod on Instagram Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Welcome back, friends, to Your World of Creativity—the podcast where we explore inspiration, innovation, and imagination from around the globe. I’m your host, Mark Stinson, and today we’re diving into a fascinating intersection of creativity, consciousness, and cutting-edge technology.My guest is Schuyler Dragoo—an interdisciplinary artist and researcher whose work spans painting, performance, music, video, sculpture, and beyond. But what sets Schuyler apart is her deep inquiry into the intersections of technology, neurodivergence, and nonhuman perception. She’s recently completed an MFA at Tufts and an MA in Psychology, bringing together art, science, and strategy in ways that are absolutely captivating.Schuyler's Website @painted.goose on Instagram 1. Art and Awareness Across Species“You explore nonhuman perception and interaction—something most artists never even think about. What first drew you to this idea of creating work that bridges the human and nonhuman experience?”Sensory translation, AI interpretations of animal behavior, or speculative interaction.Examples from her painting, sculpture, or video installations.2. Neurodivergence as a Creative Lens“You’ve mentioned neurodivergence in your work—not just as a subject, but also as a mode of perception and creativity. How does neurodivergence inform the way you see or create systems, art, and technology?”Non-linear thought, pattern recognition, or how psychology and art intersect in her process.3. From Concept to Code: Building Tools, Not Just Ideas“Unlike many artists, you actually build things—AI bots, automation systems, narrative engines. Can you share an example of a tool you’ve created that brought together creativity, strategy, and real-world performance?”Her work in performance marketing or AI-driven behavior tools.How does creative strategy function like anthropology?4. Making Systems Feel Human“You’ve said you approach creative work as a system—and you design systems that feel human. What does that look like in practice? And how do you make sure technology doesn’t lose its emotional resonance?”Walkthrough of design thinking + behavioral insightDiscussion on ethics, empathy, and human-centered design.5. What’s Next in the Ecosystem of Your Work?“With your background in psychology, tech, and performance art—what kinds of projects are on the horizon for you? Where do you see the biggest potential for impact next?”MFA and MA capstone projectsUpcoming collaborations, gallery shows, or tool launchesVision for AI and neurodiverse design spacesSchuyler, thank you for opening up your world of creativity with us today. From speculative design to neurodiverse intelligence, your work really reminds us how broad and brilliant the creative landscape can be when we embrace systems thinking and cross-domain fluency.As always, we want to thank our sponsor—White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy a 10% discount off your first order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.Until next time, keep exploring your world of creativity. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite app. We’ll see you in the next episode!