Published on 18 July 2023 7 min read

Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius
Ken Robinson: How Schools Kill Creativity
Julie Burstein: 4 Lessons in Creativity
David Kelley: How to Build Your Creative Confidence
Amy Tan: Where Does Creativity Hide?
Stefon Harris: There Are No Mistakes on the Bandstand
Tim Brown: Tales of Creativity and Play

If you're a creative thinker seeking inspiration, then you've hit the jackpot. These inspiring TED talks are like a matchbox, ready to ignite your imagination and set your creative spark ablaze. Each thought-provoking presentation offers a unique view of creativity. So, buckle up and prepare for a mind-expanding journey!

Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius

Let's start with a bang—or rather, a spark. Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the best-selling memoir 'Eat, Pray, Love', gives us a fresh take on creativity in her inspiring TED talk, "Your Elusive Creative Genius". She invites us to view creativity not as a quality we possess, but as a mysterious force that visits us. How's that for a plot twist?

Here's what you can learn from this talk:

Re-imagining Pressure: Gilbert suggests that instead of feeling the burden of being a 'genius', we should focus on meeting our 'genius'. It's like having a surprise guest for dinner; you never know what they'll bring to the table.
Embracing the Unknown: She encourages us to embrace the uncertainty that comes with creativity. It's not about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions.
Perseverance: Even when your 'genius' is nowhere in sight, keep showing up. Your dedication might just lure it back.

So, the next time you're stuck in a creative rut, remember Elizabeth Gilbert's words. Your 'genius' might just be waiting for the right moment to make an appearance. This inspiring TED talk will surely give creative thinkers a fresh perspective and ignite your imagination.

Ken Robinson: How Schools Kill Creativity

Who could forget Sir Ken Robinson and his inspiring TED talk "How Schools Kill Creativity"? Not only does he charm us with his wit and humor, but he also forces us to question the very system that supposedly breeds creativity: our schools. It's a bit like discovering the cookie jar is empty, isn't it?

Here's what you can take away from his talk:

Re-think Education: Robinson argues that schools often discourage creativity by promoting conformity. It's like trying to paint a rainbow but only having shades of grey. What if we could add more colors?
The Power of Imagination: He emphasizes that creativity arises from our ability to imagine, to dream. So, let's not limit our canvas to what we already know.
Embrace Mistakes: Robinson suggests mistakes aren't pitfalls, but stepping stones to creativity. It's not about avoiding a stumble, but finding a new dance move in the trip.

If you've ever felt boxed in by rules or stifled by fear of mistakes, Robinson's talk could be the breath of fresh air you need. It's an inspiring TED talk that will make creative thinkers question, challenge, and imagine anew. So, get ready to ignite your imagination and redefine creativity.

Julie Burstein: 4 Lessons in Creativity

Pop quiz: What do you get when you cross a radio producer with a knack for storytelling and a passion for creativity? The answer is Julie Burstein and her thought-provoking TED talk, "4 Lessons in Creativity".

In her talk, Burstein unpacks four key lessons that you, as a creative thinker, might want to etch onto your brain:

Embrace Challenges: Burstein encourages us to see challenges as opportunities. Just like when you're playing a game and you're stuck on a level — isn't it more satisfying when you finally beat it?
Engage with Loss: She tells us that loss can be a catalyst for creativity. It might hurt like a paper cut on your thumb, but it can also push you to create something extraordinary.
Pay Attention: Burstein emphasizes the importance of being present and observant. It's about noticing the little things, like the way sunlight filters through a leaf.
Embrace the Unknown: She nudges us to be comfortable with not having all the answers. It's like jumping into a pool without knowing how deep it is — scary but thrilling!

This inspiring TED talk is a must-watch for creative thinkers who love to dive deep into the sea of creativity. It teaches that creativity isn't just about thinking outside the box, it's about realizing there is no box. So, open your mind, ignite your imagination, and let Julie Burstein guide you through the winding paths of creativity.

David Kelley: How to Build Your Creative Confidence

Picture this: you're a kid again, building sandcastles on the beach. You don't worry about making it perfect, you just enjoy creating something out of nothing. That's the essence of creative confidence, a topic that David Kelley masterfully explores in his inspiring TED talk.

Kelley, founder of the renowned design firm IDEO, presents some key takeaways for all the creative thinkers out there:

Believe in your creativity: Kelley insists that everyone is creative in their own way. It's like having superpowers, but not realizing you can fly.
Overcome the fear of judgment: He encourages us to let go of the fear of others' opinions. Remember, you're the artist, and your work is your masterpiece.
Learn through doing: Kelley promotes gaining confidence in your creativity by simply doing. It's like trying to ride a bike — you won't get anywhere unless you start pedaling!
Nurture a growth mindset: He advises us to embrace a mindset that views challenges as opportunities to grow. So, next time you face a problem, think of it as a tricky jigsaw puzzle waiting to be solved.

So, if you're looking to boost your creative confidence, Kelley's TED talk should be on your must-watch list. It's not just a presentation, it's a call to action for every creative thinker. So, dust off your imagination, put on your thinking cap, and prepare to be inspired by David Kelley's words of wisdom.

Amy Tan: Where Does Creativity Hide?

Have you ever wondered where creativity comes from? Or why it seems to play hide-and-seek when you need it most? Well, you're not alone. In her inspiring TED talk, acclaimed author Amy Tan delves into the mysterious world of creativity.

Tan explores the question: "Where does creativity hide?" She believes that it's hidden away in the corners of our minds, waiting to be discovered. Here are some tips she shares to help uncover your hidden creative potential:

Embrace uncertainty: Tan suggests that creativity often emerges from uncertainty, ambiguity, and doubt. It's like walking into a dark room and finding a hidden treasure.
Find your passion: According to Tan, passion is the fuel that drives creativity. So, what makes your heart beat faster? What ignites your imagination? Find that passion, and you'll find your creativity.
Reflect on your experiences: Tan believes that our personal experiences and memories are a rich source of creative ideas. So, take a trip down memory lane and see what sparks fly.
Ask 'what if' questions: Tan encourages us to ask 'what if' questions to stimulate our imagination. 'What if' you could fly? 'What if' you could talk to animals? These questions might sound silly, but they can lead to some seriously creative ideas!

If you're on a quest to discover where creativity hides, Amy Tan's TED talk is a must-see. Her insights will guide you on your journey and inspire you to uncover the creativity that's been hiding in plain sight all along.

Stefon Harris: There Are No Mistakes on the Bandstand

Listening to inspiring TED talks for creative thinkers, you might stumble upon Stefon Harris's presentation. This jazz musician and educator have a unique perspective on creativity that might just change the way you think about mistakes.

In Harris's world of jazz music, there are no mistakes on the bandstand. As he puts it, "every mistake is an opportunity in disguise." A wrong note can turn into a beautiful melody, a missed beat can lead to a new rhythm. It's all about how you react to it.

Here are a few gems of wisdom from Harris's inspiring TED talk:

Embrace mistakes: In Harris's view, a mistake is a chance to create something new. So, next time you make a mistake, don't beat yourself up. Instead, see it as an opportunity to explore new paths and possibilities.
Stay open to possibilities: Harris encourages us to stay open to all possibilities. If we're open, we can turn a mistake into a masterpiece, a problem into a solution, a stumbling block into a stepping stone.
Trust in the power of collaboration: Harris believes that the best creations are born out of collaboration. When we work together, we can turn a simple idea into something extraordinary.
Practice improvisation: According to Harris, improvisation is the key to creativity. It's about making things up on the spot, experimenting, and discovering new ideas.

So, if you're looking for inspiring TED talks for creative thinkers: thought-provoking presentations to ignite your imagination, don't miss Stefon Harris's talk. His unique perspective on creativity and mistakes will inspire you to see opportunities where others see obstacles.

Tim Brown: Tales of Creativity and Play

When we think of creativity, we often imagine it as a solitary process, happening in quiet, filled with introspection. But Tim Brown, a design thinker and CEO of IDEO, begs to differ. In his TED Talk, Brown invites us to play, to collaborate, and to become part of a creative process that thrives on interaction.

Brown's talk is a fascinating journey into the world of design thinking, where creativity and play go hand in hand. Here are some key takeaways from his presentation:

Embrace Playfulness: According to Brown, playfulness is the key to creativity. It allows us to think outside the box, to be open to new ideas, and to make connections that we wouldn't usually make. So, don't be afraid to play. Embrace it as a part of your creative process.
Collaboration is Key: Creativity isn't a solo act. It thrives in a collaborative environment where ideas and experiences can be shared. By collaborating, we can bring a wealth of diverse perspectives to the table, leading to richer, more innovative solutions.
Design Thinking: At the heart of Brown's talk is the concept of design thinking - a problem-solving approach that encourages creativity and innovation. It's all about putting the user at the center, understanding their needs, and developing solutions that meet those needs in the best possible way.
Prototype, Prototype, Prototype: Brown emphasizes the importance of prototyping in the creative process. By building tangible models of our ideas, we can better understand them, refine them, and ultimately, bring them to life.

Tim Brown's TED talk is an inspiring watch for creative thinkers seeking thought-provoking presentations to ignite their imagination. It's a playful and insightful look into the world of creativity and design thinking.

If you're feeling inspired by our collection of TED Talks and want to further ignite your creativity, be sure to check out the workshop 'How To Deal: Cultivating Inspiration & Creativity' by Grace Miceli. This workshop will provide you with practical tips and exercises to keep your creative spark alive and help you navigate the ups and downs of the creative process.