Creativity Sessions
I have taught classes and run creativity sessions for Yale School of Management, Yale School of Medicine, Yale College, David Geffen School of Drama, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Yale University Art Gallery, as well as many other organizations and institutions.
Unlock your creative potential with the transformative power of combinatory play, a practical approach to creativity and generative thinking, described by Einstein as “the essential feature in productive thought.” See sessions below.
Combinatory Play
Sessions:
Creativity in Motion
Getting Unstuck
The Quantum Leap
Creative Gears
Creativity in Motion
Group Size: 12 – 50 people
Session Length: 90 min
Objectives:
To gain practical experience of the creative process and generative thinking
To question conventional methodologies for being creative in groups
To develop creative capacity and a tolerance for uncertainty, especially when under time pressure
Ideally incorporated as either an icebreaker or a mid-course refresher, this session provides tools for a growth mindset. By working in small groups, the exercises in these sessions expand each participant’s individual creativity, tolerance for uncertainty, and ability to collaborate. In addition, it can be combined with Getting Unstuck into a two-hour workshop.
This workshop provides practical experience of the creative process and generative thinking through combinatory play. Described by Einstein as “the essential feature in productive thought,” combinatory play challenges the conventional wisdom about how to be creative with others by demonstrating how elements in thought can be “voluntarily reproduced and combined.”
Participants will generate prompts at a whiteboard before breaking into smaller groups to create presentations. Participants routinely surprise each other in this lively workshop by producing everything from science experiments to TV series pitches. In addition to providing tools for generating ideas under time pressure, participants develop collaborative skills and the ability to tell stories collectively and cohesively.
Getting Unstuck
Group Size: 12 – 50 people
Session Length: 90 min
Objectives:
Participants identify bottlenecks in their creative processes
With the support of current research in emotion and self-control, participants experience the effect of distanced self-talk on creative thinking
Incorporate empirically tested mnemonic systems with roleplay to investigate generative thinking
Ideally incorporated as either an icebreaker or a mid-course refresher, this session provides tools for a growth mindset that will harness self-control to expand creativity. This session can be combined with Creativity in Motion into a two-hour workshop.
This playful but revelatory session combines research in emotion and self-control, such as the positive effects of distanced self-talk, with empirically evidenced mnemonic systems such as a memory palace (the visualization of a familiar spatial environment to enhance the recall of information).
This session begins with short five-minute writing exercise to identify bottlenecks in participants’ creative processes. Volunteers cast members of the workshop as physical representations of “stuckness.” By experimenting with distancing narration techniques, such as the shift from first to second person, this casting and navigation roleplay session puts behavioral and brain research on its feet with dynamic and revealing results for participants and observers alike.
The Quantum Leap
Designed by negotiation for individuals or groups up to 20 people:
Experience the transformative power of The Quantum Leap session, designed to bridge the gap between your current skills and the professional level you aspire to reach. As an experienced educator at Yale University, I have spent nearly a quarter of a century guiding countless students on their creative journeys. Through this immersive session, I will provide you with the tools and permission to remove the obstacles that hinder your progress and unleash your full potential.
Together, we will embark on a gigantic leap, transcending limitations and unlocking new realms of creativity. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth or a group aiming to amplify your collective creative prowess, The Quantum Leap session will pave the way for remarkable breakthroughs. Join me in this transformative experience and witness the remarkable impact it has on your creative journey. Embrace the leap, and let your creativity soar to unprecedented heights.
Creative Gears
Designed by negotiation individuals or groups up to 20 people:
Welcome to Creative Gears, where we unravel the secrets of building creative stamina and unlocking the full potential of your imagination. Just as a marathon runner doesn't solely train by running marathons, cultivating creativity requires a diverse range of practices.
In this session, we will explore the art of timing and the importance of varying your creative process. Discover how making work quickly and efficiently is just as vital as taking your time to delve deep into your creative endeavors. Learn to recognize the critical moment when a break becomes necessary, as pushing through can lead to a state of stagnation. We will delve into the pitfalls of rigid thinking and the power of embracing flexibility, understanding that creativity thrives when we let go of preconceived notions and fixed ideas.
Join us in the Creative Gears session to unlock the secrets of nurturing your creative flow. Embrace the fluidity of thought, challenge your own assumptions, and reignite your imagination. Together, we will embark on a journey that will revolutionize the way you approach your creative practice. Get ready to shift gears, break free from constraints, and unleash your boundless creative potential.