What if Creativity and Collaboration Could Save Lives?
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
Exploring Creativity with Curiosity, Care and Courage
In this episode of Finding Your Collaborative Edge™, Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd are in conversation with Ali Mapletoft - Artist, creative consultant, and founder of Creative Oxygen™ - whose work supports leaders and teams to reimagine how we work, relate and innovate together. Together, they explore why creativity is not just a “nice to have” in leadership and life, but a vital force with the power to save lives. From quick decision-making in A&E to the role of self-expression in mental health and recovery, Ali, Lucy and Anni make the case for creativity as essential - not just for innovation, but for creating cultures of connection..
Through their lens of Curiosity, Care and Courage, Anni and Lucy invite Ali to share how she works with leaders and teams to reimagine what’s possible. They discuss her belief that creativity is magic, and that this magic is essential. Not separate from strategy or systems, but central to how we create the conditions for collaboration and find our Collaborative Edge™.
In conversation with Anni and Lucy, Ali reflects on:
The role of creativity as a human capacity - not just a talent for the few
The Creative Oxygen Wheel: a practical framework for understanding how we access and apply creativity
Why it’s time to shift from “quality over quantity” for collaboration to thrive
How leaders can build simple, creative rituals into daily working life to create space for reflection and open conversation
The impact of collective creative energy to spark change across systems and cultures
And why choosing both logic and magic helps us find new ways of leading, collaborating and creating together
Ali also shares three creative invitations for your own leadership practice:
Believe in your own creative capacity - trust that it’s there
Make time to create alone, without the noise of others’ input
Design a “pop-up” creative space that inspires you to think differently
More about Ali Mapletoft
Ali is the founder of Creative Oxygen™, where she partners with mission-led organisations to bring fresh thinking, deeper connection, and purposeful action into leadership and collaboration. Her work spans sectors - from business to education to health - and is grounded in a belief that creativity is one of the most powerful tools we have for change.
Connect with Ali:
Books mentioned in this episode:
The Courage to Create by Rollo May
The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave
How to Love Better by Yung Pueblo
The Day That Went Missing by Richard Beard
Referenced research on creativity:
McKinsey & Company found companies strong in creative capability saw 67% higher organic revenue growth, and 74% higher net enterprise value.
Barker Langham Report: Art-based interventions can reduce workplace stress by up to 81% and boost productivity by 17%.
The Journal of Creative Behaviour: Creativity is not just a trait—it’s a decision. People must choose to act creatively.
Study by Zorana Ivcevic & Jessica D. Hoffmann.
Thank you for listening
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is produced by Brown Bear Studios, with marketing support from SHMOGUS Media and Penny Writing.
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