The Creative Manager

What if your team could look at a problem from six different angles — without arguing? In this final episode of the season, Donal Thompson introduces Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats , a powerful method for guiding group discussions, boosting creativity, and improving decision-making. Learn how to use colored “thinking hats” to structure your team’s ideas and emotions in a clear, productive flow...

Are hidden assumptions holding your team back? This episode dives into Heuristic Redefinition , a powerful technique for innovation that challenges the "unwritten rules" and conventional thinking. Donal Thompson explains how identifying and deliberately breaking these hidden mentalshortcuts can unlock radical new solutions and change the game for your product, service, or process. 🚀Disc...

Have a great idea but want to explore all its potential? Or need to break down a complex problem into manageable parts? This episode introduces The Lotus Blossom Technique , a brilliant visual tool for systematic idea expansion. Donal Thompson explains how to grow a single core concept into a comprehensive network of related ideas and actionable solutions, ensuring you cover all angles. Learn to c...

Some problems feel impossible — until you stop trying to compromise. In this episode, Donal Thompson introduces TRIZ , a problem-solving method born in Russia that helps you identify contradictions and unlock inventive solutions. Learn how to think like an engineer or inventor — and how to apply ideas from other industries to your own work. ⚙️ Find out why the best solutions often come from outsid...

What if your team is like a jazz band… or your project like a jungle path? In this episode, Donal Thompson introduces metaphoricalthinking — a creative tool that helps you understand challengesdifferently by comparing them to unrelated things. This fun, flexible technique unlocks hidden patterns, encourages playful thinking, and leads to surprising solutions. 🔍 Learn how a simple metaphor can ope...

You don’t need to reinvent everything to be creative — sometimes, just changing one part is enough. In this episode, Donal Thompson introduces attribute swapping , a fast, practical method to generate fresh ideas by modifying small details. Whether you’re improving a product, service, or team routine, this simple tool can help you break patterns and unlock surprising innovations. 🔄 Discover how c...

Stuck with the same old ideas? It’s time to SCAMPER your way to better thinking. In this episode, Donal Thompson introduces SCAMPER — a powerful, easy-to-use method for generating fresh solutions by asking the right kinds of questions. Whether you're improving a product, solving a team problem, orreimagining a service, SCAMPER gives you 7 creative angles to explore. 🛠️ Learn how toSubstitute,...

Many people think creativity means total freedom. But in reality, some of the best ideas come from working within limits. In this episode, Donal Thompson explores how constraints — like tight budgets, short deadlines, or unusual rules — can actually boost innovation. Learn why your team may be more creative when the box is smaller, and discover fun challenges you can try right away to spark better...

Tired of brainstorming sessions where only a few people speak? In this episode, we explore brainwriting — a quieter, smarter, and more inclusive way to generate ideas. You’ll learn how it works, why it’s more effective than traditional brainstorming, and how to try it with your team this week. Ideal for Spanish-speaking managers who want to think creatively while improving their English. 🎧 5 minu...

Want more creative ideas from your team? Start by changing your questions. In this episode of The Creative Manager , we explore how the way you ask questions can unlock innovation — or shut it down. You’ll learn why judgment kills creativity, and how one powerful phrase — “How might we…?” — can spark better thinking and better teamwork. Perfect for Spanish-speaking managers who want to improve the...

In this episode of The Creative Manager , we explore how fear of judgment stops ideas before they start — and how managers can replace fear with trust and openness. You’ll learn about psychological safety , and how a simple tool from improv theatre — “Yes, and…” — can unlock creativity fast. Perfect for Spanish-speaking managers who want to improve their English while building creative leadership...

In this first episode of The Creative Manager , we explore what creative thinking really means — and why it’s essential for business success. If you're a Spanish-speaking manager or professional who wants to improve your English while learning practical skills to lead with fresh ideas, this podcast is for you. Learn how creativity helps solve problems, engage teams, and adapt to change — no ar...