Powerful Reflections

Memories shape who we are today. We can choose to relive an experience by revisiting a memory, telling stories and expressing our reflections formally, as quotations. When we share our reflections, it unleashes the potential power to inspire others. Together, we can nurture creative ideas and move innovation forward. Simply stated, this is the work of Cinder to Flame.

I’ll share a personal story about this autumn photo filled with colorful reflections of Connery Pond (Adirondacks, New York state). Early that morning, I accompanied my husband who is the talented photographer. To counter (or perhaps foment) my immense fear of bears, I read a book written by Dr. Stephen Herrero entitled, Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance. We were hiking through pitch darkness, high risk for startling a bear lurking in the wild. But then the frigid weather took hold. I grew up in a Canadian city, nicknamed “Winterpeg” where we know how to dress. I hobbled, wearing a hat and hood, four layers of upper garments, and two pairs each of pants, mitts, and socks. We finally reached the swampy shoreline and the glorious morning sun arose. My husband staked a spot for his tripod and took this stunning photo. Today, I relive this memory when admiring the enlarged, framed photo in our climate-controlled and bear-free home.

Does my autumn story conjure any of your memories? Is there any story element that holds potential for inspiration? For me, it draws the stark contrast between being cold and scared in the wild and being warm and safe at home. And, if I had not ventured out that morning, I would not have this story to tell. Nor, would I have experienced the full brilliance of that stunning autumn sunrise. 

While nature and the outdoors can inspire creativity, the assembly of creative ideas into innovative solutions employs divergent thinking, risk-taking and exploring novel opportunities. A robust design thinking process relies upon courage and humour, and forges connections by sharing experiences and stories between diverse networks of people.

For your inspiration, I’ll share a sample of quotations related to ideas, creativity and innovation. Take a few moments to consider these powerful reflections from artists, leaders and thinkers:

“An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all.” (Oscar Wilde)

“The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.” (John Maynard Keynes)

“The most profound thing I’ve learned about leading a creative team is that if you can remain committed to the art of Not Taking Things Personally, there is a deep well of connection and growth and thrill and pride awaiting you on the flip side of ego-landscaping.” (Kathie Sever)

“Creativity is one of the last remaining legal ways of gaining an unfair advantage over the competition.” (Ed McCabe)

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” (Albert Einstein)

“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” (André Gide)

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” “There is not innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” (Brené Brown)

“Almost always, the dedicated creative minority has made the world better.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)

“Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way.” (Tom Freston)

“Innovation is the unrelenting drive to break the status quo and develop anew where few have dared to go.” (Steven Jeffes)

“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” (Theodore Levitt)

”Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” (William Pollard)

“The only way you survive is you continuously transform into something else. It’s this idea of continuous transformation that makes you an innovation company.” (Ginni Rometty)

“Innovation is the calling card of the future.” (Anna Eshoo)

And these are my two favorite quotes:

“The reason why it is so difficult for existing firms to capitalize on disruptive innovations is that their processes and their business model that make them good at the existing business actually make them bad at competing for the disruption.” (Clayton Christensen)

“Meaningful innovation does not need to be based on outright invention. Rather, there is an exhilarating shortcut. It is based on bold, new combinations of already existing components that simultaneously unlock heightened levels of consumer value and reduce costs.” (Gabor George Burt)

Cinder to Flame helps Corporations solve complex challenges with strategic services that energize people, fuel a healthy corporate culture and ignite major innovation.

Contact Cinder to Flame to level up your corporate culture, maximize creativity and capture powerful reflections that you can share about your journey to major innovation: https://www.cindertoflame.ca/contact

© Deborah (Ellen) Wildish, Cinder to Flame 2022-Present. All Rights Reserved.

#cindertoflame