Ever wondered where the spark of creativity really begins? Is it in a brainstorm session over bad coffee, or maybe during a 5K run on a Tuesday morning? We chatted with some incredible mentors including Amanda Fennell from Autodesk, Tyrone Williams from Nostra as well as Kate O’Connor and Cormac Donnelly, two of our amazing individual mentors on Instagram Live recently. These mentors cover areas such as the head of marketing, a service manager, and a retail sales manager in their working lives. We put them to the test of the 15 second buzzer to uncover what makes their creative brains tick. Spoiler alert: it’s not just sticky notes and mood boards.
When Creativity Hits (and Sometimes Misses)
Turns out, creativity doesn’t always strike at a desk. For some, it shows up when they’re exercising, feeling the rhythm of the pavement under their feet. For others, it’s when they’re staring down a brand-new challenge with no idea what’s coming next. That adrenaline? It fuels the ideas.
But what happens when the ideas dry up? Creative blocks are a real thing—and no, banging your head against the keyboard doesn’t help. Our mentors had some sound advice: step away. Literally. Go talk to someone, change your focus, let your mind breathe. Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not trying so hard.
The Art of Working With… Everyone
One of the trickiest parts of being in a creative role? People. Yes, people are funny and clever and wise but they’re also different. The biggest challenge our mentors face is juggling those differences. Some people need space to process, others need to spitball ideas out loud and at speed. Creating an environment where everyone gets airtime? That’s a skill in itself.
Another mentor has embraced the learning from The B!G Idea of flearning – “Failure doesn’t matter,” according to Cormac. “It’s all about learning and moving forward.” We love that energy.
Best Collaborations? The Ones That Mix It Up
Forget solo genius—these mentors thrive on team energy. Whether it’s working on programmes like The B!G Idea or teaming up with people from totally different industries, the best creative moments happen when perspectives collide. As Amanda put it: “Same problem, different angles”—that’s where the magic is.
Best Advice for Students (And, Honestly, Everyone Else)
Trying to come up with something brand-new? Relax. That pressure to create The Next B!G Thing is real, but some of the best ideas come from building on what already exists. Add a twist, a new layer, a better experience. That’s creativity, too.
And while you’re at it? Get tangible, fast. Don’t live in your head. Sketch it, mock it up, test it out. Make it real. And above all—have fun. As Kate put it: “Have the craic. That’s generally where good ideas come from.” Can’t argue with that.
Final Word? Be Your Best Self
Whether you’re managing a team, pitching a campaign, or just figuring out your next step, the golden thread that runs through all this advice is simple: look around, learn from others, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to fail gloriously.
Be curious. Be bold. Be your best self.
