Ep. 64 Eight Survival Tips for Leaders with Krista Monson
Bumblebees. That was the inspiration for one of Krista’s biggest shows at Cirque Du Soleil.
Creativity comes to us in moments we aren’t expecting. It’s rarely when we’re checking emails and sitting around a board table trying to force it.
In this episode, Krista shared her 8 survival skills for how to stay true to yourself and your creativity in high pressure situations and big transitions.
Krista’s years of creativity and work in the arts has seen both. She warns us to stay away from the word “just” and how to have the courage to lean into curiosity as we navigate periods of uncertainty and transformation.
Krista emphasized that a leader’s ability to listen deeply—not just to others, but also to oneself—is essential for aligning values with action. We laughed together about the importance of play and rest and explored the concept of deep listening.
If you’re creativity is feeling low, I invite you to listen. Krista’s expertise is hard earned and beautifully put. This episode was packed with unique strategies that blend clarity, courage, and curiosity.
Let’s lead with flexibility and joy, and remember: a little chaos can actually be your creative ally!
Here’s what we talked about:
04:40 The Creative Survival Kit
06:35 The impact of your self talk
09:15 Why ‘just’ may be sabotaging your leadership presence
10:48 How to gain perspective you need when overwhelmed
17:58 Tips for building trust through curiosity and deep listening with your team
25:07 Tips for fostering creativity during uncertain times
30:33 How to effectively balance preparation and flexibility in leadership
35:22 Common mistakes leaders make when dealing with failure and chaos
38:16 8 big ideas to fuel your leadership
Links/ Resources:
The Free 99 Step:
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Ready to Make a Plan:
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Ready to Dive In:
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http://jennwhitmer.com/intensive
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