Kickstart Creative Thinking with Mind Maps

This webinar explores how to spark and nurture creative thinking using mind maps. Celia Falkenberg and Nina Pearse introduce the neuroscience behind creativity, practical tools for cultivating it, and a four-step model to awaken and fuel creative potential. Packed with reflective exercises, stories, and tips, the session empowers participants to treat creativity as a vital life skill—not just an artistic trait. Timestamped Themes & Topics [00:00:03] – Welcome & Format Overview Host Graham Hughes introduces the session and presenters [00:04:13] – Creative Conundrum Warm-up An engaging brain teaser on slicing a cake to challenge habitual thinking patterns. [00:06:01] – Presenter Intros & Session Goal Nina and Celia share their backgrounds and set the aim: to inspire and offer practical steps for boosting creativity. [00:07:46] – Personal Story & the Power of ‘Why’ Nina shares a transformative personal experience and encourages viewers to consider where they need more creativity. [00:09:39] – Why Develop Creativity? Topics include: • Humans are biologically designed for creativity • Creativity as a form of intelligence • The role of mindset and neuroplasticity [00:14:51] – Formula for Creativity: K × I × E × a Knowledge, Imagination, Evaluation—multiplied by Attitude; emphasis on positive mindset and belief in one’s creative capacity. [00:16:50] – Real-world Applications of Creativity Stories of people solving problems, improving performance, and changing careers using creative thinking. [00:19:05] – Why Creativity Declines • Traditional schooling and workplaces reinforce single answers and speed • Creativity decreases with age unless actively cultivated [00:24:43] – Model: The Creative Mindset & Skillset Framework Introduction of a pyramid model: mindset as the base, followed by skillset and toolset (e.g., mind mapping). [00:26:41] – The 'Magic Lamp' Metaphor: A 4-Step Creativity Process Dig it out – Rediscover what energizes you Clean it off – Identify creativity blockers Fill it up – Use tools and inspiration Light it – Take action [00:28:34] – Exercise: Imaginary Lives A writing prompt to surface hidden passions and potential creative paths. [00:31:53] – Tool: Morning Pages A daily handwritten journaling technique to unlock subconscious creativity and gain mental clarity. [00:35:12] – Identifying Creativity Blockers Use of a quiz to understand and address personal creativity 'killers' like perfectionism or busyness. [00:36:12] – Inspiration Sources & Tinker Time Nurture creativity through solo 'play' time, nature, mentors, or spiritual connection. Tinker Time is about exploration and joy. [00:40:05] – Light it: Action Over Inaction Emphasizing action as the key to creativity; examples from kids and leaders, including the “Marshmallow Tower” experiment. [00:44:16] – Takeaways & Actions Start morning writing Plan Tinker Time Join the Creativity Wake-Up community Try creativity development courses [00:45:07] – Q&A: Creativity & Age, Crisis, Fear, and Humility Audience questions explored topics like fear’s dual role in creativity, why older people might explore mind mapping more, and the link between creativity and humility. [00:53:38] – Daily Mind Mapping vs. Morning Pages Clarification that morning pages are best handwritten and linear to tap subconscious thought—not suited to mind mapping. Featuring MindMeister