From Perfectionism To Play: Unlocking Creativity UX Leadership By Design podcast

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From Perfectionism to Play: Unlocking Creativity

10d ago 36:05

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In this joyful and energizing episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino is joined by creativity catalyst Melissa Dinwiddie — a Juilliard-trained dancer turned artist, jazz singer, improviser, and innovation strategist and coach. Melissa helps individuals and teams get unstuck and unlock their creative potential, even (and especially) when they don’t see themselves as creative. She walks us through her deceptively simple “Create the Impossible” framework—Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast—and dives deep into why perfectionism is the enemy of progress.

Whether you’re a self-identified “non-creative,” an overthinking perfectionist, an analytically minded problem-solver, or a leader trying to build more innovative teams, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and incredibly actionable advice. Bonus content: Melissa was kind enough to create an IMPACT Innovation Checklist for all of our listeners.

Key Takeaways

Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast – Melissa’s 3-part framework helps people move through creative blocks with intention and joy.
Everyone is Creative – The belief that creativity is for “others” is one of the biggest blockers to innovation.
Perfectionism Kills Progress – Creatives often get stuck chasing an unattainable ideal. Melissa advocates for “intentional imperfectionism.”
Improv Builds Better Teams – Activities like “Time Traveler” help teams build empathy, communicate better, and influence with impact.
Self-Compassion Fuels Innovation – Letting go of judgment and leaning into curiosity enables us to grow, create, and experiment more freely.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro
00:22 – From Juilliard to Jazz
02:24 – The Creativity Myth
05:40 – The “Create the Impossible” Framework
07:02 – Breaking the “I’m Not Creative” Label
11:41 – Improv for Innovation & Communication
18:16 – Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast
24:03 – Helping Creatives Let Go of Perfectionism
27:52 – Mark’s Tile Confession
32:40 – Where to Find Melissa & Listener Resources

Resources & Links

Connect with Melissa Dinwiddle on LinkedIn
Melissa’s Website and YouTube Channel
Thank you gift: IMPACT Innovation Checklist

33 episodes

#Arts #Graphic Design #Mark Baldino #Uxd #Uxdesign #Uxleadership #Userexperience #B2B #Enterprise #Designteams