Issue #27

February 25th, 2021

Creativity – inspired by change as never before?

Your are invited to this week’s public webinar – Friday February 26th 4:00PM MST

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82909644522

Change is accelerating the new normal.  What are we learning and who will be the winners and the losers? Share your views.

Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18

The journey continues. We are about to venture Friday into a rarified discussion of “Creativity”. The journey so far has included stops exploring Megatrends 2021, Education in Crisis, the Digital Economy and The Future of Work morphing last week HERE into a rough and tumble review of how On-Line Learning is forcing a rethink of the objectives and delivery options for Education. Next stop Creativity – facilitated by Haley Simons, founder of the Alberta Creativity Network.

I came across a quote this week worth posting, “Whatever happens to me, thank God that I can read, that I have touched the minds of other men” – Walter Trevis. This is a quote for inspiring both students and teachers alike. 

Today that quote would include social media as the minds of men have been transformed by the internet. Today all minds are within reach of all other minds – arrival of the global minds network. In fact “touching the minds of men” highlights the reality that we are not ever alone, we belong. Unless of course we opt out – that is, we choose not to belong! Some are skeptical of “belonging” of being on the inside, comforted that they are choosing their our own way. 

How does creativity fit? By definition creativity is thinking outside the box; interpreting personal experience without the constraints of massification. This has never been easy particularly today given the MANY public policies and social pressures – think political correctness, promises and sources – think social media, to conform. 

Creativity – to think outside the box, remains a personal choice, within all our reach…how very timely. Refreshing? Comforting? When all around you are in panic mode, when uncertainty prevails and things are at their bleakest, there are options…be creative or go silent – escape.

Let’s consider – when what was once working but is no longer, then be creative. Today we are seeing the rise of creativity, not as whimsy, but as a working strategy in the face of change as never before shaking up all manners of management and every industry. Think about it. 

In energy – CO2 may be an asset not a calamity, just learn how to use it. Think nanocarbon. Third world demand will outpace energy supply. Think innovation – cleaner, greener energy. Claims of climate change are accelerating electrification everywhere. Think new energy and distribution options. Flaws apparent in the promise of renewables. Think Texas. AI as an aide or an alternative transforming service in all knowledge professions. And government – tongue-in-cheek, accelerates spending and regulating. Inspiring? Leading? Join, follow, or get out of the way.

Can you feel it?  Some – many in fact, are inspired to create – to find meaning, opportunity. This is the entrepreneur, the investor, the change agent, each catching the wave, embracing and transforming the future. Are they lemmings or leaders?

There are others too, others who are not so ready to embrace change. Are they simply ignorant or less creative? Could it be that they posses some insight, something visceral that senses current chaos as a threat…a race to massification, to further socialization, of a society naive and all too ready to be led blindly into a depersonalized future? A future claiming to empower the individual but in reality for all to become commoners?

Does creativity have a role for both, or is it the exclusive domain of a few, the new elite, the powerbrokers? Is there a lesson in the Texas vortex? Where children and adults are reacting creatively to being freed of electronics and the communication, connecting, information devices?

Ready? On Friday we will initiate a discussion on the macro and micro, system and individual, place and impact of the emerging Creative Economy. Think about it. Join us.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82909644522

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Letter to the editor.

CAPITALISM – thank you Stephani. HERE argues that corporate “mindfulness” may be the solution to multiple global problems.

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Haley Simons

FACILITATOR

Advocate for creativity, innovation, and creative development in education, culture, and economic sectors. Instigating and developing creativity initiatives throughout and between sectors. Creativity is the driving force behind our greatest ideas, our most comprehensive solutions, and our profitable enterprises.  The very future of our communities depends on imaginative, creative, innovative solutions to profound and complex challenges, and on our ability to nurture and harness imagination to creatively solve problems.

PRESENTERS

      George Tzougros              Michael MacDonald           Lorenz Sigurdson

   Wisconsin Arts Board        Michael MacDonald Films      Engingeering – U Alberta

This could be your space

ADVERTIZING, EVENTS, ARTICLES

For more contact

Michelle@PerryKinkaide.com

–

KEI’s Network of 25,000 

Edmonton, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, United States, Foreign

20 Industries, Professions, and Governments

MONITORING RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION

THE FUTURE

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CLIMATE CHANGE

HERE

Innovation as an option to panic spending?

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SCIENCE

HERE

Can it be manipulated?

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OUTSOURCING

HERE

Unintended consequences revealed

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WORKFORCE

HERE

Skills for future entrepreneurs

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CORPORATE BOARDS

HERE

Trapped in the past – Thank you Dennis

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UNCERTAINTIES

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INFLATION?

The economy is so weak that recovery will be slow suppressing any concern about rising inflation OR Pent up spending and increased savings during the pandemic will flood the market post-pandemic over-whelming supply and driving up prices for goods and services.

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ANTI-TRUST?

Social media such as Facebook and Google, have become global and so big and influential as to be beyond government control OR Government successfully intervenes and/or competition among social media players  checks “unfair” trade practices.

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CRYPTOCURRENCY?

Tesla announces it’s purchase of $1.5B of bitcoin and readiness to accept bitcoin payment.  Bitcoin surges. AND Elon Musk proclaims. “Bitcoin is almost as bs as fiat money”. The price declines. The so-called Musk Effect illustrates the degree of uncertainty/ sensitivity of the cryptocurrency market.

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EDUCATION IN CRISIS?

Public sector institutions are weathering a broad array of the forces and sources of change. Last week Laurentian University announced it was filing for creditor protection. Is Reform an option? HERE