The Common Creative S8E178: Episode 178: Dr Ken Hudson - Creative Switch
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Nov 14, 2025 
Dr. Ken Hudson, an organisational creativity expert and author, shares insights from his journey in marketing at major corporations to pioneering the Switch Thinking framework. He discusses why creativity often feels unwelcome in workplaces and how leaders can change that narrative. Listeners learn about practical strategies, like quick two-minute exercises, to spark creativity and the power of simple tools such as imagery and doodling. Ken also highlights the importance of emotional engagement in understanding customer needs.
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From Corporate Marketer To Creativity PhD
- Ken returned to university and completed a doctorate in organisational creativity after working in marketing and advertising.
- He interviewed 80 leaders from 50 organisations and then built a speaking, facilitation and coaching business from those findings.
Success Makes Leaders Risk-Averse
- Many leaders resist risk because their careers rewarded consistent success, making failure feel unfamiliar and threatening.
- Reframing small, time-limited experiments reframes failure as learning rather than career jeopardy.
Think Of Modes As Learnable Languages
- Switch Thinking frames creative and critical modes as learnable 'languages' you can toggle between.
- The system emphasises moving between a structured 'box' mode and a playful 'ball' mode to generate and refine ideas.
