A Geek Leader Podcast - inspiring technical and creative leaders around the world AGL 421: Melissa Dinwinddie
About Melissa
Melissa Dinwiddie is on a mission to help leaders and teams turn the “impossible” into reality by uncovering their creative potential. A Juilliard-trained dancer, professional artist for 15 years, jazz singer-songwriter, and performing improviser, Melissa brings a wealth of creative experiences to her work with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce. As the author of The Creative Sandbox Way™, she’s passionate about showing people how to embrace play, imperfection, and experimentation as tools for innovation. Known for her engaging, interactive keynotes and workshops, Melissa empowers individuals and teams to unlock creativity, strengthen collaboration, and thrive in the face of uncertainty. When not leading transformations, she’s making art or attempting ukulele-and-bass duets with herself.
Today We Talked About
- Her background
- Creativity
- Create the Impossible Framework
- Play Hard – Turn every experience into a growth opportunity.
- Make Crap – Welcome imperfection as the path to discovery.
- Learn Fast – Embrace play as the fuel for creativity.
- Visual Note taking
- How can work bring in play?
- IMPACT Innovation Checklist
- Connection
- Communication
- Creativity
- FUN –
- Find the Flow
- Unlock the Meaning
- Name the Change (Now What?)