From an early age, students are taught the major academic disciplines like math, science, history, and art. But one thing that often gets overlooked or not formally taught is creative problem-solving. Why? And what would those classes look like? 

Tina Seelig, the executive director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, teaches creativity courses to students around the world and in corporate settings. She’s written numerous books on the subject, such as Creativity Rules: Get Ideas Out of Your Head and into the World and inGenius: A Crash Course on Creativity. 

Tina and Greg discuss some of the ways she unlocks creativity in her students, why there should be more of an emphasis on creative problem-solving at educational institutions, and how to cultivate curiosity. 

*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*

Episode Quotes:

Insights from 'What I Wish I Knew When I Was 40'

41:02: You can start anywhere. The lane lines of the pool might be on top, but you can swim under them. And it's really, really important that you don't get a job. You get the keys to the building. So find the building you want to be in, figure out where you're going to get your foot in the door, and then figure out how you're going to really make an impact and create new opportunities for yourself.

Failure is data for growth

15:14: I deeply believe that failure is actually data and that you need to understand that every time something doesn't work as you expected, you have some really interesting data that is going to help you get to the next stage.

Do we need courses for creativity?

06:08: We teach math, science, history, art, and music. Why do we not teach creative problem-solving? And there are a very clear set of tools, techniques, and mindsets that are required that allow you to come up with really interesting solutions to problems that we face every single day.

From boredom to fascination in pursuit of passion

25:11: I'm a huge believer that before something is your passion, it's something you know nothing about. And so, something might seem boring and uninteresting, but if you have the right mindset, it's going to be fascinating.

Show Links:

Recommended Resources:

• The Right It: Why So Many Ideas Fail and How to Make Sure Yours Succeed by Alberto Savoia
• Alberto Savoia Talks on eCorner
• 319. The Future Repeats Itself feat. Tom Standage
• What I Wish I Knew When I Was 40

Guest Profile:

• Faculty Profile at Stanford University
• Contributors Profile on Psychology Today
• Tina Seelig's Website
• Tina Seelig on LinkedIn
• Tina Seelig on X
• Tina Seelig on TEDTalk
• Leap! With Tina Seelig Podcast
• Stanford Innovation Lab Podcast

Her Work:

• Creativity Rules: Get Ideas Out of Your Head and into the World (US)
• inGenius: A Crash Course on Creativity
• What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20: A Crash Course on Making Your Place in the World
• Insight Out: Get Ideas Out of Your Head and Into the World (UK)