Claire sits down with improv performer Max Dickens, scriptwriter and the author of "Billy No Mates" and director at Hoopla, the UK's first improv theatre school. Max believes that being good at improv can make you better at almost everything, and it’s particularly good for creative thinking. Max shares his insights on how improv fosters a more collaborative mindset and offers practical ways to enhance spontaneity. Claire and Max practice the famous improv exercise ‘Yes, and’ together explore practical strategies to improve brainstorming sessions, handle difficult team dynamics, and engage in successful creative collaborations. Whether you're looking to upskill your creative processes or simply want to unlock your innovative potential, this episode is packed with advice and inspiring stories.

Here are the highlights:

05:29 How structuring the creative process can help you to brainstorm.

09:08 Collaboration in relaxed, open spaces can help you structure creative processes.

13:40 Active listening builds trust in a phone-distracted world.

21:48 People "learn by doing" and feedback is more effective than over-planning.

25:56 Focus on really understanding a problem deeply before jumping to solutions.

32:42 Why it's important to clarify your purpose and manage your expectations.

35:40 Claire and Max practice the famous improv exercise ‘Yes, and’ to help build on your creative ideas.

44:11 How to ask questions to broaden your perspective and generate ideas and solutions.

About Claire Bridges

Claire Bridges is Chief Spark and Founder of leading creative training consultancy Now Go Create, whose philosophy is that everyone can be creative.

Claire worked as a PR agency Managing Director and Creative Director working with global brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Unilever, P&G and Danone in her previous PR career. Upskilling individuals, teams and organisations with practical creativity tools is Claire’s mission.

She’s one of only 250 people globally to hold an MSc in Creativity, Leadership & Innovation, and authored an Amazon best-selling creative handbook In Your Creative Element based on her academic studies.

Claire and her hand-picked team of experts has worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 40,000 of people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.

About Max Dickins

Max is the Director of the UK’s first dedicated improv theatre and school, Hoopla! In his other life, he is the author of three books, most recently the best-selling Billy No Mates. He loves applying what he’s learned writing for the page - and performing on the stage - to the business world and has worked previously with Tyra Banks, Richard Branson and - less good, admittedly - the candidates on BBC1’s The Apprentice.

Connect with Max:

Website: https://www.maxdickins.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-dickins-improv/

Connect with Claire:

Website: https://nowgocreate.co.uk/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nowgocreate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowGoCreate

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-bridges-b6205b14

Connect with Max:

Website: https://www.maxdickins.com/

LinkedIn: