EP #001: In this episode of UNTANGLEMENT, host Mark Burke and Ayana Ife explore the role of creativity in business, leadership and beyond. The episode highlights the idea that creativity is not limited to specific activities or professions. It can be found in everyday tasks and is essential for leaders in various fields. By embracing creativity in their daily lives, leaders can approach challenges with innovative solutions and achieve a state of untanglement. Collaboration and perspective play crucial roles in fostering creativity, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of different viewpoints. By working together and considering alternative perspectives, individuals can tap into their creative potential and unlock new possibilities. Join our hosts as they delve into the power of creativity for business leaders, organizational leaders, and entrepreneurs.

LISTENER TAKEAWAY

Listeners will leave this episode recognizing and embracing who they are and what they need for themselves — it’s a powerful and transformative realization in the journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and pursuing artistic and creative passions. Listeners are encouraged to nurture their creativity by asking questions, seeking help, embracing vulnerability, and networking with others. Creativity is not solely reliant on individual inspiration, but can be nurtured and enhanced through collaboration, seeking guidance, and building connections with others in the entrepreneurial community.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

What do you struggle with when it comes to creativity? 

How can you untangle that fear? 

How can you design space that enhances and nurtures your creativity? 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Accidental Creative, by Todd Henry accidentalcreative.com  

“Working in your flame”, inspired by BNI bnipodcast.com/2008/07/02/episode-61-stay-in-your-flame

Steal Like an Artist, by Austin Kleon amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative-ebook/dp/B0074QGGK6 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:40] Creativity can be found everywhere.

{00:04:08] Imposter syndrome.

[00:08:43] Creativity does not exist in a silo; creativity is collaborative and multidimensional. 

[00:10:38] Understanding and empathizing with clients.

[00:17:22] Building a successful team: control and letting go.

[00:22:14] Work in your flame, your passion.

[00:26:37] Creativity requires effort and persistence.

[00:29:31] Embrace creative freedom and collaboration.

[00:38:48] Surround yourself with inspiring things.

[00:41:28] Design space to inspire and empower.

[00:45:46] Embrace flexibility for success.

AYANA IFE BIO

Ayana Ife is an experienced modest fashion designer, empowering underserved women with unique styles that reflect their values. With over 15 years of experience, Ayana's journey began when she learned to sew from her mother at a young age. By 10, she sold her first garment. Ayana's passion for innovation and creative solutions has been evident throughout her career.

Graduating with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 2015, Ayana gained recognition as a contestant on Project Runway. She debuted a fully modest collection at New York Fashion Week, finishing as the runner-up. Ayana is now establishing 'Ayana Active LLC,' a sustainable sportswear brand for modest fashion consumers. Her work has been featured in notable magazines like Marie Claire, The New York Post, and Harper's Bazaar Arabia.

Ayana advocates for underserved women, speaking at events on topics like tenacity and the importance of a modest fashion category. She earned a master's degree in Brand and Business Management from Politecnico di Milano in 2020 and interned with Zac Posen in Manhattan. Last year, Ayana opened her design studio at the Drive Business Incubator in Danville, Pennsylvania, serving as the headquarters for Ayana Active.

As a modest fashion consumer, Ayana understands the industry's limitations and strives to establish a permanent place for underserved women seeking modest apparel.

QUOTES

[00:03:32] We don’t just wanna chat about the nice things, we’re here to solve problems.”

[00:07:41] "How do I impart the information that's in my head to someone else who does not know anything about what I've been dreaming of and how do I make it relevant for them?”

[00:08:43] "I think that some of the best creativity comes out of collaboration."

[00:15:38] "I think having people around that are much smarter than me in certain areas, I think that's like the biggest thing I could do for myself."

[00:16:25] "Nobody's going to care for your dream as much as you care for it."

[00:22:14] "I think what you're really referring to is being able to work in your flame, which allows you to focus on what you're passionate about, what your strengths are, and then you can find others to come alongside of you, maybe to cover those other areas where maybe you're weaker, you just don't really want to spend your time and energy."

[00:29:22] "Nobody loves your business the way you will."

[00:35:50] "If you put the energy in the room that is confident, then your team will follow you and they'll follow you to the ends of the earth."

[00:42:33] "I just want to say something about imposter syndrome, because I took a writing course a couple years ago. And one of the themes, one of the sections was about imposter syndrome. And what I learned from that segment was imposter syndrome is when you feel like you have to be somebody else. So be yourself. And that was a takeaway that really helped me."

[00:44:47] "You can't share somebody else's gift. You share your passions, your gift, and then people become inspired by your journey and your resiliency."

[00:47:32] "I hope you can achieve a little untanglement in your life. Cheers."