How do you lead creative teams at the speed of change—without losing the human touch? Fast Company’s Creative Director Mike Schnaidt shares how to protect originality in an AI-saturated world while building confident, energized teams.

Host Wendy Wollner sits down with Mike Schnaidt, Creative Director at Fast Company, to unpack what modern creative leadership looks like in 2025: empowering designers with autonomy, embracing “a brand without a brand,” and keeping individuality front and center as AI transforms creative work. Mike opens up about confidence earned through failure, honest check-ins, and the practical growth frameworks that help his teams stay inspired—even on off days. He also shares how teaching and writing his new book Creative Endurance helped him rediscover purpose through creativity.

What You’ll Learn

• How to keep human originality visible amid “AI slop” and visual sameness
• Why creative autonomy builds stronger teams and better results
• How to guide change-fatigued employees toward renewed energy
• What to say (and not say) on your “off days” as a leader
• The difference between confidence and cockiness—and how to earn it
• The “resume-from-the-future” method for employee growth and self-awareness

Meet the Guest

Mike Schnaidt is the Creative Director at Fast Company, where he leads the brand’s design and photo teams across magazine, digital, events, and podcasts. He’s also a college instructor and the author of Creative Endurance — a field guide for sustaining creativity over the long haul. Through his teaching, leadership, and writing, Mike helps creatives build lasting energy, confidence, and purpose.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

• “Brand Without a Brand” design philosophy
• Autonomy-first leadership for creative teams
• “Resume-from-the-Future” growth exercise
• Honest check-ins and emotional transparency in leadership
• The Creative Endurance mindset for sustained creativity

Closing Insight & CTA

Confidence in leadership doesn’t come from being the genius in the room—it comes from creating the space where others can thrive.

Explore more from Mike at mikeschnaidt.com, and check out his latest work for Fast Company.

Resource Links

• ???? Mike’s Website: https://www.mikeschnaidt.com/
• ???? Creative Endurance Book: https://www.mikeschnaidt.com/creativeendurance
• ???? Mike’s Fast Company Profile: https://www.fastcompany.com/user/mikeschnaidt
• ???? Listen & Subscribe: https://pod.link/1672656705
• ???? Balancing Life’s Issues: https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/
• ???? Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancinglifesissuesinc.8501?sub_confirmation=1