In this conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Louisa Shaeri about her powerful work as a coach for neurodivergent creatives and culture shapers. As we talked, I found myself deeply resonating with her reflections on value, identity, and the systems we move through—systems that so often feel ill-fitting for people who think and create differently.

Mentions

Website: https://www.valorize.systems/

Podcast: The Unmasking Unschool

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

Thinking Systems - Donella Meadows

https://theautisticadvocate.com/

https://theneurodivergentbrain.org/audhd/

Takeaways

• Fitting into an ill-fitting system limits potential and growth.
• Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in traditional coaching environments.
• Self-doubt can prevent individuals from fully embracing their value.
• Unmasking is a continuous journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Louisa Shaeri and Her Work

04:45 The Journey of Finding One's Voice

08:53 Understanding Systems and Their Impact

12:30 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Value

16:32 The Role of Education in Creative Industries

20:29 Cognitive Justice and Unmasking

24:51 The Importance of Visibility and Self-Discovery

25:25 Understanding AUDHD and Neurodivergence

30:03 The Creative Process and Identity

30:51 Studio Draw: The Messy Side of Creativity

35:26 Advice on Finding Your Value in Creativity

37:37 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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In this solo episode, I share my journey as a creative, reflecting on the lessons I've learnt from embracing imperfection and the challenges I've faced while drawing with permanent ink. I discuss the importance of thinking differently, the significance of problem-solving in my creative process, and how art doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Through a specific project involving the use of permanent ink, I highlight the need to let go of perfectionism and explore creativity in new ways. I encourage you to reflect on your own creative journey and the lessons you've discovered along the way.

Takeaways

• Not all art has to be perfect
• You create things out of nothing
• Sometimes we're the hardest critics of ourselves

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Creative Mind

07:04 Lessons in Imperfection and Problem Solving

09:09 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric
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Instagram: Creatively Eccentric
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LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks
Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

In this episode, I delve into the essence of authentic storytelling, questioning the idea that storytelling should merely be a strategy.

I highlight the significance of honesty, creativity, and the genuine connections that stories can foster. Reflecting on my own journey as a creative, I discuss the tension between market-driven narratives and the raw, unfiltered truths that truly resonate with audiences.

Through this episode, I encourage fellow creatives to embrace their uniqueness and to redefine success on their own terms.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is about honesty, not just structure.
• Creatives often hide behind their work.
• Authenticity resonates more than scripted narratives.
• The journey of a creator is filled with both struggles and triumphs.
• Listeners connect with genuine stories, not sales pitches.
• Creativity is a shared human experience.
• The importance of stepping out from behind your art.
• People are drawn to stories they can relate to.
• Marketing should not overshadow the truth in storytelling.
• Every story has the potential to inspire and connect.

Mentions/Quote

jdomito_

https://www.instagram.com/p/DR0M1V9lSed/?img_index=1

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Storytelling

02:13 Authenticity in Creative Narratives

04:26 Connecting Through Genuine Stories

06:55 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric
Send a voice-note idea
Apply to be a guest

Instagram: Creatively Eccentric
YouTube Playlist
LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks
Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi