Journey with Me: What the Creative Process Taught Me About Leadership and Life

Journey with Me: What the Creative Process Taught Me About Leadership and Life

Every meaningful endeavor begins with a decision. You don’t drift into excellence—you commit to it.

That’s how each of my projects begins: with a date circled on the calendar and a vision I want to bring to life. Not every detail is clear at the outset, but naming the goal gives the journey its direction.

My latest exhibition, Journey with Me, began that way. But along the path of creating nearly 40 new pieces, I found myself reflecting on the deeper patterns that shape not only my studio life—but also the way we lead, create, and pursue progress in any field.

Whether you’re guiding a team, building a company, or working toward a personal goal, here are three lessons I’ve learned from the creative process that apply far beyond the canvas:

Start with structure—but leave room for discovery.
Every project needs a framework—a date, a theme, a purpose. That’s what keeps things from becoming chaotic. But creativity and innovation often show up once you’ve begun. In my world, that might look like a composition taking an unexpected turn. In yours, it could be a team member offering an insight you hadn’t seen, or a new path emerging once the wheels are in motion.

Progress isn’t found in the perfect plan. It’s found in motion.

Momentum is your ally—don’t let it stall.
One of my quiet strategies is to always leave something unfinished at the end of the day. That way, when I return, I’m not facing a blank canvas—I’m stepping into a rhythm. That principle applies in leadership, too.    Keep something waiting for you. Don’t start cold every morning. Build habits that carry you forward.

Success rarely comes from inspiration alone
—it comes from sustaining motion, even in small ways.

3. Not everything will go smoothly—and that’s part of the process.
Some pieces I thought would sing… fell flat. 
I had to step away. Others felt like dead ends, only to open up later when I revisited them. 
In business and life, you’ll have false starts, moments of doubt, and things you need to  set aside temporarily. That’s not failure—it’s refinement.

Sometimes the best work is born out of struggle that forces you to grow in ways you didn’t expect.

So here’s my encouragement to anyone facing a challenge or goal that feels bigger than them:

Circle the date. Choose your direction. Start—ready or not. And then stay in the work. Stay in the story. You may not see the masterpiece yet, but something meaningful is forming.

Journey with Me isn’t just a title. It’s an invitation—to reflect on how the things we build, lead, and create often mirror the very journey we’re walking ourselves. 

 If you would like to see a preview of my upcoming show, click the button.