Now Go Create

What do you do when you want to get more creative but there's no classroom, no team workshop, and no facilitator in sight? In this hands-on episode of Now Go Create, Claire Bridges hands you a solo toolkit to supercharge your creative thinking, just you, a notebook, and twenty minutes.
The episode was sparked by a call from an ambitious agency professional itching to sharpen her creative skills on her own terms. So Claire maps out a self-guided journey built from the exact moves, mindset, and exercises she teaches in her acclaimed Creative Ninja courses, drawing on research, real-world examples, and the anniversary of her book In Your Creative Element.
Across the episode, she walks you through five creative practices designed for immediate use on live briefs and real business challenges. Each one comes loaded with coaching questions, reflection points, and techniques you can put to work straight away, so grab a pen and follow along as you listen.
You'll discover why creativity is a muscle anyone can build, and learn how to challenge your assumptions, ask sharper questions, borrow from unexpected worlds, fuel creative incubation, and evaluate ideas without killing them too soon. With nods to thinkers like Carol Dweck, Alan Alda, and Julia Cameron, this is your invitation to turn creativity into a daily, repeatable habit.
Key Takeaways
Creativity is a skill and a mindset, not a lottery win - swap your fixed beliefs for a growth mindset.
Surface and challenge your hidden assumptions to unlock fresh solutions.
Try "question storming" before you brainstorm, so you understand the real problem first.
Steal inspiration from unrelated fields (related worlds) to break out of your rut.
Feed your creativity with new experiences, fresh input, and deliberate incubation time; try some Julia Cameron-style ‘artist dates.
Separate generating ideas from judging them, and give fragile ideas room to grow before you critique.
Make creative thinking a repeatable habit; practice always beats perfection.

Something to Try
Take a real business challenge and run it through Claire's five moves: list and challenge every assumption, question storm around the problem, hunt for inspiration in a completely different field, deliberately step away to let your subconscious do the work, and only then start evaluating your ideas. Treat it like a creative workout, twenty minutes at a time and watch your confidence and creative muscle build.
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 have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.
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
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this toolkit episode of Now Go Create, Claire Bridges dives into the power of asking better questions at work and introduces the concept of a "question storm." Instead of jumping straight into brainstorming solutions, Claire Bridges explains how focusing on generating well-aimed questions can unlock true creative and problem-solving potential. Drawing on real-world insights and her years of experience helping teams boost creative thinking, she shares why curiosity and challenging the status quo are essential for innovation.
Claire takes inspiration from experts and researchers, offering practical steps to facilitate effective question storming solo or in groups. She touches on how assumptions can stifle creativity, using cautionary tales from companies like Nokia and Kodak. She also shares techniques from influential books such as Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow and Michael Michalko's ThinkerToys.
You’ll pick up question-based prompts to spark fresh thinking, learn why slowing down to ask the "right" questions matters, and discover creative confidence isn’t about having all the answers, but about challenging what needs to be asked.
Key Takeaways:
Creative progress thrives on curiosity, not certainty - be a "learn-it-all," not a "know-it-all."
Rushing to brainstorm solutions often means tackling the wrong problem; question storming realigns your efforts.
The Question Formulation Technique (QFT) sets four rules: ask as many questions as possible, don’t judge or answer yet, document questions exactly as stated, and reframe statements as questions.
Spotting and challenging assumptions can break automatic, potentially faulty group thinking.
“What if the opposite were true?” and “What would a beginner do?” are just two examples of powerful disruptive questions to use.
Creating a safe space for questions, no matter how obvious or ‘silly’ they seem, unlocks creative confidence and uncovers hidden insights.

Something to Try:
At your next team meeting, run a "question storm." Set a timer and challenge everyone to write down as many questions about your current challenge as possible, without answering them. Afterwards, review them for new perspectives, assumptions to challenge, and better-framed problems to solve. Notice how it shifts the group’s thinking and the quality of ideas that follow.
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 have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.
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
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this episode of Now Go Create, host Claire Bridges welcomes facilitator, connector, and author Jan Keck, who is on a mission to make meetings more meaningful by moving beyond cringey icebreakers. Drawing from his own experiences with the anxiety and dread of the standard “go around the room and share a fun fact” activities, Jan reveals how these methods often backfire, leaving participants feeling disconnected, anxious, or locked in competition rather than genuine connection.
Instead, he introduces us to "ice melters," a concept that reframes how we help groups bond, collaborate, and take creative risks together. Using stories from his forthcoming book Ice Melters and real-world examples, he shares practical tips for facilitators, leaders, and anyone eager to empower their team whether you’re leading an in-person workshop, training session, or Zoom call.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional icebreakers often ask participants to take bigger risks than they’re ready for, undermining true connection
The physical environment matters, think more “campfire” and less “boardroom” when designing group experiences
A thoughtful, layered approach (like customising name tags) creates authentic inclusion from the moment people walk in
Great facilitators adjust to the group’s energy and needs like a thermostat, not a fixed agenda
Building trust is a gradual process; creative breakthroughs happen when people feel safe
Managing your own energy and creating flexible structures is as important for facilitators as for participants.

Something to Try:
At your next meeting or workshop, replace your standard “let’s go around and introduce ourselves” with a low-risk “ice melter.” Give everyone a choice like picking a sticker for their name badge or answering a simple visual and let conversation flow naturally. Notice how this shifts the room’s energy and paves the way for deeper, more creative collaboration.
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 have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.
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
About Jan Keck:
Jan Keck is a trainer, facilitator and experience designer.
He is driven by a simple belief: real, deep connection beats small talk, every single time.
During the pandemic, Jan has taught thousands of trainers, facilitators and educators how to recreate the “magic” of in-person gatherings online
There’s nothing that breaks his heart more than witnessing individuals trapped in awkward icebreakers, feeling more isolated despite being in a group. This is why he is currently dedicating his time and energy into writing his first book “Ice Melters”, where he advocates ditching traditional Ice Breakers and shares his framework to increase engagement, build trust and foster deep connections - without making people cringe.
Connect with Jan:
Website: https://www.jankeck.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jankeck
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/mrjankeck
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjankeck
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

If you’ve ever found yourself in a frustrating, awkward, or downright pointless meeting, this latest episode of the Now Go Create podcast is for you. Host Claire Bridges explores facilitation mishaps she’s encountered over her decades working as a creative director and professional workshop lead and facilitator.
Drawing from real (anonymised) stories in client brainstorms and workshops, Claire Bridges reveals why even the most seasoned facilitators still get it wrong sometimes, and what they’ve learned through every’“facilitation mess-up.’ She dives into 7 common, messy realities that can derail great ideas: unclear briefs, unspoken criteria, resistant participants, hierarchy issues, tricky personalities, and windowless rooms that kill creativity.
You’ll walk away with practical fixes, honest advice, and the confidence that if things go sideways, you’re definitely not alone.
Key Takeaways:
Preparation is everything. If the brief is fuzzy, your session will flounder. No amount of facilitation magic can save a dishonest or incomplete brief.
Agree on criteria upfront, always clarify what “good” looks like and the non-negotiables before diving into idea generation.
When people don’t want to be there, whether due to politics, lack of context, or simple resistance, find ways to regroup and reset the room (which can be as simple as a coffee/tea break).
The loudest or most senior voice shouldn’t dictate outcomes. Try silent brainstorms, the 1-2-4-all method, and clear ground rules to support psychological safety and equal participation.
Set and share “rules of engagement”. Use frameworks, brainstorming rules to keep sessions on-track, encourage wild ideas, and create safety for experimentation.
Don’t take resistance personally. Participants’ attitudes often have nothing to do with you - focus on maintaining your energy, professionalism, and supportive “scaffolding.”
Physical space matters, the venue, environment, and even the coffee can impact a workshop. Acknowledge discomfort, adapt on the fly, and prioritise participant wellbeing.

Something to Try:
Before your next workshop, spend extra time sharpening the brief and agreeing success criteria with the group. Make your brainstorming rules visible – print them, write them up, and refer back to them to reinforce psychological safety.
If resistance surfaces, call a break. Step away, regroup, adjust.
And if you’re stuck in a windowless room with bad coffee and low energy, let people get some air or grab a proper coffee. Ten minutes of goodwill can unlock far more creativity than forcing another half hour of effort. It could be the difference between ideas that land and ideas that never take off.
For more ideas and practical tips, follow @NowGoCreate on social media, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe for future episodes focused on unleashing creativity at work. Now go create!
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 have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.
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
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

In this toolkit episode of Now Go Create, Claire Bridges introduces the concept of the premortem, a powerful technique for anticipating project pitfalls before they derail your ideas. Drawing from her extensive experience in creative thinking and strategy development, Claire demonstrates how asking the right questions early can transform uncertainty into opportunity and help teams avoid costly missteps.
Clare shares real-world examples from organisations including Google, Stripe, Pixar, and Netflix, illustrating how pre-mortems foster honest feedback and more robust creative outcomes. You’ll learn practical steps to run your own pre-mortem, alongside insights into building resilience and healthy collaboration in creative projects.
Key Takeaways:
Many projects fail from overlooked risks, not the initial idea.
Premortems give permission to voice concerns without negativity.
Run premortems when ideas are solid, not in their early stages.
The process helps surface hidden assumptions and blind spots.
Use individual reflection before group discussion for unbiased input.
Pixar and Netflix embed radical candour and continuous feedback in their cultures.
Brain trusts provide expert peer feedback, helping refine ideas without hierarchy.

Something to Try:
Before your next project goes live, gather your team and run a pre-mortem. Imagine your project has failed six months down the line, and ask everyone to individually list reasons why it might have happened. Then, share and discuss the risks together, prioritise the most serious ones, and brainstorm ways to prevent them. Finish with a reflection on what you learned. This could be the critical step that takes your idea from good to great.
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 have worked on thousands of creative projects and trained over 50,000 people around the world since starting Now Go Create in 2011.
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
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk