In my TEDx talk, “How Creativity Can Change the World One Bad Drawing at a Time,” I shared a powerful message about how creativity isn’t just about artistic ability—it’s about solving problems, exploring ideas, and embracing imperfection as a stepping stone to progress. While I don’t want to replicate the presentation, I’d like to expand on the key takeaways and invite deeper reflection on the impact of creativity in our everyday lives.

Key Takeaway #1: Creativity is for Everyone

A common misconception is that creativity belongs only to artists or those in traditionally “creative” fields. My talk challenges this belief. Creativity is a skill, not a gift, and it’s one that anyone can develop. Whether you’re designing a marketing campaign, troubleshooting a technical problem, or organizing a community event, creativity is the fuel that drives innovative solutions. We need to democratize creativity, making it accessible and actionable for everyone.

Key Takeaway #2: Embrace the “Bad Drawings”

The concept of the “bad drawing” isn’t about art at all—it’s a metaphor for taking imperfect action. Many of us hesitate to start something new because we fear failure or inadequacy. But every masterpiece begins as a rough draft. By embracing imperfection, we allow ourselves to iterate, learn, and grow. Creativity flourishes when we give ourselves permission to make mistakes and learn from them.

Key Takeaway #3: Creativity is a Collaborative Effort

While individual creativity is powerful, collective creativity can be transformative. In my experience working with teams across different industries, I’ve seen how diverse perspectives can lead to groundbreaking solutions. Creativity thrives in environments where people feel safe to share ideas, no matter how unconventional they might seem. Building this kind of culture isn’t easy, but it’s essential for fostering innovation.

Key Takeaway #4: The World Needs More Creative Problem Solvers

We live in a time of complex challenges—from climate change to economic inequality—that require more than conventional thinking. Creativity isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s an essential tool for addressing the problems we face as individuals, communities, and a global society. By teaching and nurturing creativity, we empower people to think differently and contribute to solutions that make a real impact.

A Call to Action

As you reflect on these takeaways, I challenge you to ask yourself: How can I embrace creativity in my own life? What “bad drawings” can I create to move closer to solving the problems that matter to me? And how can I encourage creativity in those around me?

Creativity has the power to change the world, but only if we use it. Whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or in your community, take that first step—no matter how imperfect it may seem. Together, we can build a more creative, innovative, and inclusive world, one “bad drawing” at a time.