Mykel Dixon - Everyday Creative: A Dangerous Guide for Making Magic at Work

Everyday Creative is a must read for anyone who has more to give at work yet struggles to liberate their creativity. Mykel Dixon truly cares about his readers, translating the energy and excitement he generates on stages the world over into an infectious and inspiring read.

Layne Beachley AO, 7-Time World Champion Surfer.

Modern Magician, enlightened speaker, solar human being, Mykel Dixon is translating his subtle and extraordinary work in this much needed recovery book. With a bit of fear and hopefully great excitement, dive into this guide to find again the amazing, creative, powerful human being in you. A must read for any leader in this time of deep change!

Eglantine Etiemble, Executive General
Manager Digital, DuluxGroup

Everyday Creative is brazenly heretical; a poetic affront to the business world which is exactly what we need right now. Like a best-friend-in-a-book, youll (re)discover how to tap into the creativity and courage youve always had. Everyone needs this book buy it for your bedside, bathroom and boardroom!

Dr Jason Fox, wizard and best-selling author of
How to Lead a Quest

Creativity is the defining currency of the 21st century. This book doesnt just make a compelling case for embracing a more creative approach at work, it shows you how. An instant classic written by a guy who lives and breathes his message.

Jules Lund, founder, Tribe

Mykel has the unique ability to speak to both head and heart as he challenges us to bring our full creative potential to life. This book is a challenging, heart-warming, soul-searching read that help you excavate your unique flair and fulfil your creative destiny. Read if you dare!

Dean Summlar, Vice President Human
Resources - Pacific Zone, Schneider Electric

Everyday Creative should be mandatory reading for executives who want to not only stay ahead of the curve but help redefine what a curve is. A stirring read from an entrepreneur who has walked the walk, time and time again.

David Swan, Technology Editor,The Australian

First published in 2020 by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
42 McDougall St, Milton Qld 4064

Office also in Melbourne

John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2020

The moral rights of the author have been asserted

ISBN: 978-0-730-38373-4

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review), no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher at the address above.

Cover design and Mykes images: Oli Sansom

Internal images: JungleOutThere/iStockphoto; Ye Liew/Shutterstock; 4x6/iStockphoto; KeithBishop/Getty Images

Disclaimer

The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice where appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.

Mykel Dixon is mad about shaking up the way we do business.

A musician by trade, gypsy by nature, fierce non-conformist and prolific anti-perfectionist, he leads a new wave of entrepreneurial savants showing forward-thinking companies how to stay relevant and radical in a 21st-Century Renaissance.

As an award-winning speaker, learning designer, event curator, musician and author, Mykel works with senior leaders and teams of Fortune 500 and ASX 200 companies to unlock breakthrough creativity. His clients include Google, YouTube, Janssen, Schneider Electric, Intuit, Bayer, IAG, CBA, Telstra, Origin, Lululemon, Laminex and Seek, amongst many others.

Mykels unconventional life (and career) experience, coupled with his daring vision for the future of work, make him the not-so-secret weapon for any company seeking an edge.

To find out more about Myke, enquire about speaking opportunities and follow his creative adventures online, head to www.mykeldixon.com

Given the state of world I questioned whether I should even write this book. Surely there are better ways for me to have a meaningful impact on the world? Maybe Id do more for humanity by chaining myself to a tree, becoming a firefighter, or going into politics (yuk!). Surely the world doesnt need another bloody book, least of all one by me.

But I couldnt shake the idea. When I look at the world around us, and the challenges we now face as individuals and teams, as companies and nations it seems like the only thing that will make a meaningful difference is our ability to think and act differently. To have the courage to think beyond whats achievable, to dream beyond whats reasonable, and build products, services and experiences that go beyond what is merely profitable.

In my current work as a keynote speaker, creative facilitator and experience designer, I am privileged to meet people from all walks of life. I get paid to engage in deep conversations about work, career and success. About the past, present and future. About money, meaning and magic. And what underpins it all is creativity.

Through all the wild activations and immersive experiences that I design and deliver, the answer to so many of the challenges that people speak about is the same. Creativity.

Time and time again I see the same thing: people who wholeheartedly believe they arent creative find a way back to their natural self-expression, then apply it in their work to cultivate staggering positive results.

I see people walk into the room tired, frustrated and complacent only to leave vibrant, energised and enthusiastic. People who have seen it all before end up staying longer than they had planned. People who dont have much to say end up sharing more than they intended. People who are known for being serious end up laughing louder than theyve laughed in months (sometimes years).

Creativity is the catalyst for professional success and personal fulfilment.

When I reflect on my own life, the one characteristic that has served me most, hands down, is creativity. Its been the source of my security, satisfaction and sense of self. The essence of my competitive advantage and the instrument that led to any and all of my career success.

I began my career as a musician. From jazz to rock, covers to originals, empty hotel lobbies to main stages of music festivals creativity was my currency. And yet beyond the obvious application of creativity in my songwriting or performances, it was in fact the key driver of every element of my business.

From sales and marketing to PR and event production. From conflict resolution to crisis management. It enabled me to think differently about every challenge or opportunity and respond in ways that were unique, distinct and original. It was, without a doubt, my secret weapon.