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Rethink Creativity: How to Innovate, Inspire, and Thrive at Work
Innovation is not born from fancy slogans, being artistic, or taking risks all the time. It's born out of people. People who dare to ask questions, try something different, are curious about the difference, and courageously face changes. Everyone is creative. But only a company that fully believes in that, fosters an inclusive, safe environment, and allows diverse voices to exist will be able to unlock his or her company's creative potential.
So where do you start to rethink creativity? Two places: Invest in your team members as a leader and invest in yourself as an innovator. Monica H. Kang, the creativity workplace expert and Founder & CEO of InnovatorsBox(R), shares that the commonalities are your mindset and intention. How determined are you to live your best creative life? How much do you really want to unlock your team's best talent potential? The possibilities are limitless if you choose to invest in it.
To reflect on the immense changes in the world since the original publication of Rethink Creativity(TM), Kang shares more stories, strategies, and thought-provoking questions in this revised second edition that you could use to change your routine and how you lead your team.
So where do you start to rethink creativity? Two places: Invest in your team members as a leader and invest in yourself as an innovator. Monica H. Kang, the creativity workplace expert and Founder & CEO of InnovatorsBox(R), shares that the commonalities are your mindset and intention. How determined are you to live your best creative life? How much do you really want to unlock your team's best talent potential? The possibilities are limitless if you choose to invest in it.
To reflect on the immense changes in the world since the original publication of Rethink Creativity(TM), Kang shares more stories, strategies, and thought-provoking questions in this revised second edition that you could use to change your routine and how you lead your team.
196 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2021
About the author
Monica H. Kang
3 books40 followersMonica Kang is a creative educator who is transforming today’s workforce through the power of creativity. She is driven by the belief that everyone is innately creative and that creativity can be used to catalyze personal and professional change. As the Founder and CEO of InnovatorsBox®, her deepest satisfaction comes from seeing individuals realize their full potential and talents through creativity. Through her innovative workshops, consulting, products, and curriculum, Monica teaches creativity in a tangible, practical, and relatable way regardless of industry or job title.
Monica is a recognized thought leader in creative leadership and education. She has worked with clients worldwide including Fortune 500 companies, higher education, government, and nonprofits. Her work has been awarded across numerous platforms, including The White House, Ashoka Changemakers, Women Empowerment Expo, Timmy Award, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She is also the author of Rethink Creativity: How to Innovate, Inspire, and Thrive at Work.
Monica’s passion for positively impacting the world extends beyond InnovatorsBox®. She is an active leader in StartingBloc, DC Tech, Startup Weekend, and Coach Diversity Institute where she became a Certified Professional Diversity Coach (CPDC). Prior to InnovatorsBox®, Monica was a nuclear nonproliferation policy expert in international affairs. She holds an M.A. from SAIS Johns Hopkins University in Strategic Studies and International Economics and a B.A. from Boston University.
Monica is a recognized thought leader in creative leadership and education. She has worked with clients worldwide including Fortune 500 companies, higher education, government, and nonprofits. Her work has been awarded across numerous platforms, including The White House, Ashoka Changemakers, Women Empowerment Expo, Timmy Award, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She is also the author of Rethink Creativity: How to Innovate, Inspire, and Thrive at Work.
Monica’s passion for positively impacting the world extends beyond InnovatorsBox®. She is an active leader in StartingBloc, DC Tech, Startup Weekend, and Coach Diversity Institute where she became a Certified Professional Diversity Coach (CPDC). Prior to InnovatorsBox®, Monica was a nuclear nonproliferation policy expert in international affairs. She holds an M.A. from SAIS Johns Hopkins University in Strategic Studies and International Economics and a B.A. from Boston University.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 27, 2022
If you are looking for something to help you get ahead in your career that is easy to read and interesting then this is the book.
It contains lots of information that will help you thrive at work all broken down into easy to understand sections.
I love the areas for you own notes and that it wasn't all bland, it was bright and colourful, just like the cover which actually made it easier to read.
It's not something I would usually have picked up or chosen to read but I can see it helping a lot of people get ahead in their careers.
It contains lots of information that will help you thrive at work all broken down into easy to understand sections.
I love the areas for you own notes and that it wasn't all bland, it was bright and colourful, just like the cover which actually made it easier to read.
It's not something I would usually have picked up or chosen to read but I can see it helping a lot of people get ahead in their careers.
July 26, 2022
This was a book for a book club through work. Plainly put: this was fine. The author, Monica Kang has some good points, and it's clearly well-researched and thought-out, but it didn't feel like anything very new to me: Try something different. Don't be complacent. Creativity takes practice. People can be creative in ways you don't expect. Constraints can help. Stick to it. Kang has a variety of ideas to help kick things into gear if you feel stuck, and resources on her site that would help as well. There were a number of things Kang mentioned that feel commonplace in my workplace - and maybe those points would have been more revolutionary to me if I didn't work for a creativity-focused company. The physical book is, admittedly, well designed - with nice illustrations, pull quotes, and places for notes. The book club discussion progressed well enough. Overall, people seemed to like the book, and find value in what Kang put together.
If you choose to listen to this book, it has to be among the strangest audio books I've ever listened to. It has so many sound effects, I was really thrown off. The sound effects made the book feel like one of those YouTube videos where they're trying to pitch something in a few minutes, accompanied by some of those "live-drawn" graphics, and your mind is supposed to be blown. Except, instead of two minutes, it was 4+ hours of that, and my mind wasn't blown. Sad trombones, fake applause, bells, motors, ticking clocks, and so many other sound effects I couldn't keep track of them all. Furthermore, the book is read by the author - and with very few exceptions, I contend that voice actors should be used for that job, and not the author. Maybe I would have liked the book more if the audio production was more to my taste.
If you choose to listen to this book, it has to be among the strangest audio books I've ever listened to. It has so many sound effects, I was really thrown off. The sound effects made the book feel like one of those YouTube videos where they're trying to pitch something in a few minutes, accompanied by some of those "live-drawn" graphics, and your mind is supposed to be blown. Except, instead of two minutes, it was 4+ hours of that, and my mind wasn't blown. Sad trombones, fake applause, bells, motors, ticking clocks, and so many other sound effects I couldn't keep track of them all. Furthermore, the book is read by the author - and with very few exceptions, I contend that voice actors should be used for that job, and not the author. Maybe I would have liked the book more if the audio production was more to my taste.
December 16, 2021
This book was not what I had expected. With the title and subtitle, I had expected (more) tips on how to Rethink Creativity. And the book does feature thought provoking questions, questions to rethink what your (team’s) relationship is with creativity. The book seems geared to managers who want to try something new. I am not a manager so occasionally I didn’t feel addressed by what was being said.
At times it felt like an essay why we need to cultivate a space for creativity. It was well based in science as the author has made a genuine effort to cite research.
I loved the quotes and note taking space. The drawings didn’t appeal to me, but that is probably more based on my personal taste. I also noted a lot of punctuation marks seemed a bit off in my ebook (pdf) version, mostly missing spaces between the words and the marks.
The author mentions herself that in Europe the vibe around creativity differs from her viewpoint. based on reading this book and my own experiences, I have to agree. I think there is plenty of space for creativity. Therefor, I think I feel the book was a bit too basic for my taste and hunger for maybe exercises to practise being creative.
The book is an easy read though and if you’re looking for a book to help your team get more creative, this might be the book for you. I’ve received this book for free through Booksirens.
At times it felt like an essay why we need to cultivate a space for creativity. It was well based in science as the author has made a genuine effort to cite research.
I loved the quotes and note taking space. The drawings didn’t appeal to me, but that is probably more based on my personal taste. I also noted a lot of punctuation marks seemed a bit off in my ebook (pdf) version, mostly missing spaces between the words and the marks.
The author mentions herself that in Europe the vibe around creativity differs from her viewpoint. based on reading this book and my own experiences, I have to agree. I think there is plenty of space for creativity. Therefor, I think I feel the book was a bit too basic for my taste and hunger for maybe exercises to practise being creative.
The book is an easy read though and if you’re looking for a book to help your team get more creative, this might be the book for you. I’ve received this book for free through Booksirens.
September 26, 2018
I'm finished with Rethink Creativity: Brilliant book! I've read many books that talk about creativity but nothing comes even close to Rethink Creativity. It effortlessly cleared the fog I had in my brain when it comes to my perception on creativity and with the actionable tips, tools, products, and tried-and-tested methods on practicing creativity on a daily basis has made me excited about exploring what I'm capable of doing with creativity! A must-read!
September 26, 2018
If you think you're creatively stifled or that you're not the 'creative type', then this book is here to gracefully pull you out of that mindset and fill you up with creative confidence. The writing is fresh, delightful, compelling, and oh-so-fun to read! There's no niche of this book - it's a must-read for everyone. Literally.
November 11, 2021
Such a great start for me! I am excited with this one and also amazed by how is it written.
September 26, 2018
Such a refreshing read! This was a new territory for me and it was a pleasant reading experience - page after page. Can't recommend enough.
January 31, 2022
Good resource
If you want to innovate, this book is a good place to start. It has many ideas and resources to help you get out of the box and start innovating. I recommend this book to anyone in the business field and to those who are entrepreneurs.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
If you want to innovate, this book is a good place to start. It has many ideas and resources to help you get out of the box and start innovating. I recommend this book to anyone in the business field and to those who are entrepreneurs.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
July 16, 2022
The first thing that stands out about Rethink Creativity by Monica H. Kang is the interior formatting. It’s unique and beautiful, which is very fitting for a book about creativity!
I enjoyed this book, but I had a hard time getting myself to sit down and write a review for it. I think that’s because while I do think the author inspires us create space for creativity in the workplace, I didn’t have any solid takeaways after reading the book. Maybe that was just me, though.
I do think it’s important to read books like this from time to time to remind ourselves to make time for learning. If we really want to grow personally and in our careers, we need to have a mindset of continuous learning.
I enjoyed this book, but I had a hard time getting myself to sit down and write a review for it. I think that’s because while I do think the author inspires us create space for creativity in the workplace, I didn’t have any solid takeaways after reading the book. Maybe that was just me, though.
I do think it’s important to read books like this from time to time to remind ourselves to make time for learning. If we really want to grow personally and in our careers, we need to have a mindset of continuous learning.
February 8, 2023
Do you believe in your limitless potential? Monica Kang does. She’s the author of Rethink Creativity: How to innovate, inspire and thrive at work. The entrepreneur, founder and CEO of InnovatorsBox® has cracked the code on creativity at work and shares how you too, can be liberated to bring your whole self to work - and that includes your creative part! I can hear you say, ‘but I’m not creative’ or ‘I’m not an artist or musician’. Don’t worry, reading the latest edition will help you realise that creativity is universal and everyone (even you) can be creative. I loved the format of Rethink Creativity as each chapter cites a powerful quote to set the scene – like Edison ‘failing’ 10,000 times before creating the perfect lightbulb. So how can we call the 10,000 times a failure? Monica challenges readers to reflect on topics with probing questions and ‘outside the box’ practices. She introduces new ways of working, thinking and relating to others so that by the end, you are set to bring 100% of your superpowers to work.
Rethink Creativity: How to innovate, inspire and thrive at work is a high energy guide book with something for everyone. Whether you head up a Fortune 500 company or the school’s PTA – leaders, managers and team members will all learn something new. I was shocked that over 80% of professionals feel stuck at work, lack a creative outlet, and are afraid to offer an alternate opinion. No wonder the World Health Organization officially declared burnout (caused by chronic workplace stress) a major health problem. Imagine turning that statistic around, like Monica Kang did for herself. The internationally recognized expert shares how she cultivated her own creative side as a mindset and way of living. Her diverse work experience (including giving nuclear non-proliferation policy advice), and insights from growing up between two cultures: Korean and American, help us learn how to become better problem solvers, more mindful and happier. Her lived experiences and humorous stories add to the book’s relatability.
There has never been a more important time to foster meaningful creativity in the workplace. Complete with exercises, an extensive reading list and access to free resources so you never stop learning, Monica’s wish is to leave audiences with more questions than answers. Rethink Creativity: How to innovate, inspire and thrive at work, certainly left me with more questions as it unleashed my creative genie out of its box. I’m enjoying playing detective and pushing deeper as I learn to innovate, unleash teams and grow creative organizational cultures. You cannot be creative alone, so best get a copy of Rethink Creativity today, and let Monica leave you with more questions and poised for a brighter, more colourful, creative workplace.
Rethink Creativity: How to innovate, inspire and thrive at work is a high energy guide book with something for everyone. Whether you head up a Fortune 500 company or the school’s PTA – leaders, managers and team members will all learn something new. I was shocked that over 80% of professionals feel stuck at work, lack a creative outlet, and are afraid to offer an alternate opinion. No wonder the World Health Organization officially declared burnout (caused by chronic workplace stress) a major health problem. Imagine turning that statistic around, like Monica Kang did for herself. The internationally recognized expert shares how she cultivated her own creative side as a mindset and way of living. Her diverse work experience (including giving nuclear non-proliferation policy advice), and insights from growing up between two cultures: Korean and American, help us learn how to become better problem solvers, more mindful and happier. Her lived experiences and humorous stories add to the book’s relatability.
There has never been a more important time to foster meaningful creativity in the workplace. Complete with exercises, an extensive reading list and access to free resources so you never stop learning, Monica’s wish is to leave audiences with more questions than answers. Rethink Creativity: How to innovate, inspire and thrive at work, certainly left me with more questions as it unleashed my creative genie out of its box. I’m enjoying playing detective and pushing deeper as I learn to innovate, unleash teams and grow creative organizational cultures. You cannot be creative alone, so best get a copy of Rethink Creativity today, and let Monica leave you with more questions and poised for a brighter, more colourful, creative workplace.
January 19, 2022
It's good to consider, some typos in PDF and not displayed correctly when I copy to note.
Contain clear with colored, it helped to remind and take note, remember easily. "Ham in the oven" is centered to rearrange all contents (in my opinion); the good resources (includes tools, notes and book - they are valuable).
Contain clear with colored, it helped to remind and take note, remember easily. "Ham in the oven" is centered to rearrange all contents (in my opinion); the good resources (includes tools, notes and book - they are valuable).
November 12, 2021
So refreshing to match thoughts on creativity about it being something anyone can develop, and find out that if you exercise your mind and ask yourself the right questions you can be really creative and add innovation to your projects. Congrats!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews