Join us at 8:15am on Friday, September 27th at Launch Co-Working to explore the global CreativeMornings theme of REFLECTION! Our speaker, Anthony Kowalczyk, will be speaking on “The Power of Reflection in Creative Processes.”

In the fast-paced world we live in, the act of reflection often takes a backseat. However, it is through reflection that we unlock the true potential of our creative minds. This presentation will explore how taking the time to reflect on our experiences, thoughts, and emotions can lead to more innovative ideas and creations. 

We’ll delve into the ways reflection fuels creativity, allowing us to connect with purpose and intention. Join us as we discover how reflecting on our creative journey not only enhances our ability to create but also inspires us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in business and in our lives.

Meet Our Speaker: Anthony Kowalczyk

Anthony Kowalczyk brings over 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing, leading teams in both Canada and the US. He has managed all of Forward Media’s key strategic clients and built the foundations for their digital media practice. 

He is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management, RRC Polytechnic (Business Admin) and, a serial entrepreneur investing time in several projects, including tech start-up The Den (Acting CMO), and co-founder of the nationally recognized music venue (The Good Will Social Club). Anthony also has sat and sits on a few boards including serving as past Chair of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/The Juno Awards and current sitting treasurer of the Not for Profit The WRENCH.

Meet Our Musician: John Hørst

John Hørst is a musical artist from Treaty One, born and raised in Winnipeg. John prefers a they/them or a he/him pronoun. Their music combines… their classical singing background; their personal journey exploring identity, purpose, heritage & queerness; and their honest perspective & hopes for our present, 2024 world. After a decade of freelancing for local musical and theatrical companies, John is now working on his debut project as a recording artist. John loves music that feels soothing and stimulating at the same time; and also loves variety and drama. John is a fan of peppermint tea, space & trees, and would be happy to connect with you! You can reach John on instagram @heyjohnhorst :]

CreativeMornings Monthly Global Theme

Our theme for September is REFLECTION. It was chosen by our Oklahoma City chapter in Oklahoma and illustrated by Aditi Heins.

Just like an echo is a reflection of sound… and how a camera lens focuses reflected light to form a photograph… our subconscious reflects on our experiences to form our beliefs.

Without reflection, there can be no personal growth. Learning from our past yields greater wisdom and happiness. But don’t let self-awareness turn into self-absorption. Take heed of the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own handsome reflection in a pool of water. 

Reflecting on difficult moments can be painful but also healing. When our Oklahoma City chapter selected this theme, they mentioned a reflecting pool at the site of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that was designed to help people reflect on how they were changed by that tragic event. 

Pondering the world around us and following our curiosity adds depth to our creative work. As William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, the purpose of acting is “to hold as ‘twere the mirror up to nature.” While George Bernard Shaw said, “you use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” (Although Bertolt Brecht countered, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”)

Reflection turns our traumas and triumphs into lessons. It’s how we can create a vision for a brighter future.