As part of the Education theme, for our December 12, 2014 event Mona Akmal will join us to discuss Code.org and their mission to bring computer science to every classroom. Get your tickets here.
CMSEA: How do you define creativity and apply it in your career?
MA: For me, creativity has is unrelated to the space/subject matter it’s being applied to but more a frame of mind. And this frame of mind is one of open, curious, seeking of meaning and outcomes. Once this is in place, applying it to taking the perfect picture, designing an amazing user experience or coming up with a win-win partnership between two companies is just a manifestation of creativity.
CMSEA: Where do you find your best creative inspiration?
MA: People - they’re complex, unique, contradictory and always trying to make meaning of the world. I love hearing people share their stories, their opinions, their wants and needs, and walking through their cognitive process. It sparks all kinds of interesting thoughts in my mind.
CMSEA: What’s the one creative advice or tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
MA: Judgment is the antithesis of creativity. Knowing how to be open to anything and everything is key.
CMSEA: Who would you like to hear speak at CreativeMornings?
MA: Does it have to be someone who’s alive? Leonardo da vinci. I love the idea of the renaissance human - someone who explores and excels at many different things without feeling the need to be defined by any one profession or craft. That’s unbounded creativity right there.
CMSEA: What’s the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
MA: My recent learning about myself: I am not the roles I play. They are all a part of my (my professional role, my role as a friend, partner, sister, daughter etc.) but none of them is me. It’s a liberating feeling to not have my identity tied up in any one of these because that provides the freedom needed to creatively explore who I can be.
CMSEA: What keeps you awake at night?
MA: Existential angst, and my cats (when they insist on being fed at 4 am).
