Julia Puga

Creative work thrives on courage, but too often, we hold ourselves back, waiting for the world to say yes. In this talk, we’ll redefine growth for creative minds. Because real creativity doesn’t ask for approval, it asks for authenticity. For most of my life, I thought someone else had to give me permission, my parents, my bosses, the people I admired. Permission to try, to grow, to believe in my own ideas. After many years, now in my forties, I finally realized I can give myself that permission and it’s been life-changing. This discovery reshaped how I see growth. Growth isn’t only about career advancement. It’s about creating meaningful connections, collaborating with like-minded people, and becoming who you already are. So many of us live bifurcated lives, even our wardrobes tell the story. I used to think I had to be creative at home and professional at work. Sound familiar? Now I know real growth happens when you bring your whole self into every room and stop waiting for permission. Authenticity isn’t a risk; it’s a strength. This is a talk about permission, authenticity, and the many ways we grow. My hope is that you walk away ready to give yourself the permission you’ve been waiting for—and to show up more fully in your own creative life.