Turning Imagination Into Impact

For years, we’ve been told that “artists aren’t business people.” THAT IS A MYTH. Creative people are not only capable of running thriving businesses, they’re uniquely built for it.

The same qualities that fuel artistic excellence are the very traits that drive entrepreneurial success. In this keynote, Robin shares how creativity isn’t the opposite of business, it is the engine that makes it powerful.

Why Creatives Are Natural Business Leaders

• Discipline is in their DNA Behind every “effortless” performance or piece of art the world sees, there are hours of relentless, repetitive practice. Creatives understand that mastery is built in the unseen hours and the daily grind that looks, and sometimes feels, “boring”, from the outside, but creates the foundation for brilliance. Business is built the same way.

• They are resilient to rejection Artists hear “no” constantly. They learn early that rejection isn’t the end, it is feedback, fuel, and a roadmap for redirection.

• They grow through failure Every missed note, bad sketch, or rough rehearsal is a masterclass in resilience. Creatives instinctively iterate, adjust, and come back stronger.

• They think differently by design Entrepreneurs need innovation, not imitation. Creatives are fluent in taking common concepts and turning them into fresh, unexpected possibilities.

What Audiences Will Take Away

• A new perspective on why creativity is a business superpower

• A practical framework for leveraging creative skills in entrepreneurship

• Tangible strategies to build and grow with courage, adaptability, and vision

• Inspiration to stop waiting for permission and start building boldly

Perfect For:

• Conferences on leadership, entrepreneurship, or innovation

• Creative industry gatherings and festivals

• Business accelerators and incubators

• Organizations ready to tap into the creative edge

Why Teams That Think Like Artists Win

Innovation doesn’t happen in boardrooms filled with fear of failure. It happens when people are empowered to experiment, imagine, and build with courage.

Creative people bring a mindset that drives growth, resilience, and fresh problem-solving. When companies encourage and integrate creative thinking, they unlock the kind of energy that fuels lasting success.

In this keynote, Robin shows why creative skills aren’t just “nice to have” on a team but rather are essential to building a resilient, future-ready business.

Why Creativity Is a Strategic Asset

• The understanding of the power of practice, repetition, and assessment. Behind every polished performance or piece of art are countless hours of repetitive, unglamorous work. It is important to know how to commit to “boring” foundational skill building. This is the same discipline required to execute strategy, master processes, and deliver consistent results.

• Resilience in the face of rejection Creative processes face “no” constantly. Instead of crumbling, creative minds adapt, refine, and persist. That kind of resilience makes teams stronger and more agile in fast-changing markets.

• Growth comes from failure For creatives brains, failure isn’t personal, it’s part of the process and its' almost welcomed (almost). Iterate fast, learn faster, and help normalize innovation through risk-taking.

• Fresh perspectives to everyday problems Creative brains are wired to reimagine what’s possible. They transform common concepts into new solutions, helping organizations avoid stagnation and stay ahead of the curve.

What Your Organization Will Gain

• A high-performing culture that embraces experimentation

• Teams with greater resilience, adaptability, and creative confidence

• Practical tools to build innovation into everyday workflows

• Fresh energy that drives engagement, retention, and results

Perfect For:

• Leadership & team development events

• Corporate retreats & strategy sessions

• Innovation & culture transformation initiatives

• Organizations ready to unlock their creative edge

The Creative Advantage:

Turning Creative Thinking into Strategy That Wins

Any of these sound familiar?

• “Starving artist.”

• “Artists do it for love, not money.”

• “You can’t make a living doing that.”

• “Art is a hobby, not a career.”

• “You’ll get paid in exposure.”

• “Passion doesn’t pay rent.”

• “Artists live on dreams and instant noodles.”

• “Creative people just aren’t business people.”

• “It’s not a real job.”

Dancers, designers, musicians, makers, storytellers…listen up… every day, you already do the things that make brilliant business people. This keynote flips the script, showing you how to leverage your creative skill set to build businesses that are structured, sustainable, and profitable. All without losing your artistic soul.

Why Creative Artists are Primed for Business

• You Already Have the Discipline: Creatives know what it takes to put in the hours of foundational practice to master a craft. That same tenacity is required of business too.

• You’re Resilient: Rejection, critique, and iteration are part of your daily reality. That grit translates directly into entrepreneurial strength.

• You See Possibility: Thinking outside the box is your natural state. That’s how innovation and market differentiation are born.

• You Know How to Build: From idea to performance or product, you are a master of creating systems. We will just give those systems a business engine.

• You Can Be Profitable Without Selling Out: Structure gives your creativity more power, not less.

Audience Experience

• Energetic, humorous, and practical delivery

• Real-world creative business frameworks

• Inspiring stories + actionable steps

Audience leaves feeling empowered, seen, and ready to act

Perfect For

• Independent artists, performers, and creators

• Creative entrepreneurs and freelancers

• Arts organizations & collectives

• Post-secondary arts programs

• Innovation hubs, accelerators & incubators