Scroll down for detailed episode notes and quick access timings
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to live life more artfully and intentionally
- The art of increasing self-awareness and thoughtfulness
- How to deal with distractions
Are you amplifying your best ideas?
In a world facing social and cultural risks and challenges, and at a time of unprecedented change, Jeffrey Davis, believes we need to embrace collaboration.
…and our sense of wonder.
In this interview chat, the founder of Tracking Wonder reveals what he has learned about following the nature of our own creativity, curiosity and wonder;
How we can live life more intentionally without sacrificing our big ideas for profit.
To make a living from doing what, and serving those, we love.
Hear how he adjusts to the realities of life to stay focused on what he believes is the work of our lives and dreams.
And how living in the Hudson Valley and watching his daughters grow move and inspire him.
Items mentioned in this episode (quick access):
Arts and Zen Buddhism
[00:47] Introducing Jeffrey Davis.
[01:53] The Hudson Valley
[03:06] Jeffrey describes his background: zen, art and buddhism.
[04:36] How Jeffrey approaches his art and creativity.
[05:19] Henry Theroux.
Keeping a distractible mind focussed
[06:45] Jeffrey describes his regular morning practise.
[07:20] How Jeffrey directs his distracted and anxious mind.
[09:45] Devotion to projects. A sense of purpose.
[10:05] Time-shaping.
[11:35] How Jeffrey deals having to change expectations. Letting go.
[14:06] Dealing with distractions.
How to manage distractions
[15:22] Self Control app.
[17:43] Owning your own time and projects.
[18:10] Not creating a civil war between you and your work.
[19:40] Collaborating with others.
Owning time
[20:44] What Jeffrey has learned from his young daughters.
[22:00] Creating songs for his daughter.
[22:50] Handwritten newsletters.
[23:52] How Jeffrey chooses to express himself creatively.
[24:40] Jeffrey’s earlier experiences recording and podcasting.
Being a business artist
[25:35] Life as a business artist.
[26:50] Life as an undergrad.
[28:00] When Jeffrey came up with the concept of business artist.
[30:00] Where the idea for Tracking Wonder came from.
Tracking Wonder
[31:31] Moments of wonder.
[34:00] What wonder means to Jeffrey.
[35:32] Designing for wonder.
[38:00] What Jeffrey knows now that he didn’t then.
[40:00] Fostering openess between people.
Brand Artistry Labs
[42:00] Creative collaboration. Live events.
[43:18] Brand Artistry Labs.
[48:00] Opening up our closed minds.
[49:27] Embracing vulnerability.
[51:26] The risk of not living without wonder.
Doing good in the world
[52:17] What has inspired Jeffrey recently.
[54:07] What Jeffrey is grateful for today.
[54:40] Where you can find out more about Jeffrey and Tracking Wonder.
Links and Resources:
- Tracking Wonder – website
- Tracking Wonder – podcast
- Brand Artistry Labs
- Jeffrey on Instagram
- Self Control app
Quotes from this episode (click to tweet:):
- “Creativity doesn’t come out of nothing”
- “The more creative we are the more curious we are”
- “We can approach our work lives creatively or reactively”
- “We have to give this everything we’ve got…then let go”
- “You have to assume some agency over your own time and projects”
- “Creativity doesn’t come out of nothing”
- “I find a creative approach to life – to be one of agency and intention”
- “Being a child is not always wondrous”
- “Wonder is the hallmark of the human species”
- “Collaboration is crucial”
- “We need to foster a culture of openness”
- “Many individuals and even organisations don’t really grasp what effective branding is in the twenty-first century”
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- ICP 231 Activating Your Creative Truth with Natalia Komis
- ICP 003 Pam Slim on Storytelling, Creative Writing and Childhood
- ICP 257 Empowering Creative Introverts To Unleash Their Art Into The World with Cat Rose Neligan
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