Leading Change with Imagination and Integrity: Lessons from MCAD’s Creative Leadership Faculty and Residency Contributors

In the words of poet and philosopher John O’Donohue, “The imagination is not an escape, but a return to the richness of our true selves.” In a time when organizations are often caught in the churn of efficiency and output, the faculty and contributors of the Creative Leadership program at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) are reminding us that true leadership is not about control—it is about cultivating the conditions where creativity can flourish.

At MCAD, the faculty and residency contributors are artists, designers, educators, and entrepreneurs who understand that creativity is not a luxury but a necessity for leading change in complex times. MACL faculty work at the intersections of art, activism, finance, health, government, technology, and entrepreneurship, forging new pathways for individuals and communities to shape their futures. Their leadership is not driven by hierarchical authority but by a deep commitment to fostering imagination, resilience, and collaboration.

These educators and practitioners embody what poet David Whyte calls the “courageous conversation” of leadership—the willingness to lean into uncertainty, to ask better questions, and to create spaces where authentic voices can emerge. They challenge students and professionals alike to reconsider their roles as leaders, not as those with all the answers, but as those who can hold space for meaningful transformation.

Three Ways to Lead Creatively in Your Organization

If you find yourself longing to lead change in your own organization—whether in business, education, or community work—consider these three guiding principles, drawn from the creative leadership philosophy at MCAD.

1. Embrace the Tension Between Stability and Change

Many leaders feel caught between maintaining stability and fostering innovation. But as artist and educator Bell Hooks reminds us, “To be truly visionary we have to root our imagination in our concrete reality while simultaneously imagining possibilities beyond that reality.”

Creative leaders at MCAD teach that the way forward is not to eliminate tension but to engage with it productively. This means creating a culture where people feel safe enough to take risks, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo—without fear of failure or retribution. Stability and change are not opposing forces; they are dance partners in the creative process.

Tip: Ask yourself, “Where in my organization are people avoiding difficult conversations about change?” Instead of seeking quick fixes, create a space where dialogue and experimentation can take place.

2. Lead with Questions, Not Just Answers

The best creative leaders are those who resist the urge to provide immediate solutions. Instead, they ask better questions—ones that invite curiosity, disrupt old patterns, and make room for unexpected insights.

At MCAD, faculty members encourage students and professionals to develop a practice of inquiry. Rather than asking, “How do we fix this problem?” they ask, “What are we not seeing? What perspectives are missing? What would it look like to approach this challenge from a place of abundance rather than scarcity?”

Tip: In your next meeting, try replacing statements with questions. Instead of saying, “Here’s what we need to do,” ask, “What possibilities haven’t we considered yet?” and let the responses guide the conversation.

3. Honor the “Inner Life” of Leadership

Parker Palmer reminds us that leadership is an “inner journey taken in community.” Creative leaders understand that the ability to inspire change comes not just from strategy but from deep personal integrity and self-awareness.

At MCAD, creative leadership faculty and residency contributors recognize that burnout, fear, and self-doubt are not obstacles to leadership but part of the terrain. They cultivate practices of reflection, mindfulness, and artistic exploration to stay connected to their own sense of purpose. They remind us that leadership is not about performance—it is about presence.

Tip: Make space for reflection in your leadership practice. Whether through journaling, meditation, or creative expression, take time to reconnect with your inner voice. Ask yourself, “What values guide my leadership? Where am I leading from fear rather than from vision?”

Creative Leadership as a Way of Being

The work of creative leadership is not about trends or techniques. It is about a way of being in the world—one that welcomes uncertainty, nurtures curiosity, and remains deeply rooted in human connection. The faculty and contributors at MCAD are not just teaching creative leadership; they are living it, showing us that the most profound changes begin with the courage to imagine differently.

As you navigate your own leadership journey, may you remember that creativity is not reserved for artists—it is a birthright of all who seek to lead with authenticity, imagination, and heart.