Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) 2017: Full Schedule

JUNE 13-18, 2017 • UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO NORTH CAMPUS • BUFFALO, NEW YORK, USA
PRESENTED BY: Creative Education Foundation • Journal of Creative Behavior

8:30am EDT

EXT0101 Reinventing Social Invention

When we think about inventions, the clever object often comes to mind. Social inventions differ from these clever objects in that they organize people into functional groups, whether these inventions are formal or informal. They can be as simple as a Little League baseball team, or as complex as General Motors or the Catholic Church. Not to be left behind, Clever Object Inventions often help define the social invention. For example, the ball, glove and bat are iconic enough to have strong associations to the game of baseball. In fact, all artifacts refer back to a social invention. What if we made new connections between diverse artifacts? What sorts of social inventions would we be describing? Does this give us an ability to modify social contracts? You will:
• Explore the phenomenon, history and structure of social inventions.
• Identify social inventions by the artifacts that define them.
• Apply diagrams to describe the organization of social inventions.

Leaders/Presenters

Craig Kosinski

Corporate/Museum Creativity Consultant

Craig Kosinski started building models at seven years old. He was one of the first graduates of the master’s program in creative studies at Buffalo State College,and later earned another master’s in arts management from the University at Buffalo. His early-career contributions... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Mash-Up

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0102 Creative Conflict TKO

When you hear the word "conflict," do you immediately think of the word resolution? Why is it that we are instinctively drawn to trying to avoid and resolve conflict, when research shows us that the right types of conflict are key to being more creative and producing better ideas? As a species we are not comfortable with conflict, but as creative evangelists it is our job to encourage it when it is appropriate. This will help you understand the roots and types of conflict, your personal conflict styles, and give you some simple rules to successfully build conflict confidence (as well as some tips to cool things down when it gets too hot). We will break down the essential components of positive conflict into easily accessible and fun techniques, transforming you into a creative conflict master. You will:
• Understand which types of conflict can accelerate your team’s creative output and what will kill it.
• Learn tools and techniques that can be applied to generate healthy conflict and cool it off when it goes too far.
• Discover your own and others’ personal conflict style – and when to try to borrow another approach.

Leaders/Presenters

Paul Fleming

Ontario, Canada, Combustion Creativity

Paul Fleming’s day jobs give him a unique perspective on the working world. As the VP of Fuel with Combustion, a world-conquering, butt-kicking learning and development company, he works with clients to develop programs delivering ninja-level soft skills like creativity, presentation... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0103 Hungry for Innovation? Explore Our 5-course Menu

Amplify your understanding for innovation and learn how to address the most important components of what makes up innovation. Based on research we conducted in collaboration with Bloomberg Businessweek , we developed an online instrument, The Innovation Assessor. The Assessor is used as a diagnostic tool to help companies move up the ladder of their innovation potential. In a playful, interactive way, you will:
• Discover five key dimensions of innovation and how to mind the gaps.
• Explore the results of several companies.
• Walk away with tools you can use in your organization.
• Learn how this instrument addresses the three basic elements of Creative Problem Solving – people, place and process, plus one more that makes an idea viable, the business model the idea serves or destroys.

Leaders/Presenters

Harry Vardis

Georgia, United States, Kennesaw State University

Harry Vardis is director of the Center for Business Innovation at the Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University. He is a professional facilitator, trainer and consultant in the field of innovation and creative thinking. He is a lifetime member and a trainer at the Creative... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0104 Correlation Between Culture and Creativity

Our culture makes us who we are – how we see the world, make judgments, think and make decisions. Explore the connection between culture (personal and organizational) and creativity in our organizations and communities. You will:
• Understand the foundation of culture and cultural patterns, and their impact on our behavior.
• Learn how to address cultural difference in the workplace, while fostering an environment of inclusion, innovation and creativity.
• Share and discuss ways to accept and adapt to different cultural patterns to accomplish common goals.

Leaders/Presenters

Priya Klocek

CEO, Consultant On The Go

Priya Dhingra Klocek is a business consultant, executive coach, mentor, and facilitator. Her mission is to help organizations manage and develop their most-important assets: People. Her consulting practice, Consultant On The Go, focuses on diagnosing and improving the fundamental... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0201 Going Paperless: CPS Tools for Coaching

We will explore different ways in which specific Creative Problem Solving tools and techniques might be adapted as powerful exercises for use in face-to-face coaching. You will:
• “Test drive" various tools through hands-on activities .
• Experience both coach and coachee roles.
• Learn new applications for old tools and techniques.

Leaders/Presenters

Kim McGaw

Texas, United States, Rice University

Kim McGaw began teaching for continuing studies in 2005 after a career as a professional comedienne. She was selected by audition to train and perform in the conservatory at Chicago's famed Second City. As director of professional programs for the Glasscock School, she now brings... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0202 (NEW) Discover Your Personal Brand Equity Through Poetry

Reveal your values, mission and vision through structured word play and the power of poetry. Plus, you will learn how this exercise and Challenge Mapping can be use with organizations to uncover fresh insights, and as springboards for strategic development and messaging. Join us to discover your own North Star!

Leaders/Presenters

Min Basadur

Ontario, Canada, Basadur Applied Creativity

Experiencing CPSI in 1971, Min Basadur became a lifelong friend and colleague of Sid Parnes, developing Sid’s research and teachings into real-world application. At Procter & Gamble, Basadur created a corporate-wide applied creativity consulting practice that continues to thrive... Read More →

Shannon Wagers

Innovation Guide and Creativity Coach, Procter and Gamble

Shannon Wagers is a consumer products professional with decades of experience in creating winning products, including Tide, Olay, Old Spice, and Gillette. He is a graduate of Miami University (OH) with a bachelor’s in chemistry. He was awarded his first patent in 2005, and has several... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0203 Amplify Your Influence: Creating Results through Persuasion

In this modern, networked and collaborative world, your creativity and expertise alone are not enough to achieve big results. You also need influence and persuasion skills to convince others that your creativity and expertise merit their attention and commitment. You will:
• Learn the specific tools and techniques necessary to influence and persuade others to provide you with critical attention and commitment to your ideas.
• Discover a power model that provides proven steps for influence and persuasion, a framework to recognize and leverage the different thinking styles and mindsets you will encounter, the 10 laws of influence and persuasion that automatically trigger the responses you require, and a four-phrase process to deliver presentations that gain attention and commitment for your ideas.
• Walk away with an action plan for your further growth and success.

Leaders/Presenters

Daniel Knight

Founder, Five Star Decision Institute

Daniel (Dan) J. Knight is an award-winning speaker and writer, and a performance coach. He is a contributing editor for the leading business strategy journal, Strategy & Leadership, and is a thought leader in strategic decision making. Knight founded and heads the Five Star Decisions... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0204 (NEW) Setting the Stage for Improvisation

If you've ever seen an improv comedy show, you know that improvisers take the stage and create rich and colorful scenes from simple suggestions. As creativity practitioners, learn how to adopt and adapt these same principles, practices and mindsets and bring them to the stage where YOU are. Learn how applied improvisation and creativity are the perfect scene partners. Get ready to play, explore, take risks, support one another and have a laugh or two! You will:
• Enhance your own creative confidence and ability to respond purposefully and playfully.
• Experience how the powerful improv principle of "yes, and" promotes creative thinking in groups and teams.
• Learn how and when to integrate improvisation activities into your next CPS facilitation or training session.

Leaders/Presenters

Jane Fischer

Senior Creativity Trainer/CPSI Emcee, Creative Education Foundation

Jane has always drawn on three things: a love of humor and performing, her imagination and ideas, and the desire to help others. Her professional life began with a focus on “helping others." She has two decades of experience and leadership in health education and human services... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG4

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0301 Implement Now: Applying KANBAN to Optimize and Act

The Japanese word KANBAN, meaning visual signal, is a productivity methodology that allows us to visualize the amount of work we have and how that work is done. Adaptable to different contexts, ages, professions and learning styles, KANBAN allows us to understand the shape of our work and where our bottlenecks are, what we excel at, and where we should put a focus for improvement. Once you have a KANBAN board in place, it becomes the cornerstone for a journey of continuous improvement. If you are a CPS practitioner, KANBAN is a great addition to the implementation phase toolset. Whatever the size or complexity of your next idea, KANBAN can help you make it happen. You will:
• Learn the four basic rules of KANBAN.
• Build an initial KANBAN board for a project or work process of your choice.
• Understand how to use your board to have clarity about how you work, what blocks you, and how you can improve.
• Learn how to implement more through KANBAN.

Leaders/Presenters

Ariel Fligler

RentedMinds

Ariel Fligler has more than 25 years of experience in the Israeli high-tech industry, with 15 years of executive focus on organizational innovation. Through his company, RentedMinds, he partners with his customers to instill a sustainable culture of innovation covering the creative... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0302 Dealing with Difficult and BIG Personalities in Our Facilitations and Meetings

We have the markers, the brainstorming guidelines, the dots. Yet in seconds, a difficult participant can unravel our plans, our designs and our success because what we DON'T have are strategies to handle these unpredictable people! Each of us has experienced this pain, right? If we're lucky we navigated it. But there's no need to rely on luck – the process is simple when the core principles are in place. You will:
• Learn how to analyze the behaviors of these challenging personalities and which prevention and intervention techniques you can apply to alter their behavior.
• Explore the importance of being respectful of difficult particiapnts, even if they don’t seem to deserve it.
• Learn how to keep calm when faced with people who push your buttons.

Leaders/Presenters

Dawn DePasquale

Master Facilitator, Doctors at Work USA

More than 10,000 global leaders have been impacted by Dawn DePasquale’s insights and education in leadership, innovation, and Creative Problem Solving. As a master trainer and CPS 6.1 certified, she’s been a consultant to blue chip companies and premier universities including... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0303 Get that Ovation in Innovation: Celebrating Breakthroughs for Humanity

Innovation is a buzz word that has traversed climes with a somewhat generational excitement. However, most times it lacks comprehensiveness in its composition and meaning. Every innovation has an ovation, which means an enthusiastic applause of approval. In creativity terms, it represents an opportunity for applause by humanity and to spur uncommon development in all spheres. There is also a relationship in meaning and application. Any wonder Ralph Waldo Emerson says that each man is a hero and an oracle, just as Nathaniel Hawthorne believes that every individual has a place to fill in the world? Literature is replete with feats that represent a new genre of innovation perspective to be described as ovation. You will:
• Learn about leaders who are examples of ovation in innovation.
• Discover ovation creativity techniques and models, such as Constructive Controversy; leadership be-attitudes; Fall, Fail & Rise (FFR); Exploration-Exploitation ambidexterity, and creative flexibility.
• Appreciate exercises that will ignite and reawaken your ovation instinct.

Leaders/Presenters

Abel Ochigbo

Nigeria, National Assembly

Abel Ochigbo has been a CPSI participant since 2006 and a CPSI Extending leader since 2014. Ochigbo has served within the private and public sectors in Nigeria, including as general manager in the subsidiary of a Quoted company, Jos International Breweries, and currently as deputy... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0304 (NEW) It’s No Laughing Matter: Finding the Humor in Adversity

We all face difficulty – difficult situations, difficult people, difficult challenges. It’s what we DO while we are in the midst of difficulty that helps determine how we will perceive the situation later. While it’s important to allow ourselves to feel negative feelings and emotions while they’re happening – in order to process them – humor can help release the pressure. Often, humor is not just a coping mechanism, it is a true release that re-frames a situation and changes our perception of it. We will:
• Practice using humor to understand how we view past adversity and create habits to help use laughter as a way to process feelings in the future.
• Plan to do some reflection, some improvisational exercises, and a whole lot of laughing.
(Tissues and chocolate will be provided – you’re on your own for a change of underwear.)

Leaders/Presenters

Missy Carvin

President, N/A

Thursday June 15, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner LG4

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

3:30pm EDT

EXT0401 Design More Engaging Experiences with the Five Es: Entice, Enter, Engage, Exit, Extend

Our lives are full of experiences – some that are etched in our memory and others that we quickly forget. In this hands-on workshop, we will learn how to design more delightful and lasting experiences using a powerful design framework called THE FIVE Es (short for Entice, Enter, Engage, Exit and Extend). You will:

Learn and apply the 5 Es Framework.
Map a recent experience and identify opportunities to improve it.
Design a more meaningful and lasting experience for your organization, personal life or brand.

Leaders/Presenters

Sari Gluckin

Founder, Wishful Thinking

Sari has deep experience as a workshop designer and facilitator where she integrates elements from business, design and the arts. In addition to her consulting work, she is currently an adjunct professor at the Institute of Design, she developed and teaches courses in facilitation... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

3:30pm EDT

EXT0402 Unleash the Storyteller in You

Maggie kept saying that she was not any good at telling stories. Meanwhile, she told a story about her career turning point that was both vivid and compelling. Like Maggie, many people dismiss their lives as boring and dull (I grew up in the suburbs, I do not have any interesting stories). This session will help professionals find and polish story gems that will enhance their impact in innovation, leadership, public speaking, employee coaching, sales, counseling and education. Whether you are a natural or wannabe storyteller, learn how to create stories of human struggle and triumph that leave your listeners pondering new truths. You will learn essential skills for personal storytelling to amplify the impact of your business communications: mining your life for stories, developing plot and meaning, and using descriptive language to depict characters and scenes. You will:
• Explore your career and personal life for stories that can be used in professional communications.
• Find deeper meaning in your stories and connect it to business/professional situations.
• Practice personal storytelling skills through story sharing exercises.

Leaders/Presenters

Jean Storlie

President/Owner, Storlietelling LLC

Jean designs and facilitates processes to help teams solve business problems, using Creative Problem Solving, Design Thinking, Appreciative Inquiry, and storytelling. She has been working as a facilitator since 2012, but worked with CPS techniques for many years before that through... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

3:30pm EDT

EXT0403 Amplify Your Creativity with Visual Thinking Tools

In the spirit of "amplify" – to increase in size and effect – discover how simple visuals can invigorate and amplify your creativity. With a little work and inspiration, you already have all you need. Visual tools are all around us, which you can incorporate into your creativity practice. Sometimes advanced techniques and overthinking can get in the way of being fully present and fully creative. Come play with simple and powerful visual tools and techniques to enhance your facilitation skills, enable your clients and teams to achieve deeper learning, and illuminate new insights. Augment, boost, intensify and magnify your own creativity and strengthen your tool kit with fun and unique new ways to tap into the visual learner, which most people have in large measure. This highly interactive session will increase your capability to tap into your inherent creativity and see how you can expand the ways you lead others to do the same. Oh, and have fun, too.You will:
• Identify ways to create your own visual resources, such as card decks, collages, magazine files and more.
• Deepen team relationships and build trust through creative visual techniques.
• Propel teams toward action with powerful intention-setting exercises that clarify purpose.

Leaders/Presenters

Susannah Childers

North Carolina, United States, IdeaConnect

As co-founder of two companies, AH HA facilitation and consultation and IdeaConnect tools, workshops and training for facilitative leaders, Susannah Childers’ work helps clients connect knowledge and experiences to drive innovation and discovery. Susannah is a lifelong learner... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

3:30pm EDT

EXT0404 Firefighters, Teachers, Designers and Engineers: Lessons for Unleashing Basadur Innovation Profile for Teams

In our turbulent world, problems facing organizations are much more complex than ever before and require collaboration across different disciplines for innovative solutions. However, people have different problem-solving styles. This reality makes it difficult for people with different styles to work together efficiently to create real change. Disover an implementable cognitive problem-solving process that enables collaborative innovation. Individuals identify their unique preferences for different stages for the innovation process and learn how to synergize their efforts, avoiding the frustration and dysfunction that typifies much teamwork. Teams can effectively learn how to complete each other rather than cancel each other. We will provide real-world examples and a proven instrument to measure individual preferences. You will:
• Raise your self-awareness about your own innovation style.
• Take steps to successfully innovate together in cognitively diverse teams.
• Facilitate the integration of diverse expertise to manage innovative projects through to completion.

Leaders/Presenters

Min Basadur

Ontario, Canada, Basadur Applied Creativity

Tim Basadur

Assistant Professor of Management, College of Business, Concordia University Chicago

Tim Basadur is an assistant professor of management in Concordia University Chicago’s College of Business. His research and teaching interests include topics that can be said to fall under managerial cognition, including individual and organizational creativity, strategic thinking... Read More →

Richard Perez

Ohio, United States, Procter & Gamble

Richard Perez is an accomplished product innovator with a 25-year career at Procter & Gamble. He’s led cross-functional teams in new product development, engineering, marketing, and launch in North America, Latin America and China. Perez currently leads Procter & Gamble’s internal... Read More →

Thursday June 15, 2017 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0501 Workout for Creative Thinkers

In this creativity workout, we will feed, exercise, and amplify our creative talent. We will explore what tickles our imagination, kick-start it, and make things happen! The workout consists of a series of exercises designed to enhance your ability to think creatively and make you a stronger creative thinker. We will practice, have fun, and engage in some serious thinking and some wacky activities that can be applied in very diverse settings – from work with children, creativity facilitation, education, or as a warm-up in the boardroom. The exercises are built on universal creativity principles. We will be working with connection making – the underlying mechanism of creative thinking, inspiration, observation, and divergent thinking activities. This is a refreshing and energizing workout with activities that amplify innate talent and foster creativity. You will:
• Stimulate your innate talent.
• Explore a fresh mix of creativity exercises and tools.
• Dive into connection-making activities and have fun as a creative thinker.

Leaders/Presenters

Dorte Nielsen

Denmark, Creative Thinker

Underviser og forsker i kreativitet, har udgivet ni bøger om kreativ tænkning - bl.a. ’Den Kreatives Tænkers Hemmelighed’. Dorte er uddannet fra Den Grafiske Højskole, The School of Communication Arts i London, og The International Center for Studies in Creativity, NewYork... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greinber LG3

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0502 Creative Space: Using Environmental Psychology to Boost Creativity at Work, Home and School

Techniques to AMPLIFY idea generation tend to focus on cognitive methods. But we have another resource for improving creative productivity that is often overlooked, but no less powerful – space. In fact, our physical surroundings have an enormous impact on our ability to solve problems, generate original ideas, and see the world in a fresh light, often without us being aware of it. We’ll explore how the built environment influences creative thinking and how we can apply evidence-based research to increase our creative output. Topics covered include color, lighting, materials, furnishings, artwork, sound, plantscaping, planning, details and others. No special design expertise required! Bonus exercise: Bring one to two digital photos of your creative space to the session and we'll explore what makes it work for you (and if there's any room for making it even better). You will:
• Understand the role environmental psychology plays in creative thinking.
• Apply practical techniques for optimizing creative space for maximum idea generation.
• Source materials useful to developing an effective creative environment.

Leaders/Presenters

Donald Rattner

Creativity Architect, Donald M. Rattner, RA, AIA

Creativity Architect Donald M. Rattner holds a bachelor’s in art history from Columbia and a master’s in architecture from Princeton. He is the founder and principal of Donald M. Rattner, AIA, an award-winning architectural and creativity consultancy specializing in the design... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Mash-Up

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0503 Amplify Your Creative Experiences with LEGO Bricks, Kits and Sets

LEGO bricks have the power to engage! Learn how LEGO sets and kits are being used to devise creativity-enhancing activities for informal education situations. You will:
• Discover some unusual uses for LEGO bricks, including some used at LEGO fan conventions.
• Apply some of these uses yourself to learn to see the LEGO brick in a different light
• Design new activities using smaller LEGO sets.

Leaders/Presenters

Patricia Tsoiasue

Creativity Facilitator, ETES Inc.

I have been through the 4 years of CPS training, and applied it to myself. I integrated the philosophies and elements of CPS and LEGO(r) Serious Play into a game I created that I called The Community Lemonade Game. On my last visit to CPSI in 2018, I shared the game premise and worked... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0504 Giving Powerful and Passionate Presentations

Fearful, anxious or just not excited about your next presentation? Amplify your presentations and yourself. Give up those tired old slides and PowerPoint that are getting in the way and get passionate about your content. In this touching and fun-filled session, you will learn how to:
• Pick topics that you are truly passionate about or find a passion in subjects that may have been assigned to you, so that your talks come to life.
• Truly connect with your audience, yourself and the presentation space.
• Be dynamic and persuasive, any time, any place
Bring ideas for a talk and, as time permits, we will make it an even more exciting presentation. And remember, since life is a presentation, this session may change your life.

Leaders/Presenters

Steven Shama

Massachusetts, United States, JoyWorks Communications

Steven Shama is a retired physician and a professional speaker. For more than 20 years, he has been giving keynotes and facilitating workshops internationally and nationwide on rediscovering the joys of life. While his primary audiences have been in the medical profession, his talks... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Mash-Up

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0601 Design Thinking: A 90-Minute Clinic

Everyone is talking about design thinking these days. Ever wonder what it's all about? Roll up your sleeves and give design thinking a try in this zippy 90-minute clinic. You will work in pairs to design something delightful, based on your discovery of each other's needs. You will practice each stage of the design process (immerse, frame, imagine and prototype) and have a chance to reflect on ways design thinking might amplify your creative process. You will:
• Learn what is at the heart of design thinking.
• Design something of value based on empathy and feedback.
• Explore how design methods might enhance your innovation practice.

Leaders/Presenters

Sari Gluckin

Founder, Wishful Thinking

Friday June 16, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0602 How Might CPS Amplify Religious Tolerance for Global Peace?

There is a potential synergy between religious practice and improved creative cognition. Religious systems generally promote goodness and the avoidance of evil. While energized differently by various religions, the practice of this injunction can certainly be assisted by other nonreligious systems. Creative Problem Solving is one such system. The CPS process has two repeating processes of divergent and convergent thinking. Each has guidelines that lend itself to the pursuit of good – deferring judgment, and using affirmative judgment. My creative practice using the CPS process, combined with my work as a Catholic priest, revealed that an amplification of the CPS process in the practice of Christian faith would ultimately assist Christians to internalize the biblical injunction not to judge, as emphasized by the first law of divergent thinking. Deferring judgment would make the adherent more mature and tolerant, eschewing the natural tendency to judge impulsively. Conclusively, when followers of religions more maturely manage judgment by using CPS, our world can be a better place. The diversity of the world could be celebrated and not be divisive. A true practitioner of the CPS process would be a better practitioner of any religious system. Ultimately, CPS supports personal transformation and creativity. You will:
• Internalize the connection between divergent thinking and religious tolerance.
• Explore practical ways to convince religious adherents on how to promote broad-mindedness.
• Learn how CPS might make you a simple, humble person who discovers that religions are alternatives to encountering the Divine.

Leaders/Presenters

Felix-Kingsley Obialo

Nigeria, Catholic Arcdiocese of Ibadan

Felix-Kingsley Obialo is a Catholic priest who pastors more than 700 congregants in his native Nigeria. He holds a doctorate in educational evaluation from the University of Ibadan. He was the first Nigerian graduate from the International Center for Studies in Creativity. He is a... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0603 Lessons Learned from Facilitating CPS for 35 years

It has been said that facilitation is both an art and a science. The science involves the tools, processes and approaches that we can study, learn and apply. The art of facilitation is made up of the intangibles, those nuances that we cannot always learn from a book, but lessons that come only through experience, trial and error and, sometimes, abject failure. If we are fortunate, we can learn from the successes and mistakes of others and avoid at least some of the same mistakes ourselves. Discover the top 10 (or more) most-important things that I have learned (sometimes the hard way) about facilitating Creative Problem Solving. We will tap into the experience of the group, building together a list of critical success factors for the facilitation of CPS. This session is designed for the experienced and beginner facilitator alike. You will:
• Gain new insight into both the art and the science of facilitation.
• Receive a self-selected list of facilitation success factors specific to your role as facilitator.
• Learn facilitation hints and tips gained from the successes and mistakes of others.

Leaders/Presenters

William Shephard

New York, United States, Parnes Global Fellowship

William Shephard is retired after a career in the field of organizational creativity and innovation since 1980. He is an experienced trainer, facilitator and presenter in the areas of Creative Problem Solving, innovation, change management, and facilitation. He has particular expertise... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0604 John Adair's Action-Centred Leadership

In this interactive session, explore John Adair's Action-Centered Leadership model and what it takes to be a good leader. You will:
• Discover the roots of ACL.
• Explore the three circles of creativity, how they intersect, and their interdependencies.
• Learn about the concept of "creative leader helicoptering" to ensure high levels of team motivation and engagement.
• See how other motivational theories relate and can help enable high-performing creative teams.

Leaders/Presenters

Sunil Gupta

India, ideas

Sunil Gupta has more than 27 years experience leading creativity and leadership programs. He is a lifetime master trainer of Edward de Bono’s creativity methodologies, holds a Ph.D. from New York University, and is a certified trainer in Laughter Yoga.

Friday June 16, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0701 Art of Social Dialog: Meaningful Conversations for Meaningful Issues

Homelessness, poverty, education, racism and natural-resource management are examples of big hairy problems that persist on local, national and international scales. Because these issues are so overwhelming and polarizing, many shy away from having meaningful dialogue as a part of trying to solve these issues. This workshop asks you to meld dialogic theory and Creative Problem Solving to develop methods, tools and processes that can be applied to complex social issues in ways that result in insight and actionable solutions. A key component is how to listen and integrate diverse voices in resulting solutions. We will explore perspectives to CPS efforts through the lenses of social service organizations, advocacy groups and business. We will look at how communication rituals can impede dialogue, identify tools and techniques that can be used to explore presumptions, explore approaches that enhance listening and integration of diverse voices, and play with how a mash up of CPS and dialogue amplifies the creative process in pursuit of big solutions. You will:
• Recognize dynamics of social-issue problem solving.
• Identify ways to foster meaningful participation from, and attention to, diverse voices.
• Map a process to facilitate problem solving of big, hairy problems.

Leaders/Presenters

Cheryl Nee Gieringer

Citizen Project Coordinator, SAGE

I've attended and facilitated core, immersion, spark, and 90-minutes sessions at CPSI and even Youth-wise a couple of decades ago.

Mary Ellyn Vicksta

Owner, Vicksta Innovative Practices LLC

Mary Ellyn started a creativity practice within her corporation involving Creative Problem Solving and creativity tools. This included facilitation of idea sessions and training others in CPS and facilitation practices. After her first CPSI, Mary Ellyn went back to her corporate organization... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Mash-Up

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0702 BrandCrafting – What Does Your Consumer’s Brand Stand for?

BrandCrafting is a simple tool for agencies and clients to collaboratively plan their brand communication, humanize it, and find a sticky message. Ever wondered why, despite all your efforts, sales remain flat? Perhaps it is not your brand, it’s the message or how consumers perceive you. As businesses enter the creative era, innovative thinking and strategy are not enough because consumers are constantly changing – what worked then may not work now. You wil learn to:
• Build your future by understanding how consumers perceive your brand.
• Develop your skills in discovering what you don’t know yet – by understanding needs and finding the human value in your brand’s offering.
• Stretch your thinking to help you define your marketing message and ideas.
• Familiarize yourself with communication/account planning and get the clarity needed to collaboratively develop the best creativity with your advertising agency.
This workshop is targeted to marketers, brand managers, researchers and advertisers.

Leaders/Presenters

Alexandra Suarez-Carlo

Founder, Lateral Strategy

Alexandra Suarez graduated from Cornell University and pursued an MBA in consumer behavior from ESADE Barcelona. She lived in New York, Spain, and South Africa and traveled to more than 40 countries before moving back to Puerto Rico to work in consumer research, strategic planning... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0703 What Twyla Tharp Can Teach Us about Creativity and Video Creation

Twyla Tharp is unquestionably one of the most-creative people in the history of modern dance. What makes her choreography so creative? Why is a Twyla Tharp dance recognizable as her work, and why has she been consistently creative through her career? This is a question Tharp has asked herself over many years. You will:
• Discover how Tharp viewed her own creativity to help us become more receptive to our own creative thinking.
• Explore challenging creativity problems and issues with Creative Problem Solving exercises.
• Learn how movement in dance translates to movement in video.

Leaders/Presenters

Steve Haskin

Michigan, United States, Industrial Strength Learning

Steve Haskin has produced hundreds of projects that are technical and uniquely artistic, involving images, sounds and text. At the University of Michigan, he worked in the operating room and studio to create educational surgery videos; at Borders he was a marketing website guru; and... Read More →

Friday June 16, 2017 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Mash-Up

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT0704 Simple. Nimble. Quick.

It’s a world full of scary buzzwords out there … disruptive innovation leading to transformational change resulting in agile organizations (or alternatively, gastric upset and stress). Most organizations and their leaders feel confused and left behind, knowing they’re still on the hook to grow and deliver BUT in an environment where the rules are anything but certain. This sometimes-provocative, no-nonsense session challenges you to think differently about the change you need to be to stay relevant to your customers, while getting ahead by uncovering the simple things that start-ups do to stay nimble and quick in a constantly changing world. You will:
• Learn why the whole world had better get nimble. Quick.
• Understand the core elements of a nimble organization from what we know about new ventures.
• Discover simple ways to begin creating more nimble organizations.

Leaders/Presenters

Paul Fleming

Ontario, Canada, Combustion Creativity

Friday June 16, 2017 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Current Topics and Research

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0801 Dissolve the Wall: Using Your Creativity to Design a New Future

Imagine that you are standing in front of a wall that spans left to right farther than you can see. You see, the wall wasn't there yesterday. At least you didn't notice it. Now, it’s all you can see. You are stuck. There is a solution to dissolving this wall – your creativity and a compelling vision for your future. The difference between the winners and the "also ran" are the visions and powerful images they create about their future. This is true in athletics and it is even more important in life. Whether you are 16 or 60, having a compelling vision for your future is absolutely vital for success and health. Research on aging has found that those individuals who have a higher sense of purpose live healthier and longer lives. Learn how to take the long view for your future to move beyond the day-to-day tactics that may keep you in the past. You will:
• Leave this session with a vision of your future.
• Articulate specific actions you can take to propel you toward that future.
• Practice living out your new future using specific imagery techniques you can take home with you.
• Take creative action on a goal, challenge, problem or opportunity in your life.

Leaders/Presenters

Roger Firestien

New York, United States, ICSC SUNY Buffalo State

Roger Firestien is the senior faculty member at the International Center for Studies in Creativity at SUNY Buffalo State. Firestien is one of the most-experienced, skilled and knowledgeable facilitators of the Creative Problem Solving process. He has been called the gold standard... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner LG4

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0802 Empathy Activist Training

Love is the answer. But how do you DO that? This training was originally created as a response to the U.S. election to help Americans struggling with how to interact with their colleagues, friends and families that held opposing political views. People were feeling hurt, afraid and even betrayed by those closest to them. Connection is possible, even when you disagree, but it takes specific skills to create these conversations. You will also learn how to better protect your own feelings and perspective, as well as how and when to speak so you are most likely to be heard. You will leave this workshop with the resources to lead this training in your own community. Previous participants have replicated this training for church groups, activists and community groups in both the U.S. and abroad. You will:
• Learn a simple, conceptual framework to quickly understand conflict.
• Practice a high-impact empathy technique that rapidly diffuses tension and creates connection.
• Develop skills to manage the conversation, no matter how intense the emotions.

Leaders/Presenters

Erica Marx

Confidence Coach, Inspiration to Action

Erica Marx is a confidence coach and communication skills trainer who works with creative people who are on a mission to make a big impact in the world. She is a New York State-certified conflict mediator with 15 years experience transforming conflicts into opportunities for connection... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0803 3D Modeling for Collaboration

3D modeling, rooted in Theory U and systems thinking, is a highly participatory, collaborative strategy for clarifying assumptions, uncovering problems, and creating shared meaning. We’ll share how we have used simple crafting and prototyping supplies as a way to enhance collaboration in our organization. You will:
• Develop an understanding of the practice of modeling
• Engage in a hands-on modeling experience.
• Explore scenarios where modeling is a great tool for developing insights and connections.

Leaders/Presenters

Amy Bosley

Vice President of Organizational Development and Human Resources, Valencia College

Amy Bosley is proud to work at the Aspen-prize winning Valencia College, where she has served students in a variety of capacities. Early in her career, she began teaching as an adjunct and dual-enrollment instructor in the East Campus communications department. After moving to a full-time... Read More →

Katie Tagye

Director, Organizational Design and Development, Valencia College

I have worked at Valencia College in Orlando, FL for 20 years where my love of learning and development has grown working in Student Development, with Faculty Development, and as a Professor of Communication. Now, I work as a facilitator, trainer, and thought-partner in the areas... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

8:30am EDT

EXT0804 Amplify Your Creative Output With Your Story

Storytelling is the process of using narrative to amplify. We are wired to communicate through stories. Whether you are a business leader speaking to your team, a brand marketer speaking to customers, or a human being connecting to others, the ability to tell a great story helps you communicate with impact. You will learn through hands-on experiences:
• The principles of effective storytelling.
• How to mine your own experiences for storytelling.
• What stories work in various settings.
• How to craft your true, first-person stories.
• How to tell your stories live, without notes, to another person, to a small group, or to a live audience.

Leaders/Presenters

Ivy Eisenberg

New York, United States, Our IdeaWorks,

Ivy Eisenberg is the founder of Our IdeaWorks, a customer-driven innovation and lean customer research consultancy. She helps companies connect to customers and other stakeholders to discover business opportunities, accelerate growth, and build and deliver successful products and... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0901 TWISTED Tools & Techniques

The world is an immensely diverse place. We are all unique. One size does not fit all. Creative Problem Solving is no exception. In our work today, we are challenged to create environments and learning experiences that respect diversity. Hear how Janeen and Jennifer have twisted CPS tools this way and that way to meaningfully involve people of many backgrounds, including people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and sensory challenges. You will:
• Leave with more tools in your tool kit.
• Participate in a knowledge exchange, where you share adapted techniques that you have used to include a wide variety of people in CPS.
• Engage in an adapted CPS process to further explore "In what ways might we include a wide variety of people to actively participate in CPS in purposeful and meaningful ways?".

Leaders/Presenters

Janeen Halliwell

Partner & Co-Founder, People Minded Business

People Minded Business is the creator of WITHology, the art and science of inclusive consultation, collaboration, and co-creation. Pulling from CPS and Design Thinking, WITHology allows us to connect with and make sure people's voices are heard when services they use are redesigned... Read More →

Jennifer Keilty-Friesen

Ontario, Canada, People Minded Business Inc.

Jennifer Keilty-Friesen founded People Minded Business in 2004 when she realized that she could be of the greatest assistance to organizations by cross-pollinating ideas from one organization to the next and one sector to the next. She quickly learned that she was meant to work on... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0902 Leveraging Brains: How to Create a Personal (and Virtual) Board of Directors

Expand your creative thinking, strengthen your ideas, and get ready to make change. Learn to amplify your effectiveness by virtually leveraging the thought power of others. Companies have boards of directors to help them make better decisions – why not individuals, too? Who would you want on your board? Albert Einstein? Alex Osborn? Your favorite aunt? We'll use the perspectives of others to help amplify our outcomes. You will:
• Develop insight-finding skills.
• Create a personalized board of directors.
• Practice making your solutions stronger with the support of your board.

Leaders/Presenters

Janese Evans

Minnesota, United States, Strategic Toolbox

Janese Evans is a marketing and creativity professional who has a talent for approaching problems in different ways. She helps organizations get unstuck, move forward, uncover solutions, and tap into their best strategic and creative thinking. As principal of Strategic Toolbox, she's... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0903 Create a Workflow Process that Amplifies Accountability

An organization is the sum of its parts. Let us help you put all the pieces together, understanding how one person's decision impacts other individuals and the organization as a whole. Extra effort upfront means improved workplace relationships. Learn how to design workflow processes that are attainable so that employees do not need to create work-arounds. Fewer work-arounds means higher productivity. This provides the right tools to perform your responsibilities in the best possible way. Right tools means higher productivity. Our workplace is our community. Instead of asking yourself whom are you including in the process, ask yourself whom you are excluding. You will:
• Learn new practices to ensure your workspace is not excluding any employees.
• Practice relevant and effective communication.
• Learn positive intercultural practices and set realistic workflow processes.

Leaders/Presenters

Dawna Atamanchuk

Manitoba, Canada, Benefits and Beyond

Dawna Atamanchuk has been working in the field of learning and performance since 2003. She has the ability to conceptualize the needs of the organization, identify the learning gaps, and bring the right partners and tools to the table to design their plan. Those who know Dawna will... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner LG4

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending

10:30am EDT

EXT0904 Creative Hero's Journey

You are the hero of your own story. Like all heroes, you are on a journey. And if you are like most at CPSI, your journey involves your creativity. So, what can the creative hero (you) learn from the journeying heroes of literature and history? Learn how the archetypal Hero's Journey mirrors the creative journey and explore how you can apply the lessons identified by Joseph Campbell and others to your own creative journeys – whether it's the journey of a single creative endeavor, or the journey of living a creative life. You will:
• Identify the stages of the classical Hero's Journey.
• Map the Hero's Journey to creative endeavors.
• Find personal lessons for being more successfully creative from the lessons of history's real and literary heroes.

Leaders/Presenters

Paul Reali

Trainer & Facilitator, OmniSkills

Trainer and facilitator Paul Reali helps teams discover and mine their creative potential. His company, OmniSkills serves clients across the United States, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Capital One, Eaton, Lowe's, Macy's, and Raytheon. Paul is the managing editor for ICSC Press... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT1001 Making of Meaning: Integrating Synectics and CPS

Getting beyond obvious ideas and the obvious understanding of the world around us is essential for creating breakthroughs and for deepening connection. We will explore how the power of metaphor, and other techniques for "making meaning," are leveraged in Synectics' frameworks, tools and models. You will:
• Gain insight and understanding by "making the strange familiar."
• Spur new connections by "making the familiar strange."
• Turn the very absurd into breakthroughs.

Leaders/Presenters

Joe Gammal

Massachusetts, United States, Synecticsworld

Joe Gammal is managing partner of Synecticsworld, working with leaders to build innovative organizations that create growth and meaningful change. Joe is a sought-after coach, facilitator, and trainer helping leaders and their teams invent and implement breakthrough solutions to key... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner LG3

Main Track, Process; Tools and Techniques

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT1002 (NEW) Creative Hero's Journey

Leaders/Presenters

Paul Reali

Trainer & Facilitator, OmniSkills

Saturday June 17, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner LG2

Main Track, Personal Growth

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT1003 Creativity for Professionals Who Have No Time: Rethinking Creativity

Let’s admit it. You are not able to feel creative because you have no time. During your work routine, it is hard to make time to daydream, be flexible, and ask questions when your supervisor wants some answers immediately. How do you manage that pressure and integrate creativity in a sector that is under-appreciating true innovation culture? Unfortunately, until a new look is taken, the current 87% of professionals worldwide who are feeling stuck and lack a creative outlet will remain that way. But there is a solution. It’s rethinking creativity. You will:
• Experience how to integrate creative thinking as a practical, tangible and life-skill set.
• Integrate creativity into habit building
• Learn how to articulate creativity in a professional setting and help others understand the value of creativity at work.
For the second half, we will learn how to articulate and share these values as an educator, facilitator, leader in an organization, or an employee.

Leaders/Presenters

Monica Kang

Founder & CEO, InnovatorsBox

Monica Kang is a creative educator and a passionate community builder. She founded InnovatorsBox to demystify society’s perception about creativity and has traveled to show how one can learn creativity regardless of what workplace or title you have. Since launching, InnovatorsBox... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner B120

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending

1:30pm EDT

EXT1004 Disrupt CPSI/Creativity

Occasionally a presentation or event inspires you and makes you see things differently. Develop and perform an impactful visual presentation that is meant to inspire, inform and empower others. The Disrupt format is a series of short-focused presentations made by session participants who want to share their ideas and interact with an audience. Presentations are limited to five minutes with 20 moving slides on a creative idea that the presenter will prepare and present. The slides change every 15 seconds. The presenter(s) focuses on one topic in this short time frame. The audience is encouraged to interact during the presentation by clapping, laughing and providing positive comments. You will see cutting-edge presentations as examples, followed by an interactive and enjoyable way to develop presentation material. You will:
• Learn how to create impactful presentations using the Disrupt format.
• Develop and present a visual presentation, then interact with the audience.
• Reflect on presentations with new perspectives and insights.

Leaders/Presenters

Kimberly Hawkins

Human Resources Technology Consultant

Kimberly Hawkins is a human resources technology consultant. She considers herself a workplace anthropologist, using creativity to help solve technology problems in the workplace. She received her master’s in human resources from Cornell University and her bachelor’s in sociology... Read More →

Bernie Murray

Associate Professor, Ryerson University

Bernie Murray is an associate professor in communication and design at Ryerson University. Currently, she is completing her doctoral degree in curriculum studies and teacher development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Her research... Read More →

Saturday June 17, 2017 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Greiner B116

Main Track, Business

Main Track Programs Extending