The Creative Switch

What if your creativity isn’t blocked—but waiting for better support? In this Season 3 finale, I reflect on the conditions that have emerged across the season as essential for creative living, and why support so often makes the difference when creativity feels sidelined. Creativity coach Helena Holrick helps me explore practical ways of supporting your creativity, from making a small, intentional space to recognising when pushing harder isn’t the answer. And I share an exciting new way to find the right kind of creative support when you need it most. Guest Bio: Helena Holrick is a coach, mentor, and facilitator who supports creative individuals, entrepreneurs and business leaders to grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity. She is the founder of Helping You Shine, a practice established in 2011 to help people stop hiding, honour their talents, and build success in ways that feel sustainable and true. Helena works with individuals who are often capable and experienced yet find themselves at a point of transition — questioning how they want to work, lead, and live next. With over 30 years’ experience across organisational development, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Helena brings a rare blend of strategic thinking and deep human insight. She has trained and facilitated thousands of people across diverse organisations and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, speakers, and thought leaders. Her work is known for being both spacious and practical: conversations don’t stay theoretical, they lead to grounded decisions, next steps, and real accountability. Helena is trained in a wide range of tools and models including Clean Language, NLP, and Strategy on a Page, and she is an ILM Level 7 qualified Master Coach. She is particularly sought out by people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or at the end of their tether, and who want support that goes beyond strategy alone. She is the creator of The SHINE Effect — a practical framework centred on five core needs: Safe, Happy, Inspired, Needed, and Expressed. Through this work, Helena helps people redefine success so it is manageable, meaningful, and genuinely life-enhancing. Alongside her coaching and facilitation work, Helena hosts the Fire Up & Feel Alive Hub, a community and resource space for those who want to grow with intention, creativity, and care, in a safe, expansive environment where they can flourish. Episode Chapters with time stamps: Chapters: 00:16 - Closing Reflections on Season Three 07:13 - Exploring the Theme of Support in Creativity 16:02 - Embracing Creativity: Overcoming Excuses and Finding Time 21:46 - Creating a Rhythm for Creativity 26:05 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Permission Issues 30:53 - The Nature of Creativity and Support 37:50 - Exploring Creativity and AI Collaboration 44:18 - Creative Pit Crew and Supporting Your Creative Journey Four Creative Nuggets: “The chances are that you’ve forgotten how to be excited.” — Helena Holrick “The trick is to make a 20‑minute date with yourself.” — Helena Holrick “If everyone else is allowed, why aren’t you?” — Helena Holrick “You put all the gremlin thoughts in the bag and you just go, I can revisit those in a minute.” — Helena Holrick Links: Helena https://www.helpingyoushine.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenaholrick/ https://www.instagram.com/helenaholrick/ Nikki Vallance The Bold Types on Substack https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://www.nikkivallance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate Links Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53 Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

The Hidden Cost of Not Starting Over: 3 Hard Truths from a Surgeon-Turned-Creative What happens when a paediatric trauma surgeon dares to leave it all behind in search of a more authentic, creative life? In this episode boldness takes centre stage as Louise Morris shares the harsh realities of embracing radical change. The conversation explores the emotional toll of staying in a hard earned but unsustainable role, the paralysing perfectionism, and the sacrifices required to step away from external validation. Through Louise's candid reflections, you are invited to consider the risks and rewards of forging a new path, discovering that genuine fulfilment demands a whole lot of courage to start over. Louise Morris Bio: Louise is a poet, storyteller, educator, craft-dabbler and community-gatherer who used to be a consultant paediatric, neonatal, and trauma surgeon. After 18 years in the NHS caring for children and families, she now writes full-time, with a focus on decision-making, career transition, feminist leadership, and everyday joy. Alongside her writing, she is developing a portfolio of work that includes reflective writing circles for clinicians, strategic support for women in leadership, and in-person gatherings for creatives seeking deeper connection. Louise lives in rural Nottinghamshire with her husband and two young children, and serves as a non-executive director at Lemon Jelly Press CIC, a small independent publisher with a mission to amplify unheard voices. Episode Chapters with time stamps: 02:49 - The Edge 00:18 - Reconnecting with Creativity 06:21 - The Courage to Create: Louise's Journey 13:14 - Exploring Creativity and Career Paths 19:37 - Rediscovering Creativity Through Writing 24:23 - The Art of Decision Making in Surgery 31:45 - The Human Connection in Medicine 33:48 - Finding Connection in a New World 37:00 - The Journey of Fitting In 44:11 - Navigating Change and Embracing Creativity 45:03 - Creative Adventures - going back to singing Four Creative Nuggets: “When that fixed term post ended last July, I made a decision not to apply for any more jobs and I came home to my children.” — Louise Morris “There was a little bit of me thinking, now that I'm finished training and I've ticked off all the boxes I had to tick to get to here, is this it? Is this my life for the next 20 years?” — Louise Morris Talking about not taking up a permanent role. “My goodness, it's been such a gift not doing that. I feel like I've woken up to Mary Oliver's one wild and precious life.” — Louise Morris In a high pressure, high commitment career, “You don’t have space to think about who you are and what you want… You don’t have that time to breathe.” — Louise Morris Links: Louise Morris https://lulamorris.substack.com/ https://livestack.substack.com/ The Edge https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/burnout-belief-reforming-the-nhs https://www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/site-content/young-people-get-insight-into-creative-jobs-in-discover-creative-careers-initiative Creative Adventures Episode mentioned: Caroline Pearce Nikki Vallance About my career switches The Bold Types on Substack https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://www.nikkivallance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate Links Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53 Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

How Xenia Davis Created Space for Creativity And Why You Can Too What if the real secret to creative transformation lies not in doing more, but in allowing yourself the space to say yes? In this episode, Xenia Davis shares how stepping back from rigid plans and inviting spaciousness into her life led her from self-doubt to a thriving career as a community song leader. Through her story, you’ll discover how making room for possibility—emotionally and practically—can open the doors to confidence, community, and joy, even in the face of uncertainty. Guest Bio: Xenia Davis is an experienced song leader and workshop facilitator with a passion for bringing people from all walks of life together to sing in harmony. She uses her warm and inclusive style to create playful and supportive spaces for people of all levels of experience to explore their voices and enjoy singing together. Xenia is a member of the Natural Voice Network and strongly believes that everyone can sing and should have opportunities to do so. Her teaching style reflects this inclusive approach. She teaches everything by ear, so it doesn’t matter whether or not you have previously learnt to read music. Xenia currently runs 4 regular community choirs across south London (Sydenham, Catford, Peckham and Streatham), and works with over 180 singers a week. Her choirs have performed at a wide range of events from supporting local community fairs to performances at venues including the Southbank Centre, Southwark Cathedral and Lambeth Country Show, as well as occasional singing flashmobs. In addition to this she has led singing at Stonehenge as part of the winter and summer solstice celebrations, organises highly popular residential singing retreats, and runs workshops at workplaces, weddings, festivals and community events. Her earliest musical memories are of dancing round the living room aged 3 in Mozambique, where she was living at the time, to gorgeous harmonies from the South African musical Ipi Ntombi. She has been singing for as long as she can remember, and can also (rustily!) play clarinet, piano and guitar. Aside from music, her background is in youth and community work, social action, participation, and training and facilitation. Episode Chapters with time stamps: 02:03 - Creative News in The Edge 06:22 - Introduction to Xenia Davis: Embracing Community Singing 10:42 - The Turning Point: Embracing a New Passion 22:03 - Exploring the Essence of Creativity 29:44 - The Importance of Overcoming Self-Judgment 34:16 - The Value of Creativity in Education 40:54 - Exploring Creative Connections through Singing 45:56 - Creating Space for Creativity 46:44 - Creative Adventures Four Creative Nuggets: “Together we can make a sound that we can’t make on our own." — Xenia Davis "I’ve got a bit more spare time in the day to start thinking about what could I do.” — Xenia Davis “A really big part of a tricky warm up game is feeling okay and being able to laugh at ourselves and thinking, oh, that didn’t quite go right. But that’s okay… we’re not at the Proms.” — Xenia Davis "I felt really scared about doing it and decided just not to tell my colleagues that I was really scared of doing it and did it anyway, which is the best thing to do.” — Xenia Davis Links: Xenia Davis Xenia Davis - Choir leader and singing teacher https://www.instagram.com/sing.with.xenia/ The Edge ‘Music reached a part of him that words no longer could’ | BPS Bingley gears up for three-day community arts festival | Bradford Telegraph and Argus Over 50 groups awarded micro-grants to take part in Bradford 2025 | Creative Lives Creative Adventures The Creative Switch Episode mentioned with Richard Tyler Nikki Vallance The Bold Types on Substack https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://www.nikkivallance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate Links Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53 Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

How Rebecca Lacey Turns Collaboration Into Creative Courage Collaboration can provide the support you need to transform fear into bravery. In this episode actor, coach, artist, and poet Rebecca Lacey shares how trusted networks and friendships, creative partnerships, and her work as a life coach have sustained her across her acting, fine art, and poetry. From secretly beginning her professional acting career at fifteen to navigating motherhood, coaching, and exhibitions, Rebecca reveals how leaning into support and offering it to others creates resilience and joy. Her journey shows that courage grows when creativity is encouraged, nurtured and shared. Guest Bio: Rebecca Lacey is an Actor , Artist , Poet and Life Coach . She has been a professional Actor since her youth, working across all mediums. She has appeared in many popular television shows with over 40 credits to her name and a Bafta longlist nomination. She has been in over 25 stage productions including the West End ( The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Dead Funny ) and most recently at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Barbican . Her Art is expressive and gestural using colour and form. Her practice begins by connecting with a playful sense of awe with the world , both within and around her. Nature is a constant source of inspiration and an urgent motivation. She tries not to “think too hard”, believing it is in the gaps between conscious thoughts where creativity can grow. She studied Fine Art Foundation at Richmond School of Art and has subsequently been self-taught . She has had 3 solo exhibitions since 2020 , 2 at RuptureXIBIT Gallery, in London, where she was also currently Artist in Residence. She has participated in several group shows in London and has a representation at Saatchi Art online. She has been a working Life Coach for 20 years with a Foundation and Masters qualification from ITS. She has 2 poetry pamphlets out and has had several poems published. She lives in S.W London with her husband and 2 children . Episode Chapters 00:17.68 Finding Support for Creative Endeavors 03:53.22 The Importance of Support in Creativity 12:13.90 The Turning Point of Motherhood 18:15.45 The Journey of a Life Coach 21:50.16 Turning Points in Life and Career 26:39.52 Exploring Art and Poetry During Lockdown 31:02.96 The Intersection of Art and Audience 38:26.14 The Phases of Creativity 42:14.88 Our Uniqueness 46:28.15 Creative Process: Embracing Imperfection 53:01.81 Embracing Creative Opportunities 54:23.45 Finding Creative Support Four Creative Nuggets: "I was going to the theater whenever I could, was still in touch with all my friends. I was really on top of what everyone was doing, what was happening, what the new plays were. I was really, really connected." Rebecca Lacey "A friend of mine who's an artist and runs a small art gallery came over and said, can I see your foundation work? So I showed her and she said, this is great. I want you to do an exhibition." — Rebecca Lacey “We had a group show called Many Actors Make Art. And there were 70 actors who also paint beautifully. And everybody was different and it was wonderful.” — Rebecca Lacey “If one person says, ‘I like that,’ then you’ve won. That’s enough to keep going.” — Rebecca Lacey Links: Rebecca Lacey Acting Website: https://rebeccalacey.co.uk Art Website: https://rebeccalaceyart.com https://instagram.com//rebeccalaceyart The Edge A Creative & Cultural Country: our development actions | Arts Council England Help Musicians | Get support Creative Lives: What We Do Creative Adventures Episode mentioned: Melanie Cantor Nikki Vallance https://nikkivallance.substack.com https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://www.nikkivallance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate Links Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53 Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

The Myth of Creative Balance with Nina Lenton What if chasing creative balance is actually what’s throwing you off course? In this episode of The Creative Switch, creativity coach and former marketing project manager Nina Lenton unpacks the myth of balance, and shares how embracing life's different phases, custom systems, and imperfect rhythms can unlock deeper creative flow. From her Friday morning ritual to her journey through regulated industries and motherhood, Nina offers practical insights for creatives navigating idea overload, neurodiverse planning challenges, and the tension between paid work and passion projects. Whether you’re stuck in overwhelm or resisting structure, this conversation invites you to rethink what balance really means—and how to reclaim your creative agency on your own terms. Guest Bio: Nina Lenton is a project manager and coach who works with creatives and creative thinkers (who have a lot of ideas). She helps them to get clarity, take action and find headspace so they can achieve their business goals AND enjoy being creative. She believes that we are all creative, and that we all have our own form of creative expression and unique mix of creative thinking styles. As well as untangling creative brains, she enjoys writing, photography and drawing penguin doodles. Her creative rediscovery started over 10 years ago when she signed up to do a ’30-day challenge’ and started a blog - writing a post or poem every day during that time. That challenge led to more creative experiments with photos and writing, as well as helping her realise that her project management skills were really useful to people who have a lot of ideas. At the time she was freelancing in marketing and communications, which she still does occasionally. Her focus changed last year when she trained in coaching skills and also gained a certification which enables her to use Creative ID (creative thinking styles) with her clients. She now offers coaching, practical planning and mentoring sessions, gives talks and runs workshops about creativity and creative thinking styles. She recently published a book of her penguin doodles. Episode Chapters with time stamps: 00:18 - Finding Creative Balance 01:28 - The Edge - Creative news 04:10 - Balancing Creativity and Work 05:15 - Nina's Definition of Creativity 12:15 - The Origin of Nina's Coaching 15:15 - How Creativity Coaching works 19:58 - Overcoming challenges in a creative business 26:03 - Untangling Creativity: Structuring Support for Aspiring Creatives 29:09 - The turning point of earning from your creative passion 35:40 - Understanding the Balance of Creativity and Business 37:38 - Exploring Creative Expression 40:06 - What's next for Nina's own creative projects 42:26 - Creative Adventures - Finding balance Four Creative Nuggets: "I see it as phases… sometimes I’m doing something more for the money than the love. You need a foundation to be able to do the playing—until that playing makes you money." —Nina Lenton "Everyone’s creative. And when you know what your way of being creative is, find ways to do it!" —Nina Lenton "For me... from a freelance perspective... I see it as a portfolio in an ever changing balance.'—Nina Lenton "You're not likely to get me to do anything on a Friday morning because that's when I will go for a walk and take some photos… it's just become a thing." —Nina Lenton Links: Nina Lenton https://www.ninalenton.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/ninalentonbusiness/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninalenton/ https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/ The Edge Creatives unite | Longstanding Health Crisis In Creative Industries Linked To Passion-Driven Work, Research Finds How creatives are surviving the 2025 slowdown | Creative Boom Skills Mismatches in the UK's Creative Industries - Creative Industries Policy andE vidence Centre Creative Adventures Episodes mentioned Theo Michaels Pernille Hughes Nikki Vallance https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ https://www.nikkivallance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/ https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ Afflliate Links Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53 Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq