Amanda Stanley: Make Your Mark: Leadership as Creative Practice

Leadership requires us to navigate ambiguity, notice what others miss, imagine new possibilities, and respond without having all the answers. These are creative capacities, skills that can be honed through practice. In this interactive session, we will explore creativity not as artistic talent, but as a practical way of strengthening how we think, reflect, and lead. After a brief grounding in research and theory, participants will spend most of the session experimenting with simple, accessible creative practices, including doodling. Along the way, we’ll notice what happens when we slow down, make something, and give ourselves permission to practice without pressure to perform. No artistic ability is required…just curiosity and a willingness to begin. Amanda Stanley is founder of The Artisan Leader, a leadership development and organizational consulting firm grounded in the curiosity, creativity, and choice. Prior to founding the firm, she spent ten years as CEO of DePaul Community Resources after beginning her career in local government and human services. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Studio Art from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree in Sociology from Virginia Tech, with additional postgraduate study in leadership (Hollins University), design thinking, and political leadership (University of Virginia). She is an ICF-credentialed Professional Certified Coach and works with executives, emerging leaders, and organizations across sectors to strengthen leadership practice, workplace culture, and organizational health.