Brave Together

How can our greatest adversities become seeds for innovation and shared success?

1. Facing Fear Together Unlocks Creativity

Fear of failure, losing one’s voice, or negative judgment can stifle creativity. The key to overcoming these fears is collective bravery, where people confront challenges and grow stronger together. Ian Clawson and Dave Arcade discovered this concept while working on the animated series Spaceland. Their fears threatened the project – Ian worried about meeting expectations, while Dave grappled with the weight of collaboration on individual creativity.

When they embraced the idea of being “brave together,” they turned fear into a catalyst for growth. They realized they could forge something extraordinary only by trusting each other, being vulnerable, and tackling creative risks side-by-side. This idea doesn't just apply to artistic endeavors – anyone can benefit from joining forces to conquer individual anxieties.

An essential practice to overcome personal barriers is the "mirror test." This exercise encourages self-reflection to ensure that who you are and where you're headed aligns with your core values and aspirations. Honest self-assessment allows growth to occur and leads to meaningful collaboration built on authenticity.

Examples

• Ian and Dave overcame fears during the creative process for Spaceland through open support.
• The concept of collective bravery can be seen in successful sports teams uniting for a common goal.
• Leaders who encourage vulnerability foster environments where employees feel secure to share innovative ideas.

2. Cocreation Transforms Work Culture

Today’s workforce often swings between unfulfilling stability in corporate roles and the unpredictability of entrepreneurship. Both approaches leave many frustrated or burned out. Cocreation offers a middle ground, blending structure with collaboration and creative freedom to cultivate meaningful work environments.

The cocreator mindset views innovation as a collective effort. Meetings and brainstorming sessions become dynamic platforms where the best ideas shine, no matter their source. Leaders steer clear of rigid hierarchies and foster environments where people contribute freely and feel valued. Rather than focusing solely on individual achievements, the approach elevates shared goals and mutual support.

By embracing cocreation, workplaces become hubs for interactive growth. Employees thrive in cultures that celebrate collaboration, fostering both professional fulfillment and business breakthroughs. This shift isn't easy, but it's an investment in long-term satisfaction and collective achievement.

Examples

• Turning rigid business meetings into collaborative brainstorming forums.
• Companies like Pixar prioritize teamwork within creative processes to consistently produce exceptional movies.
• Employees who feel heard and supported are more motivated and productive.

3. Adversity Becomes a Pathway to Innovation

Challenges are inevitable, but how we perceive them makes all the difference. Leaders like Clint Schaff, who revitalized LA Times Studios, demonstrate how hardship can spark innovation. Rather than retreating from challenges, Schaff tapped into his team's storytelling passion and launched a groundbreaking podcast series.

When individuals and teams lean into their struggles instead of running from them, they gain new strength and clarity. Adversity often reveals hidden opportunities to reassess goals and chart bold, new paths. It takes conscious effort to shift the view of obstacles as setbacks into a chance to learn and grow.

The emotional energy tied to adversity, such as anger or disappointment, can also be transformed. Channeling these feelings into constructive action enables people to achieve creative outcomes rather than getting stuck in negativity.

Examples

• LA Times Studios used a podcast to overcome declining traditional media interest.
• Technology startups often turn financial hardships into motivation for lean innovation strategies.
• Artists frequently channel personal heartbreak into some of their most celebrated work.

4. Compassion Fuels Meaningful Change

As Malala Yousafzai’s fight for education proves, when you focus outward and dedicate yourself to others, you find deeper meaning and strength. Personal success pales in comparison to the joy of uplifting others and serving a larger cause.

Making others the mission fosters a collective focus that benefits all. It shifts the narrative from individual gain to social impact, creating profound connections and motivating change. This principle isn’t limited to global activism – anyone can bring compassion into their workplace or community.

The ripple effects of compassion transform lives. By caring for others, you enhance relationships, build trust, and create environments that nurture collaboration and shared achievement, strengthening the bonds that sustain us all.

Examples

• Malala’s advocacy transformed not only her community but also inspired global educational reform.
• Companies that integrate charity work into their mission often see boosts in employee morale.
• Teachers who invest in struggling students often unlock surprising potential.

5. Self-Reflection Drives Genuine Growth

Assessing your life through an honest and introspective lens is vital for real progress. The "mirror test" isn’t about superficial self-examination – it’s about comparing your daily actions and future vision against your core values.

Authenticity starts with recognizing both your accomplishments and your failings. By identifying misaligned behaviors and adjusting them, you set the foundation for more intentional living. Personal clarity naturally extends into professional spheres, enhancing teamwork and leadership.

Living aligned with deep-seated beliefs, rather than external expectations, leads not only to individual fulfillment but also strengthens the impact of collaborative endeavors. Honest self-reflection is a shared responsibility for healthier relationships and visionary goals.

Examples

• Entrepreneurs running their businesses aligned with personal values often find greater satisfaction.
• Ian and Dave revisited their creative partnership with honesty during challenges, ensuring their work on Spaceland reflected their artistic vision.
• Professional athletes often credit rigorous self-assessment during slumps for career breakthroughs.

6. Passion and Its Evolution

Passion is not static – it evolves as we do. The way forward involves embracing, rather than fearing, these changes in focus. Our purpose can shift, grow, and adapt alongside our experiences.

Instead of chasing an illusion of singular lifelong passion, allow yourself exploration. This approach fosters curiosity and leads to unexpected joys and opportunities. By recognizing that your interests will naturally shift, you free yourself from the pressure of rigid commitment.

Accepting an ever-changing journey empowers individuals to enjoy new chapters while maintaining enthusiasm. Passion evolves into purpose when combined with an openness to change.

Examples

• A journalist might shift careers but retain a passion for storytelling.
• Musicians who experiment with new genres often find renewed energy for their craft.
• Evolving passions inspire chefs to reimagine cuisines and restaurants.

7. Collective Creativity Spurs Progress

History illustrates the best artistic, cultural, and technological breakthroughs often result from collective creativity. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech serves as an iconic example – it was refined with input from others, culminating in a collective vision for justice.

Modern workplaces increasingly value collaborative innovation, inviting contributors across industries to share in a united effort. From animation teams to tech pioneers, cocreation fosters standout achievements, growing more impactful as diverse talents merge.

When individuals come together and pool perspectives, projects often exceed the sum of their parts, reshaping industries and pushing boundaries toward creative heights.

Examples

• BYU's Animation Department prioritizes teamwork, producing remarkable graduates who thrive in CG animation fields.
• Iconic bands like The Beatles highlight how different strengths combine into groundbreaking music.
• Design firms co-develop product concepts through immersive workshops with their clients.

8. Compassionate Collaboration Powers Communities

Compassion thrives as a central tenet that connects people to one another. Making others’ well-being a priority enriches communities and creates a powerful sense of shared purpose.

Collaboration built on empathy ensures lasting partnerships. When groups create together empathetically, their mental and emotional investment in the mission amplifies output beyond what individual members could achieve alone.

Compassionate collaboration, whether in small teams or large-scale social reform, significantly changes dynamics, fostering inclusiveness and creativity.

Examples

• Community-driven campaigns to clean neighborhoods improve morale and engagement.
• Companies like Patagonia blend profit goals with social responsibilities for a broader impact.
• Volunteer groups highlight the power of selfless teamwork during disaster relief efforts.

9. Visionaries Build Shared Futures

Creators and leaders alike can reshape industries when shared visions inspire collective action. From grassroots activism to corporate reinvention, a collaborative mindset unlocks new possibilities.

Instead of driving competitiveness, today’s fruitful efforts revolve around creative cooperation. Visionaries who embrace societal impacts rather than fame leave enduring legacies that carry shared meaning.

As the line between creating and influencing blurs, authentic pioneers focus on connection, meaning, and building a better future.

Examples

• Startups blending customer feedback directly into app development see rapid success.
• Community gardens thrive through shared planning and labor.
• SpaceX combines interdepartmental goals to advance aerospace innovation.

Takeaways

1. Foster collective bravery by sharing challenges openly with trusted collaborators to build enduring creativity.
2. Shift your workplace culture to prioritize and celebrate ideas, no matter where they originate, and embrace cocreation as a standard approach.
3. Use self-reflection to align your daily actions with your long-term goals and honor the values that guide your personal growth.