Episode 193: Erik Wahl – How To Rediscover Your Creative Genius

Erik Wahl offers his high-energy onstage performance as your group’s inspiration. This presentation is equivalent to yelling ‘CLEAR’ as the paddles are positioned to shock the fading pulse of your workforce and enliven their hearts to pursue their jobs as you both originally intended.

As an internationally recognized graffiti artist, and a #1 best selling business author, Erik redefines the term “keynote speaker.” Pulling from his history as both a business strategist and an artist, he has grown to become one of the most sought-after speakers available today. Erik’s on-stage painting seamlessly becomes a visual metaphor to the core of his message, encouraging organizations toward profitability through innovations and superior levels of performance.

He’s the best-selling author of Unthink – Rediscover Your Creative Genius and more recently The Spark and the Grind: Ignite the Power of Disciplined Creativity

Episode 193: Erik Wahl – How To Rediscover Your Creative Genius

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The Learning Leader Show

“Performing is not an act of extroversion, it’s an act of connection.”

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • The fascination with “live theatre” — Erik is a performer on stage (art, speaking, message, theatrical)
  • “Transport so the molecules in the room change”
  • How to reverse engineer what we love
  • What happened after Erik was told that “Art was not his strength”
  • Relationship with money and success — how it can be unhealthy
  • Why artists have a different take on life… A life of philosophical gratitude
  • “I built this plane as I flew it”
  • Pursue mastery… Be insatiably curious on how to connect with audiences
  • The power of vulnerability and why you should share more of yourself
  • First paid gig? $1,000 in LA — “I probably sucked.”
  • The tipping point to kick off his speaking/performing career
  • The definition of being introverted… Erik is an introvert.  He gains energy from alone time… Stage time is where the energy is spent
  • Erik’s writing process — “Verbal Vomit” — Fortunate to have great team of editors
  • Why we should all study acting and stand up comedians
  • Thinking, “What will fascinate the audience?”
  • Pre speech routine — Stretching, meditation.  Taking energy from “Me and giving it to them”
  • Decluttering of the mind. Meditate. Think at a higher level
  • “Art is about producing… Thinking… Expanding consciousness”
  • Understanding the value of being uncomfortable
  • “Money is not important to us, we do not sell my paintings”
  • Why audiences are drawn to authenticity and trust
  • Why we should rehearse creativity on a regular basis
  • How much does Erik get paid per speech now? $40,000
  • New ideas? Holographs, Drones, Cirque Du Soleil
  • “Pursue excellence, pursue mastery… Let the money come where it may”

“Creativity is a muscle that must face resistance to create more… Be stronger.”

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer – Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 179: How To Sustain Excellence – The Best Answers From 178 Questions

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

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Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

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