Speakers at the recent NAIS and NBOA conferences showed us how our  creative side, our well of positive energy, drives innovation and  change. Viola Davis, a last minute sub for Anderson Cooper, inspired  us with her life story; growing up poor in Rhode Island, going to  Julliard and eventually earning accolades in the acting field. She  confessed that her many awards did not bring the self confidence she  expected. She noted how these destructive inner patterns compromise  our potential. Instead, she committed to doing  "inner work" to  release deeply planted patterns of self doubt and shame to claim an  authentic belief in herself. We heard from Shiza Shahid and her  meeting Malala, co-founding the Malala Fund and their efforts to  empower and increase educational opportunities for girls around the  world. Simon Sinek spoke about finite vs infinite mindsets of
organizations and how educational institutions are particularly
susceptible to fostering finite mindsets that stifle innovation and
self discovery. By emphasizing achievements, we narrow the pursuit to  a singular purpose i.e. "I have to do this to get into a good college  or get a great job." Becoming an infinite minded school is a process  with a "just cause" not a goal.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and Retired American Astronaut  Mark Kelly shared the stage and demonstrated their courage and  optimism in overcoming devastating obstacles while driving toward a  better future. Graffiti Artist and author Erik Wahl's in-real-time  painting and music video brought dramatic creativity to life on the  stage. A former corporate guy turned artist, Wahl personifies his  belief that "creativity without discipline is like a river without  banks." Kevin Carroll, author of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball  emphasized the importance of play in our work. At 6 years old, Kevin  decided a ball would always be part of his life. Organizations that  innovate know how to play and he showed how people can tap into this  transforming energy.

So, how do you stay connected to your creative energy? Is your
creative side integrated into your work, your life, your school? If
so, is it expressed? Our schools strive to be innovative. Finding ways  to connect with our creative energy transcends obstacles and builds  and sustains healthy community cultures.

Wishing everyone a creative spring,

ISANNE unites, supports and promotes its diverse member schools in a changing world.