Unlocking Creativity in Business: From Founder Mindset to Innovative Execution
Interview on the Values Jam Guest Session
46:53 + publish date.
Summary
In this episode of the Values Jam Guest Session, Surabhi Shenoy — serial entrepreneur with two profitable exits — explores the often-overlooked role of creativity in building and leading a business.
She shares how creativity isn’t just for artists, but a core business skill that fuels problem-solving, differentiation, and long-term success.
From finding creative flow in everyday decisions to using constraints as a catalyst for innovation, Surabhi reveals how founders can cultivate creativity even in high-pressure environments.
Key Takeaways
- Creativity as a Business Superpower – Why creativity is not a “nice-to-have” but essential for competitive advantage.
- Breaking Routine to Spark Ideas – Simple shifts that help you see problems from fresh perspectives.
- Constraints as Catalysts – How limits in budget, time, or resources can unlock your most innovative solutions.
- Flow in Entrepreneurship – Recognizing and tapping into the moments where your best ideas surface naturally.
- Balancing Creativity and Structure – The systems that allow space for creativity without losing operational discipline.
Timestamps & Chapters
- [00:00] Introduction to the Values Jam Guest Session
- [00:42] What creativity means in a business context
- [02:10] How Surabhi discovered creativity as a growth driver
- [05:18] Everyday practices that nurture innovative thinking
- [08:03] Using constraints to drive problem-solving
- [11:27] How structure and creativity can co-exist in scaling a business
- [14:45] Lessons from applying creativity across two very different businesses
Notable Quotes
- “Creativity is the skill that keeps you relevant, no matter how the market changes.”
- “Constraints don’t kill creativity — they focus it.”
- “If your calendar is full, your mind has no room to create.”
About the Host
Values Jam is a conversation series exploring the principles and perspectives that shape entrepreneurial journeys. Each episode features leaders, founders, and changemakers discussing the values driving their work, decisions, and impact in business.
Want Surabhi on your podcast?
Email connect@surabhishenoy.com to book her as a guest.
