What if everything you believed about success was a lie? In this provocative episode, we dive into hustle culture, perfectionism, and the toxic myths driving burnout in modern leadership. Joined by innovation strategist Melissa Dinwiddie, we unpack how play, creativity, and imperfection are the real keys to progress—and why companies must evolve to survive. A must-listen for leaders, creatives, and anyone ready to redefine success on their own terms. In this episode, Melissa Dinwiddie joined us in conversation. Melissa helps leaders and teams turn the “impossible” into reality by unlocking their creative potential. A

Juilliard-trained dancer turned innovation strategist, she draws from a rich background as a professional artist, jazz singer-songwriter, and improv performer. Melissa works with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce to build cultures of bold experimentation, collaboration, and resilience. She’s the author of The Creative Sandbox Way™ and a sought-after keynote speaker known for interactive experiences that spark insight and action.

When she’s not helping others innovate, you’ll find her making art or jamming on bass and ukulele—sometimes at the same time.

• (00:00:00) - Cracking Open Hustle Culture
• (00:01:52) - Introducing Melissa Dinwiddie
• (00:07:38) - The Soup We Swim In: Culture and Capitalism
• (00:16:07) - Play as a Path to Innovation
• (00:23:18) - The Time Traveler Exercise
• (00:33:01) - Resistance and the Create the Impossible Framework
• (00:43:00) - Takeaways & Final Reflections