We often talk about creativity as if it’s a bolt of lightning that either hits us or doesn't. But after years of working with educators, I’ve realized that creative energy is actually a byproduct of space. When we are overwhelmed by the "chaos" of the day-to-day, our best ideas don't disappear; they just get buried.

This week is about unearthing that energy and moving from "thinking about it" to actually building it.

This week:
💫 In Motion - The educator-to-CEO journey: How Danna Thomas reclaimed her "oxygen mask."
🔎 In Focus - From Idea to Possibility: A 3-step strategy to move from friction to prototype.
🎵 In Flow - Inspirational picks to help you find the path through and create a roadmap for sustaining your joy.

IN MOTION

I’ve spent much of my career looking for examples of educators who successfully turned a classroom challenge into a global solution. Danna Thomas is exactly that. After seven years as a kindergarten teacher in Baltimore, she reached a breaking point, realizing the system demanded everything from educators while offering no support for their own mental health.

Her innovation, Happy Teacher Revolution, was born from the realization that "self-care is not a luxury; it is a professional necessity." Danna’s journey from Room 108 to leading an international wellness network is a powerful case study in the "Creative Educator" path.

IN FOCUS

Innovation doesn’t require a lightning bolt of genius; it requires a process for moving energy from your head into the world. If you are feeling stuck, try this "Idea to Possibility" strategy to unlock your momentum:

Ready to do this work in real-time? I’m partnering with Danna Thomas for a hands-on experience where we will walk you through this framework to design your next career or business move.

January 22 | 6:00 PM CT | FREE Live Workshop

This is not a sit-and-get webinar. It’s a hands-on, guided experience where you’ll design a prototype for your next career or business move.

Innovation isn’t your escape plan. It’s your reclamation project.

👉 Register now for the January 22 workshop and unlock your creative energy for the new year. Registration will be capped as this is a hands-on experience!

IN FLOW

🎵 "Only Way Out Is Through" by Sarah McLachlan This track (listen here) from the Better Broken album is a powerful reminder that renewal doesn’t have to be rushed to be real. It suggests that clarity only comes when we finally decide what we are willing to carry forward and what we must leave behind.
MORE PICKS: Discover more vinyl gems 

📘 The Happy Teacher Revolution by Danna Thomas This best-seller by my guest presenter for the January webinar is an energizing and practical invitation to reclaim joy, sustainability, and agency in your work. If you’ve been craving permission to do things differently, this book offers both validation and tools.
MORE PICKS: Browse my Pivot to Flow bookshelf

_{Disclosure: I earn a small commission from Bookshop.org purchases, at no extra cost to you. Every purchase also supports independent bookstores. Additionally, my family owns and operates Val’s halla Records, a female-founded independent record store that opened in 1972. Support indie shops, authors, artists, and your own mental wellbeing by making a habit of enjoying physical books and vinyl records!}

Because the January 22nd workshop is a hands-on design experience rather than a "sit-and-get" webinar, we are capping registration to ensure everyone gets the support they need. If you’re ready to turn your "someday" idea into a prototype, click here to grab your spot before we hit capacity!

Let’s get flowing,

Margot

P.S. Can’t make it to the webinar? Reach out any time to schedule a 30-minute Catalyst Conversation to unlock new possibilities.