The Robyn Engelson Podcast
Ever wish you had a life mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar wellness tips in your ear? That’s exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I’m your host, a sought after burnout recovery coach for high-achieving women and help you heal from burnout and survival mode, so you can reclaim your energy, joy, and rediscover your voice. Each week, I bring you inspiring guests, insights, and tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing.
Episode Title: Can Creativity Really Be Your Career Superpower?
Host: Robyn Engelson
Guest: Kassi Kincaid
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kassi Kincaid, speaker, trainer, author, and founder of Book Days, an international children’s literacy movement, to explore how creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s a powerful tool for leadership, innovation, and personal growth.
Kassi shares her journey of turning a small passion project into a global mission, and reveals how reconnecting with your creative spark can lead to breakthroughs in both your career and your confidence.
We dive deep into:
What a creative mindset really is (hint: it’s about perspective, not talent)
Why most adults lose their creativity—and how to get it back
The 5-step framework that helps you turn ideas into action
How childhood joy holds clues to your purpose today
The confidence-creation connection—and how small steps fuel big change
Whether you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or disconnected from your spark, this episode is your reminder: creativity isn’t lost, it’s waiting to be reawakened.
You’ll learn:
What a Creative Mindset Really Is
Discover why creativity isn’t just artistic talent—it’s a way of seeing possibilities, solving problems, and leading with vision in any role.
How to Reignite Your Inner Spark
Uncover why most adults lose their creative genius—and how reconnecting with your childhood passions can unlock purpose and joy.
Kassi’s 5-Step Creativity Framework
Learn how to move from idea to action with Kassi’s simple, powerful cycle: Imagine → Pursue → Overcome → Rest → Reflect.
Why Confidence Fuels Creativity
Explore how tiny moments of courage build lasting creative confidence—and how to take the first step without waiting for perfection.
The Link Between Play and Innovation
See how playfulness, curiosity, and joy can lead to bold breakthroughs in your career and life.
How to Lead Creatively at Any Level
Discover why creativity is the secret weapon of impactful leadership—and how to apply it whether you’re a CEO or just starting out.
Why Rest is a Creative Practice
Burnout blocks brilliance. Learn why stepping back is not quitting—but a vital part of the creative process.
From Passion to Global Impact
Be inspired by Kassi’s journey from a small classroom initiative to a global literacy movement, and what it teaches us about dreaming big.
Memorable Quotes:
"Creativity isn’t missing, it’s waiting. And confidence is how you unlock it."
"You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. You just have to be curious."
"Joy is productive. If it lights you up, it leads you somewhere important."
"Most big ideas start small. The magic is in taking the first step."
"Your inner child doesn’t want you to be perfect, just present."
"Rest isn’t a break from creativity. It’s a vital part of it."
"Creative confidence is built, not born. One brave idea at a time."
Resources & Mentions:
Nonprofit Initiative: Book Days – A global children’s literacy movement founded by Kassi, dedicated to inspiring creativity and reading joy in kids around the world.
Creativity Framework: The 5-Step Creativity Cycle – Kassi’s practical model to spark and sustain creativity:
Imagine → Pursue → Overcome → Rest → Reflect
Key Concept: Creative Confidence – The belief that your ideas matter, and that small steps can lead to bold innovation—no matter your profession.
Professional Titles:
Speaker | Trainer | Author | Founder of Book Days
1. Reconnect with Your Inner Child
Think back to what made you feel most alive as a child—drawing, building, storytelling, dancing?
Write down 2–3 activities that brought you joy, and explore how they can show up in your adult life today.
2. Identify Where You’re Playing Small
Ask yourself: “Where am I holding back creative ideas because I’m afraid they’re not good enough?”
Choose one area and take a small, low-stakes action (e.g., pitch that idea, start that project, share your perspective).
3. Use the 5-Step Creativity Cycle
Apply Kassi’s framework in your work or personal life this week:
Imagine → Pursue → Overcome → Rest → Reflect
Start with just one idea. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for progress.
4. Practice Creative Confidence Daily
Each day, do one thing that affirms your creativity:
Say a creative affirmation (“My ideas are valid”)
Set a 10-minute timer and journal freely
Try something new, even if you’re not “good” at it
5. Rest Without Guilt
Schedule intentional breaks where you disconnect from productivity.
Creativity flourishes when you allow space. Let rest be part of your process, not a reward after burnout.
6. Start Small, Dream Big
Kassi began Book Days with 50 kids—it now impacts 20,000+.
Write down one small, meaningful action you can take this week toward a bigger dream or passion project.
Final Thought:
You were born creative and that spark never left you.
It’s not about being artistic; it’s about seeing the world with curiosity, courage, and heart. Creativity begins when you give yourself permission to imagine more and trust your ideas.
Whether you’re leading a team, launching a project, or just trying to feel like yourself again, your creativity is your power.
Start small. Honor your joy. And remember: confidence doesn’t come first, it’s built through every step you take.
The world doesn’t need a perfect version of you—it needs your true one.
So go create something only you can.
What listeners have to say:
Kassi Kincaid’s episode is sparking creative breakthroughs for professionals, educators, and leaders who thought they had “lost” their spark.
Alyssa R., an elementary school teacher, said reconnecting with her childhood love of storytelling reminded her why she started teaching in the first place, and inspired her to launch a classroom reading project.
David L., a product manager, shared that Kassi’s 5-step creativity framework gave him the courage to finally pitch an idea he’d been sitting on for months—and it led to a new innovation initiative at work.
Renee M., a nonprofit director, reflected on how Kassi’s insight about “rest being part of the creative process” helped her step back from burnout and return to work with clarity and purpose.
These stories remind us: creativity isn’t a talent—it’s a tool. And it’s available to all of us, at any time.
Now it’s your turn:
What moment, quote, or idea from Kassi’s story helped you see yourself, or your work differently?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your reflection and inspire someone else to reconnect with their creative courage.
Loved this episode?
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Connect with Kassie Kincaid:
About Kassi Kincaid:
Kassi Kincaid is a speaker, trainer, and author, dedicated to helping leaders and teams harness creativity to drive innovation and engagement. As the visionary behind Book Days, an international children’s literacy initiative, Kassi has witnessed firsthand how creative thinking transforms ideas into global impact.
Her journey from launching a literacy movement to inspiring professionals in HR, leadership, and talent development has shaped her mission: to equip organizations with practical creativity frameworks that spark innovation, boost employee engagement, and drive meaningful change.
Kassi believes that creativity is the key to solving complex challenges and unlocking new opportunities. Through her interactive workshops and keynotes, she empowers professionals to reignite their creative potential and build dynamic, future-ready workplaces.
Connect with Robyn:
