“No French company ranks among the Top 50 most innovative in the world,” headlined Les Echos on April 21, citing an annual study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Long before the pandemic, signs of an innovation slowdown and a decline in organizations’ capacity to create disruptive technologies were already visible.
Yet, at the heart of the process of “creative destruction” that drives economic cycles, innovation is what enables our societies to improve, create, and move forward.
As the Covid-19 pandemic “destroyed old ways of working” and the cards are being reshuffled, perhaps this is the perfect moment to pause and ask:
How can we spark creativity to foster deeper, more sustainable innovation?
Creativity at the Core of Innovation
If we take a closer look at the processes that precede innovation, creativity sits at the very core. And when it comes to creativity techniques for generating ideas, there’s no shortage: brainstorming sessions, brainwriting, mind mapping… sound familiar?
But have you noticed the omnipresence of the word “brain”? With an average of three thoughts per second (according to the National Science Foundation), perhaps it’s time for a little sorting!
“The great shift of tomorrow will be to reconnect the mind with the body,” says Navi Radjou, strategy consultant and theorist of frugal innovation.
What if reconnecting body and mind in corporate creativity methods was the key to producing truly disruptive innovations—beneficial for both businesses and society? How can we dare to innovate disruptively without also adopting disruptive methods? After resilience, it’s time for creativity.
Why Movement Boosts Innovation
“By staying still, we weaken not only our muscles but also our brain’s potential,” explains Lucy Vincent, neurobiologist and author of “Make Your Brain Dance.” Could dancing be one of the keys to moving up in innovation rankings?
In her interview with Madame Figaro, Lucy Vincent shares:
“Rock and roll develops joy. The paso doble, with movements we’re not used to, reactivates forgotten areas of the brain and makes us more creative. Just as we ‘train’ our brain through dance, we also boost our mood through good posture. Curled up, we feel more anxious. But when we open our chest, we become more confident and conquering.”
And you—when you become confident and conquering—what new possibilities open up for you?
The Science Behind Dance and Creativity
Studies on the benefits of dance—for memory, self-esteem, creativity, depression, and even illness—are increasingly numerous. Yet, one of the biggest obstacles to bringing movement into organizations lies in long-held cultural beliefsabout the role of the body in professional settings.
Fortunately, this role is now being reimagined and reintegrated alongside the other dimensions of the human being—heart, body, mind, and soul.
Rethinking Innovation for the Future
As we collectively shape the future of our society, one question remains:
How do we want to stimulate creativity and innovation within our organizations?
Perhaps the path forward lies not only in new technologies and business models, but also in reconnecting leaders and teams to their bodies—unlocking the full creative potential that drives authentic, transformative innovation.
About the Author
Dounia Zellou is a Franco-Moroccan Leadership Trainer, Speaker, and Transformation Consultant. Founder of HUMAN·A·YA, she works globally with corporations, educational institutions, and non-profits to design transformational leadership programs, deliver keynote talks, and facilitate movement-based innovation workshopsthat foster creativity, connection, and systemic change.
Call to Action
If your organization is ready to boost innovation through creativity and embodied leadership, book Dounia Zellou for:
- Leadership & Creativity Programs
- Keynote Speaking & Executive Facilitation
- Movement-based Innovation Workshops
📩 Contact Dounia at www.douniazellou.com/contact to explore how movement can fuel your next big idea.
