Dare to lean into indigenous values - Laura Cibilich

Laura Cibilich, co-founder of Run, a design and advertising agency in New Zealand, shares her journey from naive graphic designer to agency owner guided by Māori values. Laura discusses how indigenous values aren't separate from business—they're fundamental human principles. She reveals how becoming a parent forced strategic thinking, leading to winning major clients like Niue Tourism despite being up against agencies with cafes and corporate perks. The conversation explores navigating neurodivergence in creative partnerships, the courage to say no to misaligned clients, and why human creativity will always matter more than AI-generated shortcuts.Key TakeawaysCreativity isn't taught out of people—it's about maintaining curiosity and finding the right environment to express it naturallyNot knowing the formal rules can be an advantage, allowing you to break conventions and make unexpected discoveriesStarting without a perfect plan isn't failure—it's part of the journey, and going back to employment to stabilize isn't defeatHaving children forces you to think strategically about life and business, often providing the catalyst needed for serious growthSmaller agencies can win against corporate giants by offering passion and guarantee of being the client's priority, not smallest accountDefining and writing down your values creates a guiding compass for decision-making, hiring, and client selectionADHD can be a superpower in advertising where constant idea generation is the job—understanding neurodivergence helps rather than hindersIndigenous values are fundamentally human values—about relationships, environment, kinship, and treating people with genuine respect and careSaying no to lucrative but misaligned work gets easier when you're clear on values and positioned for right-fit clientsAI tools have their place, but human creativity rooted in culture, values, and tactile experiences cannot be replicatedBeing one of few women founders carries weight and responsibility, but sharing your story helps pave the way for othersLong-term thinking helps navigate setbacks—bumps in the road are temporary when you maintain vision of where you're heading Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic Show questions or suggestions to [email protected] Latest books by Radim MalinicMindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

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