Creativity is more than a skill. It’s a way of life. In this episode of The Business Owners Podcast, Clive Enever welcomes Amanda O’Bryan, an Australian artist, designer, and founder of Creative Queen Bees. Amanda’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and using creativity to promote wellbeing.

Amanda shares her transformative journey from running a successful design studio to overcoming burnout and a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Her experience led her to realign her values and create a business centred around inspiring others to embrace creativity as a tool for personal and professional growth.

Highlights from Amanda’s Conversation:

• The Power of Reinvention: Staying curious and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth can unlock new possibilities and lead to innovation.
• Prioritising Wellbeing: A critical lesson Amanda learned is the importance of prioritising mental and physical health. Without it, success in business is unsustainable.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Amanda candidly discusses her struggles with self-doubt early in her career. She advises trusting in your abilities and recognising your unique value to combat imposter syndrome.
• Mentorship Lessons: A mentor once taught Amanda to “stir up what you’ve got,” which means valuing your unique talents and taking action to create opportunities. 
• Creativity as a State of Wellbeing: Amanda redefines creativity as a mindset that nurtures openness, resilience, and holistic engagement with life. It’s not about being artistically skilled but about embracing a creative approach to challenges and opportunities.
• Understanding Your “Why”: Knowing your purpose and aligning your decisions with your core values can reduce stress and help maintain focus on what truly matters.

Amanda O’Bryan’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of creativity, reinvention, and self-belief. By embracing these principles, business owners can navigate challenges, foster resilience, and build meaningful connections in both their personal and professional lives.

Learn more about Amanda O’Bryan:

To connect with Amanda, visit Creative Queen Bees or follow her on social media @CreativeQueenBees. Her book, Daily Acts of Creativity, is available on Amazon and her website.

Highlights

• [00:42] Meet Amanda O’Bryan: Artist and Designer
• [02:10] Amanda’s Journey: Overcoming Burnout and Cancer
• [03:10] Key Lessons in Business: Reinvention and Wellbeing
• [05:05] Learning from Mistakes and Overcoming Self-Doubt
• [06:50] The Importance of Mentorship and Core Values
• [09:01] Creativity as a Path to Wellbeing
• [10:36] Final Thoughts