Kath Blackham is the founder and CEO of Versa – a digital agency whose mission has ignored tech jargon and instead is all about facilitating conversations between their clients and customers. 

Kath appeared on our radar when we spotted an ABC story about her agency moving to a four day week and doubling profits in the process.

In this inspirational interview, we discover how Kath has used creativity to create the ultimate flexible working environment that not only delivers great work and increased profits but also boosts the mental health of her work force.

As she puts it “my life's work is using my business as a platform to move the needle on the things that I'm most passionate about. And the number one on that list is mental health in the workplace”



Links/References

The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j

The Common Creative (Website): www.thecommoncreative.co

Kath Blackham/Versa Agency: https://versa.agency

Paul Fairweather: www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith: www.chrismeredith.com.au

Kath Blackham is the founder and CEO of Versa &ndash; a digital agency whose mission has ignored tech jargon and instead is all about facilitating conversations between their clients and customers.&nbsp;
Kath appeared on our radar when we spotted an ABC story about her agency moving to a four day week and doubling profits in the process.
In this inspirational interview, we discover how Kath has used creativity to create the ultimate flexible working environment that not only delivers great work and increased profits but also boosts the mental health of her work force.
As she puts it &ldquo;my life's work is using my business as a platform to move the needle on the things that I'm most passionate about. And the number one on that list is mental health in the workplace&rdquo; 
Links/References
The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions):&nbsp;<a href="http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j">http://eepurl.com/hgp0_j</a>
The Common Creative (Website): <a href="http://www.thecommoncreative.co">www.thecommoncreative.co</a>
Kath Blackham/Versa Agency: <a href="https://versa.agency">https://versa.agency</a>
Paul Fairweather: <a href="http://www.paulfairweather.com">www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith: <a href="http://www.chrismeredith.com.au">www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity.  From an early age, we’re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive.  The Common Creative is all about bringing creativity back into everyday life - understanding the essence of creativity and making creativity a common as a loaf of bread and as well understood as a common language.
Hosts Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith are both creative thought-leaders and have been bonded by a common passion for creating and sharing something new and inspiring every day. Paul paints a watercolour of the household object and posts the image on IG “@everythink”, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG “@thisisbalmoral”
By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author,  mentor,  architect and artist. Chris Meredith is a Sydney-based, business coach, innovation consultant, and award-winning photo-artist.
Each podcast explores a different aspect of creativity. Recent topics have included: Energy, Time, Constraints and even the Impact of Covid-19 (why not?!) 
The podcasts are ideal for anyone looking to get out of a rut and deliver stuff that goes beyond the norm.
Join us for our conversations and surprising guests to unlock your own creativity. 



https://thecommoncreative.co/

https://www.paulfairweather.com/

https://chrismeredith.com.au/

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity.  From an early age, we’re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive.  The Common Creative is all about bringing creativity back into everyday life - understanding the essence of creativity and making creativity a common as a loaf of bread and as well understood as a common language. Hosts Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith are both creative thought-leaders and have been bonded by a common passion for creating and sharing something new and inspiring every day. Paul paints a watercolour of the household object and posts the image on IG “@everythink”, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG “@thisisbalmoral” By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author,  mentor,  architect and artist. Chris Meredith is a Sydney-based, business coach, innovation consultant, and award-winning photo-artist. Each podcast explores a different aspect of creativity. Recent topics have included: Energy, Time, Constraints and even the Impact of Covid-19 (why not?!)  The podcasts are ideal for anyone looking to get out of a rut and deliver stuff that goes beyond the norm. Join us for our conversations and surprising guests to unlock your own creativity. 
 
<a href="https://thecommoncreative.co/">https://thecommoncreative.co/</a>
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com/">https://www.paulfairweather.com/</a>
<a href="https://chrismeredith.com.au/">https://chrismeredith.com.au/</a>

The Common Creative

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity.  From an early age, we’re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive.  The Common Creative is all about bringing creativity back into everyday life - understanding the essence of creativity and making creativity a common as a loaf of bread and as well understood as a common language.
Hosts Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith are both creative thought-leaders and have been bonded by a common passion for creating and sharing something new and inspiring every day. Paul paints a watercolour of the household object and posts the image on IG “@everythink”, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG “@thisisbalmoral”
By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author,  mentor,  architect and artist. Chris Meredith is a Sydney-based, business coach, innovation consultant, and award-winning photo-artist.
Each podcast explores a different aspect of creativity. Recent topics have included: Energy, Time, Constraints and even the Impact of Covid-19 (why not?!) 
The podcasts are ideal for anyone looking to get out of a rut and deliver stuff that goes beyond the norm.
Join us for our conversations and surprising guests to unlock your own creativity. 

 

https://thecommoncreative.co/

https://www.paulfairweather.com/

https://chrismeredith.com.au/

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity.&nbsp; From an early age, we&rsquo;re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive.&nbsp; The Common Creative is all about bringing creativity back into everyday life - understanding the essence of creativity and making creativity a common as a loaf of bread and as well understood as a common language. Hosts Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith are both creative thought-leaders and have been bonded by a common passion for creating and sharing something new and inspiring every day. Paul paints a watercolour of the household object and posts the image on IG &ldquo;@everythink&rdquo;, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG &ldquo;@thisisbalmoral&rdquo; By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author,&nbsp; mentor,&nbsp; architect and artist. Chris Meredith is a Sydney-based, business coach, innovation consultant, and award-winning photo-artist. Each podcast explores a different aspect of creativity. Recent topics have included: Energy, Time, Constraints and even the Impact of Covid-19 (why not?!)&nbsp; The podcasts are ideal for anyone looking to get out of a rut and deliver stuff that goes beyond the norm. Join us for our conversations and surprising guests to unlock your own creativity.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://thecommoncreative.co/">https://thecommoncreative.co/</a>
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com/">https://www.paulfairweather.com/</a>
<a href="https://chrismeredith.com.au/">https://chrismeredith.com.au/</a>

Episode 13 - Kath Blackham: There's No Ai In Creativity

In this special episode of The Common Creative podcast, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith celebrate Australia Creativity Day 2024, emphasising the importance of creativity in everyday life. Paul and Chris engage in a lively discussion about how businesses and individuals can benefit from fostering a creative mindset to navigate the rapidly changing world.

The conversation touches on various themes such as the human connection needed for innovation, the paradox between interpersonal interactions and digital engagements, and the importance of embracing both AI technology and nature to fuel creative thinking. As they work on writing a book encapsulating their learnings from over 100 podcast episodes, Paul and Chris highlight that creativity isn’t just found in designated spaces or days—it is a ubiquitous aspect of the human experience that thrives on connectivity and collaboration.

Through a live creative exercise, the Paul and Chris illustrate that spontaneous creativity can be simple, yet profound, suggesting a challenge for listeners to connect and create with others through a 'blind contour drawing'. This episode is not only a celebration but also serves as a reminder of the power and need for creativity in the modern world.

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

Two Common Creatives

https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast

In this special episode of The Common Creative podcast, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith celebrate Australia Creativity Day 2024, emphasising the importance of creativity in everyday life. Paul and Chris engage in a lively discussion about how businesses and individuals can benefit from fostering a creative mindset to navigate the rapidly changing world.
The conversation touches on various themes such as the human connection needed for innovation, the paradox between interpersonal interactions and digital engagements, and the importance of embracing both AI technology and nature to fuel creative thinking. As they work on writing a book encapsulating their learnings from over 100 podcast episodes, Paul and Chris highlight that creativity isn’t just found in designated spaces or days—it is a ubiquitous aspect of the human experience that thrives on connectivity and collaboration.
Through a live creative exercise, the Paul and Chris illustrate that spontaneous creativity can be simple, yet profound, suggesting a challenge for listeners to connect and create with others through a 'blind contour drawing'. This episode is not only a celebration but also serves as a reminder of the power and need for creativity in the modern world.
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>
Two Common Creatives
<a href="https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast">https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast</a>

Paul & Chris: National Creativity Day!

In this caffeine-loaded episode of The Common Creative podcast, hosts Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather explore the stimulating connection between caffeine and creativity with guest Dean Merlo, the founder of Merlo Coffee. The discussion brews with insights into the impact of coffee culture on business innovation and how simple changes revolutionise consumer experience. Dean shares his journey from the practice of law to pioneering café culture in Australia, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of the crowd,

As a young man, Dean spent some time in California and was inspired by the quality of the American service model. With restaurants well and truly in his genes, he followed the footsteps of both his father and grandparents and launched his first coffee shop on Queen Street. A little while later, frustrated with the quality of coffee he was sourcing, he decided to give roasting his own a crack. The rest, as they say, is history.

LINKS:

Dean Merlo- Special Guests

Instagram  - http://www.instagram.com/merlocoffee

Facebook  - http://www.facebook.com/merlocoffee

YouTube    -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQycAuGuuwBJtpfnMqpIBXA

Website     - https://www.merlo.com.au/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

Two Common Creatives

https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast

In this caffeine-loaded episode of The Common Creative podcast, hosts Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather explore the stimulating connection between caffeine and creativity with guest Dean Merlo, the founder of Merlo Coffee. The discussion brews with insights into the impact of coffee culture on business innovation and how simple changes revolutionise consumer experience. Dean shares his journey from the practice of law to pioneering café culture in Australia, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of the crowd,
As a young man, Dean spent some time in California and was inspired by the quality of the American service model. With restaurants well and truly in his genes, he followed the footsteps of both his father and grandparents and launched his first coffee shop on Queen Street. A little while later, frustrated with the quality of coffee he was sourcing, he decided to give roasting his own a crack. The rest, as they say, is history.
<hr>
LINKS:
Dean Merlo- Special Guests
Instagram  - <a href="http://www.instagram.com/merlocoffee">http://www.instagram.com/merlocoffee</a>
Facebook  - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/merlocoffee">http://www.facebook.com/merlocoffee</a>
YouTube    -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQycAuGuuwBJtpfnMqpIBXA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQycAuGuuwBJtpfnMqpIBXA</a>
Website     - <a href="https://www.merlo.com.au/">https://www.merlo.com.au/</a>
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>
Two Common Creatives
<a href="https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast">https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast</a>

Episode 106: Dean Merlo - Caffeinated Creative

This week’s episode, Scott Andrew James is a multifaceted creative located in Austin, Texas, who operates in the dual roles of a book coach and a roving poet. Scott found his true calling in the world of words. He ultimately discovered his passion for creating interactive, co-creative poetry. Using his grandfather's 1946 Smith Corona typewriter, 

Scott's creative journey began with an unconventional path as he chose the wilderness over the classroom. Eventually settling in Austin, Texas, his passion for poetry took an interactive turn when he began composing personalised poetry at events. Scott's technique of tapping into his intuitive creativity raises intriguing questions about the spaces where technology aids and hinders the creative process. The episode culminates with a remarkable live demonstration of Scott's typewriting skills, prompting reflections on the importance of preparing mentally and physically to harness creativity.

LINKS:

Scott Andrew James - Special Guests

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottandrewjames/

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottajames/

Website - https://www.scottandrewjames.com/

https://scottjamesconsulting.com/  

The episode with the Neuroscientist who studies intuition is.

The episodes on Mindwandering and Mindwondering

Roger Beaty on the 3 networks

Sunni Brown’s TED Talk 

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

Two Common Creatives

https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast

This week’s episode, Scott Andrew James is a multifaceted creative located in Austin, Texas, who operates in the dual roles of a book coach and a roving poet. Scott found his true calling in the world of words. He ultimately discovered his passion for creating interactive, co-creative poetry. Using his grandfather's 1946 Smith Corona typewriter, 
Scott's creative journey began with an unconventional path as he chose the wilderness over the classroom. Eventually settling in Austin, Texas, his passion for poetry took an interactive turn when he began composing personalised poetry at events. Scott's technique of tapping into his intuitive creativity raises intriguing questions about the spaces where technology aids and hinders the creative process. The episode culminates with a remarkable live demonstration of Scott's typewriting skills, prompting reflections on the importance of preparing mentally and physically to harness creativity.
<hr>
LINKS:
Scott Andrew James - Special Guests
Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottandrewjames/">https://www.instagram.com/scottandrewjames/</a>
LinkedIn -  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottajames/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottajames/</a>
Website - <a href="https://www.scottandrewjames.com/">https://www.scottandrewjames.com/</a>
                <a href="https://scottjamesconsulting.com/">https://scottjamesconsulting.com/    </a>        
<hr>
The episode with the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-57-joel-pearson-neurocreativity-3-intuitive/id1525162918?i=1000581865378">Neuroscientist</a> who studies intuition is.
The episodes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-55-moshe-bar-neurocreativity-1-boost-your-creativity/id1525162918?i=1000580369617">Mindwandering</a> and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-60-jonathan-schooler-neurocreativity-6-mindwondering/id1525162918?i=1000584163211">Mindwondering</a>
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-61-roger-beaty-neurocreativity-7-creative-thinking/id1525162918?i=1000585028475">Roger Beaty on the 3 networks</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/7fx0QcHyrFk?si=CiPzQDh6kSKGwVUT ">Sunni Brown’s TED Talk </a>
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>
Two Common Creatives
<a href="https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast">https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast</a>

Episode 13 - Kath Blackham: There's No Ai In Creativity

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