Creativity Is Connection with poet IN-Q | A Bit of Optimism Podcast

IN-Q describes how poetry encapsulates a story, placing it “outside” the writer, which creates space to share it and internalize it differently; Simon echoes that his poem felt like it was for himself first, even though he shared it.

IN-Q says many people react negatively or disengage when he says he’s a poet, even if “poet” is the authentic label; Simon frames “poetry” as carrying baggage for many listeners.

IN-Q argues that to invite vulnerability from others—especially in workshops—you must lead with your own vulnerability; he also says not everyone will respond, and that’s acceptable.

IN-Q explains that workplace miscommunication often comes from lack of context—people don’t really know who they’re working with—and that a dedicated “container” for vulnerability can improve communication, collaboration, and creation; he adds that constant vulnerability would stop work from getting done, but none at all isn’t working either.

IN-Q’s prompt is to choose a life moment that changed you—something you wouldn’t normally share at a dinner party—and to write it true rather than trying to make it great; Simon reports the exercise quickly deepened closeness among his team.