Toby Corey’s “The Science of Creative Thinking”
In a world brimming with challenges and opportunities, creativity is not just a skill; it's a necessity. Toby Corey, a man whose entrepreneurial journey has spanned from USweb to Tesla, and from teaching "Zentrepreneurship" at Stanford to co-founding Cruz Foam, recently shared invaluable insights in his presentation on "The Science of Creative Thinking". His journey, inspired by figures like Richard Leakey, Willy Wonka, and Elon Musk, offers a unique perspective on harnessing creativity for positive change.
The Zentrepreneurial Journey
Toby’s entrepreneurial spirit has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions. His path from USweb, an early internet services company, to his impactful tenure at Tesla, and eventually to his role as a professor at Stanford, reflects his dedication to forward-thinking ideas. At Stanford, he introduced the concept of "Zentrepreneurship" — a blend of Zen philosophy and entrepreneurship. This approach emphasizes building solutions not just for profit, but for a better world.
Inspirational Figures: From Fossils to Fantasy
Toby’s inspiration comes from diverse sources. Richard Leakey, the renowned paleoanthropologist, symbolizes the relentless quest for knowledge and understanding of our roots. Willy Wonka, the fictional chocolatier, represents boundless imagination and the magic of believing in the impossible. Elon Musk, with his ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, embodies the courage to tackle grand challenges and disrupt industries. These figures, in their own ways, have influenced Corey’s vision of creative thinking.
The Science Behind Creativity
In his presentation, Toby delves into the science of neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This adaptability is at the heart of creative thinking. He also touches upon the optimum brain wave state for creativity, emphasizing how certain mental states can foster innovative thinking and problem-solving.
The Courage to be a Zentrepreneur
Becoming a Zentrepreneur isn't just about having great ideas; it’s about having the courage to act on them. Toby underscores the importance of daring to think differently and taking risks to create solutions that make a difference. His journey with Cruz Foam, a company focused on sustainable materials, exemplifies this. It's about aligning entrepreneurial endeavors with a vision for a better, more sustainable world.
Key Takeaways
Toby’s presentation on "The Science of Creative Thinking" is more than just an account of an entrepreneurial journey; it's a roadmap for anyone aspiring to make an impact. Here are some key takeaways:
Inspiration Can Come from Anywhere: Whether it’s from historical figures, fictional characters, or contemporary innovators, draw inspiration from diverse sources.
Embrace Neuroplasticity: Understand that your brain is capable of incredible adaptability and use it to fuel your creative thinking.
Find Your Optimum Creative State: Learn about the mental states that foster creativity and try to cultivate them.
Courage Over Comfort: Embrace the challenges and risks that come with pursuing impactful ideas.
Think Beyond Profit: Aim to create solutions that contribute positively to the world, not just to the bottom line.
Toby’s blend of entrepreneurship and creative thinking, or "Zentrepreneurship", is more than a concept; it’s a call to action for innovators and dreamers. By understanding the science behind creativity and having the courage to act, we can all contribute to building a better world.