Creativity Is Not a “Soft Skill”: Building Community, Belonging, & Brave Leadership with Hannah Berry

Episode 168: Creativity Is Not a “Soft Skill” — Building Community, Belonging, & Brave Leadership with Hannah Berry

✨ Free resource: Create a Life Beyond the Default (PLUS free Workshop Weds Sept 9th 1-2pm EST, download the guide below and email Shawn at info@drshawnhondorp.com to join us for free)
Download the Guide Here

Creativity isn’t extra… it’s essential to economically thriving communities.

In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I sat down with Hannah Berry, founder of Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts, for a powerful conversation about creativity, leadership, public art, community-building, and why creative thinking may be one of the most important skills we need moving forward.

Hannah’s work sits at the intersection of art, activism, economic development, education, and belonging. What started as an art gallery evolved into murals, public art, weddings, placemaking, workforce development, and cross-sector community leadership.

And throughout this conversation, one message became incredibly clear:

Creativity is not “soft”.

It is strategy.
It is healing.
It is leadership.
And it is deeply needed right now.

✨ Why creativity and “soft skills” are actually essential leadership skills
✨ How public art, play, and community spaces shape healing and belonging
✨ The connection between creativity, innovation, and economic development
✨ Why therapists, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs need each other
✨ The invisible labor women often carry in leadership and caregiving roles
✨ The role of boundaries, delegation, and support in sustainable leadership
✨ Why intergenerational creative spaces matter for healing and community
✨ How creativity may help us navigate the future of AI, burnout, and disconnection

Hannah Berry is the Founder and Executive Director of Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts, where she leads artist-driven public art and placemaking initiatives focused on strengthening community connection and creative economies.

Over the past decade, Hannah has partnered with cities, institutions, artists, and community organizations to reimagine how public spaces can foster belonging, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. In addition to her local work, she is involved in national cultural advocacy through Americans for the Arts, supporting efforts to advance creative workforce development and increase recognition for creators as an essential part of thriving communities.

Hannah is passionate about empowering creative leaders to solve complex social challenges and build sustainable, arts-based economies.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was exploring how creativity helps people reconnect with themselves, their bodies, and each other.

We talked about:

• Dance
• Play
• Public art
• Movement
• Community gathering
• Intergenerational spaces
• Creative leadership

And how healing often happens far beyond the walls of a therapy office.

As Hannah said throughout the episode, creativity touches everything.

Not just art.
Communication.
Facilitation.
Innovation.
Problem-solving.
Systems change.
Belonging.

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, burnout, polarization, and disconnection, this conversation felt especially important.

Hannah makes a compelling case that creative thinkers are not “extra” to society. They are essential to helping communities adapt, collaborate, and imagine new possibilities.

We also explored the importance of getting “the right people in the right rooms” and why cross-sector collaboration matters so much when solving complex social problems.

This episode deeply affirmed something I’ve been feeling in my own life and work:

Creativity is not separate from healing.

For many of us, creativity becomes the pathway back to:

• Aliveness
• Courage
• Connection
• Leadership
• Purpose
• Embodiment
• Community

And maybe most importantly… back to ourselves.

Hannah referenced several national advocacy efforts throughout this conversation related to arts funding, public policy, and creative workforce development.

🔗 Americans for the Arts
🔗 Americans for the Arts Action Center

🌐 Lions & Rabbits Website
📸 Lions & Rabbits Instagram

💌 Join my email list for podcast updates, creative inspiration, and upcoming events:
Join the Newsletter

Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.