Ever wondered how playfulness emerges in the creative process and strategic thinking? In this episode, Chris talks with Stephen Matini, a multifaceted professional who wears many hats as a business coach, podcast host, professor, and aspiring fiction writer. Stephen shares how his approach to leadership development and personal creativity is deeply intertwined with playfulness and cognitive flexibility. Stephen offers a compelling perspective on problem-solving, revealing how solutions often come to him in the most unexpected ways: "I do my homework, I get all the data and then I let it go. I cannot keep thinking about it. I have to really, it's almost like a voice that has to come to me." Through his varied professional experiences, he demonstrates how staying mentally "loose" while maintaining focus leads to better creative outcomes and business solutions. The conversation explores the deep connection between playfulness, creative thinking, and professional development, with Chris and Stephen diving deep into: How playfulness manifests as cognitive flexibility and "staying loose" The distinction between operational (linear) thinking and strategic (divergent) thinking Why creating space for abstract thinking is crucial for creativity How playfulness naturally emerges when we're in a low-stress state The importance of defending your authentic way of working Key insights include: The neuroscience behind why stress inhibits playful thinking How early morning can be an optimal time for creative thinking The value of cross-pollination between different domains of expertise Why workplace environments often stifle the very creativity they seek The importance of being less transactional and more human in business relationships The discussion takes fascinating turns into how both creative processes and business challenges require similar traits: the ability to gather information methodically, then step back and allow insights to emerge organically. Chris and Stephen explore how maintaining intellectual curiosity while having robust foundations leads to more effective problem-solving and better outcomes. A particularly powerful moment comes when Stephen describes his creative process as "mostly listening," explaining how different it feels from forced logical thinking: "It's never wrong. It's never wrong. It just has this 'this is it'. This is the thing. There's something so sharp and clear about it." Want to learn more about Stephen's work? You can find him at: Pitty Party Over (podcast) LinkedIn This episode offers valuable insights for business professionals, creatives, and anyone interested in how playfulness can transform both personal and professional challenges.