In this episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell sits down with Jude Henshall, former professional actor turned creative technology producer, to explore the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and authentic leadership. Jude reveals how her journey from the theatrical stage to cutting-edge creative technology projects has shaped her unique approach to leading through uncertainty and calculated risk-taking. The conversation delves deep into the art of collaborative leadership, the power of walking away from projects that have outgrown you, and why embracing the mindset that "everything's possible" is essential for driving meaningful innovation in today's rapidly changing world.
Key Takeaways
Innovation requires calculated courage - True innovation isn't about fearless leaping; it's about thorough risk assessment, stakeholder alignment, and strategic planning that transforms uncertainty into opportunity
Ownership is an illusion in creative leadership - The most profound projects become public goods; great leaders create lasting impact by building works that transcend individual ownership
Collaborative problem-solving multiplies success - Breaking down silos and encouraging cross-functional thinking creates outcomes that exceed what any individual contributor could achieve alone
Clear vision anchors team motivation - Leaders who can connect daily tasks to overarching meaning and community impact inspire teams to move from competence to excellence
Failure contains valuable intelligence - Even ventures that don't survive provide critical learning experiences and validation that can influence broader industry innovation
Risk mitigation enables bold action - Identifying every potential failure point and planning contingencies transforms intimidating projects into manageable strategic initiatives
Relationships are the foundation of innovation - Complex creative technology projects succeed or fail based on the quality of human connections and communication within the team
Uncertainty is the new normal - Effective leaders acknowledge collective anxiety about climate, politics, and social change while fostering hope through creative action
Creating heals communities - Arts, technology, and storytelling serve as powerful tools for processing trauma, building connection, and inspiring positive change
Future generations hold transformative potential - Young leaders bring profound wisdom and courage that can guide society through current challenges toward hopeful futures
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Jude Henshall's journey from actor to innovation leader
08:30 The evolution from live theatre to permanent digital storytelling
16:40 Deep dive into the Ediacaran fossil animation project in the Flinders Ranges
25:10 Learning to walk away from projects and embrace collaborative ownership
28:50 The startup experience: from big data dreams to federal competition
35:20 Risk assessment frameworks for high-stakes creative technology projects
42:10 Building teams that thrive on shared vision and mutual support
48:30 Leading through uncertainty while maintaining hope and purpose
Featured Discussion
Jude Henshall brings a rare perspective to innovation leadership, combining theatrical storytelling expertise with cutting-edge creative technology experience. From training AI robots to speak authentically to creating immersive museum experiences in remote locations, Jude has mastered the art of making the impossible possible through meticulous planning and collaborative leadership. Her work spans from intimate theatre productions to large-scale public installations, including a groundbreaking project that brings 550-million-year-old Ediacaran fossils to life through projection mapping and visual effects. Jude's leadership philosophy centers on calculated risk-taking, transparent communication about potential failures, and the profound impact that comes from creating works that serve the greater good rather than individual achievement.
Quotable Moments
"Innovation is a huge gift - we couldn't have thought it was possible even 10 years ago"
"We don't own anything really, do we? Works of scale like this really get handed over to the public"
"Everything's possible, everything's achievable - it just comes down to people"
"Calculated risk is a really healthy, excellent way of moving through uncomfortable spots"
"If I'm not clear about what we're trying to achieve, then you're a bit lost - why are we doing all of this?"
"We all get to celebrate together rather than an individual hand-on-the-back slap"
"Risk doesn't sit with someone - it can be objectified and viewed analytically as something outside of ourselves"
"We're often battling similar things and they tend to pop up in cycles - we don't own the idea all by ourselves"
"Creating can heal - we continue to do these activities to understand ourselves and our environment"
"The future will be in good hands - it's up to us to continue to shepherd them in"
This episode provides essential insights for leaders navigating innovation in uncertain times, offering practical frameworks for risk assessment, team collaboration, and maintaining hope while driving meaningful change. Jude's unique blend of creative storytelling and technology leadership offers valuable lessons for transforming bold visions into lasting public impact through authentic, values-driven leadership.
Connect with Jude Henshall
Carclew - Youth arts and community engagement programs
LinkedIn - Professional insights and creative technology updates
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