Steve Harper and storytelling coach, Michelle Cutler, discuss the importance of effective communication and storytelling in various aspects of life. Michelle emphasizes the significance of finding one’s unique voice and style, which involves understanding and articulating personal perspectives and points of view. They explore how to brainstorm ideas, stressing the need for a safe environment to freely express thoughts without self-censorship. Michelle shares her method of using image boards to visualize and organize ideas, as demonstrated by her experience as a screenwriter. They also touch on the value of collaboration and the process of refining ideas through discussion and writing.Contact Michelle Cutler or sign up for her newsletter to get prompts and suggestions for generating new ideas.
Have you ever had that sinking feeling after brushing your teeth, only to sip a glass of orange juice? Yeah, that moment where the minty freshness of toothpaste and the tang of orange juice collide in a flavor disaster. Well, this sensory catastrophe got Steve Harper and Michelle Cutler thinking: what if we approached creative brainstorming the same way? What if we took the most unlikely combinations, threw them into a room, and watched as they either combusted or, surprisingly, worked together to form something totally unique?
That’s the magic of brainstorming. Whether you’re in a room with a partner, tossing ideas back and forth like a friendly tennis match, or staring at your own image board for inspiration, brainstorming thrives on spontaneity, collaboration, and the freedom to fail without judgment. And if you’re wondering if people actually like mint toothpaste followed by orange juice? Well, that’s another story.
We often think of creativity as a solo endeavor. But Steve and Michelle quickly point out that true brainstorming, the kind that creates breakthroughs, works best when it’s done collaboratively. Michelle shares a personal story about a new project she’s working on with a long-lost acquaintance. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even if we’ve been sitting on an idea for years, all it takes is the right person entering (or re-entering) our lives to bring it to fruition.
“You can’t brainstorm alone,” Steve muses, pointing out that bouncing ideas off someone else allows you to see things from a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a new drink idea for your restaurant or a screenplay plot twist, having someone there to lob ideas back helps avoid tunnel vision.
Michelle dives into the visual side of brainstorming, discussing the value of creating image boards. These collections of visual inspiration — whether they’re photos, quotes, or even colors — act as a reservoir for ideas. They’re tools to ground you, reminding you of the larger vision when you’re deep in the weeds of creative work.
She shares a story about her first job as a screenwriter, where she sat in a director’s “war room,” surrounded by 10 panels of images that inspired the film’s narrative. While the director was so focused on action-packed scenes, he couldn’t see the ending of the movie. But Michelle, looking at the collection of images, noticed a stark contrast between the explosive scenes and the serene snow-covered Alaskan landscape. That contrast became the key to the film’s quiet, reflective ending. It’s a prime example of how image boards can reveal ideas you might otherwise miss.
For those tackling small business projects, Michelle suggests creating a visual collection that speaks to your brand. It could be your color palette, historical imagery, or anything else that makes your brand feel personal and authentic to you.
One of the biggest barriers to creativity is self-censorship. Michelle encourages everyone to avoid editing themselves in the initial stages of brainstorming. Sometimes we come to the table with anger or frustration about an idea or situation, but by getting it all out, we can dig beneath those surface emotions to uncover the story or solution we’re really trying to express.
This ties back to the importance of feeling safe when brainstorming, whether you’re alone or working with someone else. In a safe, judgment-free zone, you can throw any idea out there, even if it sounds silly. The goal is to let it all flow without fear that you’re doing it “wrong.” Those raw, unpolished ideas can hold the seed of something brilliant.
Steve and Michelle also explore the process of finding your unique voice in creative work. Michelle explains that it’s all about repetition and trust. The more you express yourself, the more your style naturally emerges. Over time, both you and others start to recognize your distinctive patterns, humor, and approach to storytelling.
Michelle is big on listening and asking questions, which she believes are key to helping clients find their voice. Through practice and reflection, you start to hear the stories you want to tell and how you want to tell them. And, as Michelle points out, your voice is already inside you — sometimes you just need a little time and confidence to fully hear it.
For those who are more comfortable speaking than writing, Michelle suggests an approach that gives your thoughts the space they need to develop. Start by writing everything down by hand — no editing allowed. Just let the ideas flow. Then, later, you can go back and type up your notes, using the second draft as an opportunity to refine and focus.
Steve relates to this process, explaining that after years of being a radio host, he’s learned to tell stories quickly. But even so, there’s something valuable in slowing down, getting the raw ideas onto paper, and letting the editing process happen afterward.
In the end, creativity is about more than just reaching the perfect solution. Whether you’re working on a new product, writing a screenplay, or trying to find your brand’s voice, brainstorming and creative work are ongoing processes. It’s about staying open to ideas, letting yourself play, and embracing the unexpected moments where mint toothpaste and orange juice might just turn into something brilliant — or at least something worth laughing about.
So, grab a notebook, start an image board, or call up that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. You never know where the next great idea might come from.
Want to dive deeper into unlocking your creativity? Check out Michelle Cutler’s website for more prompts, tips, and one-on-one guidance in finding your unique voice.