In this provocative episode of The Lulu Essey Podcast, “Who Gets to Define Creativity?”, Lulu Essey challenges the gatekeeping of creativity and asks the question too few are willing to name:
Why do men still largely define what counts as creative excellence?

With women holding 60% of entry-level creative roles but less than 25% of leadership positions, Lulu explores what we all lose when creativity is filtered through such a narrow lens. You’ll learn how creative leadership, mental fitness, and inclusive creativity are deeply connected — and why reclaiming your creative voice is essential in today’s world.

Creativity isn’t just for designers or artists — it’s how spirit flows through your everyday life. From problem-solving and parenting to making dinner with what you have, it’s a birthright. You’ll also learn how to reconnect with your creativity through simple tools that build confidence, community, and expression — no title required.

If you've ever been told you weren't creative — or felt that way because you don’t have “creative” in your title or don’t do typical creative things — this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Women hold 60% of entry-level roles but <25% of leadership in creative fields
• Creativity is how spirit flows through all of us, not job titles
• Gatekeeping creativity limits our shared potential
• Creativity is a process, not a product
• Consistency matters more than waiting for inspiration
• Women of color face significantly greater barriers
• Mental fitness and creativity are deeply linked
• Who defines creativity shapes what problems get solved — and how

Powerful Quotes

“Creativity is simply how Spirit flows through you.”
“Bold creative approaches can be perceived differently depending on who presents them.”
“When one perspective dominates decision-making, we ALL lose something essential.”
“Your creativity doesn’t need external validation to be valuable.”
“If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” — Toni Morrison
“I'm not trying to be different. I'm just being myself.” — Erykah Badu
“Creativity exists in the space between confusion and clarity.” — Es Devlin

Timestamps

00:00 — The Gender Gap in Creative Leadership
02:02 — What Is Creativity Really?
04:00 — Creativity as a Birthright, Not Just an Artistic Pursuit
08:25 — Creativity as a Craft: Discipline vs. Spontaneity
11:47 — Who Gets to Decide What "Counts" as Creative?
13:37 — Gender Disparity in Creative Industries
15:29 — The Impact of Race and Age on Creative Expression
18:15 — The Power of Reclaiming Your Creative Voice
21:09 — Creativity, Mental Fitness, and Self-Expression
22:58 — Creating a Future Filled with Beauty, Wonder and Awe

Until next time, Beautiful Souls...

Stay connected and keep growing with me:

✨ Instagram: @lulu.essey – Join the conversation and get daily insights!
✨ YouTube: Lulu Essey – Watch exclusive content, deep dives, and video podcasts. Need a quick boost? Check out my YouTube Shorts—powerful insights in under a minute!
✨ Website: luluessey.com
✨ Free Guide: Break Free from the Success Trap– Download my free guide

💛 If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and please SHARE this episode!

THANK YOU for being here. Sending you grace and love!