How can creatives thrive in technical fields?

We’ve been told for decades that you’re either creative or technical.
But what if the most interesting work — and the most surprising people — sit right in the middle?

In this episode, we talk to Alex Szukalski, a senior leader in construction and author of What’s a Creative Doing in Construction?, about how creative thinkers can thrive in structured, hierarchical, often rigid environments. It’s a conversation about finding your place, redefining creativity, and building cultures where both imagination and logic can thrive.

Creativity isn’t soft — it’s strategic

In construction, creativity isn’t about making things look pretty — it’s about clarity, communication and innovation.

“It’s how we act, how we solve problems, how we communicate complexity. Creativity is a tool.”

Being creative and technical isn’t a contradiction — it’s a superpower

Alex shares how he followed an engineering path but kept a creative mindset — and why today’s challenges need people who can hold both.

“I’m a civil engineer. But I’ve always had that creative side — and I’ve learned to use both.”

The work-winning phase is construction’s creative playground

In early project phases, teams need to think visually, strategically and emotionally — all at once. That’s where creative thinkers shine.

“We’re not just bidding. We’re storytelling. We’re building alignment. That takes creativity.”

People are creative — even if they don’t know it

So many in technical roles say “I’m not creative” — but then solve problems in bold, brilliant ways.

“Creativity is there. It’s just quiet. Or it’s been labelled something else.”

You can’t have creativity without safety

Hierarchies and egos shut creativity down. But the right space — with trust, support, and autonomy — brings it out in everyone.

“If people feel safe, they’ll speak up. They’ll contribute. That’s when creative thinking takes off.”

AI can’t replace lived experience

Alex experiments with AI tools — and sees their limits. You can spot the difference between content made by a person, and content made by a prompt.

“AI didn’t get the brief. It didn’t feel right. Because it didn’t come from human experience.”

The best creativity comes from being fully present

Whether it’s running, listening, or leading a meeting — creativity needs space to emerge. It’s as much about attention as ideas.

“Presence is key. If you’re not really in the room, the ideas don’t come.”

What technical leaders can do to unlock creativity

If you’re managing a technical team, the biggest thing you can offer is trust. Give people space, autonomy — and back them to do great work.

“We knew the goal. But how we got there? That was up to us. That trust made the difference.”

This one’s for engineers, bid teams, project managers, accountants, coders — and anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re creative enough. (You are.)

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
Explore Alex’s book and tools at mybrainspark.co.uk