The key to successful talent management starts with the establishment of three fundamental approaches. Firstly, it is important to start with the right definition of what talent is. Secondly, it is necessary to see talent as something that develops in time. Thirdly, it is necessary to think of talent in three scales: individual, group, and organizational. Creativity can be viewed as talent, and can be developed as all other talents, and indeed it will be THE talent of the future. To develop it, we need to utilize these three approaches, and more, we need to radically change the conversation around creativity. Far from being a “soft skill”, creativity can indeed be measured and, with the application of creativity tools and techniques, it can be fine-tuned and effectively developed. We need to get serious about creativity, because this is the foundation for business to build innovation muscle, and deliver on all that the future promises.

Ewa is Head of Programme Management at the University of St.Gallen MBA, where she leads on developing the MBA curriculum in line with future work trends and talent needs. In her role, she works on what and how MBA students should be learning, what makes for a relevant MBA degree today, and what competencies are most needed to stay employable. Before entering the world of executive business education, Ewa spent some twenty years working as architect and teaching architecture and design at university level. She holds BA & MA in Architecture from University of Cambridge UK. She is a creativity enthusiast, and believes deeply that creativity will be the key prerequisite for successfully competing in times of rapid change and disruptive innovation.