The Creativity Exchange Network (CEN - pronounced KEN) is a global network of friends who are interested in all aspects of Creativity and Innovation and willing to share their thoughts and ideas. From the start Mindwerx associated with leaders in the field and over time created alliances with a range of associates. But more than this we wanted to form a forum where creative thinkers and innovators of all types might meet.

CEN membership is free and is open to anyone interested in the advancement of thinking, creativity and innovation.

Members include trainers, consultants, directors of innovation, CEOs, and change agents of various types.

Meeting are held a few times a year and are usually hosted by a member, and feature topics and speakers coming from the membership. The only limitation on what might be discussed is that it should fit within the overall CEN Vision/Mission.

In the past we have run meetngs in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and looked at topics including Tools for Creativity, the Role of Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreurship, Living & Working in Second Life, Synectics, Wine in a Can, and many more.  The theme for a meeting is always different and we aim to make them as interactive and fun as possible, while also providing some great new insights.

CEN Connections

BRW - One minute with... Bill Jarrard - Chief Executive, Mindwerx International. Chairman, The Creativity Exchange Network

Article - BRW July 12-19 2007 Page 86 by Leo D'Angelo Fisher

What is the Creativity Exhange Network? The Creativity Exchange Network is a network of peers interested in sharing ideas on creativity and innovation. CEN was started by my company, Mindwerx, in 2002. Members include trainers, innovation directors, chief executives and change agents from all types of organisations. Membership is open to anyone interested in creative thinking.

Should organisations treat creativity and innocation as a business process? Many organisations now treat creativity and innovation as an important business process. Defining organisational creativity is difficult until the context for the innovation effort is understood. Until we know why innovation is important (within an organisation) it is impossible to direct creative effort or institutionalise an innovation process.

What does a chief innovation officer do? Chief Innovation Officers come in various guises and the role is defined in terms of the organisation's context for innovation. Every organisation needs a chief innovator, whether as a separate function or imbedded in the leader. The chief innovator should provide the insight, tools and training to inspire creativity and innovation throughout the business - and beyond. Arguably, this is the leader's primary job.

Is "Innovation" overused? Not so much overused, but often misunderstood or poorly focused. Innovation is perhaps used too loosely, without clarity or direction.

CEN meetings are held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like information of future CEN meetings, email bill@mindwerx.com to be added to our invitation list.