Nancy Lyons didn’t take the typical path to becoming a CEO. In fact, as she shared with host Frank Sentwali in a recent episode of our Creativity on Tap podcast, the boardrooms and conference calls she navigates today are a world away from her early years spent immersed in the theater. But in that space, she learned something profound: creativity—not just in art but in life—can be the key to unlocking solutions, innovation, and, most importantly, human connection.
Nancy doesn’t believe creativity is only for artists. “Creativity is curiosity and courage,” she explains. “It’s not about making things pretty—it’s about exploring without the fear of failure.” For Nancy, this lesson was learned early, as she stood on stage, feeling the judgment of those who had a very narrow idea of what a performer should look like. She recalls facing traditional beauty standards that didn’t align with her reality, and how that led her to reject conformity altogether.
This isn’t just about her career—it’s about embracing who she is, unapologetically. That, she says, is where true leadership begins.
Authenticity Breeds Belonging
When Nancy talks about her career now, it’s with a sense of liberation. She sees her journey as one of showing up as her full, unfiltered self, something she encourages in her teams. She reflects on how authenticity is the foundation of creativity, and how, in business, this has made all the difference.
“I realized that if I was going to be successful, I couldn’t conform,” Nancy shares. And that’s been her mantra ever since. She creates environments where people feel safe, a space where creativity can truly flourish. “If you want to lead people, you have to care about them. You have to build places where people feel safe to be themselves,” she says.
In an age where corporate cultures can feel sterile and rigid, Nancy’s message feels like a breath of fresh air. She understands that belonging isn’t a buzzword—it’s the bedrock of a company’s success. Studies show that inclusive workplaces lead to more innovation, and Nancy’s firsthand experience proves it.
The Courage to Be Creative
What Nancy really pushes home is this idea: creativity takes courage. Whether it’s a decision to speak out when everyone else is silent or an unconventional approach to a problem, stepping outside the comfort zone is where magic happens. But courage doesn’t come easy. “We need more courage in how we lead and live,” she urges. In the corporate world, courage often means breaking down the walls of corporate speak and embracing vulnerability—something leaders often shy away from.
She believes that when leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable, it opens the door for real creativity. Her approach isn’t about micromanaging or relying solely on strategy—it’s about embracing the messiness that comes with letting creativity run wild.
Businesses as Agents of Change
As we navigate a world increasingly focused on inclusion and diversity, Nancy sees businesses as agents of societal change. For her, creativity is not just about personal or organizational success; it’s about creating a culture where people are empowered to speak up and challenge the status quo.
“When businesses embrace creativity, they have the power to challenge cultural norms and foster inclusivity,” Nancy says, believing that companies today have a responsibility to do more than just meet quarterly goals—they should actively shape the world for the better.
Her leadership at Clockwork exemplifies that belief. She leads with compassion and creativity, pushing for a world where belonging isn’t optional. It’s a belief supported by research, and she’s living proof that when businesses allow space for people to show up fully and authentically, creativity and innovation naturally follow.
Creativity as Human Connection
At the heart of Nancy’s message is the belief that creativity is more than a skill—it’s the essence of human connection. The courage to show up, be real, and let others do the same is the foundation of her leadership style. In her world, creativity isn’t about design or aesthetics, but about how we choose to navigate the messy, awkward, and beautiful moments of life.
“We are at our best when we’re being real,” Nancy concludes. “That’s when the best ideas happen, that’s when change happens.” For her, leading with creativity isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a way of life.
Creativity and COMPAS: A Shared Vision
At COMPAS, we believe in the transformative power of creativity, just as Nancy Lyons illustrates in her approach to leadership. Through our programs, we strive to create spaces where individuals can express themselves authentically and courageously, fostering innovation and community connection. Like Nancy’s vision for the workplace, COMPAS champions the idea that creativity is for everyone—it’s about exploring, learning, and breaking down barriers. By nurturing creative voices, we help communities grow, adapt, and thrive, making the world a more inclusive place for all.
Interested in learning more about how COMPAS fosters creativity in schools, community centers, businesses, organizations, communities, and anywhere else, visit compas.org.
