In this episode I talk to Cliff Goldmacher a songwriter, producer, educator and author based in the USA. Cliff has recently released his first printed book, "The Reason for the Rhymes", which explores how the art and practice of song-writing can help enhance our innovation capabilities

Cliff has over 20 years of experience in the music industry and has written over 1000 songs including a number 1 jazz hit for the artist Spencer and a track that was included in Keb Mo’s Grammy winning album, Oklahoma.  If anyone knows the art of songwriting and the lifelong gifts this practice can deliver, it’s Cliff!

We even go as far to write and perform a song on this podcast, to prove how each step of the song writing process sharpens your innovation skills and requires you to think differently about the challenges and / or opportunities you are facing.

My key takeaway from my time with Cliff is that, to pursue a more creative lifestyle you must have 3 key things:

1.    Practice i.e., a commitment to practicing the key skills needed for creativity

2.   Patience i.e., an ability to appreciate that good ideas take time and lots of them!

3.   Passion i.e., you need to be whole-heartedly committed to the dream you are chasing

Here is a link to Cliff's website