The Artful Leader: Exploring Creativity, Esthetic Sensibility, and Inclusive Practice in Leadership

This chapter presents a dialogue between two scholars exploring the intersection of art, esthetics, and leadership. The conversation examines how creativity, inspiration, and esthetic sensibility influence leadership practice and interrogates systemic biases in the valuation of both art and leadership. Parallels are drawn between artistic creation and leadership innovation, highlighting how historically marginalized approaches, often associated with feminine or non-Western perspectives, have been undervalued in leadership discourse. Through an exploration of concepts including hermeneutical spirals, flow states, and awe experiences, the chapter advocates for a more inclusive understanding of leadership that recognizes diverse expressions of creativity. It is concluded that artful leadership involves creating spaces where collective creativity can flourish, diverse voices are valued, and leaders remain open to inspiration that emerges when recognizing themselves as part of something larger. Practical somatic breathing, creative, and reflective exercises designed to help leaders develop their capacity for artful leadership are included.