Open Comments: S3 Ep.1 - Psychological Safety as a Creative Leadership Practice with Donna Preece-Jones
Tue Jan 06 2026
Ever wondered what happens when we feel truly safe to create, innovate, and express ourselves authentically? In this episode, Donna Preece-Jones, Creative Leadership Facilitator and founder of the Dynamic Potential Academy, shares her journey from running award-winning, pragmatic personal development support for a university to experiencing a profound personal breakdown—and how creativity became her pathway to healing and professional transformation.
During this challenging time, unable to articulate her emotions, Donna turned to painting and discovered her most authentic work yet, as well as a deeper way to connect with herself and others. This pivotal experience inspired her mission: helping others unlock well-being and creative potential in psychologically safe environments.
Key insights from this episode include:
Psychological safety is the foundation for effective transformation, learning, and team innovationCreative leadership centres around communication, workplace well-being, and team unificationCreativity is problem solving, a skill applicable to all areas of life and work—not just for artistsEmotional intelligence is about connection, relationships, and creating space for all voicesVulnerability in creativity is courage and authenticity, not weaknessLifelong learning provides both knowledge and well-beingArt and creative expression can help externalise emotions when words failWhether you’re a leader seeking to foster innovation, exploring your own creative potential, or curious about the connection between psychological safety and creativity, this conversation offers insights that will transform your perspective on creativity and workplace culture.
Connect with Donna at www.thedpa.uk or at Linkedin
Send us a text
Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2026. All rights reserved.
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Ever wondered what happens when we feel truly safe to create, innovate, and express ourselves authentically? In this episode, Donna Preece-Jones, Creative Leadership Facilitator and founder of the Dynamic Potential Academy, shares her journey from running award-winning, pragmatic personal development support for a university to experiencing a profound personal breakdown—and how creativity became her pathway to healing and professional transformation. During this challenging time, unable to articulate her emotions, Donna turned to painting and discovered her most authentic work yet, as well as a deeper way to connect with herself and others. This pivotal experience inspired her mission: helping others unlock well-being and creative potential in psychologically safe environments. Key insights from this episode include: Psychological safety is the foundation for effective transformation, learning, and team innovationCreative leadership centres around communication, workplace well-being, and team unificationCreativity is problem solving, a skill applicable to all areas of life and work—not just for artistsEmotional intelligence is about connection, relationships, and creating space for all voicesVulnerability in creativity is courage and authenticity, not weaknessLifelong learning provides both knowledge and well-beingArt and creative expression can help externalise emotions when words failWhether you’re a leader seeking to foster innovation, exploring your own creative potential, or curious about the connection between psychological safety and creativity, this conversation offers insights that will transform your perspective on creativity and workplace culture. Connect with Donna at www.thedpa.uk or at Linkedin Send us a text Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2026. All rights reserved.