7 Power Moves for Workplace Success in Creative Careers

I know firsthand just how demanding fast-paced, ever-changing environments are. As someone who’s worked in media and entertainment for two decades alongside hundreds of creative professionals, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with producers, directors, writers, editors, designers, entrepreneurs, and on-screen talent. You name it, and I’ve seen it all. Success in creative careers isn’t just about having skills—it’s about cultivating the right mindset to thrive in dynamic environments.

If you work in content creation or another creative field, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The pressure, the deadlines, the constant shifts in direction—it can be overwhelming. But over the years, I’ve seen that the people who really succeed in these fields excel because they’ve mastered certain traits.

I call these the "7 Power Moves for Workplace Success." They’re the key skills and mindsets that help you navigate work, make you stand out, and really own your career. Here’s my list:

1. Be Adaptable

In creative industries, change is constant. Each project, client, or show presents its own set of challenges, often with little warning. Whether you’re working on a live event where speeches change on the fly or you’re in the middle of a fast-moving production schedule and fighting against daylight, being able to adapt is crucial.

Adaptability means more than just keeping up with change; it’s about being proactive in the face of uncertainty. Those who succeed are the ones who don’t just survive change but embrace it. They stay nimble, pivot quickly, and thrive in environments where the only constant is unpredictability.

We talked a lot about the need to stay nimble when I was the VP of Programming at ITV America. Budgets were decreasing, but creative demands were increasing. We had to find ways to work smarter, not harder, ensuring we maintained high-quality content without overextending resources.

2. Have a Willingness to Learn

Creative industries are driven by innovation and trends. What worked last year may not work today, and what works today might be outdated tomorrow. This is where a willingness to learn becomes invaluable.

Having a proactive approach to growth is key. Whether it’s learning a new skill, keeping up with industry trends, or developing areas of growth, people who are always open to expanding their knowledge stay relevant. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. The most successful creatives are lifelong students of their craft.

Each new project I was assigned was an opportunity to learn. For instance, working on The Honeybeez of ASU for Snapchat taught me how to hook an audience within three seconds. That principle applies far beyond social media—it’s crucial in pitching ideas, job interviews, and everyday conversations. Make a strong, impactful entrance, and you will captivate your audience!

3. Anticipate Problems

Challenges are a given in any industry, but in creative professions, they often arrive fast and unexpectedly. Being able to anticipate problems before they arise, and then solve them swiftly, sets you apart.

Great problem solvers don’t just react; they predict. They identify potential obstacles before they become roadblocks and develop solutions in advance. In fast-moving industries, the ability to think on your feet is invaluable.

When I worked as a showrunner, I learned that the best way to prevent chaos was to plan for it. If talent is late to set, the entire production slows down, morale dips, and creative output suffers. Having backup plans (B, C, D, and even E) ensures you’re always prepared for the unexpected.

4. Lend A Hand

Creativity rarely happens in isolation. Being the person who steps up in moments of need strengthens relationships and boosts overall success.

I always encourage my coaching clients to ask themselves, "How can I help?" This mindset is powerful in job interviews, team meetings, and daily interactions. Offering support not only adds value to the team but also positions you as a leader and collaborator.

5. Project Confidence with Humility

Confidence is crucial in any profession, especially in creative industries where your work is often up for public scrutiny. However, confidence without humility turns into arrogance, and arrogance stifles growth.

The best creative professionals strike a balance between being self-assured and open to feedback. They know their worth but also recognize the value of collaboration and learning from others.

When interviewing candidates, I always looked for confidence. But when someone spent the entire conversation saying, "I did this, I did that" without mentioning teamwork, I hesitated. A mix of "I" and "we" demonstrates both personal contributions and collaborative success.

6. Fuel Creativity with Positivity

There’s no denying that the creative industries can be stressful. Tight deadlines, high expectations, unrealistic schedules, and intense workloads can weigh down even the most talented professionals. That’s why an upbeat, solution-oriented mindset is essential.

Teams feed off each other’s energy, and positivity is contagious. I always started my shoot days with a quick team meeting to align goals, address concerns, and set a constructive tone. It made all the difference in keeping morale high and productivity strong.

That’s not to say you should ignore challenges—but instead of focusing on problems, ask yourself, "What’s the best way to solve this?" A positive approach makes obstacles feel like opportunities.

7. Lead with Curiosity

At the heart of every great creative professional is an innate sense of curiosity. Curious people push boundaries, explore new ideas, and continuously evolve.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in coaching is the power of asking questions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, ask a thoughtful question and give the other person space to think. That moment of pause can lead to deeper insights, richer creativity, and unexpected breakthroughs.

Bringing It All Together

If you want to thrive in creative careers, mastering these 7 Power Moves for Workplace Success will give you the foundation to grow and stand out. Success isn’t just about being talented; it’s about developing the right mindset and habits.

Creative industries are competitive, but by embracing these principles, you’ll position yourself for long-term success. Want to develop these workplace success skills? Let’s talk! Schedule a complimentary  consultation to take your creative career to the next level.