When I was in university, I was a bit of an enigma. From an early age, I knew business and entrepreneurship were my true calling. I wanted to create workplaces that drew people in, where they felt valued and inspired. Naturally, I enrolled in the School of Business, choosing Accounting as my major. But halfway through my first semester of Accounting 101, I realized that spending ten hours a day on debits and credits wasn’t for me. I quickly switched my major to Finance, a decision that has served me well ever since.
Here’s where the enigma part comes in: despite my business focus, I was equally drawn to the theatre. Whether on campus or off, you could often find me immersed in theatrical productions. I started with lighting design, programming lighting configurations and cues, selecting instruments, placements, and choosing color schemes. By the time I graduated, I’d done a bit of everything: acting, set design, costumes, house management, makeup, directing, producing—you name it. In fact, I ended up earning a minor in Theatre, a field I deeply love to this day for the entertainment and insights it offers audiences.
As I progressed in life, I began to understand why these seemingly opposite pursuits resonated with me. Operating businesses strengthened my logical, analytical left brain, while theatre nurtured my creative, emotional right brain. These experiences weren’t in conflict—they were complementary. Even my selection of Finance over Accounting reflects a need for greater balance between the two.
The Myth of Left-Brained or Right-Brained Thinking
While popular culture often pits the left brain (logic, analysis, structure) against the right brain (creativity, intuition, emotions), science tells a different story. Research shows that the idea of being strictly “left-brained” or “right-brained” is a myth. While the left hemisphere may dominate for certain functions like language, both hemispheres work together, communicating constantly to perform complex tasks.
Leadership, for instance, often requires right-brained skills such as emotional intelligence, vision, and empathy. Management, by contrast, tends to draw on left-brained traits like organization and analysis. Yet, the most effective leaders are those who balance these traits, integrating both hemispheres to achieve extraordinary results.
Why Creativity Matters in Business
My time in theatre was more than a creative outlet; it was a crucible for growth that enriched my business acumen. Creativity fosters problem-solving, intuition, and innovation—traits essential for navigating complex challenges. It encourages us to view situations from multiple perspectives, craft compelling visions for the future, and build stronger connections through empathy and inclusivity.
My theatre experiences also enhanced my emotional intelligence, a crucial trait for leadership. Emotional IQ enables leaders to connect with their teams, understand their needs, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. These skills proved invaluable in my business journey, helping me approach decisions with a broader, more inclusive mindset.
The Power of Pursuing Diverse Interests
I wasn’t alone in my dual passions. Over the years, I’ve met scientists who paint, engineers who compose music, and doctors who perform on stage. These seemingly unrelated pursuits aren’t anomalies—they’re reflections of the rich, multifaceted potential of the human brain. Professional athletes, for example, often incorporate ballet into their training to improve balance, strength, and focus.
Famous examples abound. Leonardo da Vinci, often celebrated as the ultimate Renaissance man, seamlessly combined science and art. Maya Angelou bridged poetry, activism, and performance, while Albert Einstein famously credited his violin playing for inspiring his scientific breakthroughs. On the flip side, strategic thinkers like Warren Buffett demonstrate left-brain dominance through their analytical approaches, while still valuing creativity and storytelling in communication.
A Call to Embrace Both Sides of Your Brain
Your passions and pursuits, no matter how divergent they may seem, are valuable. Whether you’re a business professional drawn to painting, a lawyer who sings, or an engineer who loves to dance, these interests enrich your life and work. They challenge your brain, expand your perspective, and empower you to achieve more.
In hindsight, I wasn’t an enigma—I was simply following my instincts, embracing both sides of my brain. By nurturing both the analytical and creative parts of ourselves, we unlock new possibilities for growth, innovation, and impact.
Supporting Quotes
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." – Albert Einstein, Physicist
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant." – Albert Einstein, Physicist
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker, Management Consultant
How do you balance logic and creativity in your own life or career? Share your experiences or insights in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’ve embraced both sides of your brain!
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