The Beautiful Business Podcast

When creativity becomes a daily practice, teams get braver, kinder, and more effective. In this episode, Jo Hunter shares how 64 Million Artists grew from a simple set of prompts into a national movement and why she’s now stepping aside to keep her own creative fire alive.About the GuestJo Hunter founded 64 Million Artists in 2014 with the ambition to unlock everyone’s creativity across the UK. The organisation runs large-scale participation campaigns (including the January Challenge, which reached around 360,000 people last year) and works with clients to use creativity for leadership, co-creation, and building inclusive, people-centred cultures. Jo discusses announcing her decision to step down as CEO, the team’s choice to close the public programme while leaving a rich resource bank, and her next chapter focused on facilitation and a book on creative courage.This Episode CoversLosing and finding creativity: how daily creative prompts helped Jo reconnect with herself during a tough periodFrom project to practice: the origin and growth of the January Challenge and what happens nextCreativity for wellbeing: why small, low-stakes acts build confidence, connection, and resilienceCulture by design: highlights from the Manifesto for Transformative Workplace Culture — everyday creativity, rest as a strategic lever (four-day week, August off), idea-sharing, and fun that includes everyoneRemote & hybrid reality: short prompts to warm up meetings and build connection onlineTrust → creativity (and back again): creating safe, people-centred environments that invite risk-taking and better ideasLeadership transition: stepping away with courage, closing with integrity, and making space for what’s nextAI & nuance: why creative, curious teams are essential for complex conversations (not polarised hot takes)A tiny challenge you can try: set a timer today; when it goes off, stop and look at the sky — notice what shiftsLinks64 Million Artists — https://64millionartists.com/The January Challenge — https://64millionartists.com/thejanuarychallenge/Manifesto for Transformative Workplace Culture — https://64millionartists.com/manifesto-transformative-workplace-culture/

Show Notes

When creativity becomes a daily practice, teams get braver, kinder, and more effective. In this episode, Jo Hunter shares how 64 Million Artists grew from a simple set of prompts into a national movement and why she’s now stepping aside to keep her own creative fire alive.


About the Guest

Jo Hunter founded 64 Million Artists in 2014 with the ambition to unlock everyone’s creativity across the UK. The organisation runs large-scale participation campaigns (including the January Challenge, which reached around 360,000 people last year) and works with clients to use creativity for leadership, co-creation, and building inclusive, people-centred cultures. Jo discusses announcing her decision to step down as CEO, the team’s choice to close the public programme while leaving a rich resource bank, and her next chapter focused on facilitation and a book on creative courage.


This Episode Covers

  • Losing and finding creativity: how daily creative prompts helped Jo reconnect with herself during a tough period
  • From project to practice: the origin and growth of the January Challenge and what happens next
  • Creativity for wellbeing: why small, low-stakes acts build confidence, connection, and resilience
  • Culture by design: highlights from the Manifesto for Transformative Workplace Culture — everyday creativity, rest as a strategic lever (four-day week, August off), idea-sharing, and fun that includes everyone
  • Remote & hybrid reality: short prompts to warm up meetings and build connection online
  • Trust → creativity (and back again): creating safe, people-centred environments that invite risk-taking and better ideas
  • Leadership transition: stepping away with courage, closing with integrity, and making space for what’s next
  • AI & nuance: why creative, curious teams are essential for complex conversations (not polarised hot takes)
  • A tiny challenge you can try: set a timer today; when it goes off, stop and look at the sky — notice what shifts


Links

  • 64 Million Artists — https://64millionartists.com/
  • The January Challenge — https://64millionartists.com/thejanuarychallenge/
  • Manifesto for Transformative Workplace Culture — https://64millionartists.com/manifesto-transformative-workplace-culture/



What is The Beautiful Business Podcast?

Welcome to Beautiful Business, where we believe that success and sustainability go hand in hand.

In each episode, we delve into the strategies, tools, and connections that can transform your business into a force for good. Listen for insights, experiences and actionable advice that can drive both profitability and purpose.

Whether you're an established leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this podcast aims to empower you with the knowledge, inspiration, and connections necessary to drive positive change in your organisation and beyond.

Each episode is designed to provide you with practical takeaways that can be applied immediately, helping you unlock your full potential as a leader and create a thriving business that makes a lasting difference.

So, whether you're seeking fresh ideas or new perspectives tune in to Beautiful Business and embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable success. Let's build a beautiful future together.

The podcast is powered by The Wow Company and if you're dedicated to building a Beautiful Business you can also check out http://wowco.uk/beautifulbusiness (wowco.uk/beautifulbusiness)