With a population of more than 2.7 million people, a whopping 65% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 71.9% that speak a language other than English, and 51.1% of the population being foreign-born, Miami-Dade county is a lesson on creativity.
Miami-Dade County is situated in the southern most area of the Florida Peninsula. It takes anywhere from 9 to 11 hours- if heading north- to drive out of Florida from Miami. In most other areas of the country, if you drive 8 hours in anyone direction, you’ve crossed through multiple states. Not the case for Miami-Dade residents.
When it is faster to get to the Caribbean and South America than it is to get to New York, as a community, you start making decisions. What makes the city unique? How do you not only survive, but thrive?
Growing up as a first-generation American with immigrant parents and grandparents living in a primarily working-class neighborhood—away from the flashy art deco lights of South Beach, one learns the art of creativity. Why Not? or Why not you? Or even How? Become more common responses. Tom and David Kelley touch on many of these ideas and concepts of creativity in their book, “Creative Confidence.”
When you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, the risk will outweigh the reward. As the writers say, “Creative confidence is an inherently optimistic way of looking at what’s possible.” What can you do? How do you move forward?
Very much like Tom and David state, believing- having a growth mindset- is the first step. This concept is very much in line with Walt Disney’s strategy of keep moving forward, open new doors, and keep DOING things— even out of sheer curiosity. In addition, they also touch on a Walt Disney quote, “Most of my life I have done what I wanted to do. I have had fun on the job.”
You see this throughout areas of Miami. Places like Little Havana where giant graffiti murals adorn the side of the buildings. Roosters line the streets- both ceramic based or carbon based. Small businesses are scattered all up and down the main thorough-fares, understanding their why and understanding what they want out of their businesses. They may not think big, but they think sustainably.
You also see the growth mindset and understanding of their unique position with the Wynwood Walls- where developers took an an area of old warehouses and turned artists loose to design full-scale graffiti murals- which many times comment on social and political themes. It draws thousands of visitors a year.
Leaders can’t dictate culture, but they can nurture it.
