Creativity Under Pressure: Supreme Court Lessons
Join Kassi Kincaid on The Edge of Creativity Podcast for a compelling conversation with Ryan Zerkel—former Supreme Court police officer and current data analyst for the Austin Police Department. Ryan shares how working in some of the nation’s highest-stakes environments shaped his approach to leadership, decision-making, and creativity under pressure. From time triage and simplicity to intentional rest, this episode offers a grounded look at clarity, resilience, and leading well when the pressure is real.
Creativity Under Pressure: Supreme Court Lessons
What does creativity look like in high-stakes environments—where clarity, pressure, and responsibility collide? In this compelling episode of The Edge of Creativity Podcast, Kassi Kincaid sits down with Ryan Zerkel, former Supreme Court police officer and current data analyst for the Austin Police Department, to explore how creativity shows up far beyond traditional “creative” roles.
Ryan shares what it’s like to operate inside some of the nation’s most intense and consequential settings—and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving under pressure. From mastering time triage to embracing simplicity, rest, and efficiency, this conversation reveals how creativity becomes a critical leadership skill when the margin for error is small.
Whether you’re leading a team, navigating constant urgency, or trying to think clearly in demanding seasons, this episode offers practical insight into how to stay grounded, focused, and effective when the stakes are high.
Episode Highlights:
(1:00) Ryan’s journey from the Supreme Court to public service in Texas
(3:45) What high-stakes environments teach us about leadership
(6:00) Time triage and decision-making under pressure
(9:00) Intense seasons, rest, and avoiding burnout
(13:00) Redefining creativity outside traditional creative roles
(14:30) Why simplicity is often the most strategic choice
(17:00) Leading with clarity, values, and what’s important now
(18:45) A final perspective on focus, faith, and forward momentum
This conversation with Ryan is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply relevant for leaders who operate under pressure and want to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Don't forget to share your takeaways! DM me on Instagram (@kassi_kincaid) with your biggest takeaway from the episode!
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