Creativity in the Age of AI

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Why Creativity Matters More Than Ever

AI delivers answers fast, but they're often predictable ones. Research shows that heavy AI reliance reduces the variety of ideas we produce. Meanwhile, cyber threats are becoming more creative and unpredictable.

Hackers don't follow standard playbooks. They find novel attack vectors, exploit unexpected vulnerabilities, and think outside conventional security frameworks. As a Cyber PM, your ability to anticipate these creative attacks depends on your own creative thinking.

Consider how George de Mestral invented Velcro by simply observing cockleburs sticking to his clothes during a walk. That kind of observational creativity, seeing patterns others miss, is exactly what distinguishes exceptional Cyber PMs from those who just follow processes.

How to Protect Your Creative Edge

The encouraging news is that creativity can be cultivated and protected, even in an AI-dominated workplace.

Start with no-AI brainstorming sessions. Before reaching for ChatGPT or other tools, spend 10 minutes generating raw ideas on paper. Let your mind wander through possibilities without digital assistance.

Practice "hacker thinking" exercises. Regularly ask yourself: How would I break this system? What would I exploit if I were malicious? This mental shift from defender to attacker often reveals vulnerabilities that standard security assessments miss.

Create thinking space. Step away from your desk. Take walks. Let your unconscious mind connect patterns in the background. Many breakthrough insights happen when we're not actively trying to solve problems.

Use AI as your research assistant, not your thinking partner. Let tools gather information and check your logic, but keep the initial problem-solving and creative ideation to yourself.

The Creative Advantage in Action

When you maintain creative thinking alongside AI efficiency, you become the Cyber PM who spots risks before they become incidents. You're the one who suggests unconventional solutions that actually work. You anticipate the attacks that others miss because you think like both a protector and a creative adversary.

This combination i.e. human creativity enhanced by AI capability creates the kind of strategic value that advances careers and protects organisations.

A Quick Creativity Test

James and Smith were born on the same day, in the same month, of the same year. They share the same parents but are not twins. How is that possible?

Reply with your answer - I'll share the most creative responses (and the solution) in next week's issue. This kind of flexible thinking is exactly what makes Cyber PMs exceptional at spotting risks others miss.