The magic of creativity: why MadeBrave founder Andrew Dobbie believes every business can nurture it

Hear MadeBrave founder Andrew Dobbie explore how creativity fuels growth at the Scottish Alumni National Conference in Glasgow

When Andrew Dobbie launched MadeBrave from his kitchen table with just £1,000 in the bank and a newborn baby to feed, it was, as he puts it, ‘a moment of blind naivety.’ Fourteen years later, that leap of faith has grown into a global brand and creative agency. 

At the Scottish Help to Grow: Management Alumni National Conference in Glasgow on 27 November, Andrew will share the story behind that journey and explore why creativity is not just a trait for designers and marketers, but a vital force for any business that wants to thrive. 

‘I think creativity lives in everyone,’ he says. ‘It’s just turned up at different volumes. Some people might be at a ten, some at a hundred, but with the right environment, you can turn it up.’ 

That idea of nurture is at the heart of Andrew’s talk. Drawing on deeply personal experiences — including his adoption story and reflections on nature versus nurture — he’ll invite the audience to consider how creativity is shaped, both in life and in business. Is it something we’re born with, or something we can cultivate through the right culture, leadership, and care? 

For Andrew, the answer lies in both. ‘You can’t control your DNA,’ he says, ‘but you can create an environment that allows the creativity to flourish in yourself and in your team.’ 

As well as exploring the human side of creativity, Andrew will share practical insights on how leaders can embed it in their organisations. He believes that creativity fuels growth, improves communication, and helps businesses stand out in competitive markets. ‘We communicate through stories,’ he says. ‘The better we get at storytelling, in our brands, in our sales, in our leadership, the more we connect emotionally with people.’ 

Storytelling, he argues, is one of the most powerful tools a business has. ‘Your brand isn’t what you say it is, it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room,’ Andrew explains. ‘Every interaction builds your reputation, so you need to shape those moments intentionally. And that includes being bold enough to attract the right people and repel the wrong ones.’ 

Attendees can also expect a few surprises. As a lifelong close-up magician, Andrew plans to bring a touch of ‘creative magic’ to his session, both literally and figuratively. ‘Sometimes it’s in the smallest spark of an idea that the biggest transformations begin,’ he says. 

To hear more from Andrew and discover how creativity can unlock new potential in your business, join us at the Scottish Help to Grow: Management Alumni National Conference on 27 November in Glasgow. 

Find out more about MadeBrave at madebrave.com or explore Andrew’s personal work and speaking engagements at andrewdobbie.co.uk. 

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