Ancient ports like Alexandria and Carthage show how empathy once thrived as a skill reinforced by daily life. Combining neuroscience, cultural history, and lessons from high-cooperation societies, Louise Sommer explores how modern systems undermine empathy — and how education, leadership, and technology can rebuild it. A thought-provoking read for researchers, educators, and leaders shaping the future of human connection.

AI is no longer a question of if in higher education, but how. The real challenge is using it to enhance human Creative Intelligence rather than replacing our voice with its echo. This blog explores how scholars can lead with AI as a teaching partner: shaping learning through creativity, ethics, and presence. The real power of AI is not in replacing the educator, but in amplifying the educator’s leadership.

In a world that increasingly demands innovation, adaptability, and clarity, we often forget that the most powerful solutions come from the ability to think across disciplines. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that my most meaningful work doesn’t live in a single domain. It lives in the spaces between where psychology meets art, where teaching becomes design, and where coaching becomes a shared language of empowered learning. This is what I call creative intelligence in mo

In a time where technology is reshaping education, leadership, and even identity, I believe we need a deeper conversation about the emotional, relational, and creative layers of learning. Whether you’re an educator, researcher, leader, or creative thinker, my aim is to offer ideas that support your voice, your presence, and your impact. Many of the ideas in this article are rooted in my real-world experience from working with researchers and thought leaders.

I remember the moment clearly. I was standing in front of my very first class in Australia. In front of me sat a group of adults from six different countries and vastly different cultural backgrounds. There were 20-year-old backpackers from France and South America, published authors and artists from all over Australia, emerging entrepreneurs, and even two senior scholars who wanted to learn how to communicate their field to 'outsiders.' No pressure, right?

Why Creative Intelligence and Visionary Thinking Matter More Than Ever. In the 21st century, education is no longer defined by the four walls of a classroom, or even by static curricula. It is shaped by visionaries who can navigate complexity, inspire innovation, and re-imagine what learning can be. At the heart of this transformation lies a powerful concept: thought leadership in digital education. Thought leadership is more than expertise. It is the ability to influence, in

There are certain creatures that seem to carry stories in their feathers. For me, the pelican has always been one of them. Quirky, grand, slightly awkward, and entirely majestic, the pelican never fails to make me smile. There’s something deeply comforting about the way they waddle across jetties, flap those great wings with a kind of ancient elegance, and then, almost like a surprise, they lift off with absolute grace, gliding across the sky as if they were born of clouds.

Stories are the threads that weave the fabric of our identities. They shape our understanding of the world, our place within it, and ...

Life is a journey filled with countless experiences, both joyful and challenging. When we engage deeply with these experiences, embracing them with an open heart and mind, our creativity is not only nurtured but also emancipated. This authentic connection to life allows us to discover our true voices, transforming our existence into a unique adventure far removed from societal norms and expectations. In this blog post, I will explore this fascinating interplay between creativ

Gertrude Bell’s story goes far beyond exploration. Discover the real diplomat, visionary, and cultural bridge-builder who shaped the modern Middle East. Learn how her creative intelligence and cross-cultural empathy offer timeless lessons for today. Written by artist and storyteller Louise Sommer. Explore creativity, history, and cultural myths at louisesommer.co. #GertrudeBell #CreativeIntelligence