This set of short stories is about three Peters and a lesson in creativity.
Spoiler: All three Peters were perfect strangers to me until May 2026.
Peter #1 and creativity
Peter #1 (Peter J) took me for a spin around the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, in a teeny tiny Cessna. The kicker? I was flying the Cessna. Me! Little Miss Afraid-of-Heights-and-Large-
Peter #2 and creativity
Peter #2, Peter W, took me sightseeing through the streets and alleys of Singapore, from the fancy Raffles Hotel to the ritzy Dempsey Road to the charming Kampong Glam. We travelled by Vespa, with Frankie, Peter W’s little dog, sitting pertly in front.
Peter #3 and creativity
Peter #3 (Peter D) didn’t take me anywhere. But I delivered three keynote talks while in Asia – and Peter D attended all three. So you might say that Peter D took me seriously.
NO RANDOM ANECDOTE
The tale of three Peters is no random anecdote (although I believe in the power of random anecdotes). It’s a micro-illustration of what happens to your creativity when you say “Yes” to things – especially things you’d normally decline.
CREATIVITY-BOOSTING
The tale of three Peters also shows the importance of broadening as a creativity-boosting competency. For those who’ve not seen my creative ideation keynote, ‘broadening’ refers to the deliberate practice of seeking knowledge and skills that fuel creativity, by giving your brain a more diverse foundation of information to draw from.
AND NOW WHAT?
Well, having dived headfirst into taking my own advice, I’ve returned from the Asia trip bursting with ideas, energy and inspiration. When I left Joburg for Singapore, I was excited but also tired, cynical and pap (Afrikaans, adj., “limp”); fresh out of original thoughts.
Personally, the tale of three Peters reminds me that most people are kind and fascinating and endlessly generous which, in 2026, is a truly welcome revelation.
That’s it. That’s the tale of three Peters.
P.S. This little story is dedicated to a fourth Peter: my late, great friend Peter Terry. You were in every way a novel stimulus and an icon of creativity, and you are sorely missed.
Liked this? Good. Now stop lurking and browse my training options. Consider booking me to speak. Or let’s chat about a consult or some killer copy. Go on now; don’t be shy.