Reclaiming Creativity: How Optimism Can Save Your Marketing Team

With guest: Tiana Langedyk, Digital Marketing Specialist at Okanagan College

Let’s be honest - marketing teams are tired. Creative energy is getting drained. And in a world that pushes for “faster, cheaper, more,” optimism feels like a luxury.

But what if optimism isn’t fluff?

What if it’s the exact tool we need to protect creativity, lead with courage, and actually build a team that wants to keep creating?

This episode is a real conversation - honest, reflective, and human. I’m joined by the incredibly thoughtful Tiana Langedyk, and we talk about what it actually looks like to reclaim creativity on the inside of marketing teams.

Here’s what we get into:

✅ Tiana’s unforgettable story about her grandmother and how it shaped her view of optimism

✅ The pressure to perform in environments where creativity is crushed

✅ Why silence from your team isn’t always a good thing - and what leaders need to pay attention to

✅ How optimism can change culture - not just mood

✅ Practical insights for small business owners, team leaders, and anyone trying to keep the spark alive

🎯 One of the moments that really hit me was around silence.

As a leader, it’s easy to think a quiet team means things are good. But Tiana reminded me - that’s not always true. Sometimes silence means people have stopped feeling safe enough to speak.

This episode is for anyone navigating hard environments, anyone who feels like they’re constantly pushing uphill, and anyone who’s trying to lead (or just survive) with heart.

🛠️ Optimism isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about finding a way forward that honors your people.

And after this conversation, I truly believe it can save more than just our creativity - it can save the relationships behind the work.

🎧 Hit play now. This one’s worth your time.

🔥 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💌 Want to be a guest or have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear from you.

Email me at borck@theog.co or on Linkedin

Tiana Langedyk on LinkedIn

🎙️ The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co