Podcast Summary:
Daring Creativity. Daring Forever.
Host: Radim Malinic
Bonus Episode: “Māori values are just human values” (Laura Cibilich bonus episode)
Date: October 16, 2025
Overview
In this special bonus episode, host Radim Malinic reflects on his thought-provoking conversation with Laura Cibilich, founder of the creative studio Run in New Zealand. The discussion centers on how Māori values inform not only Laura’s agency but also broader ideas about business, creativity, and leadership. Radim highlights four standout moments, unpacking the lessons that can transform your approach to work and creativity—whether you’re a business leader, creative professional, or someone seeking more meaning in your career.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Māori (Indigenous) Values Are Universal Human Values
[00:42 - 01:09]
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Laura describes Run’s full-time Pō Ahurea Māori (cultural director) and how Māori values deeply shape the company ethos.
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Quote:
"She likes to say Māori values or indigenous values are just human values. When you take it back to just people, to people, it's those human values and the way people are just being real. That's what it comes down to. Yeah, strip away everything else. It's, yeah, just quite pure.”
— Laura (B), [00:42] -
Radim’s Analysis:
- What’s often labeled as “indigenous values” (kinship, stewardship, accountability) are basics of human connection, stripped of corporate jargon.
- Companies often try to invent values, while indigenous frameworks offer fundamental templates for authentic, sustainable culture-building.
- Emphasizes returning to genuine relationships, accountability, and long-term thinking over performative “value statements.”
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Notable Reflection:
"When Laura says just being real, she's identifying the antidote to corporate artifice. Genuine human connection, honest relationships and values you can actually live by rather than just display on your website."
— Radim (A), [01:09]
2. The Power of Staying Small: Values Over Compromise
[02:43 - 03:14]
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Laura outlines how Run’s small size is a unique advantage—they’re able to remain uncompromising in their values and can say no to work that doesn’t align.
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Quote:
"Yeah, and I mean, I guess we're small enough that we can be so strongly aligned to our values and say no... it's just about the money, that kind of thing. So we really lean into trying to be responsible and looking after planet and all those things.”
— Laura (B), [02:43] -
Radim’s Analysis:
- Larger agencies often trade integrity for client work, prioritizing growth over principles.
- Questions business success metrics—shouldn’t success be about impact and responsibility, not just revenue?
- Points out hypocrisy in greenwashing versus true accountability.
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Notable Reflection:
"Laura’s willingness to turn down lucrative work that doesn't align shows that values based business isn't just idealistic posturing, but it's a viable strategy when you control your scale and expenses."
— Radim (A), [03:14]
3. Creativity Is Innate—but Often Suppressed by Systems
[04:47 - 05:13]
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Laura shares how creativity is universal in children but is often “taught out of them” by rigid education systems.
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Quote:
"I believe that, you know, everyone is creative and some people just get it almost taught out of them. Sometimes kids get it taught out of them, which is really sad.”
— Laura (B), [04:47] -
She discusses her own childhood, filled with coloring competitions and art, and how keeping that passion alive was key to her creative journey.
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Radim’s Analysis:
- Challenges the myth of the “chosen” creative—creativity needs safety and encouragement, not innate genius.
- Encourages leaders to re-examine their environments: do they nurture curiosity, or do they stifle it?
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Notable Reflection:
"The real insight here is that creativity isn't lost, it's actually suppressed. This matters to anyone building creative teams or raising children because it shifts the question from how do we find creative people? To how do we create environments where people feel safe to be creative again?"
— Radim (A), [05:13]
4. Nonlinear Paths, Resilience, and Long-Term Vision
[06:37 - 07:00]
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Laura recounts the ups and downs of her career—including the difficult choice to return to employment after starting her own agency.
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Quote:
"I think it's just part of your journey really. There are ups and downs through life and it's just one of those things. And I think, I think very long term in general... I always knew I would get to running a studio, but it just took longer than I thought maybe and needed a few more steps along the way.”
— Laura (B), [06:37] -
Radim’s Analysis:
- Reframes so-called failures as temporary “bumps in the road,” not derailments.
- Calls for patience and a broader perspective—there are no wrong turns, only steps along a longer journey.
- Dismantles myths of instant success; creative careers are often winding and circuitous.
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Notable Reflection:
"Laura's long term thinking gives her permission to experiment, fail, recalibrate and try again without the crashing weight of I should be further along now.”
— Radim (A), [07:00]
Memorable Quotes, Timestamps & Speaker Attribution
- [00:42] Laura: "Māori values or indigenous values are just human values. When you take it back to just people, to people, it's those human values and the way people are just being real."
- [02:43] Laura: "We're small enough that we can be so strongly aligned to our values and say no... So we really lean into trying to be responsible and looking after planet and all those things."
- [04:47] Laura: "Everyone is creative and some people just get it almost taught out of them. Sometimes kids get it taught out of them, which is really sad."
- [06:37] Laura: "I think very long term in general... I always knew I would get to running a studio, but it just took longer than I thought maybe and needed a few more steps along the way."
- [01:09] Radim: "When Laura says just being real, she's identifying the antidote to corporate artifice. Genuine human connection, honest relationships and values you can actually live by rather than just display on your website."
- [03:14] Radim: "Laura's willingness to turn down lucrative work that doesn't align shows that values based business isn't just idealistic posturing, but it's a viable strategy..."
- [05:13] Radim: "Creativity isn't lost, it's actually suppressed... shift the question from how do we find creative people? To how do we create environments where people feel safe to be creative again?"
- [07:00] Radim: "Laura's long term thinking gives her permission to experiment, fail, recalibrate and try again without the crashing weight of I should be further along now."
Takeaways
- Indigenous values offer a powerful, universally resonant framework for both businesses and individuals seeking deeper purpose.
- Staying small allows for uncompromised values and environmental responsibility.
- Creativity is a birthright, sustained by nurture—leaders and educators should create spaces that rekindle this spark.
- Nonlinear journeys, detours, and setbacks are all part of enduring creative careers. Long-term vision and internal conviction matter more than external validation.
Recommended Listening
Check out the full episode for further stories, humility, and practical encouragement on bringing genuine values into your work and life. For more on creativity and daring to take the next step, visit radimmalinic.co.uk.