#CMEdi Global People 🌍
Over the years, CreativeMornings/EDI as become a welcoming foundation for local community networks. Coming together for that one special morning each month, we share coffee, inspiration, and conversation with fellow locals - both familiar, and new. No matter what the venue or theme, we always find ourselves surrounded by individuals full of motivation, engagement, and creativity.
As part of an ever larger global network of chapters, this creative community conversation extends well beyond Edinburgh… connecting us to 188 cities around the world.
We’re excited to introduce two local CMEdi community members for whom this network has been a great resource - providing new friends and creative breakfast experiences throughout their global travels.
Col McElwaine - From Brisbane to the ‘Burgh 🌏
You might recognise our first CMEdi Global People interviewee as the famous illustrator of our ‘braw!’ CMEdi cups design! Hailing from Australia’s Queensland capital, Col started his CreativeMornings days at CM Brisbane!
‘CM Brisbane’ illustration GIF by Col McElwaine
What first attracted you to join CreativeMornings Brisbane?
By the time the first CM Brisbane rolled around everyone seemed to be pretty aware of it. I think that is a credit to Jacinta who organises the events in Brisbane. From the get go she managed to build some really good hype around the events and since has managed to keep that momentum going.
What do you love about being a part of this global creative community?
Moving around a fair bit this year I have really come to appreciate the Global element of Creative Mornings. It is really cool that almost anywhere you go you can easily find a big group of like minded people out there every other Friday morning.
What was your favourite part about your last CMEdi event, and the events in general?
This probably isn’t the answer you are after but the Nutella banana bread I had has really mentally stayed with me. Breaky is kind of a big deal for me, but every CMEdi I have been to has been great.
Have you visited any other chapters? And, are there any you would like to visit?
I think I might check out London next month. But I will try to get along to anything if I can fit it on the day.
Do you have a favourite talk from CMEdi, or any other chapter in the Global CM Community?
The event I think about most often from Edinburgh is probably Amy Hardie’s. Bri Lee from Brisbane was great. I also recommend checking out the video of Brenton Craig talking about flags and podcasts, who I think became the MC of the Brisbane chapter since I left? It is impossible to pick just one.
‘Amy Hardie’s Horse’ Illustration GIF by Col McElwaine
Miriam Klein - Germany’s Köln to Scotland’s Capital 🌍
Photography by Ellie Morag
Our second interviewee for this instalment of CMEdi’s Global People is Miriam Klein. A strategic manager who first attended CM Cologne with her co-workers, Miriam moved to Edinburgh last year to pursue her postgraduate studies. Since then she has been a regular member of our CMEdi events!
What first attracted you to join CreativeMornings Cologne?
A former colleague of mine told me about it, and so one Friday morning we went before work. I was attracted by this different format - bringing creative people from different areas and industries together in a laid back atmosphere
What do you love about being a part of this global creative community?
I think it’s great to see that it connects so many people from all over the world - and always at the same time - that’s incredible today in our fast paced society. Furthermore, when moving to Edinburgh it was nice to go somewhere I kind of “know” as the format is everywhere the same.
What was your favourite part about your last CMEdi event, and the events in general?
Being honest I really enjoyed the bagels - haha ;) No, on top of the relaxed atmosphere and food, I really enjoyed the talk about courage by FreeAgent’s founder, Roan Lavery. Although my last event was the one about gaming/e-gaming - which was very inspiring too. its nice to change perspectives - that’s one of the parts I love about CM.
Do you have a favourite talk from CMEdi, or any other chapter in the Global CM Community?
Not really, I think they are all very different, so it’s hard to make out your favourite one. I think I would like to join CM in a different cultural setting, such as somewhere in Asia or Latin America.
So, no matter where you’re from, where you’re at, or where you’re going, always remember - everyone is creative, everyone is welcome!
If you find yourself travelling, or even moving to a new place in the world, go ahead and check to see if there will be a chapter near where you’ll be…
… and don’t forget to send a message back to the CM Edinburgh team! We’re all about strengthening those connections, and we may even reach out to discover more about your adventures 🗺️
