A public policy analyst, Shachi Kurl directs research, communications, partner development and operations at the Angus Reid Institute. She brings 15 years of experience to her role, spending the first part of her career as political reporter and as a representative for the small business community. Shachi is a recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster award for Best TV Reporting. A frequent columnist and commentator, she holds a degree in Journalism and Political Science from Carleton University in Ottawa and serves on the boards of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation and the CKNW Orphans’ Fund.

How do you define creativity and apply it in your career?
My career has always dealt in the realm of data, facts and accuracy – so you might not think there’s a lot of creativity to be found… for me, creativity is about new approaches, taking risks and looking for different ways to use facts and data to tell compelling visual and narrative stories

Where do you find your best creative inspiration?
Books, novels, arts and animation for the visual side. In the stillness of nature. So much of it for me is thinking time. In the garden pulling weeds, on a run, sitting on the beach… and in the shower.

What’s the one creative advice or tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
That failing doesn’t necessarily mean your life is going to end!

Who would you like to hear speak at CreativeMornings?
Jane Austen… you didn’t say “living” ;)What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Shot a documentary in a Cambodian minefield along the Thai border

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I ask people questions and tell you their answers