Harnessing the Power of Art in Leadership and Inclusion for Business Growth

FUXIA by BRI Insight, JANUARY 2026 EDITION, by Vito de Candia-Levieux

Unlocking leadership potential and fostering inclusion are essential for any business aiming to grow sustainably. Traditional training methods often focus on lectures, workshops, or role-playing exercises. Yet, an emerging approach uses art-based corporate training to develop leadership skills, promote inclusion, and drive business growth. This method taps into creativity and emotional intelligence, offering fresh ways to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

How Art-Based Training Builds Leadership Skills

Leadership requires more than technical knowledge. It demands empathy, adaptability, and the ability to inspire diverse teams. Art-based training encourages leaders to explore these qualities through creative expression and reflection.

• Enhancing Emotional Awareness

Activities like painting, storytelling, or improvisation help leaders recognize and manage their emotions. This awareness improves decision-making and conflict resolution.

• Encouraging Risk-Taking and Innovation

Art invites experimentation without fear of failure. Leaders learn to embrace uncertainty and think beyond conventional solutions.

• Improving Communication

Visual and performative arts develop non-verbal communication skills. Leaders become better at reading body language and expressing ideas clearly.

For example, a company that introduced weekly drawing sessions for its management team noticed improved collaboration and more innovative project proposals within three months. Leaders reported feeling more connected to their teams and more confident in handling challenges.

Promoting Inclusion Through Artistic Expression

Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Art-based training offers a unique platform for diverse voices to emerge and be appreciated.

• Breaking Down Barriers

Art transcends language and cultural differences. Group art projects encourage participants to share their perspectives in a safe, non-judgmental space.

• Highlighting Diverse Strengths

Different art forms appeal to different talents. Some may excel in visual arts, others in music or movement. Recognizing these strengths fosters mutual respect.

• Building Empathy

Collaborative art activities require listening and responding to others’ ideas. This process nurtures understanding and reduces unconscious bias.

A multinational firm used theater exercises to help teams from various countries work together. Participants reported greater respect for cultural differences and a stronger sense of belonging after the sessions.

Connecting Art-Based Training to Business Growth

The benefits of art-based training extend beyond personal development. When leadership and inclusion improve, businesses see tangible growth.

• Boosting Employee Engagement

Creative training breaks monotony and energizes teams. Engaged employees are more productive and less likely to leave.

• Enhancing Problem-Solving

Artistic approaches encourage looking at problems from multiple angles. This leads to better strategies and faster solutions.

• Strengthening Brand Reputation

Companies known for inclusive and innovative cultures attract top talent and loyal customers.

Consider a tech startup that integrated art workshops into its onboarding process. Within six months, employee turnover dropped by 20%, and the company launched two new products inspired by ideas generated during creative sessions.

Practical Tips for Implementing Art-Based Training

Introducing art into corporate training requires thoughtful planning. Here are some steps to get started:

• Identify Goals

Clarify what you want to achieve: leadership development, inclusion, creativity, or all three.

• Choose Suitable Art Forms

Select activities that match your team’s interests and comfort levels. Options include drawing, music, dance, or creative writing.

• Engage Skilled Facilitators

Work with trainers experienced in both art and organizational development.

• Create a Safe Environment

Encourage openness and respect. Emphasize that artistic skill is not the focus.

• Integrate with Existing Programs

Combine art-based sessions with traditional training for a balanced approach.

• Measure Impact

Use surveys, interviews, and performance data to assess changes in leadership behavior, team dynamics, and business outcomes.

Real-World Examples of Success

• A Financial Services Company

Used visual arts workshops to help managers develop empathy. This led to a 15% increase in employee satisfaction scores.

• A Healthcare Provider

Implemented storytelling sessions to improve communication between departments. Patient care coordination improved noticeably.

• A Manufacturing Firm

Held collaborative mural projects to celebrate diversity. The initiative strengthened team bonds and reduced workplace conflicts.

These examples show that art-based training can adapt to various industries and company sizes.

Moving Forward with Art-Based Training

Businesses that embrace art as a tool for leadership and inclusion position themselves for long-term success. This approach nurtures skills that are difficult to teach through lectures alone. It also creates a culture where creativity and respect thrive.

To start, leaders can pilot small art-based activities and gather feedback. Over time, these efforts can grow into a core part of professional development. The result is a workforce that feels connected, valued, and ready to contribute to business growth.

Unlocking leadership and inclusion through art is not just a trend. It is a practical way to build stronger teams and better businesses.

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact in Toronto

For over a decade, FUXIA by BRI has partnered with leading organizations in the Toronto Financial District, local NGOs, and across the GTA, delivering innovative art-based training that empowers leadership, strengthens inclusion, and drives business growth. By embracing a culturally diverse and multilingual approach—with sessions in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese—we ensure that creativity, collaboration, and connection thrive across all teams.

Incorporating art into corporate training is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic investment in your people, your culture, and your bottom line. With FUXIA by BRI, the canvas of possibility is yours to explore.