Minority Leader
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
by Rick Rubin
Presented by: Malcolm Coon
In The Creative Act: A Way of Being, legendary music producer Rick Rubin offers a profound meditation on creativity—not as a skill or profession, but as a way of engaging with the world. Known for his minimalist approach and collaborations with a wide range of artists from Johnny Cash to Jay-Z, Rubin distills decades of creative insight into a poetic and philosophical guide to living a more imaginative, intentional life.
The book is not a how-to manual or step-by-step process. Instead, it’s a collection of reflections, principles, and provocations that encourage readers to view creativity as innate to the human experience. Rubin suggests that everyone—not just artists—is a creator, and that creativity is less about control and more about openness. He emphasizes presence, awareness, and the courage to listen—to yourself, to the world, and to the unknown.
Rubin explores topics like:
The role of the artist as a vessel for ideas and inspiration that come from beyond the self.
The importance of stillness and silence, which create space for creativity to arise.
Letting go of ego, comparison, and perfectionism in order to stay true to the work.
Trusting the process, and understanding that the act of creation is an ever-evolving relationship with uncertainty and possibility.
He also speaks to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of art-making, encouraging readers to cultivate authenticity, vulnerability, and wonder. Rather than striving for commercial success or external validation, Rubin urges creators to pursue truth and beauty for their own sake.
What makes The Creative Act stand out is its gentle yet powerful voice. Rubin writes with the calm of someone who has spent years listening deeply—to artists, music, and the quiet voice within. His message is both timeless and timely: that creativity is not something we do, it’s something we are.
Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, musician, or simply someone looking to reconnect with your creative side, this book is a wise and inspiring companion. It reminds us that the creative life is not about striving harder, but about being more fully awake—open to experience, ready to explore, and willing to act with curiosity and care.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Meet and Greet: 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM (US Central Time)
Presentation: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (US Central Time)
Meet Life Long Learners and Open Discussion:
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM (US Central Time)
WHERE (either):
In Person
CHRISTUS Heritage Hall, The Village at Incarnate Word
Braodway at Burr Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
or VIA ZOOM
Presentation:
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (US Central Time)
**You must register to receive the Zoom Link**
You do not need to have read the book to attend the event.
If you would like to invite other colleagues to join this conference, have them visit the website at www.ExecutiveBookReview.com to find out more about this and future events.