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You Are Creative
A Five-Stage Process to Unlock Ideas, Solve Problems, and Find Possibility Everywhere
Published by Matt Holt Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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Table of Contents
About the Book
Creativity isn’t a lightning bolt—it’s a way of moving through life. Learn a simple, repeatable process shaped by real stories from the operating room, the boardroom, and the studio.
We often romanticize creativity as the result of a sudden epiphany. But that is a myth. In You Are Creative, engineer-turned-surgeon-turned-sculptor Emilio DiIorio shows a truer path: creativity as a lived practice. Drawing from a lifetime that spans aerospace labs, medical school, orthopedic operating rooms, the CEO’s office, and a thriving arts career, DiIorio offers a grounded guide that replaces hype with experience and helps you create on purpose—no matter your job title.
At the heart of the book is a practical, five-stage creative process (Preparation, Incubation, Insight, Evaluation, Implementation) brought to life with personal anecdotes and everyday applications. You’ll see how ideas really form, how to keep momentum when doubt creeps in, and how to carry a project from first spark to finished work.
Inside, you'll trade limiting myths about creativity for practices that make you more effective—and more fully human. Move from blank page to finished work with the clear five-stage process: preparing and incubating intentionally, generating and winnowing ideas without getting stuck second-guessing, and, finally, getting the work out there. The framework applies across daily problem-solving in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Accessible and encouraging, You Are Creative is your invitation to begin practicing creativity in every aspect of your life. Through relatable stories and step-by-step guidance, DiIorio gives readers the confidence and structure to build things that matter—and to find more meaning in the making.
We often romanticize creativity as the result of a sudden epiphany. But that is a myth. In You Are Creative, engineer-turned-surgeon-turned-sculptor Emilio DiIorio shows a truer path: creativity as a lived practice. Drawing from a lifetime that spans aerospace labs, medical school, orthopedic operating rooms, the CEO’s office, and a thriving arts career, DiIorio offers a grounded guide that replaces hype with experience and helps you create on purpose—no matter your job title.
At the heart of the book is a practical, five-stage creative process (Preparation, Incubation, Insight, Evaluation, Implementation) brought to life with personal anecdotes and everyday applications. You’ll see how ideas really form, how to keep momentum when doubt creeps in, and how to carry a project from first spark to finished work.
Inside, you'll trade limiting myths about creativity for practices that make you more effective—and more fully human. Move from blank page to finished work with the clear five-stage process: preparing and incubating intentionally, generating and winnowing ideas without getting stuck second-guessing, and, finally, getting the work out there. The framework applies across daily problem-solving in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Accessible and encouraging, You Are Creative is your invitation to begin practicing creativity in every aspect of your life. Through relatable stories and step-by-step guidance, DiIorio gives readers the confidence and structure to build things that matter—and to find more meaning in the making.
Product Details
- Publisher: Matt Holt Books (September 1, 2026)
- Length: 288 pages
- ISBN13: 9798902680130
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Raves and Reviews
“In racing, success depends on preparation, analysis, learning, and confidence in executing. Emilio DiIorio’s You Are Creative will help you leverage creativity to perform better, solve problems more effectively, and stay competitive in your field.”
—Mario Andretti, World Champion Race Car Driver
“You Are Creative is a must-read for anyone seeking an edge in an era where knowledge is increasingly commoditized by AI. Emilio dismantles the myth that creativity is innate, offering actionable steps to foster innovation. Drawing on anecdotes from his own distinguished career and insights from across industries, the book serves as a practical road map for anyone ready to cultivate meaningful breakthroughs.”
—Jimmy Chang, Chief Investment Officer, Rockefeller Global Family Office
“You Are Creative is a refreshing and much-needed corrective to the mythology that surrounds creativity. Rather than mystifying the process, Emilio illuminates it—step by step—with clarity, humility, and insight. This is an inspiring yet grounded guide for anyone ready to move from idea to action with intention.”
—William B. Crow, PhD, Professor, Lehigh University, and inaugural Educator in Charge of Teaching and Learning, Metropolitan Museum of Art
“Drawing from his remarkable journey through engineering, medicine, entrepreneurship, and the arts, DiIorio offers a compelling five-stage framework that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply human. This book is at once practical and inspiring, serving as a guide for anyone who wants to solve meaningful problems, unlock original ideas, and live more fully.”
—Robert A. Flowers, II, PhD, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Lehigh University
"Dr. Emilio DiIorio is a rare kind of leader. From keeping first-class athletes performing at the highest level to building an incredible regional health network from the ground up, Emilio understands what it means to build something that matters. His book, You Are Creative, lays out a clear, experience-based framework for aligning your talents with service and creating impact that extends well beyond yourself. I’m all in on every page of this book.”
—Tony Iannelli, President and CEO, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
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