THE CREATIVITY CONFERENCE
Advisory Board
We are fortunate to have an Advisory Board of wise, experienced, highly skilled international professional creatives, thought leaders, visionaries and founders.
With the guidance of the Advisory Board, we are building an organisation that can bring insight and understanding to the whole world.
Cirina Catania
Cirina is CEO of Catania Studios, an international filmmaking company, one of the co-founders and former director of the Sundance Film Festival, and former Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at MGM-UA and United Artists.
Cirina is a long-time member of the Producers Guild, Writers Guild, IATSE Cinematographers Guild, the National Press Club, National Press Photographer’s Association, and more. She has worked as a writer, director, supervising producer, cinematographer, post-producer, or marketing exec on over 150 film, television and new media projects for the big screen as well as for networks such as National Geographic and Discovery.
Richard J. Marks
Richard’s practice of self-healing and joy in action is to activate a sustainable future.
He loves the challenge of being a bridge between old ways and new. He advises clients with life-altering and affirming decision-making, helping them navigate and choose the appropriate steps to take. A committed environmentalist, Richard is the author of Rise to the Sun: 7 Footsteps and 7 Prayers for Getting Out of Hell, a nonfiction spiritual healing book published New Degree Press.
Sara Hamilton
Sara Hamilton is a producer, development executive, and strategist with over 25 years of experience across film, media, marketing, education, and social impact. As Founder and CEO of FilmFlock, she connects filmmakers, studios, and partners worldwide to develop purpose-driven, profitable projects. She also leads initiatives with GREENLIT, Riveting River Entertainment, and E2AC, bridging entertainment and philanthropy. A frequent festival speaker and industry advocate, Sara serves on the FilmNorth Board and holds AFCI film commissioner certification. She’s passionate about fostering collaboration, inclusion, and innovation throughout the global entertainment ecosystem.
Nick Leavens
Nick Leavens is an Executive Strategist at Black Heart, a worker-owned cooperative agency specializing in digital events, XR integration, social media strategy, and video production. With over 20 years of experience as a producer, writer, and director across film, theatre, and other media, Nick combines artistic vision, technical expertise, and strategic insight to craft authentic and unexpected stories. As a consultant, Nick supports nonprofits and startups in arts and social justice, helping them align mission and structure through Ethical Institution Building, strategic planning, and creative audience engagement.
John Yaglenski
John is a serial entrepreneur, story teller, futurist, visionary and dreamer.
He leads IEEE-USA’s Washington, DC Communications department and has worked as General Manager of Web Development for Erol’s Internet, which at the time was the 4th largest Internet Service Provider in the USA.
While there, he founded INTERCOT.com in 1997 – which is now one of the Internet’s oldest (25 years) and longest running Walt Disney World vacation planning websites and podcasts.
In his spare time, he is an avid photographer/videographer, podcaster, graphic designer & gadget nut.
James Slaton
James Slaton is a former Naval Intelligence Officer and previous head of Instructional Design for the Adobe Learn team. With over a decade of experience guiding cross-functional teams, he’s spent his career at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and problem solving.
An amateur photographer, screenwriter, videographer, and editor, James is passionate about creativity in all its forms. He’s thrilled to join the Advisory Board of the Creativity Conference, where he hopes to contribute both his practical experience and his belief that creativity is a skill we all can (and should!) cultivate throughout our lives.