John Fitzgerald Cabra

About John Fitzgerald Cabra

In an era marked by increased complexity, turbulence, and change, there\'s an understanding among organizational leaders that creativity and innovation are not just valuable, but essential for professional success. Yet, there\'s a genuine concern about how organizations can effectively nurture these skills.I collaborate with industry, universities, and military organizations to advance innovation through multi-domain partnerships. I facilitate high-stakes military problem-solving sessions that drive mission-critical decisions for classified programs (Top Secret/SCI clearance).As a former facilitator at Knowinnovation, I consider it an honor to have contributed to the development of these crucial skills. Similarly, as an Emeritus Professor at the State University of New York, Buffalo State\'s Center for Applied Imagination, the birthplace of Brainstorming and Creative Problem Solving (CPS), I feel incredibly fortunate to have played a role in its roots, recognized through awards like the President’s Medal and The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.My global impact, from co-designing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Everyday Creativity with over participants to earning a Fulbright scholarship for innovative work in Colombia, is a testament to the shared journey of learning and growth.Various esteemed organizations, including the National Science Foundation, NASA, Fisher-Price Toys and Harvard University, have graciously allowed me to contribute. I\'ve had the privilege of-> Hosting professional development workshops, keynotes, and online courses-> Facilitating dynamic sessions where stakeholder groups come together to generate innovative ideas and find consensus-> Introducing change in a way that respects the unique perspectives of each individual, minimizing resistance-> Offering guidance on and facilitating cultural change within groups-> Orchestrating innovation workshops that aim to inspire and empower.Beyond these workshops, I\'ve had the pleasure of co-publishing works on Team Science, Mentoring, and the practical guide \"Organizational Creativity: A Practical Guide for Innovators and Entrepreneurs\" published by SAGE Publications in 2017.Embracing the countless possibilities that lie ahead!

Experience

1. Emeritus Professor

   Buffalo State University

   Jan 2006 — Present · Buffalo/Niagara, NY, US

   The Center for Applied Imagination is a unique academic unit within Buffalo State, State University of New York. Since 1967, we have trained students, groups, teams and organizations to become more effective creative thinkers and problem solvers and to instill these skills in others. As the first school to offer a Master of Science degree in creativity, the ICSC has achieved an international reputation for scholarly research and teaching that focuses on developing creativity, leadership, decision-making and problem solving skills.We created a Master of Science degree and a graduate certificate in Creativity and Change Leadership. These programs are designed to provide professionals with the necessary skills to become transformational leaders in their organizations and communities. With our international reputation, we attract students from around the world. The Master of Science and graduate certificate are available on campus, as well as to distance learners.

Education

• Buffalo State University

  M.S., Study of Creativity and Change Leadership

  1994 — 1996

• Buffalo State University

  B.S., Business Studies

  1984 — 1988

• Alliance Manchester Business School

  Ph.D., Organizational Psychology

  2003 — 2006

Skills

• Management Development
• Training
• Project Management
• Strategy
• Creative Problem Solving
• E-Learning
• Emotional Intelligence
• Facilitators
• Program Management
• University Teaching
• Curriculum Development
• Career Counseling
• Nonprofits
• Leadership
• Organizational Development
• Career Development
• Adult Education
• Quantitative Research
• Team Building
• Management
• Innovation Management
• Leadership Development
• Strategic Thinking
• Staff Development
• Problem Solving
• Coaching
• Change Management
• Research
• Team Leadership
• Blended Learning
• Innovation Consulting
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Training Delivery
• Culture Change
• Executive Development
• Qualitative Research
• Executive Coaching
• Facilitation
• Teaching
• Personal Development