David Kelley has spent decades fostering creativity, particularly through his role as the founder of the Stanford d.school. He emphasizes that everyone possesses creative potential, a belief shaped by his experiences and challenges, including a battle with throat cancer. Kelley's work aims to help individuals overcome the barriers that make them doubt their creativity. He recalls how many people have been told they lack creativity, often stemming from negative feedback in their formative years. By removing these blocks, Kelley believes anyone can rediscover their creative abilities. His collaboration with Steve Jobs at IDEO marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to 53 projects for Apple, most notably the design of the computer mouse. Kelley’s background in Barberton, Ohio, where he grew up tinkering with machines, laid the groundwork for his design philosophy focused on human-centered solutions. He sees the d.school as a space for cross-disciplinary collaboration, where diverse perspectives can generate innovative ideas. Kelley argues that design has evolved from a secondary role to a key player in addressing significant societal challenges, alongside business and technology. This shift has allowed designers to engage with more substantial problems, ultimately leading to impactful solutions.