Who We are
At CQ Collective, we help teams and leaders tap into their creative intelligence.
Our workshops use art-making, reflection, and conversation to explore leadership, culture, and wellbeing, all through a hands-on, creativity-first approach.
Co-founded by artist Natalie Popovski and leadership coach Kate Chaffer, we mix insight with colour, creativity with purpose, and yes, we make it fun!
Creative Intelligence is our ability to respond to challenges with curiosity, flexibility, and fresh thinking. It’s how we find new perspectives, communicate with empathy, and turn problems into possibilities.
It’s not about being good at art, it’s about tapping into your natural creativity to think, feel, and work differently. Or simply to disconnect and re-engage with your creative core.
In our workshops, we activate Creative Intelligence through guided practices like watercolour, drawing, storytelling, and reflection, helping people connect, gain insight, and build stronger, more adaptive teams.
What is Creative Intelligence?
Why We Do This
We believe everyone is creative, and that creative expression belongs in the workplace, not just the studio.
Whether it’s through painting, drawing, or simply slowing down to notice, making art helps people see differently, connect more deeply, and think more openly.
Our workshops are built on the idea that insight comes through doing, not just talking. And that being part of a team is a creative act in itself, one that takes empathy, reflection, and shared experience.
Our values:
Curiosity – Staying open to ideas and asking better questions.
Courage – Trying new things and embracing the unknown.
Connection – Building trust and understanding through shared moments.
Creativity – Tapping into imagination and fresh ways of thinking.
Care – Designing experiences with intention, kindness, and respect.
Kate Chaffer
Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Creative Collaborator
Kate Chaffer is a leadership coach and culture consultant who believes that creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s essential for how we lead, connect, and live with intention.
Through her consulting practice, Culture Zone, Kate works with individuals and organisations to strengthen leadership capability, team dynamics, and cultural clarity. She brings over 20 years of experience working with leaders across sectors, combining practical insight with emotional intelligence and a focus on how people think, feel, and show up.
Kate has a lifelong passion for the arts and a deep appreciation for emerging creatives. CQ Collective brings together her love of meaningful conversations, creative exploration, and the kind of hands-on learning that creates connection and lasting insight.
www.culturezone.com.au
katechaffer@culturezone.com.au
+61 419869531
Natalie Popovski
Artist, Educator, Creative Guide
Natalie Popovski is a multidisciplinary artist known for her dreamy, intuitive works in oil paint, watercolour, and ceramics. With a background in fine art and education, she brings a fresh, grounded approach to creative exploration, helping people reconnect with their imagination and self-expression through art-making.
Since her debut exhibition in 2018 at Sofa Gallery, Natalie’s career has bloomed (literally). Her work has been shown at leading galleries across Queensland and Northern NSW, including a solo show at Tweed Regional Gallery in 2022. She’s been a finalist in the Ravenswood Art Prize, National Emerging Art Prize, and Darcy Doyle Art Prize, among others.
Outside the studio, she runs Austin Flowers, a playful ceramics business celebrating form, colour, and the beauty of imperfection, one hand-built piece at a time.
Through CQ Collective, Natalie helps teams and leaders embrace creativity, let go of perfection, and rediscover joy in the process.
www.natpop.net | @natpop
www.theaustinflowers.com | @the_austinflowers
hello@theaustinflowers.com
Contact us
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