BIO

Rich, a native of San Jose, California, studied music at The Phil Mattson School, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s from Jessup University. Over the years, he has worked as a church musician and ministry leader. He writes, consults, and speaks about the intersection of creativity, faith and leadership.

His new book, MINDBLOWN: Unlock Your Creative Genius by Bridging Science and Magic (2022), deconstructs creativity and the creative process. His first book, The Six Hats of the Worship Leader (2014), has helped thousands of church musicians and has appeared on the reading list at several universities. As a freelance writer, Rich writes here on RKblog.com, and several other prominent sites and has traveled throughout the US speaking to leaders and creatives.

As a musician and songwriter, Rich is part of A Beautiful Liturgy, a unique collaboration with his daughter, Emilie Kirkpatrick. They released a five-song EP in 2016, a Christmas single and music video “Glory Be to God” in 2018, and a single and music video “In the Silence” in 2020. In March of 2012, Rich released a five-song EP titled “Drink The Divine.” His works are published by A Beautiful Liturgy Music (ASCAP), Epic Stache Music (ASCAP), and administered by his company Tehilla Music.

Rich loves a good espresso and deep conversations with friends, new and old. He lives in the East Bay Area, California, with his wife and family.

A NOTE FROM RICH…

Common wisdom says that creativity is something you are born with. You either have it or you don’t. What is true is that we are all wired to be creative. In fact, creativity is just another way to describe what us humans do—when we thrive! But it took me pain and effort to discover that. We are all born to create, but how do we unlock it?

I’ve been blogging since 2005. Since then I have met people all over the US as a speaker, friend, and leader who fit in what I call the creative tribe—or what some call “creatives.” Growing up in a very strict environment as a creative meant dealing with structures and relationships that saw success as uniformity and conformity. It took me years of life experience and research to uncover that my natural inclination for curiosity that challenges the status quo is not only healthy, but a missing value in our workplaces, schools and personal growth.

What if creativity is a process that we can all learn and grow from? There is science that proves it. We are all wired to create. So, here’s the good news. Learning the creative process might help us become a better version of ourselves—our truer selves!

I would love to have a conversation with you about the creative process and how it intersects with how we lead people, including our ourselves. I create; therefore, I am.

Keep Creating!

Rich