Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Creative Courage: The Creative Business Podcast

I believe the future of design is shifting away from phones toward wearables, voice agents, and more physical, tactile experiences. This episode breaks down what that could look like and why it matters for your career.

I talk about the macro trends I'm noticing in design and consumer behaviour in general, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. 

If you found this episode valuable, please hit the subscribe button. 

 When you are ready to go deeper, here are 2 ways I can help:  1: Join my private '$100K conversations' channel on Instagram 

2: Stop getting ghosted and close bigger deals using my One Page Sales Framework ™

Have you ever found yourself in that weird in-between space between familiarity and a new compelling future? You know there is more available to you, but it's difficult to let go of the comfort and familiarity of your current reality.  In this episode I explore “the gap”. The scary space between the life you know and the one you want. I then break down three key principles for closing the gap and moving into that new reality. 

Whether it's raising your prices, changing industry or leaving a relationship, we all face the gap at some point. This podcast will give you the tools and strategies to navigate it. 

 

Connect with me on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  Apply to work with me 1:1 

If LinkedIn still feels like an enigma, this episode is for you. I sit down with Maria Ledenstova in Hyde Park to unpack how she grew 40k+ followers and now gets steady inbound clients and brand opportunities. We break down exactly how she has done it and how you can aply it to your business. 

We cover:  How to show up authentically without being cringe 

What to post and when 

The importance of finding purpose

And so much more. 

If you found this episode useful, please share it with a friend. 

Connect with Maria on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeden/ 

Work with me 1:1 to grow your creative business here: https://matt-essam.notion.site/A-Private-Invitation-To-Work-With-Me-1-1-3ce1bfbff88681f5b880c4ee39c210cb?source=copy_link 

If you are still pitching with your experience and portfolio, you need to listen to this episode. I had a crazy experience the other day. I posted on LinkedIn asking for help writing some case studies, and I was inundated with DM's. What blew my mind was that not a single person led with any value. They all just shared their experience and portfolio. In 2026, this only gets you drowned out in the noise. It won't win high-value clients, and you are probably leaving thousands on the table.

Instead, you must lead with value and insight. The right clients have more money than time; they won’t DIY; they’ll pay for someone who’s showing how it’s done. You must give away your best ideas and thinking before you pitch 

I break down the exact approach in this episode and what I would have done differently. 

PS: If you are looking for help landing higher-value clients, you can apply to work with me here: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/coaching-linkedIn 

Do you remember the feeling of sending the proposal and then patiently waiting to see if you won the project? What if you never had to feel like that again, and there was a better way...

In this episode, I break down why PDF proposals lose projects and what to do instead. I talk about framing, uncovering the real objections and moving people from "let me think about it" to "When do we start?" 

You can also grab a copy of my One Page Sales Framework which has been used by hundreds of creative founders to close more deals and raise prices. Send me a message on LinkedIn and I will send you a copy back 

What would it be like if you could eliminate procrastination by improving the relationship with your inner child? Sounds like  a strange concept right? That's exactly what happened to Lucio in this session. This episode pulls back the curtain on a real coaching session. What starts as business stress quickly becomes something deeper: a childhood wound, a lonely 6‑year‑old, and a surprisingly simple way to reconnect that unlocks confidence and better decisions.

It’s honest, intimate, and practical. You’ll hear the moment Lucio meets that younger part of himself, the 5‑minute practice he commits to, and how a week later things have already shifted. Stick around; this one feels like a chat with a friend that actually helps. Connect with Lucio on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucio-di-giacinti/  Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  Apply to work with me 1:1: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/coaching 

If you’ve ever found yourself choosing the "safe" path over the one you really want to pursue, this episode is for you. I break down why security is actually an illusion and how to avoid falling into the trap. 

I've personally found that the energy you bring to what you do, is far more important than what you actually do. When you choose work that lights you up, you’ll find that challenges are just temporary obstacles and opportunities show up in unexpected ways.

Consider this episode a gentle nudge to re-examine the choices you’re making: are you chasing security, or are you chasing something that lets you show up fully alive? A small but courageous decision can change everything. I would love to know what you think of this episode. You can connect with me on Instagram @matt_essam or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  PS: Next month I'm opening up five spaces to work with me 1:1. If you are interested in finding out more, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn 

Imagine feeling like every day is one of your best days. In this episode, I walk you through my “When Life Works” list: a handful of controllable habits and inputs that reliably make your days feel more energized, grounded, and joyful. No long rituals or 5am fads just practical, personal things you can use to see subtle but real shifts in how you feel day to day. Give it a go and see what changes after seven days. If you enjoyed this please share this episode with a friend.  Connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

Humans are terrible at predicting what will actually make them happy. So how do we avoid wasting years of our life chasing things that won't give us what we are actually looking for. Today I'm breaking down "goal renting", which involves deliberately testing a goal in real life before committing years of sacrifice to it. I walk through my own experiment as well as many other examples. Ultimately closing the the gap between what you think you want and what you actually want. 

You'll learn:

• Why stress-testing a goal beats logically reasoning your way to it
• How to compress the time between clarity and experience
• A simple framework for testing big life goals (more free time, relocating, buying property) in weeks instead of years
• Why the people who already have what you want are your best and most honest source of information
• How I reward myself along the way to a long-term goal, instead of only at the finish line

Whether you're craving more time, eyeing a lifestyle change, or just chasing a goal you've never actually tested, this episode gives you a practical way to find out if it's really what you want.

I'm Matt Essam the business coach to creative studio founders and author of The Creative Studio Roadmap.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on courage, creativity, and building a business (and life) on your own terms. 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business or life and didn’t know why, this episode might be worth a listen.

This week I threw thousands of hours of coaching calls into Claude and one common pattern came up... The one thing that keeps most founders stuck is waiting for permission. Most of us know what to do but we have subconscious patterns that keep us stuck, often waiting for permission from someone that isn't even around anymore.

These patterns can show up in your pricing, your sales calls and even your positioning. In this episode I explore how to spot the patterns and break them once and for all. 

Whose permission are you still waiting for? This episode is a warm invite to look inward, update your script, and get out of your own way so you can do the work you actually want to do. Please hit the subscribe button if you found this useful and share it with a friend. 

Are you struggling to make a decision or simply feel overwhelmed with options?  In this episode, I discuss my own struggles with decision making and break down four principles that have helped me to make decisions faster.  Whether you are at a crossroads or just feel overwhelmed with options, these principles might get you unstuck and making better decisions.  If you found the episode valuable, please hit subscribe and share it with a friend. 

 

I'm back with another episode of the Creative Courage Podcast. Today I'm talking about why I closed my business, what freedom means and how to build a financial buffer in your business.   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you are subscribed and share it with a friend. Connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

If you’re like most creative business owners, you’ve probably dabbled with posting on LinkedIn, but you’ve found that even with consistency, no-one pays attention.

Sam Browne is an entrepreneur and LinkedIn strategist who has built multiple six-figure businesses and has grown an audience of over 100,000 followers.

Sam spent nearly 20 years operating his creative businesses in silence before stepping into the spotlight, sharing his story, and attracting his first 50,000 LinkedIn followers in just a year.

And in this episode, we unpack why so many creative founders struggle to get traction on LinkedIn and how to turn your story into something that makes your ideal clients pay attention.

If you’ve been posting consistently but haven’t seen results, this will help you understand what’s missing and how to fix it.

Covered in this episode:

• How Sam scaled multiple six-figure businesses.
• The litmus test for knowing if a business idea is worth pursuing.
• How Sam grew to 50k LinkedIn followers in a year.
• The biggest mistakes agency owners are making on LinkedIn.
• How to write posts that don’t get ignored.
• Turning your story into content that attracts ideal clients.
• The 3 types of LinkedIn content and when to use each one.
• How to sell through your posts without driving people away.
• Optimising your profile and connection requests to reach more ideal clients and partners.
• And much more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Sam Browne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browne/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

It’s understandable if you feel a bit lost right now.

There’s more noise and pressure than ever for business owners.

And we try to make the right decisions, but the right path isn’t always obvious.

In this episode, I wanted to do something a bit different. This is more of a conversation I wanted to have with you. I share the crossroads that I’ve faced over the last few years in my business and the questions I ask myself to find clarity.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about which direction to take in your life and business, this episode will help you to move forward with intention.

Covered in this episode:

• Why it’s normal to feel lost (especially right now).
• The crossroads many founders reach in their business.
• The questions to ask yourself to find clarity.
• Identifying your skill gaps.
• Why every business decision comes with trade-offs.
• How to uncover hidden risks before making a move.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

It might feel like you’re charging the right amount.

Your close rate is good.

The business is running smoothly.

But what if you could charge more without increasing your hours? Most creative business owners wouldn’t say no to that.

And there’s a number most creative founders are missing that can easily tell them whether or not they’re undercharging.

In this episode, I share what that number is and how you can apply it.

If you’re consistently winning work but you feel too busy, or want to find out if you’re leaving money on the table, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• The number that tells you if you’re undercharging.
• What a healthy close rate looks like.
• Why a high close rate can actually be a red flag.
• How to make more money without working more hours.
• Packaging your offer to prevent taking on underpaying clients.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Most creative founders think their business needs them to survive.

That if they step away, everything will slow down or fall apart.

But what if the opposite is true?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy Campbell, Founder of Pink Pony Creative. Kristy has built a social media following of hundreds of thousands.

But what makes this conversation interesting isn’t just what Kristy has built, it’s how she’s been able to step away from the business and keep it growing.

We unpack what happened when Kristy took time away from her business after having a baby and how the business and her following continued to grow without her. We also have a mini coaching session, where I help Kristy uncover some of the hidden patterns and limiting beliefs that hold many creatives back.

If you’ve ever felt like your business depends too much on you, or you feel stuck in ways that you can’t quite explain, this episode will help you see what’s really going on.

Covered in this episode:

• Why creative business owners find it so difficult to step away from the delivery.
• How Kristy’s business continued to grow while she took time off.
• How to maintain a steady stream of content.
• What creatives get wrong with social media that limits growth.
• The strategy behind Kristy growing an audience of over 300k.
• Why following what other successful businesses are doing doesn’t always work.
• Identifying the “phantom patterns” influencing your decisions.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Kristy Campbell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-campbell-pinkpony/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

As a creative business owner, it can feel like there’s a lack of opportunities out there.

Like you’ve exhausted all possibilities, or, people “just aren’t buying at the moment”.

But often, the opportunities are there, we’re just not in the right mindset to see them.

We’re in ‘scarcity mode’, rather than ‘opportunity mode’.

And when we’re in scarcity mode, our brain switches to fight or flight. We make defensive decisions and we stop seeing opportunities that are right in front of us.

In this episode, I break down the difference between scarcity mode and opportunity mode, how scarcity damages your sales and creativity and the practical steps you can take to shift your thinking when panic starts creeping in.

Because once you learn to recognise it, you’ll start seeing opportunities showing up everywhere. And you’re more likely to land them when they do.

Covered in this episode:

• The difference between “scarcity mode” and “opportunity mode”.
• Why scarcity thinking leads to bad business decisions.
• How panic harms creativity.
• The real reason many creatives stay stuck in a feast and famine cycle.
• Techniques to pull yourself out of scarcity mode.
• Why more opportunities exist around you than you think.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

After a serious BASE jumping accident that shattered both his legs, doctors told Sebastian Bates he may never walk again.

During Seb’s 2 years of rehab, he lost 15 of his close friends, leaving him with PTSD and major survivors’ guilt.

This is one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had on this podcast (back in 2024), so I wanted to share it again for anyone who hasn’t heard it.

After a journey of personal development, Seb is now the founder of Warrior Academy, the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East. Seb teaches thousands of kids worldwide while leading a team of 100. Seb has also built several other six-figure businesses and founded a charitable organisation that’s doing incredible things for disadvantaged children globally.

Seb shares fundamental principles of courage and resilience that are transformative for creative business owners.

If you want to overcome imposter syndrome, develop resilience, and break through the barriers holding their business back, this episode is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• How a near-fatal accident shaped Sebastian’s journey.
• Why courage is the most critical trait for success and how to get more of it.
• Practical exercises to overcome fear and replace anxiety with excitement.
• The impact of a scarcity mindset on creativity and how to break free from it.
• How to leave your comfort zone without becoming overwhelmed and burnt out.
• The biggest mistakes leading to fear-based decision-making and how to avoid them.
• The real indicators of success beyond sales figures.
• And so much more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

LEARN MORE 

Warrior Academy - https://www.warrioracademy.co.uk/ 

The Bates Foundation - https://www.batesfamilyfoundation.org/ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Sebastian Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-bates-4b70412b/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT

Apple Podcasts - 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Your clients are slowly killing your creative business.

Not the market.

Not the algorithm.

I recently ran a poll asking creative business owners what their biggest frustration is. Over 60% said inconsistent income and project flow.

The feast and famine cycle.

But the truth is that this usually isn’t caused by the quality of your work or how much promotion you’re doing. The difference between studios that are constantly busy and those that struggle for work comes down to the way they perceive their clients.

In this episode, I break down the shifts that separates oversubscribed creative businesses from those scrambling for the next project.

If you’re tired of taking on poor-fit projects just to keep cash flowing, and you’d rather build a business where you’re inundated with enquiries, this episode will show you the mindset shifts you need to make.

Covered in this episode:

• Why inconsistent income usually isn’t a marketing problem.
• The difference between “feast and famine” studios and consistently busy ones.
• The two major problems your current client dynamic is creating.
• How to spot a toxic client relationship.
• When to say no to clients.
• What it takes to run a business that gets to pick and choose opportunities.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Does business feel a bit slow at the moment?

You’ve got the portfolio, but enquiries and referrals aren’t coming in like they used to.

And with AI rapidly evolving, a lot of creatives are asking themselves if things are only going to get worse.

In this episode, I break down the shift I believe every creative business owner needs to make if they want to stay relevant, profitable and in demand over the next 5–10 years.

Most studios aren’t struggling because their work isn’t good enough, they’re struggling because of how they’re positioned. And that positioning is turning them into commodities.

I walk you through the “4 Ps of Power Positioning” that will make you irreplaceable. I’ve seen this work for so many creative business owners. So, if business is feeling slow, or you’re earning less than you should be, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• Why business feels slow right now.
• The positioning mistakes struggling studios are making.
• The ‘4 Ps’ that keep businesses relevant and growing.
• What AI can’t replace.
• Myths around niching.
• How to avoid pricing ceilings.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

You do great work.

You have all the case studies and testimonials.

But you still feel invisible.

This is a problem most creative founders face. They want to be seen as the go-to expert. The name that gets mentioned in rooms they’re not even in.

But instead, they’re constantly chasing projects and wondering why people with less experience are getting all the attention.

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Stocker, serial entrepreneur, Founder of Two Comma PR and former Apprentice candidate, to unpack what it takes to build visibility and authority as a creative.

Sabrina has built a powerful personal brand, spoken on some of the UK’s biggest stages and grown an audience of over 50,000 followers.

We explore the strategies and mindset shifts that separate leading authorities from talented but overlooked creatives, and how to position yourself so the right people start coming to you.

If you feel undervalued and overlooked, this episode will change the way you think about authority and how to build it.

Covered in this episode:

• The 3 steps to becoming the go-to expert in your industry.
• Why creatives should pay attention to AEO.
• How to go from visibility to paying clients.
• What most creatives get wrong about their offering.
• How to build relationships and get into the right rooms.
• How Sabrina has been able to speak on some of the UK’s biggest stages.
• Operating at a high level as an introvert.
• Simple ways to gain respect on a sales call.
• What needs to be in place before seeking PR opportunities.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE

Two Comma PR - https://twocommapr.com/ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Sabrina Stocker on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinastocker/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Most creative founders don’t struggle because their work isn’t good enough.

They struggle because the business they’ve built, or the role that they play within that business, isn’t right for them.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Ramsden, Founder of film production studio, Dojo Films.

Sam has been employed in the creative industry, he’s freelanced, and now he’s running an agency. But throughout his journey, Sam has found that success on paper doesn’t automatically mean fulfilment.

We dive deep into the shifts that Sam had to make within his business to allow him to do more of the work that he loves, while still scaling.

If you’ve ever found yourself losing the creativity that made you start your business in the first place, this conversation is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• How Sam built a film production studio working across 16 countries remotely.
• Can creativity truly be standardised?
• How niching can allow a business to be more creative.
• Choosing the role within your business that’s right for you.
• Agency vs one-person studio and when each model makes sense.
• When giving work away for free can make you more money.
• The “fun, fame, fortune” test to decide which projects to say yes to.
• What to do if you hate sales but still want to scale.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Dojo Films - https://dojofilms.co.uk/ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Sam Ramsden on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsden-sam/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id17215157999

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

“Be authentic.”

You hear it all the time in the branding space.

But what if authenticity wasn’t actually possible?

In this episode, I’m joined by James Martin (Made By James) for a very different kind of conversation.

We dive into the idea of why “authenticity” when it comes to branding is misleading, why so many creatives end up bored of their businesses, the shifts happening in the creative industry and a whole lot more.

You’re either going to love this conversation, or hate it.

And if you’re a James Martin fan, and want to hear him take the p*ss out of me, you’ll probably love it.

Covered in this episode:

• Why “authentic” brands don’t exist.
• Evidence vs. perception and why you need both.
• Why followers don’t equal success.
• What a brand really is.
• Why creatives get bored more easily than most.
• The shifts that are happening in the creative industry.
• Defining your own version of success.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

 

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

James Martin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-martin-3b594698 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

You’re probably paying more tax than you need to.

And for a lot of creative business owners, that extra tax can become a real burden and slow down growth.

In this episode, I’m joined by Pali Banwait, who shares some advice on how you can avoid paying more tax than you should be paying.

But our conversation goes a lot deeper than tax.

Pali is the founder of Strive, which helps entrepreneurs set up businesses in Dubai and he’s also founded and invested in many other businesses over the last 20 years, which has given him a unique perspective on what makes a business thrive.

We dive into how to run your business like an entrepreneur and not just a creative, how to spot risk early before things go wrong, and why so many businesses are moving overseas.

If you want to keep more of what you earn, build a healthier business and stop wasting money through avoidable mistakes, this episode is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• Why you’re probably paying too much tax and how to fix it.
• The biggest misconceptions people have about setting up a business in Dubai.
• How to know if moving your business is worth it.
• The hidden risks most founders miss when making financial decisions.
• Why you need more than just a bookkeeper to manage your business finances.
• How a SWOT analysis can help you avoid upcoming risks and capitalise on your strengths.
• Why reporting is essential for any business and how to get it right as a creative.
• Getting feedback from clients and using it to grow your business.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Strive - https://www.strivedubai.com/ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Pali Banwait on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/palibanwait/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Business is hard.

With delivery, sales, marketing, and everything in between, there’s too much to do, and not enough time to do it.

That’s why I tell creative studio owners that the first hire they should make is a virtual assistant.

And in this episode, I’m joined by Richard Woods - a three-time bestselling author, serial founder, and finalist on The Apprentice - to dive deep into how to leverage VAs to scale twice as fast.

Richard runs Million Dollar Sprint, where he helps small businesses get to a million dollars as well as Sprint VA, a global virtual assistant business with nearly 200 people.

If you don’t have a VA yet, this will help you figure out what to look for and where to start.

And if you already do, you’ll learn how to stop managing them so closely and get hours back each week.

Covered in this episode:

• Why most creative business owners wait too long to hire a VA.
• How to find the right VA.
• The first task you should outsource in your business.
• The common mistakes that cause outsourcing to fail.
• Management strategies for those who hate managing people.
• How to know when a team member isn’t working out.
• What will separate businesses from the rest in 2026.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Sprint VA - https://sprintva.co/courage 

Million Dollar Sprint - https://milliondollarsprint.com/ 

LinkedIn For Breakfast - https://www.skool.com/linkedin-for-breakfast/about 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Richard Woods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardwoodsofficial/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Should you be creating content?

It feels like everywhere we turn, we’re being told we need to regularly pump out content to attract more clients.

And yet many creatives I talk to feel stuck when it comes to content.

They overthink it.

Or they post a couple of times and they decide it’s not for them.

But the reality is that most creatives don’t have a content problem.

They have a clarity problem.

In this 100th episode of Creative Courage, Chris Do returns for a conversation that goes way deeper than ‘how to get more followers’.

We talk about what people are missing when it comes to content, the first mistakes people make, why so much content gets ignored, and what stops people from sticking around.

We didn’t agree on everything… which made this one of the most valuable conversations I’ve had in a long time.

Covered in this episode:

• Should every creative business owner be making content?
• The first content mistakes most people make.
• How to overcome the internal blockers that stop you posting.
• What really makes people buy (and what doesn’t).
• Why there’s more to content than marketing.
• The missing “thread” in most content.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Chris Do on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Should you run your business solo? Or is it better to build an agency?

It’s a question I hear often from creative business owners.

You started your business for more freedom and flexibility.

But somewhere along the way, things changed, and you end up with less freedom than you’d get from a 9 to 5 job.

In this episode, I’m joined by Shoaib Ahmed, who’s lived the agency life, and as a solopreneur. He built an agency doing £30k months with a full team, but realised he could never truly switch off.

So he burnt it down and went all in on his freelance business, where he specialises in helping people build their personal brand.

We break down the trade-offs between staying solo and building an agency and how to find real freedom in your business.

If you’ve ever felt torn between scaling up and simplifying, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• The symptoms you’re building the wrong size business.
• The ‘freedom trap’ most creatives fall into.
• How to make a solo business work without doing everything yourself.
• What people never measure when they talk about freedom.
• How to structure your business so you can take time off.
• The one thing more important than client acquisition that most creatives miss.
• How to build trust and win business without constant outreach.
• What most LinkedIn content gets wrong.
• How to know when it’s time to change your business.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Shoaib Ahmed on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaibahmed21 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  

Apple Podcasts - 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

If you want 2026 to be a 10/10 year, you don’t need resolutions.

And you don’t need SMART goals.

In 2025, I wrote a book, hit 100 podcast episodes and launched a new coaching programme, all while running my multiple six-figure coaching business (and still took two months off).

And in this episode, I’m sharing the 3-step process I followed to make this happen. This is the same process I use with my clients to turn vague intentions into measurable results.

If you want 2026 to be a year you can look back on and be proud of, this episode will give you the exact framework to make that happen.

Covered in this episode:

• Why goals often fail.
• How to get clear on what you actually want.
• Mapping out the exact actions you need to take next year.
• How to keep yourself from giving up on your goals halfway through the year.
• Why SMART goals don’t work for most creatives and what to use instead.
• Why it’s easier to show up for clients than for yourself and how to fix it.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Most creatives see stress and burnout as a time-management problem.

Or a team problem.

So they hire more people. They implement new systems.

But nothing changes.

And if you find yourself burning out regularly, you’re probably looking in the wrong place for an answer.

Stress can completely break your creativity. And if you’re like me, you probably compare yourself to the Hormozis and Bartletts of the world, wondering why you can’t handle stress and pressure like they can.

But what I’ve come to understand is that not all personalities are built to handle stress in the same way.

Yet so many of us are modelling our lives and businesses on these serial entrepreneurs who are wired completely differently.

In this episode, we dive into why this is dangerous for your business, and how to build a business that works for you.

Covered in this episode:

• Why stress shuts down creativity.
• How different personalities process pressure and why it matters.
• Why comparing yourself to other entrepreneurs is burning you out.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Most creative businesses aren’t struggling because they’re not good enough.

They’re struggling because they’re invisible.

And in a world where AI can produce decent deliverables in seconds, visibility is becoming the difference between the businesses that grow and the ones that get left behind.

In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Fernandez, Co-Founder of The Growth Guys and Social Pitch AI. We unpack the truth behind what exactly creative businesses need in order to stay relevant.

If you’ve been feeling shift in the creative industry, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to stay one step ahead.

Covered in this episode:

• How to stay relevant with AI replacing creative work.
• The real reason creative experts are going unnoticed and how to fix it.
• Why “know, like and trust” isn’t enough anymore.
• How “unconscious incompetence” silently limits your growth.
• Will AI replace creative jobs?
• How to use AI in a way that builds trust instead of eroding it.
• What creative businesses must offer to clients to survive.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Paul Fernandez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-a-fernandez/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Are you having fun running your business?

I’ve asked myself this question in the past and the answer hasn’t always been yes.

A lot of creative business owners hit a point where their business is ‘working’, but it’s boring. And that boredom drains the energy from their business.

In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Faulkner. Adam has been running a successful video production agency for over five years, but he reached a point where business became boring, and he knew that something had to change. 

Adam changed direction with his business and content and attracted the attention of a talent agent, and when he did, he started opening doors he never expected.

We dig into why fun is more than a “nice to have” and how it can become the compass for your business.

So, if you’ve been feeling bored, stuck or like you’re playing it too safe with your business, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• Why fun might be the most underrated business advantage you’re ignoring.
• How avoiding being overly strategic can actually help your business.
• How Adam got picked up by a talent agent.
• Why authenticity doesn’t need to mean oversharing.
• The real reason content doesn’t stick.
• Why ‘showing up consistently’ isn’t enough anymore.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Adam Faulkner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfaulkner 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Do you ever feel like something’s missing, despite having a portfolio full of great work?

You’re not alone.

Chris Goor has filmed some of the world’s biggest moments from the headline stage at Glastonbury to Usain Bolt breaking world records.

But behind the camera, something felt off.

Chris had built a successful career, but couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t giving him purpose anymore and 12 hour days, 7 days a week were leaving him at breaking point.

So Chris decided to experiment and made a shift out of the world he knew, building a personal brand with a following of over 100,000 people, where he helps others find their purpose through content creation.

And in this episode, Chris shares how he was able to make the leap and find success.

If you ever feel stuck doing work that doesn’t fulfil you, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• How to know when it’s time to make a shift.
• The first steps to moving towards something more purposeful.
• How to build a following online without chasing trends.
• Why your LinkedIn posts are being ignored.
• Overcoming the perfectionism holding creatives back.
• The key to turning followers into clients that’s often overlooked.
• How to move away from work that no longer serves you.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Chris Goor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thechrisgoor/ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Chris Goor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisgoor/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

You want better clients.

Clients that pay more, respect your time, and treat you like a partner - not just another supplier.

But most founders are making the same mistake every single week that is holding them back from ever attracting those types of clients.

And in this episode, I share what that mistake is, and the steps that you need to take to make attracting your dream clients feel easy.

Covered in this episode:

• The mistake most founders make when trying to attract dream clients.
• How to pinpoint exactly who you should be targeting.
• How to build trust with clients before the first call.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

In a crowded market, many studios are leaning on awards they’ve won to stand out.

Or they find themselves pitching against a dozen other agencies.

But Simon Forster decided to do neither of those things with his branding agency, Robot Food,  and has still landed huge global brands like Pepsi, Cadbury and Carlsberg.

Not because they’re the biggest.

Nor the cheapest.

But because they’ve garnered trust and focused on the right things.

And in this episode, Simon breaks down the real reasons global brands choose one studio over another and the strategies that creatives need to consider if they want to play at that level.

If you want to be the studio that big brands pick, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• How to get big corporates to trust you.
• The hidden factors that matter far more than creative output.
• How to build a reputation that makes getting corporate clients possible.
• Why Robot Food doesn’t enter design awards.
• How to challenge clients and get them better results.
• And much more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Robot Food - https://www.robot-food.com/ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Simon Forster on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robotfood/  

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

I’ve lost count of how many rejections I’ve collected in my business and life over the years.

From no’s to appearing on podcasts, to no’s from prospects.

I imagine you’ve collected a few yourself.

And it can hurt. Almost like they’re rejecting YOU.

But what I’ve realised is that the amount of rejection that someone faces is in direct proportion to what they’re able to achieve in life.

In this episode, I share the 3-step process I use to reframe rejection and transform it into valuable feedback that helps you get more of what you want.

If you find dealing with rejection draining, or that you hold back from ever asking out of fear of rejection, this is for you.

Covered in this episode: 

• Why rejection is required for success.
• Dealing with rejection (motivation for creatives).
• How to detach your identity from the outcome so you can keep going after rejection.
• The question to ask after every rejection to turn it into momentum.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator 

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Many creatives spend hours polishing their portfolios, yet still struggle to attract the kinds of clients they feel they deserve.

And that’s when the self doubt starts to creep in.

But it’s not because your work isn’t good enough.

It’s because most portfolios are built with the wrong mindset.

I’ve seen award-winning designers get overlooked, while others with less polished work get taken more seriously, because they’re making this one mistake.

In this episode, I break down the portfolio mistake that’s quietly costing you opportunities and the 3-step process to fix it.

If you feel like your skills deserve higher paying clients than you’re currently attracting, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• The biggest mistake creatives make when creating a portfolio.
• The crucial elements most creatives miss when offering solutions.
• How to present your work in a way that makes picking you a no-brainer.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

It feels like everywhere you look online, content creators and influencers are telling business owners they need to build a personal brand.

But there are thousands of successful businesses without personal brands behind them, so why does everyone talk about personal branding like it’s essential?

In this week’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes on my own personal branding journey.

I recently had with Chris Do (The Futur), where we got into the truth about what personal branding really means and at what point should creatives consider building theirs.

I also share insights from another conversation I had with James Martin (Made By James), who had a very different take, that might make you rethink how you see personal branding.

If you’ve ever felt conflicted, or unclear about personal branding, this episode will help you find an approach that works for you.

Covered in this episode:

• What is a personal brand?
• And do creative business owners need one?
• Where to start with building a personal brand.
• Why personal brands might not be as ‘authentic’ as they claim.
• Why people misunderstand personal branding.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Matt’s conversation with Chris Do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE8qfhD4b8I 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

What if you could attract 6-figure clients, regularly, without any outbound marketing?

No outreach. No paid ads.

This is what Alex Ghalleb has managed to achieve with his multiple six-figure consultancy business - with no full-time staff and no business development.

Alex started out in the audio production industry, before moving into hospitality. And although you might not think of hospitality as a creative industry, Alex is bringing high-value client’s creative visions to life. 

In this episode, Alex shares how creatives can over-deliver for clients so their reputation does the work for them.

If you want to attract higher-value clients on autopilot, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• Building a multiple six-figure business with no outbound marketing.
• What hospitality can teach creatives about client experience.
• The impacts of niching and choosing the right clients.
• How to ensure your clients are sold from the first interaction.
• How to build relationships that lead to consistent referrals.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Alex Ghalleb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ghalleb-13869194/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Do you ever feel like there’s something missing from your life or business?

If so, you’re not alone.

But what you think is missing might not give you the satisfaction you’re after once you get it.

A lot of my clients tell me that they want more clients or they want to reach a certain financial goal.

But what they’re chasing is the vehicle, and even once they reach it, they still don’t feel satisfied.

In this episode, I share an exercise I walk my clients through to uncover what truly matters.

This simple shift helps you get what you want sooner, without the endless chase.

Covered in this episode:

• Why “more clients” or “more revenue” never feels like enough.
• An exercise to uncover what really matters to you.
• How to make important decisions more easily.
• Uncovering your highest priority.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

“We like your work but we’ve decided to go with another agency.”

Does this sound familiar?

If you’re tired of prospects comparing you with other agencies, you need to hear this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast.

The most successful creative business owners I’ve worked with have gotten to where they are by differentiating themselves in a way that makes them incomparable.

But with 1000s of agencies out there offering similar services, how do we differentiate?

I’m going to go over the 4 P’s of positioning - the key elements you need to understand as a creative service provider to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Covered in this episode:

• How to avoid pitching against a dozen other agencies.
• How to immunise your business from being replaced by an AI solution.
• Uncovering the unique qualities that make your business stand out.
• Identify the right niche for your business.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

How often do you stop to think about why things have or haven’t gone well?

If you’re like most creative business owners, probably not very often.

And the problem with this is that you could be missing the strategies that led to your successes and failures. Meaning it’s harder to repeat the wins and avoid more losses.

As we move into the last quarter of the year, I want to help you to achieve any outstanding goals you’ve set before the year ends.

I’m going to run you through a process that I do with my clients every 90 days, to discover what is and isn’t working, to give you more clarity and help you keep up the momentum.

Covered in this episode: 

• How to identify what is and isn’t working in your business.
• Where to shift your focus so you attract more wins.
• A repeatable process to figure out what you need to do more of.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Do you ever feel like you know what you need to do to drive your business forward, but you end up spending your day doing everything except that thing. So many creative business owners blame a “lack of time” for slow growth.

But ‘time’ is rarely the culprit. In this episode, I’m joined by Simon Alexander Ong - keynote speaker, life coach, bestselling author and YouTuber with 170,000 subscribers.

Simon and I dive deep into how to re-energize yourself, how to get maximum impact from your day, and the mindset shifts that can turn your biggest goals into reality. 

Covered in this episode:

• Why a lack of time isn’t what’s holding you back.
• How to cut down your responsibilities and focus on what moves you forward.
• Productivity hacks you’ve probably never heard of.
• The ‘gamification hack’ to make challenging goals achievable.
• How to stack the odds in your favour and become a “luck machine”.
• Selling with confidence if you get nervous on sales calls.
• How Simon secured book endorsements from Simon Sinek and Ali Abdaal.
• How to tell if you’re building the life and business you really want.
• And more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Energize (Simon’s Book) - https://simonalexanderong.com/book/ Simon’s Newsletter - https://simonalexanderong.com/shots-of-energy/ 

Simon on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexandero/videos 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Simon Alexander Ong on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderong/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Have you ever made a choice that felt right in the moment, only to realise it was the decision from hell?

That was me recently.

I flew to Amsterdam, dropped $2,000 on a Mindvalley ticket, and instantly started regretting it.

Instead of enjoying the experience, I found myself frustrated that I’d wasted the money and beating myself up for not making the most of it.

But then something shifted.

I was able to reframe the whole trip and turn what felt like a mistake into something valuable.

In this episode, I break down how you can do the same, so you can transform bad decisions into powerful lessons.

You’ll learn how to make choices that align with your values, so no matter what the outcome looks like, it doesn’t have to come with a side of regret.

Covered in this episode:

• How intuition can turn regret into value.
• The key to making aligned decisions you won’t regret.
• Turning sunk costs into valuable experiences.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you feel like you’re undercharging for your work?

But you believe that if you raise your rates, you’ll scare prospects off?

Or maybe you’ve raised your rates already and you’re getting price objections.

Either way, this is for you.

In this episode, I break down why pricing isn’t about the number, it’s about how prospects perceive the value you deliver.

And I share how to completely change your prospects’ mindset around how much your service is worth, so you can double, triple, or even quadruple your rates without losing business.

Covered in this episode:

• The real reason prospects say no.
• How to reframe value so a higher price makes sense.
• Why asking for a prospect’s budget NEVER works.
• Exactly what to say when a client pushes back on pricing.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

There’s a fundamental shift happening in the creative industry, and it’s changing how we find and attract clients.

After a decade of coaching award-winning studio owners, I’ve seen even the most talented creatives struggle to consistently bring in dream clients. 

And the reason is because they’re chasing attention instead of building trust. But with AI content flooding the internet, the world is getting noisier.

Standing out is harder than ever, and your portfolio alone won’t cut it anymore.

In this episode, I share with you the best way of fast-tracking your way to trust with your ideal clients, so you can reliably and predictably grow your studio.

Covered in this episode:

• Why trust, not attention, is your biggest asset.
• How to shortcut the trust building process.
• Why content is becoming less valuable in an AI driven world.
• A proven way to make trust predictable and repeatable.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What would it be like to build a 6-figure business without having any clients?

No relying on client outcomes and schedules.

No more being treated like an employee.

That’s exactly what Greg Preece has done.

And in this episode, Greg shares how he escaped the stress of client work to build a content creation business on his terms.

Before Greg managed to turn his YouTube channel into a passive income machine, he’d reached a plateau with his earnings. But after a few key shifts, his income has skyrocketed, without having to serve a single client.

If you create content, or if you’ve ever considered building a content platform as an additional source of revenue, this episode is essential.

Covered in this episode:

• How Greg was able to walk away from client work and still generate a 6-figure income.
• The three pillars of successful content creation.
• How to get more views and attract brand deals on YouTube.
• Why “good” content isn’t enough anymore.
• How to find a content niche and stand out.
• The truth about AI and the future of content creation.
• And much more…

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Greg Preece on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GregPreece 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Greg Preece on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpreece/ 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you ever feel like you’re not having the kind of impact you want with your business? Like when you reach the end of the year, you look back and ask yourself “did any of it matter?”

And even when you have a steady stream of projects and your clients are singing your praises, something still feels off.

You’re not alone.

And in this episode, I go over what to do when those feelings come up.

I recently had a conversation with a past client who’s found success but still feels this sense of unfulfillment and was considering starting a new venture. And there was one thing I told him to do first.

If you want to know exactly what to do when you’re feeling unfulfilled in your business, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• Why success isn’t always fulfilling.
• What to do when you don’t feel you’re making the impact you should be.
• The key skills every entrepreneur needs before launching something new.
• Why it’s easier than ever to launch new ideas.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

On the verge of burnout.

You’ve just lost a client.

A team member is off sick.

When it all hits at once, the default reaction is to push through.

But what if the answer to fixing your business is the exact opposite?

In this episode, I share why the first thing I often tell clients when everything is falling apart is that they need to take a break.

Last year, I stepped away for an entire month and came back with more clarity and focus than ever. This year, I did it again. 

And nothing broke.

Now, I know our businesses are different, but I’ve seen it work time and time again. And in this episode I share exactly what to do to make it possible, so that you can reap the benefits.

Covered in this episode:

• Why stepping away from your business could be exactly what it needs.
• The 2 key moves you need to make for taking a break to be possible.
• How to manage your finances in a way that allows you to take a month off while still paying the bills.
• What to expect when you return (hint: it’s not chaos).

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam  

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

When you jump on a call with a prospective client, does it feel more like a job interview? Does it feel like you have to prove yourself to them? Like an order taker rather than a valued partner? What if there was a simple way to turn the conversation on it's head? To go from service provider to interviewer. In this episode, I share a 15-minute clarity call framework that will allow you to take control of the conversation, quickly qualify clients and avoid time-wasters so you can work with people who value what you do and pay you what you’re worth. I’m sharing the exact structure and framework I’ve used (and coached clients through) to transform the sales process without sounding too salesy. Covered in this episode:

• The exact framework to follow to win more of your ideal clients.
• The switch that turns you from ‘order taker’ into ‘trusted partner’.
• How to take control of the sales conversation (without being pushy).
• Why you should stop sending proposals (and what to do instead).
• Why client budgets are a myth.
• How to never get ghosted again.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE 

Download the framework - https://matt-essam.notion.site/Clarity-Call-Framework-and-Script-e8fa45f41ab1482e9ad8dd37ddc05a52?source=copy_link 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ 

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

The project deadline is looming.

A team member just called in sick.

Your computer is playing up.

All while the client is constantly chasing you.

We’ve all had those weeks where your to-do list is never-ending and everything feels like it’s on fire. And you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to get it all done.

I’ve been in this situation myself, and I know what it feels like.

That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated strategies I’ve used to stay calm under pressure, protect client relationships, and still deliver high-quality work - without burning out.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this 3-step plan is going to give you the clarity and tools you need to get back on track.

Covered in this episode:

• How to stay calm when the pressure is on.
• The 3-step system I use to get back on track.
• How to decide what really matters on your to-do list.
• How to communicate with clients when deadlines loom.
• The trick to avoiding burnout while still getting stuff done.
• Why trying to “do it all” is killing your productivity.
• A simple mindset shift that instantly reduces overwhelm.

If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.

PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.

 

LEARN MORE The ONE Thing (book) - https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_One_Thing/ROoCnwEACAAJ 

Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator

CONNECT 

Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/

LISTEN 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam