"My husband has called what I do the most expensive hobby." That comment from a member of our recent live session, followed by a casual "LOL," broke my heart a little bit. Because behind that seemingly lighthearted laugh is something so many creative business owners are sitting with, the uncomfortable question about whether what they're building is actually viable. In this episode, I walk through the very specific difference between an expensive hobby and a viable business and share a straightforward method to help you move from one to the other.

• [00:00] Introduction: The uncomfortable truth about "expensive hobbies"
• [08:11] Defining the difference between a hobby and a business
• [11:23] The three-step framework for moving from hobby to viable business
• [17:18] Why charging properly is actually more generous
• [21:16] How to know if you're running a business or funding a hobby
• [26:09] The work required to shift from hobby to business

"If you're feeling guilty about charging, that guilt is actually keeping you from helping and providing to as many people as you can."

"When you build something that genuinely works for your life, instead of something your life works around."

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Listen Episode 107: "Why There's never been a better time to build a creative business"
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

What stage is your creative business in right now? Are you struggling with seeing it as a viable business over an expensive hobby? Share your thoughts and experiences on Instagram  and let's continue the conversation...

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What if the secret to unsticking your business isn't about complex strategies, but about changing a single fundamental question? In this powerful episode, we explore how one simple shift can transform your entire business approach, create more meaningful client connections, and reignite your entrepreneurial excitement.

• [01:37] The story of Kate and how changing one business question transformed her entire team's approach
• [05:30] Why creative entrepreneurs are often measuring the wrong things in their businesses
• [08:02] The real cost of the wrong questions
• [13:20] Identifying the questions that might be keeping you stuck in your business
• [17:36] Practical steps to recognise and shift your business questioning approach

"When you focus on 'when did a client call?' you're focused on timing and mechanics. But when you ask 'what is the client getting from this interaction?' you're focused on value, on relationship, on the human element that actually drives creative business forward."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Philippa Craddock Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

What questions are you currently asking in your business that might be holding you back? Please do DM me on Instagram and share your insights! I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with your creative entrepreneurial journey.

Want to dive deeper into the foundations of building a creative business that truly reflects who you are? Join our weekly newsletter for exclusive insights, and weekly guidance to help you turn your creative passion into a thriving, aligned business.

An Instagram post about spending eight weeks in Greece with my family has so far generated over 165,000 views and revealed something profound... creative entrepreneurs yearning for freedom but unsure how to get there. This week, I'm answering the five questions myself and showing you exactly what your answers reveal about building the business and life you actually want.

• [00:00] The Instagram post that has now generated 165,000 views and what it revealed about creative entrepreneurs
• [04:46] Why traditional business advice fails creative minds and the breakthrough that changed everything
• [07:22] The question that reveals your true business vision (and why most people get this completely wrong)
• [13:11] The natural ability you're probably undervaluing that could transform your income
• [18:16] How to identify the part of your business where you feel most authentically yourself
• [22:53] The permission question that could eliminate half your current stress immediately
• [26:38] The vulnerable truth most entrepreneurs won't admit (but must address to move forward)
• [30:24] What your answers reveal about your path to genuine freedom and success
• [32:37] One simple step to start building your ideal Tuesday this week

"The gap between where you are and where you want to be is almost never about working harder or learning more tactics - it's about recognising what you naturally do brilliantly and building everything around that."

"Your impossible dream? It starts with believing it's possible."

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Coffee invitation: 5 Questions to Create Your Next Chapter
• Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear which of these five questions resonated most with you! What came up when you imagined your ideal ordinary Tuesday? Share your insights with me on Instagram - I read every message and love hearing about your discoveries. Please know your reflections often inspire future episodes and help our entire community grow.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll also receive practical guidance for building a creative business that aligns with your natural strengths whilst creating genuine freedom.

Since we shared our initial episode on Chat GPT, we've been flooded with questions and I would love to take you through all of these, sharing my answers.

The consensus is definitely that many think of ChatGPT as a dirty secret that few want to admit using, it's almost like we are cheating and trying to pull the wool over our customer's eyes, but I would love to reframe this idea and instead help you to see ChatGPT as a brilliant time saving and brainstorming partner within your business, one that helps you with the more mundane tasks, helping you to whizz through these and return your focus to nurturing your audience, building and growing your brand and evolving your incredible offerings.

But I have also heard from plenty that ChatGPT, like for me, has been an incredible game changer. It has seriously sped up my copywriting, it has led to far greater levels of creativity, I no longer feel intimated by blank pages when I am thinking of the next topic to write for our Journal posts or Newsletters, and it has seriously helped me to genuinely love writing, something that previously has never been a strength of mine, until now.

 I created a brilliant free guide that accompanies this and the previous episode, which includes everything I discuss in a neat and accessible PDF that you can keep by your side as a quick reference, to help you get the very most from ChatGPT - ChatGPT copywriting  guide

• www.philippacraddock.com

Today I'm going to share a recent challenge we faced – a mishap that occurred just a while ago. We learned some valuable lessons about the importance of resilience and agility in content creation. Whether like us you create weekly content, you are a business owner, or just someone who appreciates a look behind the scenes, I hope you'll find this story hugely valuable....

To paint the picture, last Thursday, I woke up early, at about 5.30. I was the first up and it was still very dark outside. I sat in the kitchen, and I updated the website to add the links to our latest weekly podcast episode. It felt good to have that done early, before our newsletter went out, which is always scheduled for Thursdays at about 6.30am. 

Just after 8am, I received a WhatsApp message from a friend, which read "Listening to your podcast. Might you have uploaded a draft?", I asked what she meant and then I listened to the morning's podcast episode … and remember this is a globally listened to podcast of thousands each week … and it was clear, the original, unedited version had accidently been uploaded …

I hope you enjoy hearing how we failed fast and pivoted very quickly and I hope our journey and the ten steps we took to pivot help you hugely going forwards. 

• www.philippacraddock.com

A while ago, I came across an article in the magazine Fast Company, that caught my attention - 5 RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN WORKING WITH START-UPS. The article was insightful, and from my personal experience over the last 14 years, it really did focus on the areas that matter the most, and it also highlighted the areas to avoid, the areas where we can easily waste our time and where we shouldn't be focussed.

The concept of the article was to help investors make sensible decisions when investing with start-ups, but it was bigger than that, as it also offered superb insights for anyone who was thinking about starting their own business and business owners at all stages of start-up and growth.

In the busy-ness of our days, as we are juggling multiple roles, it can absolutely feel overwhelming when we try to figure what needs the most attention within our business, or for budding entrepreneurs, where should we be placing our focus in the future. What are the key aspects that will help us to refine and grow, and ultimately for us to really enjoy the day-to-day successful running of businesses.

I have definitely been there where things have felt messy, and it has taken me many years to streamline processes and understand where my attention should be placed. And I would love to fast-track that for you, to help you avoid some of the mistakes I have made and the detailed learnings I have gone through.

I hope you will be able to quickly identify the areas where you are already strong and the areas that might need a little attention, and you can then apply these quick and practical strategies to get you back on track, and into a wholly positive place.

I really hope this episode will help you enormously.

• ChatGPT copywriting guide
• www.philippacraddock.com

Let's talk about AI, specifically ChatGPT and specifically from a small business owner's perspective.

For us, AI has been a game-changer. And my goal with this episode is to help you utilise ChatGPT effectively for your own business. I'll share key insights I've gained whilst using AI effectively and I'll also provide additional tips that could benefit you.

We'll explore how it can be a game-changer for small business owners juggling multiple roles and projects, with the core takeaway being how powerful it is as a brainstorming ally. It's not about replacing your tasks, but progressing your initial ideas.

• ChatGPT copywriting guide
• www.philippacraddock.com

In today's episode, I share my thoughts and strategies to help you stay motivated and inspired as you are working towards achieving your goals. We'll be discussing a very relatable topic: what to do on days when you have lost your motivation. We've all been there, those days when we just can't seem to find the drive to get going on our to-do list.

We'll be exploring how to recognise that this is completely normal, I share some of my own recent examples and practical strategies for regaining your motivation and pushing forward, even when it feels a little impossible.

So, join me and learn how to overcome these motivation slumps.

We all live In a very noisy and fast paced world, where understanding your audience is becoming more important than ever. During this episode, I share why and how you should define and understand your audience, ultimately ensuring that your business offerings align with your audience's needs, desires, and lifestyle. 

I'll walk you through a series of practical and straightforward strategies to help you identify and connect with your ideal customer, giving you an insider's look into how having a comprehensive profile of your target market can drastically enhance your brand communication and product or service offerings. 

My goal is to equip you with the necessary tools and insights to make sure you have a loyal and strong brand community, one that resonates with your offerings, understands your brand's ethos, and remains engaged for the long haul, with the focus on increasing your revenue and profit, and ultimately to grow and ensure your business is highly viable.

FREE five step guide to create the foundations of a loyal and strong brand community: click HERE.

Today we dive deeper into the subject of achieving your goals and, more importantly, how to stop worrying about what other people think.

In our previous episode, we discussed the importance of setting and working towards your goals. But what happens when the opinions of others start to creep in and affect your progress?

In this episode, we'll discuss why it's crucial to focus on your own vision and aspirations, share personal stories, and provide six practical steps to help you stay on track and overcome the fear of other people's judgments. 

 So, let's dive right in and learn how to build that resilience and confidence needed to make your dreams a reality.

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I was thinking the other day, how so often we come across incredible information that might make a difference to our lives and our businesses, that great feeling of what might be possible for us to achieve when we discover a brilliant and valuable resource. We are excited to implement the ideas and put them to use and then … 

… something distracts us, and the idea begins to fade into the background and can often be soon forgotten amidst the whirlwind of our busy schedules, leaving these opportunities unexplored and uncapitalised.

Now imagine this - what if there WAS a method that helped us to capture all those ideas easily and strategically, to help us make use of them and put them into action? Wouldn't that be amazing? Well, that's precisely what we're exploring today.

• Sorry but this guide is no longer available..
• www.philippacraddock.com

We are a few months into the biggest change we have ever gone through within our business, moving from a flower design led business, to a brand fully focussed on supporting you within your own business, taking our years of experience in running a multi-level, 7 figure global business, and now sharing all our marketing and strategy insights. It's a huge change, but it has also felt like the most natural change, because it came from a deep desire within me, and it comes with full support from everyone within my team! 

I would love to take you back a bit, to why I wanted to make this change so badly, to share how it has impacted our business in the first few months and our plans for the next year and beyond.

I hope this episode is a huge support for you, if you are looking to make a big change in your life. Perhaps you are currently in a corporate role and longing to set up your own business, to claim back your time and to be more of who you are, to do more of what truly inspires you and makes you happy. Perhaps you are a full-time carer for others, and you are now ready to do something that is truly your own, to claim financial independence and a new identity, that sits true with exactly who you are, to explore and strengthen those skills you believe are deep down. Or perhaps you have a thriving company, but you know in your heart that it is not what you most love doing, and you are desperate for a shift in direction, to move it closer to something you are truly passionate about, or a longing to grow exactly what you are doing right now, further and expand your offerings.

 To wake up in the morning, to feel excited to get started on new projects, willing to take risks, because you know you will pour your heart into it and you will work tirelessly until you make it a success. If you resonate with any of these, this episode is for you!

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I recently shared a journal post on the essential skills to start and grow your business, focussing on the importance of mindset and attitude, and today, I wanted to bring this to the Podcast and share a little more.

I remember before I started my business, wondering what the key skills that every successful entrepreneur had and wondering if they were skills that I could harness and learn.

Over the years, I began to realise that it's not necessarily down to specific experience or knowledge, it's definitely not something that you learn in traditional courses at school or indeed university, and to some extent even at business school, instead it's so much more about mindset and attitude. I have heard so many people say, a successful business is 10% talent and 90% attitude, and to some extent I agree.

So, today, I will be sharing with you, the essential, foundational skills that I feel are required for all business founders, leading up to and during the start-up days and for growth, with a special focus on mindset and attitude, and their indispensable role in entrepreneurial success.

It's important to note, that everyone has the potential and can learn these skills to start and grow their own business, and this episode is for you, whether you have a glimmer of a business idea or you have a fully-fledged business and would love to find ways to grow and expand, both personally and for your business.

Within the podcast I promised that I would share the following links:

• To contact me on Instagram @PhilippaCraddock, click HERE.
•  Breathwork coach - James Dowler: find him HERE 
• Podcast episode 049. THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF BREATHWORK WITH JAMES DOWLER

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Last week, a simple Instagram post about our family summers in Greece generated over 110,000 views and more responses than anything I've shared in a while. But it wasn't the Greece part that resonated, it was the underlying message about designing your business around the life you actually want to live. The messages revealed the same question: "I can see what I want, but I don't know how to bridge the gap." Here are the five questions that will help you find that bridge.

• [01:37] The Instagram post that reached over 110,000 people and what it revealed
• [03:04] Why the gap isn't about lacking skills or strategies 
• [03:36] Introducing "The 5 Questions to Create Your Next Chapter"
• [10:05] How to use these questions this week and what's coming next

"Most of us are so busy following generic business advice that we've never stopped to ask ourselves the fundamental questions about what we truly want our business to make possible in our lives."

"The clarity you're seeking is already inside you. You just need the right questions to access it."

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Coffee invitation: 5 Questions to Create Your Next Chapter
• Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear which of these five questions immediately sparked something for you. Sometimes just hearing the right question can shift everything about how we see our business possibilities. Send me a message on Instagram - I read every single one and your insights often inspire future episodes.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new programmes and community launches. Plus, you'll be the first to know when The Base Notes community opens again

Today we'll be exploring one of the key secrets that separates the most successful brands from the rest: crafting a powerful and engaging brand story.

Stories help us make sense of the world around us and connect with others on a deeper level. And that's why, in marketing, telling stories is a powerful way to engage with your audience, for them to relate and connect with your brand and to help them see the genuine value in all your offerings.

As humans, we will invest in things that make us feel something. It's a noisy world out there, and it's essential for the success of your brand, that you make people connect with your brand on a deeper level. People need to be able to relate to your story and link to your products or service, directly as a solution to something they want, desire and/or need. 

We'll discuss the importance of storytelling in marketing, the psychology behind why stories work, and how you can create a brand story that truly resonates with your target audience. With real-life examples and actionable tips, you'll learn how to elevate your brand and create lasting connections with your customers. 

I've included the eight key points, to help you craft your brand story in the show notes, so click below to help you to start crafting your own compelling brand story, plus you'll find a link to a brilliant free reference guide, full of prompts and more examples.

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Today, I want to bring those steps to life through this Podcast episode, focussing on the crucial topic of pricing - a concept that, when thoroughly understood will transform your business. Some of the steps are common sense, but others might surprise you.

These nine steps were game changers for me. I believe they'll make a massive difference for you too. And it's not just about numbers. 

Effective pricing isn't simply a matter of maths, mark ups and margins. It's about aligning your prices with the value you provide, meeting your customers' expectations, and ensuring your business thrives - all while promoting a healthy work-life balance. I feel so strongly that a successful business is a combination of doing good, being highly profitable and helping you to live a healthy life/work balance, and I hope these nine steps will help you within your own business.

My mission as I am talking to you, is to empower entrepreneurs like you to build viable and sustainable ventures. So let's begin!

• Confidence with pricing guide
• www.philippacraddock.com

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Today we'll be discussing the benefits and challenges of working for yourself.

If you've ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5 and taking control of your own destiny, this episode is for you. We'll explore the freedom and flexibility that comes with being your own boss, as well as some of the hurdles you might face along the way. From setting your own hours to choosing the projects that align with your passions, we'll cover it all. 

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This week I am looking at ways to help you break free from the limitations of your everyday life and transform your dreams into tangible outcomes. From research, I've discovered that it's thought only a staggering 8% of goals are ever achieved, which really blows my mind. In this episode I share the six crucial steps that have helped me consistently achieve my goals, making them something exciting to work towards rather than pipe dreams that never materialise.

• [00:00] Welcome and discovering how to break free from limitations
• [01:39] Understanding how to transform your dreams into tangible outcomes
• [02:40] Overview of the six essential steps for sustainable goal achievement
• [03:01] Step One - Purpose: Understanding your deeper motivation
• [05:08] Step Two - Steps: Creating achievable daily actions
• [07:23] Step Three - Consistency: Establishing your natural rhythm
• [08:52] Step Four - Growth: Embracing new skills and possibilities
• [09:54] Step Five - Support: Building your success network
• [10:59] Step Six - Measure: Setting meaningful targets that drive progress
• [12:55] Practical implementation: Bringing all steps together

"Don't just focus on the singularity of the goal itself, instead focus on how the goal will impact your life, your sense of self, your lifestyle, your family."

"We place targets and measurements on everything we do... If we simply just hoped for a little more than before, we wouldn't know whether we were achieving our goals, and it wouldn't drive us forward."

I'd love to hear which of the six steps resonates most with you - share your thoughts with me on Instagram, where I read every message personally.

Join my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive resources that complement each episode

What I've discovered about networking completely changed my perspective - and if the word 'networking' makes you feel uncomfortable, this episode will show you how to transform those connections into something genuinely enjoyable and natural.

For many of us, networking conjures images of crowded rooms, awkward handshakes, and perfecting sales pitches. But what if we could reframe it entirely? Today, we're exploring how to make authentic connections that energise rather than exhaust you, with five practical strategies that feel natural and meaningful.

Key Moments:

• [00:00] A fresh Perspective On Networking For Those Who Typically Avoid It
• [01:39] Why Traditional Networking Often Feels Uncomfortable
• [02:35] The Two Natural Approaches To Making Connections
• [04:10 Personal Experience Examples - Being Proactive With Opportunities
• [06:45] Five practical strategies for genuine connections
• [07:23] Strategy 1: Being Authentically Yourself
• [07:41] Strategy 2: Making Industry Events Work For You
• [08:07] Strategy 3: Using Social Media Meaningfully
• [08:39] Strategy 4: Finding Collaborative Opportunities
• [09:09] Strategy 5: Creating Mutual Growth Experiences

Notable Quotes:

"Let's think about it as simply making positive connections with like-minded souls. For me, networking is meeting like-minded creatives, learning, sharing, embracing different perspectives and actively seeking different sources of inspiration."

"Each time you meet a new person, you are entering into a new world. This person has connections, relationships and contacts that are unique to them."

"None of these have involved any exchange in money, instead, we have all mutually gained rich experiences."

Resources Mentioned:

• 'LastPass' - password management system
• Read our journal 

Share Your Insights:

If you've found your own way to make genuine connections in business, I'd love to hear about it. Share your experience with me on Instagram @philippacraddock - where I personally read and respond to every message.

Never Miss an Episode:

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive resources. Each week, I share additional thoughts that didn't make it into the episode, plus practical implementation tips you won't want to miss.

Today we are exploring the five essential, practical strategies that have helped me, and countless others, strike the perfect balance between creativity and growing a successful business. My hope is that by the end of our conversation, you will have new ideas ready to implement today. Whether you are in the early stages of a business idea or you are in the throes of growing your business, I would love to help you find that sweet spot between following your true creative vision and running a successful and profitable business.

Key Moments:

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction to essential business balancing strategies
• [01:35] The myth of choosing between creativity and profitability
• [02:57] Strategy 1: Setting clear goals and priorities - My Selfridges goal 
• [07:39] Strategy 2: Organisation and efficiency secrets for creative minds 
• [09:45] Strategy 3: Strategic collaboration opportunities 
• [11:14] Strategy 4: Continuous growth mindset for creative businesses 
• [12:37] Strategy 5: Maintaining authentic creative vision 
• [13:10] Case Study: Patagonia's balance of creativity and commerce
• [14:41] Case Study: Little Seed Farm's artistic integrity in business
• [16:05] Practical implementation guidance and closing thoughts

Notable Quotes:

"Remember that your creativity is what sets you apart from others in your field, and it's what makes your work special and valuable."

"I believe it's so important that your goals must genuinely excite you, these are not labourous tasks, but a clear vision of something that will bring huge value and benefit into your life."

Resources Mentioned:

• Case Studies - Patagonia / Little Seed Farm
• Website Philippacraddock.com

Share Your Insights:

I'd love to hear which of these Five Strategies resonates most with your creative business journey. Share your thoughts or DM me on Instagram @philippacraddock - I very much try to read and respond to every message!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings.

Welcome to 'Passion To Profit', a leading business podcast for creative entrepreneurs, professional service providers, and business owners ready to turn their expertise into a thriving, profitable business.

I'm Philippa Craddock, and I believe the most successful businesses are built on recognising and embracing what you're naturally brilliant at. I grew my own design business from our family kitchen table to a seven-figure global brand, working with clients like Alexander McQueen, Vogue, and The British Royal Family. A few years ago, I shifted my focus to helping creative business owners build sustainable businesses that energise rather than exhaust them.

Each week, I share practical, implementable strategies to help you grow your creative business with confidence. From pricing your offerings and marketing in a way that feels natural and effective to staying motivated and strengthening your mindset, this podcast is here to help you charge what you're worth and build a business that reflects your unique strengths. If you're juggling multiple priorities, working harder without earning more, or simply ready to create a business that truly values your time and expertise - you're in the right place!

Join me weekly for jargon-free, straightforward insights on building professional expertise, strategic growth, and measured progress. We'll focus on clear, actionable steps that make a real difference - transforming your creative business into a profitable, sustainable success.

Let's discover what's possible when you build your business around your true strengths and charge properly for it. Welcome to Passion to Profit!

Get In Touch: 

However old the episode you are listening to, i always love to hear your comments, insights and feedback, many of them shape future content...

• Website: philippacraddock.com 
• Newsletter: Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com
• Social Media: Instagram @philippacraddock

"When you build your creative business around what you do best and charge properly, you'll create a role you truly love." – Philippa Craddock

There's an invisible line that many creative entrepreneurs struggle to cross, from seeing yourself as a creative person who happens to sell their offerings, to stepping fully into being a creative business owner. It sounds like a small difference, but it changes absolutely everything about how you operate.

This final episode of our summer series is about making that shift and owning your identity as a professional creative business owner. Your creativity doesn't diminish, it becomes your unique business advantage when treated with the professional respect it deserves.

• [02:01] The invisible line: creative person vs. creative business owner
• [04:21] Why "humility" about your work actually holds everyone back
• [06:45] Simple systems that signal professional seriousness
• [08:35] You're not becoming a business owner, you already are one!

"When you show up as a confident business owner, you give your clients permission to see you that way too. They trust you more, they value your input more, they're happier to pay your prices, and they refer you to others with confidence."

"You're not just creative. You're a creative business owner. Own it, because the world needs what you have to offer."

• Read: This Week's   Full Journal Post
• Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What resonated most with you about stepping into your identity as a creative business owner? I'd love to hear about your own identity shifts or the small professional systems you're implementing this week. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram, I read every message however old the podcast and love connecting with you.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new programmes and community launches. Plus, you'll be the first to know when The Base Notes community opens again.

As creatives we often think perfectionism makes our work better, but it's actually costing us clients, opportunities and genuine connections with our audience. While you're perfecting, polishing, and waiting for everything to be "ready," your ideal clients are working with someone else - someone who showed up, shared their work, and made that human connection. In this episode we explore why "good enough, shared" always beats "perfect, hidden."

• [02:19] The real cost of perfectionism: missing clients while you perfect your work
• [03:57] Why people hire you, not just your skills - the power of authentic connection
• [05:57] The ceramicist story: how perfectionism was blocking growth and visibility
• [08:58] Behind-the-scenes content gets more engagement than polished perfection
• [11:52] This week's experiment: sharing "good enough" instead of perfect

"People don't just hire your skills. They hire you. And perfectionism often hides the very personality and authenticity that makes you memorable and trustworthy."

"Your clients want to work with someone they trust, someone they feel comfortable with, someone who feels real and approachable. And perfectionism actually works against all of those things."

• Read: This Week's   Full Journal Post
• Previous Episode Mentioned: 101. Why Your Natural Skills Are Your Biggest Asset
• Previous Episode Mentioned: 100. The One Thing Holding Back Your Creative Business
• Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What's one thing you've been holding back from sharing because it wasn't "perfect" yet? I'd love to hear about your experiment with "good enough" content - send me a message on Instagram and let me know what you discover when you share something genuine rather than polished.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter  for behind-the-scenes insights, including my current Pinterest experiment where I'm sharing both the wins and frustrations as I test what works. You'll get first access to new resources and exclusive content that doesn't appear anywhere else.

"It's just something I'm naturally good at." "It feels too easy to charge for." "Anyone could do that." I hear these phrases constantly from creative entrepreneurs who are unknowingly dismissing their most valuable business assets. What feels effortless to you is often exactly what clients will pay premium prices for. In this episode, I'll show you how to spot your undervalued strengths and turn them into your most profitable offerings.

• [01:53] The problem: Why "it feels too easy" is costing you money
• [02:53] Real examples of natural skills being undervalued by their owners
• [03:52] The weird guilt about charging for things that come naturally
• [05:31] The reframe: Easy for you doesn't mean easy for everyone else
• [06:50] How to recognise when ease actually indicates expertise
• [07:31] This week's action: Start tracking your "no big deal" moments

"What feels effortless to you is often what clients and customers will pay premium prices for. The skill that comes naturally, that you barely have to think about, that you assume everyone can do - that's probably your most valuable part of your offerings."

"Your clients aren't just paying for your time. They're paying for your perspective, your expertise, your ability to see solutions they can't see. They're paying for the years of experience that allow you to make something look effortless."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What natural skill do you find yourself dismissing as "no big deal" that others consistently compliment you on? I'd love to hear about those abilities you take for granted that might actually be your biggest business assets. Send me a DM on Instagram, I read every message and love helping you recognise your genuine value.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance that supports your creative entrepreneural journey.

"I'm not a real business owner yet." "I'm just starting out." "I don't have enough experience." I hear these types of phrases constantly from creative entrepreneurs - even ones who've been successfully running businesses for years. This single limiting belief is costing you money, opportunities, and confidence, but the good news is it's completely fixable.

As we reach our 100th podcast episode, here's the mindset shift that changes everything about how you see yourself and your creative business. This belief shows up in how you price your services, communicate your value, and the growth opportunities you don't pursue because you assume you're not ready. If you've ever downplayed your expertise or waited for permission to call yourself a legitimate business owner, this episode will help you step fully into your professional identity and unlock the sustainable business growth you've been working towards.

• [02:29] Celebrating 100 episodes and the collaborative nature of this podcast
• [04:47] The one belief sabotaging creative businesses more than anything else
• [06:01] How this self-doubt manifests - even in successful creative entrepreneurs
• [09:03] The uncomfortable but powerful exercise to shift this belief
• [11:36] The truth about becoming "legitimate" as a business owner

"The creative entrepreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the most experienced or the most qualified. They're the ones who recognise their own value and own it confidently."

"There's no magic moment when you suddenly become 'legitimate.' There's no external validation that makes you a 'real' business owner. It's a decision you make about how you see yourself and your work."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear how this resonates with you! Have you caught yourself saying "I'm not a real business owner yet" despite all the evidence to the contrary? What shift in language feels most powerful for you? Send me a message on Instagram, I genuinely love hearing from you, however old the episode!

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new programme launches and exclusive resources.

That email you've been staring at for twenty minutes, trying to sound "professional" but ending up sounding like a robot?! I've been there. For years, I thought being professional meant hiding my personality behind formal language and corporate-speak. Then I met Elisa, a Sardinian event planner who was completely herself in every interaction... warm, direct, enthusiastic, while running a hugely successful international business. She taught me that authenticity doesn't make you less professional; it makes you more effective. This episode explores how to find that balance between being genuinely yourself and being professional, and why your real voice is actually your greatest business asset.

• [03:40] The professional mask we think we need and why formal language often backfires
• [05:31] My turning point: learning from Elisa Mocci and discovering authentic professionalism
• [09:21] The cost of hiding behind formality 
• [10:32] What authentic professionalism actually looks like in practice
• [13:00] Finding your boundaries: what to share and what to keep private
• [13:43] Overcoming the fear that authenticity will turn off serious clients
• [14:58] How dyslexia taught me that vulnerability can become strength
• [15:48] Why your real voice matters more than ever in an AI-generated world

"When you're hiding behind overly formal language, you're not building genuine connections. And business, especially creative business, is fundamentally about relationships."

"Your unique voice, your particular way of seeing things, your specific experiences - these are your competitive advantages. When you try to sound like everyone else, you're giving up the very thing that makes you irreplaceable."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Free Persistence Guide:  Thoughtful Persistence: Why Silence Doesn't Mean No
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear about your experience with finding the balance between authenticity and professionalism. Have you noticed a difference in client responses when you've communicated more naturally? What barriers have you faced in letting your real voice come through in your business communications? Send me a DM on Instagram - I read every message and love connecting with you about these topics.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance that supports your creative entrepreneurship journey.

That beautiful pitch you sent months ago? The one that never received a response and left you feeling completely rejected? This silence almost never means what you think it means. After two years of rejection from Selfridges, I was told I "wasn't fashionable enough." Instead of giving up, I created fashion-inspired flower arrangements and turned up at their offices. That persistence became the foundation of one of my most important business relationships. Here's what I've learnt about the difference between thoughtful persistence and being pushy, and why your gentle nature is actually your biggest business strength when building a creative business.

• [02:30] Why persistence only got 12% of votes despite being what holds people back most
• [03:58] The story of 20 beautifully crafted cards that received zero responses
• [05:37] What silence really means (and why our minds jump to rejection)
• [07:15] My Selfridges story: two years of "no" becoming my most important business relationship
• [11:44] The truth about creative professionals and why your "too much" probably isn't
• [12:53] When persistence works and when it becomes problematic 
• [17:31] The golden rule of follow-up: adding value rather than adding to to-do lists
• [18:25] Five practical strategies for thoughtful persistence
• [20:34] About the Free Guide and how it can help you.

"Your version of 'rude or pushy or annoying' is probably most people's version of 'thoughtfully persistent.'"

"Most of the time, when we think we're hearing 'not ever,' we're actually hearing 'not right now.'"

• Free Persistence Guide: Thoughtful Persistence: Why Silence Doesn't Mean No
• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

If today's episode gave you the courage to send that follow-up message you've been putting off, I'd love to hear about it. Have you experienced a situation where persistence paid off in ways you didn't expect? Share your experience with me over on Instagram or through DM's. I always read all your thoughts and comments however old the episode!

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter  for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new episodes. You'll also get exclusive resources and first access to new offerings.

That dream you haven't dared say out loud? The one that feels embarrassingly unrealistic? It might be exactly what your creative business needs.

I started my flower business delivering bud vases to rural pubs, secretly dreaming of working with luxury brands and venues. That impossible vision didn't make building my business harder, it made everything clearer. When you aim for something extraordinary, project decisions become far more obvious.

In this episode we look at how thinking on a scale of 10x instead of 2x can transform everything from your daily choices to the opportunities you attract, and how to hold massive dreams without losing your mind! Whether you're dreaming of premium clients, luxury brand partnerships, or building a seven figure creative business, this strategic approach to ambitious goal setting will revolutionise how you grow your creative business.

• [04:18] The secret dream I didn't dare share - from kitchen table to luxury brands
• [06:23] Why small dreams keep you small and thinking in incremental improvements
• [09:21] The strategic power of impossible goals and how they force innovation
• [11:30] Dreams creative entrepreneurs whisper and why they're not as impossible as they seem
• [14:54] How to hold big dreams without losing your mind - the private vision strategy
• [19:07] When dreams change entire industries and create space for others to follow
• [20:44] The permission you've been waiting for - why your biggest dreams aren't big enough

"When you allow yourself to dream impossibly big, you can't just do more of the same. You have to completely reimagine what's possible."

"The difference between creative entrepreneurs who build extraordinary businesses and those who stay stuck isn't talent, luck, or connections. It's the willingness to envision something so compelling that it pulls them forwards through every obstacle."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Read: 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What's the dream you haven't dared to say out loud? I'd love to hear about it. DM me on Instagram i'm genuinely excited to hear it, These impossible dreams are what transform not just your business, but entire industries.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for insights on building your creative business around what you naturally do best. Next week, we're exploring persistence - how to handle rejection and keep moving towards those ambitious goals in a way that feels comfortable rather than pushy.

What if the very thing you think is holding back your creative business is actually your biggest competitive advantage? This episode completely reframes how we think about our location, moving from limitation to opportunity.

Drawing from real examples including TOAST, Eileen Fisher, and my own journey building a seven-figure floral business from the countryside, we explore how distance from major hubs can become a powerful differentiator. Whether you're based somewhere rural, suburban, or simply outside the traditional industry centres, this episode shows you how to transform your location story into genuine business advantage.

You'll discover why authenticity trumps convenience, how constraint breeds creativity, and practical strategies for leveraging your unique geographic perspective. This isn't about putting a positive spin on a problem, it's about recognising the genuine advantages you already possess.

"Your location can become one of your most powerful differentiators in a crowded market. But this isn't about simply putting a positive spin on a problem. This is about recognising the genuine advantages you already have."

"The moment you stop seeing your location as something to overcome and start seeing it as something to leverage, so much can change for you."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

How has your location influenced your creative work in ways you hadn't considered before? What unique perspective does your environment give you that could become part of your brand story? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me a DM on Instagram about how you're planning to reframe your location advantage.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance delivered straight to your inbox, plus early notification when we open the doors to our next Base Notes community.

Over the last few weeks, we've explored what makes you a creative business owner, why your creativity is your most valuable asset, what's working right now for creative businesses, why 26 Pinterest visitors matter more than a million views, and ways to generate revenue that feel aligned with how you work best.

I've been getting messages from so many of you saying, "This all makes complete sense. I can see how my creativity is valuable. I understand I need to position myself differently, but how do I actually make this shift? How do I go from understanding these ideas to genuinely embodying them?" This episode looks at the foundational work to make this happen...

• [00:00] The gap between understanding business concepts and genuinely implementing them
• [02:05] Why creativity is your greatest business advantage
• [04:20:] The Missing Piece: Stories of transformation 
• [07:05:] Building on what we have discussed
• [09:50] The realistic timeline that actually works 
• [14:01] Introduction to The Base Notes Experience and its approach
• [19:02] What this prepares you for and why now
• [24:15] Understanding to transformation: Justine explains what happens when you finally make this shift

"There's a gap between knowing you're valuable, knowing you have so much value to offer others, and actually showing up with that confidence." 

"It's not about learning to do these things despite being creative. It's all about celebrating and realising these things work better because you're creative, and thenbuilding your entire business from that foundation."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Philippa Craddock Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

What's your biggest challenge in truly embodying your creative business identity? Are you struggling to see your unique strengths or feeling stuck between understanding and implementing? I want to hear your story. Send me a direct message on Instagram  your journey matters, and you might just be on the brink of your own transformation!

Want to dive deeper into the foundations of building a creative business that truly reflects who you are? Join our weekly newsletter for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories and weekly guidance to help you turn your creative passion into a thriving, aligned business.

Last week, I found myself interviewing Cath Kidston in front of 50 creative entrepreneurs, and whilst I could tell you all about her incredible journey, what's more valuable is understanding how I came to be on that stage in the first place.

The truth is, you cannot build a creative business in isolation. Behind every successful creative entrepreneur I know is a network of genuine relationships that have amplified their voice and opened doors to opportunities they never could have created alone. This isn't about becoming a networking machine - it's about being intentional with your connections whilst staying true to your values.

• [03:07] The foundation of business growth - why clear messaging comes before everything else
• [05:47] Meeting Sophie Perkins and how genuine relationships develop naturally over time
• [07:22] The internal battle between fear and opportunity - why I nearly said no
• [08:12] The extensive preparation behind a 30-minute interview and why it matters
• [09:29] The real return on investment from collaborative opportunities
• [11:15] Why viral moments aren't the goal - understanding what actually builds your business
• [12:34] The five-part framework for authentic networking and collaboration
• [14:40] How comfort zones limit business growth and why fear often signals opportunity
• [15:59] Practical next steps for building meaningful professional relationships

"Comfort zones are not where businesses grow. They're where businesses stay exactly the same."

"You cannot build a creative business in isolation. Behind every successful creative entrepreneur is a network of genuine relationships that have amplified their voice."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

I'd love to hear about a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone for your business - what happened, and what did you learn? Perhaps you're considering an opportunity right now that feels a bit scary but aligned with your values. Send me a DM on Instagram - I read every message and genuinely love hearing about your experiences with putting yourself out there.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights from each episode, plus exclusive resources and first access to new offerings. You'll also receive practical guidance delivered straight to your inbox each week.

What I've discovered about creative entrepreneurs who are thriving is fascinating. They're quietly stepping away from doing things like everyone else and building businesses that actually work for them. This isn't just about being different for the sake of it; it's about recognising what you're naturally brilliant at and having the courage to build everything around that foundation.

In this episode, I share real examples of creative entrepreneurs who've broken industry "rules" and seen remarkable results. From the textile artist who stopped trying to do everything and focused entirely on commercial installations, to the food photographer who specialised in capturing the story behind family recipes - each found success by asking one simple question: "What am I naturally better at than most people?"

This quiet revolution is creating businesses that are more distinctive, more profitable, and infinitely more energising for their owners. When you structure your business around your authentic strengths rather than industry expectations, everything transforms, your confidence, your marketing, your client relationships, and yes, your income.

• [05:42] The rebellion against "best practices" and why following everyone else's approach might be limiting your potential. 
• [07:01] Why the old rules don't serve creative entrepreneurs and the interior designer who transformed her business by recognising her hidden strength
• [09:55] The question that changes everything: "What am I naturally better at than most people?"
• [11:05] Building your business like architecture: structuring everything around your natural advantage
• [13:21] The energy revolution that happens when you work with your natural current instead of against it
• [15:20] Permission granted - why you don't need anyone's approval to build your business differently
• [16:34] The compound effect of individual shifts creating positive change across the creative economy
• [17:30] Your next move: Your own quiet revolution

"What feels effortless to you is often extraordinary to others. Your 'common sense' is actually accumulated wisdom and natural intuition that others lack."

"The creative entrepreneurs who are building something truly distinctive aren't following the crowd, they're following their strengths."

• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

What's one area of your business where you've been following someone else's approach instead of trusting your own instincts? I'd love to hear about what might be possible if you built around your natural strengths rather than industry expectations. Send me a message on Instagram  I'm genuinely curious about your thoughts!

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll never miss the practical guidance that helps you build a business around what comes naturally to you.

Running a creative business can feel remarkably isolating. While friends and family are wonderfully supportive, they don't always understand the specific challenges of pricing creative work, the vulnerability of putting your designs into the world, or the constant balance between creativity and commerce.

What I've discovered is that when you connect with other creative entrepreneurs who truly get it, something transformative happens. In this episode, I share how creative business community completely changed my approach to entrepreneurship, why business networking for creatives looks different from traditional networking, and how to build supportive professional relationships that accelerate your creative business growth.

• [02:44] Why running a creative business can feel so isolating, even with supportive friends and family
• [05:17] The turning point: How connecting with other creative entrepreneurs transformed my confidence and business approach
• [08:28] My recent peer group that changed everything - how 90% of my current projects came from community conversations
• [11:40] Why business networking for creatives looks different: balancing artistic integrity with commercial success
• [14:24] The surprising hesitations about joining creative communities (and why they're worth pushing through)
• [19:33] How creative community supports each stage of building your business - from overcoming limiting beliefs to confident pricing
• [21:25] Practical ways to build your own creative business community when you're starting from scratch
• [22:55] The ripple effect: How supporting each other elevates the entire creative economy

"The creative entrepreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the most talented or the most business-savvy - they're often the ones who've built strong communities that support their growth and hold them accountable to their potential."

"When creative entrepreneurs support each other's success, it creates a ripple effect that elevates the entire creative economy."

• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

What's been your experience with creative community? Have you found connections with other creative entrepreneurs that have changed how you approach your business? I'd love to hear about the communities that have supported your growth or any hesitations you've had about joining creative groups. Send me a DM on Instagram - I read and respond to every message however old the episode!

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get practical guidance for building your creative business delivered straight to your inbox!

After months of development, I'm revealing the complete framework that transforms struggling creative businesses into thriving ones. Many creative entrepreneurs unknowingly struggle against their natural strengths instead of building from them. In this episode, I introduce The Base Notes framework, a proven approach that helps you align your creative business with what you naturally do best. Learn why sustainable growth, authentic marketing, and real confidence come from recognising and building around your exceptional strengths. This isn't about becoming someone different, it's about growing a thriving creative business by doing what comes naturally.

• [03:33] Why traditional business approaches aren't designed for creative minds
• [05:30] The turning point in my journey that changed everything - building around natural strengths instead of fighting against them
• [06:46] The three critical shifts that separate struggling creatives from thriving ones
• [09:15] What makes The Base Notes different from other business guides you may have tried before
• [12:38] The Nine Base Notes Framework - A walkthrough of all nine transformational chapters
• [17:18] Why I called it "The Base Notes" - the foundational elements that give lasting impact
• [21:08] Everything included: the complete handbook plus three practical bonuses
• [25:56] A special founding member opportunity 

"When creative entrepreneurs build businesses around what comes naturally to them, everything becomes clearer, more sustainable, and genuinely more enjoyable."

"You're not looking to become a different person - you want to build a business that honours who you already are. And you are absolutely right to believe that's possible."

• Link: The Base Notes Waitlist
• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

After listening to this episode, I'd love to hear which of the nine Base Notes resonates most with where you are right now in your creative business. Perhaps you're recognising exceptional strengths you've been overlooking, or maybe you're ready to step fully into creative business ownership. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram - I read every message and genuinely love hearing about your unique journey.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for weekly insights that go deeper than what we cover on the podcast. You'll get behind-the-scenes thoughts on building sustainable creative businesses, plus you'll be the first to know about new resources and opportunities like The Base Notes Handbook. It's where I share practical implementation details that make all the difference.

Do you find yourself mentally "switching hats" between your creative work and business tasks? Have you ever felt that business systems somehow constrain your creative freedom? You're certainly not alone. In this episode, I explore what happens when we stop seeing business and creativity as opposing forces and instead allow them to genuinely enhance each other. I share real examples of creative business owners who have applied their creative thinking to pricing, client relationships, business systems, and more, discovering that true success comes not from compartmentalising, but from bringing their creative sensibility to every aspect of their work.

• [04:07] The false dichotomy between creativity and business that limits creative entrepreneurs
• [08:35] How approaching business decisions as creative opportunities transforms results
• [14:19] Why well-designed business structures actually enhance creative freedom rather than restrict it
• [16:39] The powerful shift in client relationships when you apply creative thinking to every touchpoint
• [20:25] Transforming your pricing and business model to authentically reflect your creative approach
• [24:41] The integration mindset: using your existing creative strengths in business decisions
• [28:45] The natural confidence that emerges when your business truly reflects who you are

"When I stopped trying to be 'business-like' in a way that felt foreign to me and instead brought my design sensibility to every aspect of my business, everything got easier. Not because the work became less challenging, but because it all finally felt like mine."

• Read: This Week's   Full Journal Post
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• The Base Notes Handbook: Join The Waitlist
• Survey Ref: 2024 SalesForce survey on customer experience
• Survey Ref: McKinsey study on personalisation and revenue
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

Where do you currently feel a disconnect between your creative work and business aspects? Send me a DM on Instagram with your thoughts, I personally read and respond to all messages and please know i find your insights incredibly valuable.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know whats coming.... Next week is all about the launch of the Base Notes Handbook!

What if the invisible care you pour into your creative business is your greatest differentiator? Inspired by a powerful interview with Sir Jony Ive, (legendary designer behind Apple's most iconic products) this episode explores the spiritual dimension of design and why genuine care-beyond aesthetics and functionality can set your work apart in a noisy world. Philippa shares why intention, meaning, and authentic human connection are at the heart of creative business success, and how embracing these principles can transform not just your products, but your entire client experience

• [01:37] Introduction to Sir Jony Ive and how his design philosophy relates to creative entrepreneurship
• [02:19] The myth I want all of us to let go of - that efficiency should always win over care and design in business
• [03:26] The concept of "principled service" and how it transforms creative businesses
• [06:20] How people can sense when something has been made with care
• [10:07] Finding order in chaos - bringing calm to a noisy world through thoughtful design
• [17:32] The importance of "markers" - details that most people will never consciously notice
• [21:16] Remembering your "why" and incorporating small acts of care into your business

"Care is the invisible ingredient that transforms good work into something truly memorable. When we design with intention and genuine care, our clients feel it-even if they can't always see it."

"In a world obsessed with efficiency, it's the thoughtful details and human connection that set creative businesses apart. True design is about so much more than how something looks; it's about how it makes people feel."

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Interview: with Sir Jony Ive
• Handbook: Join The Waitlist 
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 

Where do you incorporate care into your creative business? I'd love to hear which small acts of thoughtfulness make the biggest difference for your clients. Share your reflections with me on Instagram - I read every message and look forward to continuing this conversation.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to gain access to new offerings, and exclusive resources, along with receiving weekly guidance on building a business that honours both your creativity and your desire for sustainable growth.

Have you ever caught yourself downplaying your ambitions for your creative business? Maybe you've hesitated to voice your bigger dreams, or even allowed yourself to fully imagine them. You're not alone. Many creative entrepreneurs start with modest goals-enough work to pay the bills, flexibility for family life, or simply doing what they love. But when you align your business with your exceptional strengths, something remarkable happens: your ambition naturally grows.

In this episode, we explores the "Ripple Of Ambition" - how building your creative business around what you do best leads to organic, sustainable growth and new opportunities you may never have imagined. Discover why your creative business growth matters, not just for you, but for your clients and community and how small mindset shifts can create a powerful ripple effect.

I share real stories, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on giving yourself permission to want more, letting go of limiting beliefs, and building a business that truly reflects your unique strengths. If you've ever wondered what could be possible when you fully embrace your ambition, this episode is your invitation to imagine, expand, and grow your creative business in a way that feels authentic and inspiring

• [00:00] Introduction: Why ambition matters in creative business
• [01:42] Behind the scenes: Finishing the upcoming Handbook
• [03:35] The "Ripple of Ambition" pattern in creative entrepreneurs
• [05:18] Case study: The interior designer's transformation through strength recognition
• [07:24] My journey: From restaurant flowers to global design projects
• [10:05] Why we downplay ambition: Fear, imposter syndrome and playing small
• [12:25] Ambition in everyday life: Lessons from my daughter's cricket aspirations
• [15:58] Building from strengths, not "shoulds": Authentic growth versus external validation
• [17:58] Reflection question: Imagining your business without self-imposed limits

"What would your creative business look like if you built it entirely around your exceptional strength, without limiting your vision based on what seems 'realistic' or what others in your field are doing?"

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Handbook: Join The Waitlist 
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear how ambition shows up in your creative business. Have you experienced that natural expansion of vision as you've gained clarity about your strengths? Share your reflections with me on Instagram – I'm genuinely interested in your experience with this phenomenon.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings as we continue exploring how to build sustainable success through recognising your exceptional strengths.

In this special Tuesday bonus episode, I'm pulling back the curtain to share some exciting behind-the-scenes changes. I'm introducing a brand new "Real Life, Right Now" section to our weekly newsletters, a space designed to bring you closer into my world and offer genuine, meaningful connection for creative entrepreneurs. This thoughtful addition reflects what I've noticed: as creative business owners, we're craving more authenticity and real stories in an AI driven content landscape. Listen in to discover how I'm constantly evolving to best support your creative journey and help you build a business that feels truly authentic.

• [01:29] Behind the scenes of the past six months of business refinement
• [03:13] The conversation about personal newsletters that sparked this change
• [03:42] Introduction to the new "Real Life, Right Now" newsletter section with its three components
• [06:05] Information about our newsletter community and invitation to subscribe

"I've been quietly refining everything in the business, getting super clear on how I can best support you and what really makes the biggest difference for creative business owners like you."

"People are craving real connection more than ever. I think with so much content being AI generated these days, seeing and hearing more behind the business creates a different kind of relationship."

• Handbook: Join The Waitlist 
• Newsletter: Signup
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What elements of behind-the-scenes business operations would you find most valuable to hear about? Please send me a DM on Instagram I personally read and respond to all messages. Many of our conversations go on to form the basis to future episodes.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. Our weekly emails are designed to be quick to read, yet packed with practical ideas you can implement immediately in your creative business.

"I love thinking about my work all the time. It doesn't feel like an imposition, it feels like the privilege of doing something I'm obsessed with." When a friend said this during dinner recently, it struck a chord... This powerful episode explores why creative entrepreneurs often unconsciously limit their potential by trying to fit into industry norms or downplaying their ambition. We're constantly receiving subtle messages to "stay in our lane" or "be realistic", that our dedication to our creative businesses is somehow unhealthy. Instead, I'm inviting you to embrace your healthy obsession as a vital strength and a pathway to sustainable success.

Discover why giving yourself permission to be fully absorbed in your work, to think about it constantly, and to build your business around your natural strengths is the key to standout growth in today's competitive creative market. With real stories and actionable insights on how to break free from limiting beliefs, avoid burnout by aligning your hard work with what energises you, and how to recognise your professional value to create a business that truly reflects your authentic expertise.

If you've ever felt guilty for being "too obsessed" or worried your ambition is too big, this episode is your 'permission slip' to dream magnificently, work passionately, and build differently, creating a standout creative business that's unapologetically yours and delivers the business growth you desire.

• [00:00] Introduction - The subtle ways we're taught to limit ourselves in business
• [02:01] The dinner conversation that revealed how passion for work is often misunderstood
• [04:51] Why it's okay to be obsessed with your business in a healthy, energising way
• [07:42] Moving beyond standard industry practices - The photographer who transformed her business
• [10:56] The distinction between depleting hard work and energising hard work
• [13:14] Why there's no universal "best" business model for creative entrepreneurs
• [14:56] Building from natural strengths - Creating more value with less struggle
• [16:46] My personal journey of restructuring my flower design business around my unique strengths
• [20:18] Announcement of the upcoming Handbook on building exceptional creative businesses Join the Waitlist
• [22:50] Final thoughts on embracing our natural strengths to create businesses that energise rather than exhaust.

"What comes naturally to you is often exactly what makes you exceptional. Your distinctive way of approaching projects, of solving problems, of creating experiences—that's not just a personal preference. It's a huge business advantage."

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Handbook: Join The Waitlist 
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What aspect of your business feels most natural to you? Where do you excel without even trying very hard? I'd love to hear how your business might change if you centered more of your work around this natural strength. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram, where I always make time to read and respond to your messages, however old this episode may be when you listen.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights into creating a business built around your natural strengths. You'll be the first to receive exclusive resources and learn about new offerings before they're publicly available.

I've been noticing something fascinating happening in design right now – While AI innovation rushes forward, there's this equally powerful pull back towards handcrafted work and genuine connection. But, rather than feeling pressured to chase every trend (who has the time!?), through insights from Creative Boom's latest industry report this episode shares which 2025 design trends actually matter for small creative businesses, and how they might best complement what you already do brilliantly. These insights from leading design studios reveal opportunities that play to your natural strengths rather than working against them – and isn't that the kind of trend worth paying attention to?

• [01:53] Introduction to Creative Boom's 2025 design trends report
• [03:03] The importance of balancing trend awareness with authentic creative values
• [04:14] The AI-Human Balance: AI moving beyond ideation to final outputs
• [06:09] The counter-movement: returning to handcrafted, human-centered design
• [07:43] The #StarterPackNoAI movement as an example of reclaiming creative space
• [09:22] The return to physical experiences and creating meaning in a digital world 
• [12:28] The craft renaissance: personalisation, sustainability, and technology integration
• [14:25] Design experimentation and breaking away from template-driven sameness
• [16:30] "Minimalist Maximalism" as an emerging visual approach 
• [18:50] How these trends create opportunities for small creative businesses

"The most successful creative businesses don't blindly follow every trend but thoughtfully incorporate relevant elements that align with their own authentic approach."

"This isn't an either/or situation but a rebalancing, where we're getting clearer about where technology adds value and where human creativity remains irreplaceable."

"Your greatest asset isn't about how well you follow trends—it's your capacity to create work that only you could make, infused with your combination of skills, experiences, and perspective."

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Previous Episode Mentioned: What's Really Working On Instagram In 2025
• Read: Creative Boom Report, by Katy Cowan: "Design trends for 2025: creative leaders share their vision for the year ahead"
• Read: Metricool's 2024 Social Media Report
• Ref: Photographer - Pippa MacKenzie's LIFE photo albums
• Ref: Design Agencies Mentioned: Wolff Olins Global (Brand Consultancy), Red Antler (Marketing Agency), Rosie Wilson-The #StarterPackNoAI Movement (Illustrator), Jamhot, Fold7Design, Design LSC, Tavern, Bedow, How Studio, DesignUps, SomeOne
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear which of these design trends resonates most with your creative business. Are you already incorporating some of these movements, or are you seeing different trends emerging in your specific field? Send me a message on Instagram I genuinely value these conversations and learn so much from your experiences, with many of these conversations going on to shape future episodes.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights into how I'm applying these design trends in my own work. You'll also get exclusive resources about building your business around your exceptional strengths and be the first to hear about new offerings coming soon.

Today's episode is different. I'm in conversation with Vicky Hagen, founder of Hattie & Vic, a personal styling business that empowers women through beautifully considered clothing.

What makes this conversation special is that Vicky participated in The Base Notes first cohort earlier this year, and you'll hear how understanding her exceptional strengths has transformed not just her business clarity and confidence, but how she shows up for her clients every single day.

• [02:57] Vicky's origin story: Transforming personal styling to be more accessible and emotionally supportive
• [08:54] The transformative power of styling: Understanding women's life stages and personal empowerment
• [19:34] Choosing reflection over fear: Discovering the Base Notes as a method for business realignment
• [22:36] Finding the permission slip to turn up as you are
• [32:14] The challenges of running a business before finding a clear method
• [43:41] The power of finding your own business answers through guided reflection
• [51:24] Experiencing growth through intentional foundational work
• [105:55] The podcast as a supportive resource for creative entrepreneurs
• [112:30] Envisioning the future of Hattie & Vic

"The Base Notes is a method, not a formula. It doesn't tell you what the answer should be - that's your decision. It gives you the opportunity to consider all aspects of your business in a comprehensive way." - Vicky Hagen

"What makes the Base Notes so powerful is that it allows you to dip back into it in a non-linear fashion. After the initial deep dive, it becomes a resource that shines a spotlight on opportunities to do things differently." - Vicky Hagen

• Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post
• Link: The Base Notes
• Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter
• Philippa Craddock Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com 
• Hattie & Vic Website: www.hattie&vic.com
• Hattie & Vic Instagram @hattieandvic

Are you feeling the tension between your creative passion and business identity? What holds you back from fully embracing your role as a creative business owner? Share your thoughts with me over on Instagram i read every message

Join our  weekly newsletter  to receive exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes content, and support for creative entrepreneurs straight to your inbox.

Struggling with that constant urge to compare yourself to others in your industry? You're not alone, that nagging sense of comparison doesn't just affect how you feel, it can fundamentally limit what you build. In this episode we explore why comparison is so persistent for creative entrepreneurs and reveal the subtle mindset shift to make it finally fade away. Discover how leading with your natural strengths, instead of chasing industry "shoulds," can transform your business from the inside out. I share real stories from you, listeners who've broken free from the pressure to fit in, found their unique superpowers, and have started building businesses that feel energising, authentic, and impossible to replicate.

• [02:13] The powerful responses from creative entrepreneurs who are embracing their unique strengths
• [04:32] Why so many creative entrepreneurs feel the weight of comparison and what's actually happening
• [06:28] How social media and standardised business advice create constant comparison
• [08:01] The additional 'complication' as a creative
• [10:24] The transformative power of leading with your exceptional strengths 
• [12:19] How focusing on your natural abilities creates distinctive positioning
• [13:34] The shift from convincing clients to connecting with the right ones 
• [16:23] Creating your own momentum and rhythm in business 
• [19:13] How building from strengths changes your relationship with challenges
• [22:39] Practical steps to move from comparison to confidence 
• [23:28] The importance of aligning strengths with what your audience values 
• [27:45] The broader movement toward more aligned ways of building creative businesses

"When we're clear about our exceptional strengths, we naturally create more distinctive offerings. Instead of looking similar to everyone else in our field, we begin to stand out, not through gimmicks or clever marketing, but through the genuine uniqueness of what we offer."

"Comparison doesn't just fade when we lead with our strengths, it becomes largely irrelevant. Because when you're building something that's genuinely yours, something rooted in your exceptional strengths, you're no longer on the same path as everyone else. You're creating your own."

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Episode:  082. Finding Your Exceptional Strength: The Key To An Unstoppable Creative Business
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

What strengths do you find yourself naturally using in your business, even when you don't recognise them as special? I'd love to hear how you're beginning to see your natural abilities in a new light. Send me a message on Instagram I personally read and reply to every DM, many of our conversations shape future episodes.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, early access to new resources, and weekly guidance on building a business that feels genuinely yours. You'll be the first to know about new offerings and receive exclusive content not shared anywhere else.

Do you ever feel like you're "playing" at being a business owner, even while running a legitimate, successful creative business? In this episode, we delve into the entrepreneur identity crisis so many creatives face, that disconnect between doing the work and fully owning the title of business owner. We explore how creative entrepreneurs can bridge the gap between their craft and their CEO mindset, without compromising their values or individuality. You'll hear practical shifts around mindset, language, boundaries, systems, and environment that will help reinforce your identity as a confident, capable business owner. This episode isn't about becoming more corporate. it's about recognising that your creative approach is your biggest business asset. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, undercharging, or hesitation around owning your success, this is the permission slip and strategy session you need.

• [00:00] Introduction to the entrepreneur identity crisis many creative business owners experience
• [01:45] The story of a brand designer who still feels like she's "playing at being a business owner"
• [03:08] Exploring the gap between what we're doing (running businesses) and how we see ourselves
• [04:22] The mental image of what a "proper" entrepreneur looks like and why it doesn't fit creatives
• [06:02] The hidden costs of the creative-business identity disconnect
• [07:36] Research from IBM and McKinsey on creativity as a key factor for business success - Creativity officially a superpower in business, not a disadvantage
• [08:26] How creative thinking provides unique advantages in business problem-solving
• [12:04] The importance of intentional language in how we describe ourselves and our work
• [14:45] Creating clear boundaries around your work while maintaining creative flexibility
• [16:57] Implementing simple systems that support creativity rather than hindering it 
• [18:15] How your physical workspace impacts your business identity
• [19:34] Why your business is legitimate regardless of its size or location
• [22:11] Creating a 'professional container' for your creative work that enhances rather than diminishes it
• [24:55] The confidence shift that happens when you fully embrace your creative business identity 

"What if instead of trying to fit our creative businesses into traditional business models, we recognised that our creative approach is exactly what gives us an edge?"

"Your creative perspective isn't something to overcome – it's your greatest business strength. When you fully embrace that truth, the identity gap begins to close, not because you've changed who you are, but because you've recognised the value of who you've always been."

• Read: The Full Journal post
• Ref: Creative Industries Federation research on creative business identities
• Ref: IBM global survey on creativity in business
• Ref: McKinsey research on creative capabilities and business performance
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear how you balance your creative and business identities. What has helped you embrace your role as a creative entrepreneur? Share your experiences with me over on Instagram – I'm genuinely interested in your journey and insights on this topic.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights into running a creative business. Be the first to receive access to new content and resources. It's where I share my most thoughtful observations about building a business that feels naturally aligned with your expertise.

In this episode we tackle the hidden saboteurs of creative success: perfectionism, fear of judgment, and the nagging feeling your work isn't interesting enough. Inspired by conversations and DMs with so many of you, we explore how these barriers often masquerade as professionalism, preventing us from sharing the "ordinary" aspects of our creative process that our audience truly craves. What seems mundane to many of us holds truely impactful and unique value for others, showcasing our expertise and importantly justifying our pricing. I share practical tips on how to reframe your understanding of "professional," prioritise authenticity, and share your journey (imperfections and all!) to connect with your audience and unlock genuine business growth. It's time to stop striving for perfect and start embracing your authentic creative self!

• [01:45] The unexpected insights from all the received messages to episode 081 about Instagram
• [03:24] The three common barriers consistently holding creative entrepreneurs back
• [05:10] How perfectionism masquerades as professional standards and attention to detail
• [06:39] My personal experience with podcast creation and moving towards YouTube
• [10:05] The hidden costs of perfectionism in your business beyond just social media
• [16:51] Research on authenticity and why 90% of consumers prioritise it when choosing brands
• [18:45] Why what seems ordinary to you is often fascinating to others
• [19:16] The "curse of knowledge" and how it affects our perception of our own expertise
• [23:27] Reframing what "professional" really means beyond perfection
• [27:18] Practical questions to ask instead of "Is this perfect enough?"
• [28:11] Using Instagram carousels to reduce the pressure of perfection
• [31:32] Strategies for sharing authentically even when feeling vulnerable
• [34:49] How showing up more authentically online translates to other areas of your business
• [36:59] Finding approaches that align with how you naturally work and communicate

"The gap between what we're willing to share and what our audience actually wants to see – that's where these inner barriers are costing us the most."

"When we only share the most polished, perfect versions of our creative process, we're reinforcing to ourselves that only certain parts of our work and story are valuable."

• Read: This Week's Journal Post 
• Read: Metricool's 2024 Social Media Report
• Ref: Stackla survey on consumer authenticity preferences
• Episode 081: What's Actually Working on Instagram in 2025
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear what's been holding you back from sharing more behind the scenes content, not just on Instagram but in your business as a whole. Share your thoughts with me over on Instagram – however old this episode, I read every message and love to continue conversations as many of these form the basis of new content...

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, be the first to know about new offerings, receive exclusive resources, and join a community of creative entrepreneurs building sustainable, profitable businesses without the burnout.

Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to run your creative business - one that feels less exhausting and more aligned with who you truly are? After speaking with hundreds of you creative entrepreneurs out there, in many different fields, I've noticed a very common thread: the most successful creative businesses aren't built on following industry rules or pushing through limitations. They're built around the owner's natural strengths. In this episode, I'm very excitingly unveiling a new comprehensive support system I've been developing behind the scenes to help creative business owners uncover their unique strengths and turn them into a profitable business that's authentically yours.

• [00:00] Introduction to finding out what I have been pouring my heart into for the last 12 months
• [01:58] Reflection on last week's concept of building a business around your exceptional strengths
• [04:36] The common challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs who aren't aligned with their strengths
• [06:29] My personal journey from kitchen table to seven-figure creative business
• [10:38] Introduction to the three-tier support system launching in 2025
• [11:02] 1. The Value Pop: Day-to-Day Handbook for Today's Creative Entrepreneur
• [13:13] 2. The Bright Line: A program focusing on value-based pricing
• [14:57] 3. The Colour Lab: A fully comprehensive program with community support
• [18:43] Why this approach differs from other business programs
• [19:52] Real transformation stories from creative entrepreneurs
• [26:31] My personal mission and work with my own mentor
• [28:28] Plans for a potential YouTube channel
• [29:22] Closing thoughts and invitation to join the waitlist

"When your business isn't aligned with what you do best, it feels like an uphill battle —long hours, pricing struggles, constantly looking at others for answers."

"Most business advice starts with strategies, tactics, or one-size-fits-all blueprints. But I've seen time and again that these approaches often fail creative entrepreneurs."

• Read: This Week's Journal Post
• Last week's Episode:  082. Finding Your Exceptional Strength: The Key To An Unstoppable Creative Business
• Handbook: The Value Pop Handbook 
• Program: The Bright Line Program 
• Program: The Colour Lab Program
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I would genuinely love to hear your thoughts on this episode and the upcoming programes. What you have to say really matters as many of our conversations go on to shape future content, so please do pop over to Instagram and send me a DM.

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter to be the first to hear what is coming next!

Think for a moment... What is your greatest strength as a creative entrepreneur?
So many creative business owners unknowingly undervalue their natural abilities, often focusing instead on areas that overwhelm and drain them. However when you lean into what truly sets you apart, everything can shift - your confidence, your pricing, and your ability to attract the right clients. In this episode, I'll help you identify your personal strengths, many of which hide in plain sight and share stories of creatives who've transformed their businesses by embracing what they do best. If you've ever felt stuck, wished you could charge more but didn't feel you could justify it, or you're just tired of constantly pushing against the tide, this episode will give you a whole new perspective.

• [02:09] The mission behind my website strap-line "Build an exceptional creative business by doing what you do best"
• [03:53] Why most creative businesses aren't fully aligned with their genuine strengths
• [06:19] My experience rising to the top of my industry while being "pretty normal"
• [09:43] The textile artist who transformed her business by focusing on her natural strengths
• [11:43] How a brand designer overcame pricing difficulties by recognising her unique abilities
• [13:50] Our family's story of helping our daughter discover confidence through natural strengths
• [21:00] The transformative pattern seen in businesses built around exceptional strengths
• [31:37] Why we often overlook our most valuable natural abilities
• [36:25] How small shifts toward alignment can create unstoppable momentum

"Success comes more easily when you build around what already comes naturally to you. It's not about forcing yourself to develop in areas where you're weak. It's about creating a business structure that amplifies what you're already naturally brilliant at."

"The things that come most naturally to us often feel too basic to value. This is one of the great paradoxes of exceptional strength – the easier something is for you, the more likely you are to dismiss its significance."

• Read :This Week's Journal Post
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: News@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear what insights this episode has sparked about your natural abilities. Please message me on Instagram - I genuinely read every response, and many of your comments and our subsequant conversations shape future episodes.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive insights, early access to new offerings, and thoughtful approaches to building your creative business. Each week, I share practical ideas that help you recognise your expertise and build sustainable success.

What if everything you've been told about Instagram strategy for the past year is actually wrong? In this episode, I share surprising new research that completely contradicts the "Reels and video first" approach many of us feel we should be focussed on. The data reveals a dramatic shift in what's now actually driving reach and engagement for creative businesses in 2025 - and it's not what most experts have been advising. This shift will come as a welcome relief to many creative entrepreneurs who've been struggling with constant video creation despite it not feeling natural to their business. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by making video content to feed the instgram algorithm, these evidence-based findings will help you develop a far more natural, sustainable and ultimately more enjoyable approach. I also share how niche focus, valuable content, and strategic calls to action can save you hours while improving your results... A must-hear podcast for creatives in 2025.

• [04:16] The truth about Instagram's latest algorithm shift: Why everything you thought you knew about content performance is changing dramatically in 2025.
• [07:11] The secret to captivating your audience: How a recently expanded Instagram feature can transform your storytelling and boost engagement naturally.
• [13:38] Finding your niche focus: Discover how narrowing your target audience can speed up your account growth, regardless of your current follower numbers.
• [17:17] Cracking the content code: The "formula approach" used by top-performing accounts to create consistent engagement without constant reinvention.
• [21:37] How to conduct a quick content audit: Uncover what's truly working for your Instagram account and what may need a refresh.
• [23:15] Hook your audience from the start: Crafting compelling content that captures attention immediately and encourages meaningful interaction.
• [26:03] The power of small changes: How making subtle, sustainable adjustments to your Instagram strategy can lead to transformative results over time.

"The platform seems to be rewarding different types of content again, which excitingly for us creatives, means we can focus more on the formats that align with our natural strengths and creative processes."

"Narrowing your focus always expands your impact. It's about finding a good balance between where you can provide exceptional value to a specific audience rather than general content."

• Read: This Week's Journal Post
• Read: Metricool's 2024 Social Media Report
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear what's currently working for you on instagram. Has your experience matched what the data is showing? Please do send me a DM on Instagram - however old this episode is, I genuinely read every message and am curious about your experiences.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, early access to new episodes, and exclusive resources to help you grow your creative business with less effort and more joy!

Exploring the transformative power of perseverance in business. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur just starting out or running an established business, every business owner faces moments of discomfort, uncertainty, and self-doubt. But what if that discomfort isn't a sign of failure? What if it's actually the key to your business's success?

Through my own personal experiences I'll guide you through practical strategies to embrace discomfort and turn it into your greatest business asset. We explore how challenges and setbacks are an inevitable part of all our entrepreneurial journies and how they can serve as stepping stones to greater growth, confidence, and sustainable success.

• [02:15] The hidden reality behind social media content - why you rarely see the 'messy middle' of business growth
• [03:27] My personal experience of recording 50 podcast episodes before the fear subsided
• [06:03] Finding an approach that works for you versus following standard advice
• [07:34] The relationship between discomfort and meaningful business growth
• [10:23] My two-year journey to secure a Selfridges concession despite consistent rejection
• [15:40] Why many stop just before breakthrough happens - four common patterns
• [19:25] How asking for specific feedback turned rejection into a clear path forward to growth
• [22:10] The story of landing my first prestigious venue client through persistence
• [25:43] How to distinguish between productive discomfort and misalignment
• [30:23] Five practical ways to build persistence into your business framework
• [34:59] The natural progression from £1,000 to £500,000 projects through incremental growth
• [38:38] A message for both established and new business owners feeling deflated

"The difference between those who eventually succeed and those who don't isn't talent or resources or luck – it's simply the willingness to continue slightly longer than seems reasonable. To push just a bit further when everything in you wants to stop."

"What looks like failure is actually just part of the process. Meaningful business success rarely happens overnight - it's built through consistent effort despite discomfort."

• Read This Week's Journal Post
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com
• Persistence framework checklist available on our website

Have you pushed through something that initially terrified you in your business? Or perhaps you're in an uncomfortable chapter right now? I'd love to hear your experience. Pop over to Instagram for a chat - I will always help where i can and your questions and insights often shape future episodes.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for exclusive business growth insights, behind-the-scenes content, and first access to new offerings, 

Discover how setting more ambitious business goals can simplify decision-making, cut through distractions, and bring unexpected clarity. In this episode, I reveal how using bigger targets as a "clarity filter" can help creative entrepreneurs overcome shiny object syndrome, make confident choices, and feel more at ease with business growth. Learn how this counterintuitive approach will help you:

• Recognise your true professional value
• Filter out distractions
• Build sustainable success around your strengths

All by shifting your perspective on goal-setting in a way you might never have considered before!

Key Moments:

• [00:00] How aiming bigger creates clarity and calm in business decisions
• [03:20] The "10x is Easier than 2x" concept - using numbers as decision tools
• [05:10] Why we tend to add more projects rather than thinking bigger about our core offerings
• [07:07] Sustainable ambition vs. unsustainable pressure: Knowing the difference
• [09:17] How my "clarity number" (2.5x) became a natural filter for opportunities
• [12:54] Using the "clarity filter" to focus on what truly matters
• [14:54] How to find your own "clarity number" for motivation, not overwhelm
• [17:08] A word of caution: Keeping perspective and avoiding unnecessary pressure

Notable Quotes:

 "When we pile on more projects or try to be everywhere at once, that's often unsustainable pressure. But when we think bigger about our core strengths and the work we already do brilliantly - that's sustainable ambition."

"It's easier somehow to imagine doing more things than to imagine doing better with what we already have."

"This isn't about adding pressure or pushing unnecessarily for massive growth. It's simply about finding a new lens to look through when you're making decisions about your business."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "10x is Easier than 2x" by Dan Sullivan
• Read this week's full  journal post
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: news@philippacraddock.com

Share Your Insights:

 I'd love to hear if you've tried using a "clarity number" for your business decisions. What number brings you clarity? Does it change how you evaluate opportunities? Please do share your experiences with me on Instagram, I always love chatting about any episode, past or present.

Never Miss an Episode:

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive resources that complement each episode. You'll be the first to know about new offerings and get additional support for implementing these ideas in your own business.

What if the industry 'shoulds' you've been following are actually holding you back? In this episode, we will explore how to distinguish between conventional business advice that genuinely fuels success and the practices that don't align with your strengths. Through personal insights and real-world examples, I share how trusting your instincts and building a business around your natural working style can lead to greater profitability, sustainability, and long-term success.

• [00:00] Introduction to the perception of industry 'Shoulds'
• [01:50] Spotting the different types of business "Shoulds" and their impact on us and our businesses
• [07:42] The project management tool revelation - when industry standards don't serve us
• [14:45] Distinguishing between growth challenges and misaligned practices
• [17:34] How to transform perceived limitations into business strengths
• [19:20] Practical ways to build systems around your natural working style
• [21:42] Creating sustainable success by trusting your professional instinct

"Our biggest successes often come precisely when we have the courage to step away from those misaligned 'shoulds' and trust our natural way of working."

"Sometimes the very best thing we can do for our businesses is to have the courage to say 'That might work brilliantly for others, but it's not right for me.'"

• Read this week's full journal post
• news@philippacraddock.com
• www.philippacraddock.com

I'd love to hear about your experience with business "shoulds" - when have you trusted your instincts and found it led to something better? I always love to hear your thoughts and perspective, so please do drop me a line on Instagram,

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. Each week, I share practical strategies for building a sustainable, profitable business that aligns with your natural strengths.