Creative Courage: The Creative Business Podcast

Your clients are slowly killing your creative business. Not the market. Not the algorithm. I recently ran a poll asking creative business owners what their biggest frustration is. Over 60% said inconsistent income and project flow. The feast and famine cycle. But the truth is that this usually isn’t caused by the quality of your work or how much promotion you’re doing. The difference between studios that are constantly busy and those that struggle for work comes down to the way they perceive their clients. In this episode, I break down the shifts that separates oversubscribed creative businesses from those scrambling for the next project. If you’re tired of taking on poor-fit projects just to keep cash flowing, and you’d rather build a business where you’re inundated with enquiries, this episode will show you the mindset shifts you need to make. Covered in this episode: Why inconsistent income usually isn’t a marketing problem. The difference between “feast and famine” studios and consistently busy ones. The two major problems your current client dynamic is creating. How to spot a toxic client relationship. When to say no to clients. What it takes to run a business that gets to pick and choose opportunities. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Does business feel a bit slow at the moment? You’ve got the portfolio, but enquiries and referrals aren’t coming in like they used to. And with AI rapidly evolving, a lot of creatives are asking themselves if things are only going to get worse. In this episode, I break down the shift I believe every creative business owner needs to make if they want to stay relevant, profitable and in demand over the next 5–10 years. Most studios aren’t struggling because their work isn’t good enough, they’re struggling because of how they’re positioned. And that positioning is turning them into commodities. I walk you through the “4 Ps of Power Positioning” that will make you irreplaceable. I’ve seen this work for so many creative business owners. So, if business is feeling slow, or you’re earning less than you should be, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Why business feels slow right now. The positioning mistakes struggling studios are making. The ‘4 Ps’ that keep businesses relevant and growing. What AI can’t replace. Myths around niching. How to avoid pricing ceilings. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

You do great work. You have all the case studies and testimonials. But you still feel invisible. This is a problem most creative founders face. They want to be seen as the go-to expert. The name that gets mentioned in rooms they’re not even in. But instead, they’re constantly chasing projects and wondering why people with less experience are getting all the attention. In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Stocker, serial entrepreneur, Founder of Two Comma PR and former Apprentice candidate, to unpack what it takes to build visibility and authority as a creative. Sabrina has built a powerful personal brand, spoken on some of the UK’s biggest stages and grown an audience of over 50,000 followers. We explore the strategies and mindset shifts that separate leading authorities from talented but overlooked creatives, and how to position yourself so the right people start coming to you. If you feel undervalued and overlooked, this episode will change the way you think about authority and how to build it. Covered in this episode: The 3 steps to becoming the go-to expert in your industry. Why creatives should pay attention to AEO. How to go from visibility to paying clients. What most creatives get wrong about their offering. How to build relationships and get into the right rooms. How Sabrina has been able to speak on some of the UK’s biggest stages. Operating at a high level as an introvert. Simple ways to gain respect on a sales call. What needs to be in place before seeking PR opportunities. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE Two Comma PR - https://twocommapr.com/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Sabrina Stocker on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinastocker/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Most creative founders don’t struggle because their work isn’t good enough. They struggle because the business they’ve built, or the role that they play within that business, isn’t right for them. In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Ramsden, Founder of film production studio, Dojo Films. Sam has been employed in the creative industry, he’s freelanced, and now he’s running an agency. But throughout his journey, Sam has found that success on paper doesn’t automatically mean fulfilment. We dive deep into the shifts that Sam had to make within his business to allow him to do more of the work that he loves, while still scaling. If you’ve ever found yourself losing the creativity that made you start your business in the first place, this conversation is for you. Covered in this episode: How Sam built a film production studio working across 16 countries remotely. Can creativity truly be standardised? How niching can allow a business to be more creative. Choosing the role within your business that’s right for you. Agency vs one-person studio and when each model makes sense. When giving work away for free can make you more money. The “fun, fame, fortune” test to decide which projects to say yes to. What to do if you hate sales but still want to scale. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Dojo Films - https://dojofilms.co.uk/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Sam Ramsden on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsden-sam/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id17215157999 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

“Be authentic.” You hear it all the time in the branding space. But what if authenticity wasn’t actually possible? In this episode, I’m joined by James Martin (Made By James) for a very different kind of conversation. We dive into the idea of why “authenticity” when it comes to branding is misleading, why so many creatives end up bored of their businesses, the shifts happening in the creative industry and a whole lot more. You’re either going to love this conversation, or hate it. And if you’re a James Martin fan, and want to hear him take the p*ss out of me, you’ll probably love it. Covered in this episode: Why “authentic” brands don’t exist. Evidence vs. perception and why you need both. Why followers don’t equal success. What a brand really is. Why creatives get bored more easily than most. The shifts that are happening in the creative industry. Defining your own version of success. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  James Martin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-martin-3b594698  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

You’re probably paying more tax than you need to. And for a lot of creative business owners, that extra tax can become a real burden and slow down growth. In this episode, I’m joined by Pali Banwait, who shares some advice on how you can avoid paying more tax than you should be paying. But our conversation goes a lot deeper than tax. Pali is the founder of Strive, which helps entrepreneurs set up businesses in Dubai and he’s also founded and invested in many other businesses over the last 20 years, which has given him a unique perspective on what makes a business thrive. We dive into how to run your business like an entrepreneur and not just a creative, how to spot risk early before things go wrong, and why so many businesses are moving overseas. If you want to keep more of what you earn, build a healthier business and stop wasting money through avoidable mistakes, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: Why you’re probably paying too much tax and how to fix it. The biggest misconceptions people have about setting up a business in Dubai. How to know if moving your business is worth it. The hidden risks most founders miss when making financial decisions. Why you need more than just a bookkeeper to manage your business finances. How a SWOT analysis can help you avoid upcoming risks and capitalise on your strengths. Why reporting is essential for any business and how to get it right as a creative. Getting feedback from clients and using it to grow your business. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Strive - https://www.strivedubai.com/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Pali Banwait on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/palibanwait/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Business is hard. With delivery, sales, marketing, and everything in between, there’s too much to do, and not enough time to do it. That’s why I tell creative studio owners that the first hire they should make is a virtual assistant. And in this episode, I’m joined by Richard Woods - a three-time bestselling author, serial founder, and finalist on The Apprentice - to dive deep into how to leverage VAs to scale twice as fast. Richard runs Million Dollar Sprint, where he helps small businesses get to a million dollars as well as Sprint VA, a global virtual assistant business with nearly 200 people. If you don’t have a VA yet, this will help you figure out what to look for and where to start. And if you already do, you’ll learn how to stop managing them so closely and get hours back each week. Covered in this episode: Why most creative business owners wait too long to hire a VA. How to find the right VA. The first task you should outsource in your business. The common mistakes that cause outsourcing to fail. Management strategies for those who hate managing people. How to know when a team member isn’t working out. What will separate businesses from the rest in 2026. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Sprint VA - https://sprintva.co/courage  Million Dollar Sprint - https://milliondollarsprint.com/  LinkedIn For Breakfast - https://www.skool.com/linkedin-for-breakfast/about  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Richard Woods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardwoodsofficial/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Should you be creating content? It feels like everywhere we turn, we’re being told we need to regularly pump out content to attract more clients. And yet many creatives I talk to feel stuck when it comes to content. They overthink it. Or they post a couple of times and they decide it’s not for them. But the reality is that most creatives don’t have a content problem. They have a clarity problem. In this 100th episode of Creative Courage, Chris Do returns for a conversation that goes way deeper than ‘how to get more followers’. We talk about what people are missing when it comes to content, the first mistakes people make, why so much content gets ignored, and what stops people from sticking around. We didn’t agree on everything… which made this one of the most valuable conversations I’ve had in a long time. Covered in this episode: Should every creative business owner be making content? The first content mistakes most people make. How to overcome the internal blockers that stop you posting. What really makes people buy (and what doesn’t). Why there’s more to content than marketing. The missing “thread” in most content. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Chris Do on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Should you run your business solo? Or is it better to build an agency? It’s a question I hear often from creative business owners. You started your business for more freedom and flexibility. But somewhere along the way, things changed, and you end up with less freedom than you’d get from a 9 to 5 job. In this episode, I’m joined by Shoaib Ahmed, who’s lived the agency life, and as a solopreneur. He built an agency doing £30k months with a full team, but realised he could never truly switch off. So he burnt it down and went all in on his freelance business, where he specialises in helping people build their personal brand. We break down the trade-offs between staying solo and building an agency and how to find real freedom in your business. If you’ve ever felt torn between scaling up and simplifying, this is for you. Covered in this episode: The symptoms you’re building the wrong size business. The ‘freedom trap’ most creatives fall into. How to make a solo business work without doing everything yourself. What people never measure when they talk about freedom. How to structure your business so you can take time off. The one thing more important than client acquisition that most creatives miss. How to build trust and win business without constant outreach. What most LinkedIn content gets wrong. How to know when it’s time to change your business. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Shoaib Ahmed on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaibahmed21  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT   Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

If you want 2026 to be a 10/10 year, you don’t need resolutions. And you don’t need SMART goals. In 2025, I wrote a book, hit 100 podcast episodes and launched a new coaching programme, all while running my multiple six-figure coaching business (and still took two months off). And in this episode, I’m sharing the 3-step process I followed to make this happen. This is the same process I use with my clients to turn vague intentions into measurable results. If you want 2026 to be a year you can look back on and be proud of, this episode will give you the exact framework to make that happen. Covered in this episode: Why goals often fail. How to get clear on what you actually want. Mapping out the exact actions you need to take next year. How to keep yourself from giving up on your goals halfway through the year. Why SMART goals don’t work for most creatives and what to use instead. Why it’s easier to show up for clients than for yourself and how to fix it. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Most creatives see stress and burnout as a time-management problem. Or a team problem. So they hire more people. They implement new systems. But nothing changes. And if you find yourself burning out regularly, you’re probably looking in the wrong place for an answer. Stress can completely break your creativity. And if you’re like me, you probably compare yourself to the Hormozis and Bartletts of the world, wondering why you can’t handle stress and pressure like they can. But what I’ve come to understand is that not all personalities are built to handle stress in the same way. Yet so many of us are modelling our lives and businesses on these serial entrepreneurs who are wired completely differently. In this episode, we dive into why this is dangerous for your business, and how to build a business that works for you. Covered in this episode: Why stress shuts down creativity. How different personalities process pressure and why it matters. Why comparing yourself to other entrepreneurs is burning you out. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Most creative businesses aren’t struggling because they’re not good enough. They’re struggling because they’re invisible. And in a world where AI can produce decent deliverables in seconds, visibility is becoming the difference between the businesses that grow and the ones that get left behind. In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Fernandez, Co-Founder of The Growth Guys and Social Pitch AI. We unpack the truth behind what exactly creative businesses need in order to stay relevant. If you’ve been feeling shift in the creative industry, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to stay one step ahead. Covered in this episode: How to stay relevant with AI replacing creative work. The real reason creative experts are going unnoticed and how to fix it. Why “know, like and trust” isn’t enough anymore. How “unconscious incompetence” silently limits your growth. Will AI replace creative jobs? How to use AI in a way that builds trust instead of eroding it. What creative businesses must offer to clients to survive. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Paul Fernandez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-a-fernandez/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Are you having fun running your business? I’ve asked myself this question in the past and the answer hasn’t always been yes. A lot of creative business owners hit a point where their business is ‘working’, but it’s boring. And that boredom drains the energy from their business. In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Faulkner. Adam has been running a successful video production agency for over five years, but he reached a point where business became boring, and he knew that something had to change.  Adam changed direction with his business and content and attracted the attention of a talent agent, and when he did, he started opening doors he never expected. We dig into why fun is more than a “nice to have” and how it can become the compass for your business. So, if you’ve been feeling bored, stuck or like you’re playing it too safe with your business, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Why fun might be the most underrated business advantage you’re ignoring. How avoiding being overly strategic can actually help your business. How Adam got picked up by a talent agent. Why authenticity doesn’t need to mean oversharing. The real reason content doesn’t stick. Why ‘showing up consistently’ isn’t enough anymore. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Adam Faulkner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfaulkner  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Do you ever feel like something’s missing, despite having a portfolio full of great work? You’re not alone. Chris Goor has filmed some of the world’s biggest moments from the headline stage at Glastonbury to Usain Bolt breaking world records. But behind the camera, something felt off. Chris had built a successful career, but couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t giving him purpose anymore and 12 hour days, 7 days a week were leaving him at breaking point. So Chris decided to experiment and made a shift out of the world he knew, building a personal brand with a following of over 100,000 people, where he helps others find their purpose through content creation. And in this episode, Chris shares how he was able to make the leap and find success. If you ever feel stuck doing work that doesn’t fulfil you, this is for you. Covered in this episode: How to know when it’s time to make a shift. The first steps to moving towards something more purposeful. How to build a following online without chasing trends. Why your LinkedIn posts are being ignored. Overcoming the perfectionism holding creatives back. The key to turning followers into clients that’s often overlooked. How to move away from work that no longer serves you. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Chris Goor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thechrisgoor/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Chris Goor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisgoor/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

You want better clients. Clients that pay more, respect your time, and treat you like a partner - not just another supplier. But most founders are making the same mistake every single week that is holding them back from ever attracting those types of clients. And in this episode, I share what that mistake is, and the steps that you need to take to make attracting your dream clients feel easy. Covered in this episode: The mistake most founders make when trying to attract dream clients. How to pinpoint exactly who you should be targeting. How to build trust with clients before the first call. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

In a crowded market, many studios are leaning on awards they’ve won to stand out. Or they find themselves pitching against a dozen other agencies. But Simon Forster decided to do neither of those things with his branding agency, Robot Food,  and has still landed huge global brands like Pepsi, Cadbury and Carlsberg. Not because they’re the biggest. Nor the cheapest. But because they’ve garnered trust and focused on the right things. And in this episode, Simon breaks down the real reasons global brands choose one studio over another and the strategies that creatives need to consider if they want to play at that level. If you want to be the studio that big brands pick, this is for you. Covered in this episode: How to get big corporates to trust you. The hidden factors that matter far more than creative output. How to build a reputation that makes getting corporate clients possible. Why Robot Food doesn’t enter design awards. How to challenge clients and get them better results. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Robot Food - https://www.robot-food.com/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Simon Forster on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robotfood/   Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

I’ve lost count of how many rejections I’ve collected in my business and life over the years. From no’s to appearing on podcasts, to no’s from prospects. I imagine you’ve collected a few yourself. And it can hurt. Almost like they’re rejecting YOU. But what I’ve realised is that the amount of rejection that someone faces is in direct proportion to what they’re able to achieve in life. In this episode, I share the 3-step process I use to reframe rejection and transform it into valuable feedback that helps you get more of what you want. If you find dealing with rejection draining, or that you hold back from ever asking out of fear of rejection, this is for you. Covered in this episode:  Why rejection is required for success. Dealing with rejection (motivation for creatives). How to detach your identity from the outcome so you can keep going after rejection. The question to ask after every rejection to turn it into momentum. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator  CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

Many creatives spend hours polishing their portfolios, yet still struggle to attract the kinds of clients they feel they deserve. And that’s when the self doubt starts to creep in. But it’s not because your work isn’t good enough. It’s because most portfolios are built with the wrong mindset. I’ve seen award-winning designers get overlooked, while others with less polished work get taken more seriously, because they’re making this one mistake. In this episode, I break down the portfolio mistake that’s quietly costing you opportunities and the 3-step process to fix it. If you feel like your skills deserve higher paying clients than you’re currently attracting, this is for you. Covered in this episode: The biggest mistake creatives make when creating a portfolio. The crucial elements most creatives miss when offering solutions. How to present your work in a way that makes picking you a no-brainer. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

It feels like everywhere you look online, content creators and influencers are telling business owners they need to build a personal brand. But there are thousands of successful businesses without personal brands behind them, so why does everyone talk about personal branding like it’s essential? In this week’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes on my own personal branding journey. I recently had with Chris Do (The Futur), where we got into the truth about what personal branding really means and at what point should creatives consider building theirs. I also share insights from another conversation I had with James Martin (Made By James), who had a very different take, that might make you rethink how you see personal branding. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, or unclear about personal branding, this episode will help you find an approach that works for you. Covered in this episode: What is a personal brand? And do creative business owners need one? Where to start with building a personal brand. Why personal brands might not be as ‘authentic’ as they claim. Why people misunderstand personal branding. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Matt’s conversation with Chris Do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE8qfhD4b8I  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 

What if you could attract 6-figure clients, regularly, without any outbound marketing? No outreach. No paid ads. This is what Alex Ghalleb has managed to achieve with his multiple six-figure consultancy business - with no full-time staff and no business development. Alex started out in the audio production industry, before moving into hospitality. And although you might not think of hospitality as a creative industry, Alex is bringing high-value client’s creative visions to life.  In this episode, Alex shares how creatives can over-deliver for clients so their reputation does the work for them. If you want to attract higher-value clients on autopilot, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Building a multiple six-figure business with no outbound marketing. What hospitality can teach creatives about client experience. The impacts of niching and choosing the right clients. How to ensure your clients are sold from the first interaction. How to build relationships that lead to consistent referrals. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Alex Ghalleb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ghalleb-13869194/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV