The Creative Flight with Ivy Malik

Most conversations about money stop at budgets and savings. This one goes somewhere most people never do. In this episode of The Creative Flight, Christina Theo, who is a coaching Psychologist and executive burnout specialist. She shares what's really behind our relationship with money. Spoiler: it has very little to do with money itself. What you'll learn: ✔ Why your childhood relationship with money is still running your financial decisions today ✔ How spending can become a coping mechanism and what it takes to recognise it ✔ What it actually means to feel neutral about money and why that's more powerful than positive thinking ✔ How trauma, self-worth, and the need to "look the part" can shape how we earn, spend, and hold on ✔ Why detaching from possessions isn't about minimalism. It's about healing ✔ How to move from surviving financially to designing a life you actually want to live Who this is for: 📌 High achievers who earn well but still feel financially anxious or out of control 📌 Executive leaders and entrepreneurs whose spending habits are tied to stress, identity, or people-pleasing 📌 Anyone who grew up hearing "money doesn't grow on trees" and is still carrying that story Your money mindset isn't a budgeting problem. It's a healing one. If you've ever spent to escape, held back to feel safe, or tied your self-worth to what you earn, because this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Drop your biggest money story in the comments below. The one you've never said out loud. And subscribe for more honest conversations about building a life on your own terms. Ready to work with Ivy? 🔹 Flight Club — full business growth from model to marketing to conversion: https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/ 🔹 Sales Gym — close higher-paying clients on repeat: https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/ 🔹 Private Coaching — Tailored to your needs https://ivymalik.com Connect with Christina Theo: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_christinatheo_/

Most conversations about money in business stay surface-level. This one doesn't. In this episode of The Creative Flight, we go deeper into the psychology of money, self-worth, and what it actually takes to charge confidently for the value you create, especially if you're someone who tends to shrink rather than self-promote. The conversation weaves together insights on visibility, personal branding, and the identity shifts required to build a business that feels authentic and commercially strong. What you'll learn: ✔ Why money should be viewed as a vehicle, not a goal and how that reframe changes everything about how you price and sell ✔ How your money story (comfort, hardship, or both) silently shapes your business decisions today ✔ What "neutrality around money" actually means and why it's more powerful than traditional mindset work ✔ The connection between visibility, confidence, and your ability to charge what you're worth ✔ How introverted entrepreneurs and creatives can show up with authority online without feeling performative ✔ The identity work behind building a personal brand that attracts the right clients consistently Who this is for: 📌 Creatives, designers, and founders who struggle to price their work with confidence 📌 Introverted entrepreneurs who want to be seen and recognised in their field without burning out 📌 Service providers ready to move beyond self-doubt and build a brand that converts Charging for your value isn't just a pricing conversation. It's an identity one. If you've ever second-guessed what you're worth, this episode will give you a new way to think about it. Drop your biggest challenge around money or visibility in the comments below, and subscribe for more honest conversations about building a business on your own terms. Ready to work with Ivy? 🔹 Flight Club — full business growth from model to marketing to conversion: https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/ 🔹 Sales Gym — close higher-paying clients on repeat: https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/ 🔹 Private Coaching — Tailored to your needs https://ivymalik.com Connect with Seema Batavia: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seemabatavia/

In this episode of The Creative Flight, I’m joined by Sophie O’Connor, a strategic brand designer with over two decades of experience across advertising, branding, and studio life. We talk about what really shapes good work over time, not trends, not platforms, but perspective. How lived experience changes the way you design, who you choose to work with, and what you no longer tolerate in business. Sophie reflects on craft, integrity, trust, and why many wellness brands struggle to communicate what they actually stand for. This is a conversation about design maturity, discernment, and building brands that aren’t trying to shout their way into relevance. About Sophie: Founder and Brand Designer, Sophie O’Connor, has spent the last 20 years working with global creative powerhouses – Landor, Saatchi & Saatchi, Mother London, and the BBC – where big budgets demanded even bigger ideas. That experience wired her to create brands that are anything but ordinary. Since 2016, Sophie has specialised in strategic branding for founders and innovators, building brands that are confident, distinctive and built to last. Working with start-ups to global businesses across health, tech, property and media, every project begins with clarity, strategy and a deep understanding of your story. www.sophieoconnor.uk Instagram.com/sophieoconnorltd linkedin.com/in/sophieoc   About Ivy Malik Ivy Malik is a business and sales coach for creatives obsessed with sunglasses. She helps designers, content creators, and founders understand the psychology behind money, pricing, and decision-making, so they can build commercially viable work without pressure, performance, or losing themselves in the process. How to work with Ivy. Ivy’s signature programme is Flight Club. It helps with the full business growth from business model, marketing to conversion. https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/ If you have most of that already established and only want to work on your sales, you can join the Sales Gym only which helps you close higher paying clients on repeat. https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/ Want to work with Ivy privately. The most popular way to work with her is a no-zoom, unlimited access support that starts at £6K per quarter. Each package is individually created to suit each client’s personalised needs.  

Ever noticed how sales conversations suddenly stall the moment you ask, “What’s the budget?”   Clients go vague, dodge the question, or change the subject entirely.   This isn’t usually a negotiation tactic. It’s a psychological response.   In this video, Ivy Malik, business coach and creator of the Co-Creative Selling Model, breaks down why budget questions trigger discomfort, silence, and avoidance, and what’s actually happening in the brain when money feels emotionally risky.   You’ll learn why budget questions are often experienced as status threats, not financial ones. How fear of judgment, reputation loss, and self-protection drive avoidance. When budget resistance is emotional protection rather than manipulation.   This episode is especially relevant for designers, coaches, consultants, and service-based business owners   Especially for Creatives who struggle with pricing conversations Anyone selling high-trust or high-value services Founders navigating awkward or stalled sales calls   If you’ve ever felt tension, resistance, or discomfort around money conversations, this video reframes budget discussions through psychology, neuroscience, and leadership rather than pressure or persuasion.   Sales doesn’t work when it’s forced. It works when it’s co-created.     About Ivy Malik: Ivy Malik is a business and sales coach for creatives. She’s obsessed with sunglasses and helps designers, content creators, and founders understand the psychology behind money, pricing, and decision-making, so they can build commercially viable work without pressure, performance, or losing themselves in the process.   How to work with Ivy.   Ivy’s signature programme is Flight Club. It helps with the full business growth from business model, marketing to conversion. https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/   If you have most of that already established and only want to work on your sales, you can join the Sales Gym which helps you close higher paying clients on repeat. https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/   Want to work with Ivy privately. The most popular way to work with her is a no-zoom, unlimited access support that starts at £6K per quarter. Each package is individually created to suit each client’s personalised needs.

In this episode of The Creative Flight, I sit down with Zina Ajlouny for a wide-ranging conversation about ambition, money, creativity, and what really sits underneath success once you’ve lived a few different lives. Zina has built and co-founded multiple companies across San Francisco, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Europe, worked inside venture-backed startups and global consultancies, and now advises leaders and founders on how they actually move forward when growth stops being theoretical and starts becoming personal.   We talk about:   - What people really mean when they say “startup” and why scaling is often misunderstood - Why doing things that don’t scale is sometimes the smartest move - The role of storytelling and design in pitching, and where it genuinely matters - Money as an enabler, not an identity - Why so many women struggle to ask for what their work is worth - The  mental blocks that stop capable people from taking the next step   It’s a conversation that looks at value creation, leadership, and the internal work required to build something sustainable without losing yourself in the process.   About The Creative Flight podcast: It is for creatives, founders, and multi-hyphenates navigating the tension between meaningful work and making money.   Each episode explores the psychological, emotional, and practical realities of creative business owners from all walks of life. How did their business take flight. From ambition and identity to sales, confidence, and sustainability.       About Ivy Malik Ivy Malik is a business and sales coach for creatives obsessed with sunglasses. She helps designers, content creators, and founders understand the psychology behind money, pricing, and decision-making, so they can build commercially viable work without pressure, performance, or losing themselves in the process.   How to work with Ivy. Ivy’s signature programme is Flight Club. It helps with the full business growth from business model, marketing to conversion. https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/   If you have most of that already established and only want to work on your sales, you can join the Sales Gym only which helps you close higher paying clients on repeat. https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/ Want to work with Ivy privately. The most popular way to work with her is a no-zoom, unlimited access support that starts at £6K per quarter. Each package is individually created to suit each client’s personalised needs.

If you want to transform your freelancing to beyond a 6 figure business, DM Ivy or visit https://ivymalik.com/   In this solo episode of The Creative Flight Podcast I touch upon:   - Why not talking about money keeps people underpaid - How silence around price removes leverage - The hidden cost of being “generous” when it comes from obligation - Cultural conditioning, reputation, and self-monitoring - How unexamined beliefs show up in pricing, sales, and confidence - What happens when you stop interpreting other people’s behaviour through your own emotional lens   This is about bringing awareness to the beliefs that still influence how we make decisions today.   If you’ve ever felt awkward talking about money, hesitant around pricing, or unsure whether you’re being fair or undercharging, this episode will   The Creative Flight is a space for honest conversations about business, identity, and the inner mechanics that shape how we show up in our work.   If this episode lands, feel free to share it with someone who might need it. And if you’re willing, I’d love to hear which beliefs you’re ready to let go of.   Subscribe or follow for future episodes.   About Ivy Malik Ivy Malik is a business and sales coach for creatives obsessed with sunglasses.   She helps designers, content creators, coaches and consultants understand the psychology behind money, pricing, and decision-making, so they can build commercially viable work without pressure, performance, or losing themselves in the process.   How to work with Ivy.   Ivy’s signature programme is Flight Club. It helps with the full business growth from business model, marketing to conversion. https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/   If you have most of that already established and only want to work on your sales, you can join the Sales Gym only which helps you close higher paying clients on repeat. https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/   Want to work with Ivy privately. The most popular way to work with her is a no-zoom, unlimited access support that starts at £6K per quarter. Each package is individually created to suit each client’s personalised needs.

What happens when a highly creative, multi-passionate person starts questioning their identity, their relationship with money, and their own sense of worth? In this episode of The Creative Flight, Ivy Malik sits down with Gabriella Killeen for an honest conversation about creativity, ambition, money, and the inner narratives that shape how we show up in our work. Gabriella shares openly about: - Growing up multi-lingual and multi-passionate - Loving money for the freedom it brings and struggling when it goes quiet - The self-attack loops that appear during low periods - Imposter syndrome, bitterness, and the “anyone could do this” story - Why pleasure, presence, and creativity are deeply connected - How sexology, intimacy, and play influence fulfilment beyond work This episode touches upon the inner mechanics behind motivation, confidence, and creative energy, especially for people who don’t fit neatly into one job title. If you’ve ever felt driven by curiosity and play, but unsettled when things slow down, this conversation will resonate. About Gabriella Killeen: Gabriella Killeen is a Malmö-based marketeer and multi-hyphen creative with over a decade of experience building brands and communities across beauty, lifestyle, wellness, and tech. As Chief Marketing Officer at Headon Products, she’s leading the company’s next phase of growth while also exploring identity, culture, and modern womanhood through her Swedish Substack newsletter The Sunday Edit. With a Brazilian background and a European upbringing, Gabriella speaks four languages and often draws on her multicultural background in how she works and tells stories. Her career has never followed a straight line, guided by curiosity, intuition, and lust for life, she trusts that when something feels exciting, it’s worth pursuing. Her work bridges strategy and storytelling, blending warmth, wit, and a sharp eye for culture, and she refuses to let professional labels define her life. Instagram: @gabriellakilleens  About The Creative Flight podcast: It is for creatives, founders, and multi-hyphenates navigating the tension between meaningful work and making money. Each episode explores the psychological, emotional, and practical realities of creative business owners from all walks of life. How did their business take flight. From ambition and identity to sales, confidence, and sustainability. About Ivy Malik: Ivy Malik is a business and sales coach for creatives obsessed with sunglasses. She helps designers, content creators, and founders understand the psychology behind money, pricing, and decision-making, so they can build commercially viable work without pressure, performance, or losing themselves in the process. How to work with Ivy: Ivy’s signature programme is Flight Club. It helps with the full business growth from business model, marketing to conversion. https://ivymalik.com/flightclub/ If you have most of that already established and only want to work on your sales, you can join the Sales Gym only which helps you close higher paying clients on repeat. https://ivymalik.com/sales-gym-million/ Want to work with Ivy privately? The most popular way to work with her is a no-zoom, unlimited access support that starts at £6K per quarter. Each package is individually created to suit each client’s personalised needs. (Prices quoted may be subject to change as they were true during the time of publishing the episode).

You’ve heard the advice: post more, start a Telegram group, run a masterclass, DM everyone who votes on your poll. But what if none of it works, not because you’re bad at business, but because it was never meant for you? In this episode, Ivy sits down with energy strategist and projector Ieva Drazniece to unpack the real cost of following strategies designed for someone else’s wiring. They share the flops, the burnout, and the quiet power of doing less—but in alignment. Expect Human Design truth bombs, behind-the-scenes marketing confessions, and a refreshing reminder that being magnetic isn’t about doing more. It’s about being more you. About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About Ieva Drazniece: Ieva Drazniece is a speaker and coach with over 25 years in communications, she empowers executives and business owners to grow their influence on LinkedIn and beyond, by aligning strategy with authenticity. As a guest on this episode, she shares how Human Design, empathic leadership, and authentic personal branding can help you scale inbound trust. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ieva-drazniece/ https://www.instagram.com/ieva_drazniece/

In this refreshingly candid conversation, Ivy Malik sits down with Conrad Ford, fintech founder and C-suite exec at Allica Bank, to explore the money truths that creatives often avoid. From building one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies to hiring bold creatives over bloated agencies, Conrad shares brutally honest advice on financial literacy, pricing, and what it actually takes to land big clients. They discuss why understanding the difference between profit and cash is life or death for a business, how creatives sabotage their own growth by avoiding uncomfortable money conversations, and what companies like Allica look for when hiring talent. I About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About Conrad Ford: Conrad Ford is a fintech entrepreneur and business leader with a rare blend of corporate strategy and startup grit. After an early career in banking and a leadership role at a Deloitte Fast 500 tech firm, he founded Funding Options—named one of the Financial Times' fastest-growing companies in Europe and loved by customers with a 95%+ Trustpilot rating. Today, he’s helping scale Allica Bank, the UK’s fastest-growing company, while drawing on deep experience in building high-performing teams, direct and partner-led growth, and leading through disruption.  

Summary In this engaging conversation, Ivy Malik and James Barnard explore the intricacies of building a successful design business, the importance of networking, and the transformative power of social media. James shares his journey from struggling with sales to establishing a team and leveraging social media for client acquisition. They discuss the challenges of public speaking, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the strategies for creating engaging content. The conversation concludes with James's current obsession with designing a deck of cards, highlighting his creative aspirations. About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About James Barnard: James Barnard is an award-winning logo and visual identity designer, educator, and speaker. With over 15 years of experience at major UK publications like The Daily Telegraph and Hearst Magazines, he now runs his studio, Barnard Co., from the Gold Coast, Australia. James balances client work with design education, creating content for an audience of 900K+ and speaking at global events like Adobe MAX. His mission is to craft logos with meaning and help the next generation of designers master their craft. In this episode: Website https://barnard.co

Liz Mosley gets real about what it takes to grow a design-led business without losing your identity in the noise. We talk about everything from why she still presents three brand concepts (despite the industry pressure to do just one), how she filters out red-flag clients, and what she’s learned from years of doing things her way. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s an honest look at imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and trusting your gut in an algorithm-driven world. We also dive into AI’s limitations, the role of taste in design, and how her heritage shapes the way she works. We cover: – Her full design process, from inquiry to delivery – Why she refuses to niche by industry – How she built a podcast with over 170 episodes – The real role of taste in design (and why AI can’t replicate it) – What red flags she looks out for in client work – How culture, boundaries, and burnout shape creative growth About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About Liz Mosley: Liz Mosley is a graphic designer with over 17 years experience and now specialises in creating creative branding and websites for small business owners. She also hosts a podcast called Building Your Brand and teaches courses showing people how to create their own branding  if they don’t have the budget to outsource it. Her goal for her clients and students is for them to come away with branding that they love that helps them to feel so proud and confident promoting their businesses and sharing what they do with the world. She also loves sharing her own lessons about running a small business, talking about rejection, public speaking and just generally trying to be a cheerleader for her audience and clients.  In this episode: Website https://www.lizmosley.net Podcast: Building Your Brand Instagram (Studio): @lizmmosley LinkedIn: Liz Mosley

In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it’s really like to show up at big creative industry events as an introvert. Over the past few months, I’ve been to Cannes Lions, South by Southwest London, Adobe Max, and Social Day — and each one left me with a different feeling. Some were electric. Others felt performative, even lonely. I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of what these events are really like and a few tips on what you can do that would faciliate connections beyond the event.  About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.

In this episode, I sit down with Kristy Campbell, founder of Pink Pony Creative, for a real and refreshing conversation about what it’s actually like to grow a creative agency while navigating new motherhood. We talk about imposter syndrome, the fear of losing relevance, and why letting go of perfection was the best thing she did for her business. Kristy shares openly about how she built her team, the pressure of being the face of the brand, and the internal tug-of-war between ambition and presence. We also explore leadership, human design, and how to trust your gut when the stakes feel high. If you’ve ever wondered how to do it all — or whether you even should — this one’s for you.   About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About Kristy: Kristy Campbell is the founder and creative director of Pink Pony Creative, a New Zealand–based branding studio known for bold, high-energy design and unapologetic visual storytelling. Over the past five years, she’s grown Pink Pony from a solo venture into a sought-after agency with a global client base and a tight-knit team. Kristy is also an international speaker, educator, and new mum — navigating the realities of leadership, visibility, and creative momentum in a fast-moving industry. Whether on stage or online, she brings transparency, colour, and courage to everything she does.   In this episode: Folk CRM (affiliate link) https://try.folk.app/ir0u8eeqnp09 mybodygraph.com Website https://www.pinkponycreative.com (Main portfolio, services, and agency overview) Kristy’s Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kristythepinkpony (Behind-the-scenes, personal brand, education content) Pink Pony Creative Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pinkponycreative (Studio work, team updates, brand identity showcases) LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-campbell-nz (Her personal brand content — especially relevant if she mentions her growth there) The Social Ponies Podcast (if you want to cross-reference her past podcast work) https://open.spotify.com/show/5l4rLD9szUcf8zXjfpA1JL (May be inactive, but still relevant for background and archive linking)

In this episode of Creative Flight, I sit down with Amit Patel, Creative Director at Experience Haus, to talk about building with care in an age obsessed with speed. We unpack the quiet power of curiosity, the role of taste in creative work, and why real growth comes from staying human—especially when AI can do almost everything else. About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About Amit Patel: Amit Patel is an inspiring voice at the intersection of design, education, and business transformation. As the founder of Experience Haus, he has built one of the UK’s most forward-thinking design education companies—empowering individuals and global teams to reimagine the way they learn, create, and innovate. With over 20 years of experience within the design field, Amit has worked within various industries, such as banking, healthcare, and public infrastructure. A passionate advocate for human-centered design and creative problem-solving, Amit has delivered transformative workshops and capability-building programs for organizations such as Spotify, PwC, BNY Mellon, and Hiscox. His unique approach blends practical design strategy with deep empathy—helping people unlock their creative potential and drive meaningful impact in their work and communities. With a background in entrepreneurship and service design, Amit brings real-world insight, infectious energy, and a powerful message: Design isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset for change. Whether he’s speaking on stage, leading a workshop, or mentoring the next generation of thinkers and makers, Amit’s mission remains constant: to champion creativity, amplify diverse voices, and help others design a better future.

In this episode of Creative Flight, I sit down with EriFili, the founder and CEO of Zlink—a Gen Z-led marketing agency making serious waves. Eri started her business at 20, landed major clients, and made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list by 23. But what struck me most wasn’t the accolades. It was her clarity. We talked about what it means to actually build something when you’re young, how self-worth fuels the creative process, and why fulfillment beats success metrics. Erifili leads with empathy, prioritises mental health in the workplace, and believes that branding—personal or otherwise—starts from within. We also went deep on: Why rejection doesn’t mean you’re not ready The difference between personal branding and performative visibility How rituals, signs, and spirituality show up in creative work What Gen Z really wants from work and life And how AI is changing how we think, write, and connect This episode is for anyone who’s building with soul and wants proof that you can do things your way, and win. About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on: Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    About Erifili: Erifili Gounari is a 25-year-old entrepreneur, writer, and founder of The Z Link—a global Gen Z-led creative agency working with brands like IKEA, Pepsi, Deloitte, and the UN. Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30, Erifili is a sought-after voice on Gen Z culture, digital careers, and modern marketing. She’s the author of Design Your Life: Your Career, Your Way (Kogan Page, 2024), a groundbreaking guide for building flexible, fulfilling work in the digital age. She also co-hosts the Espresso Epilogues podcast and writes Crystal Clear, a Substack on self-discovery with over 11,000 subscribers. The Z link: https://www.thezlink.com/ Design Your Life, The book TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@espresso.epilogues Substack: https://erifili.substack.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliantly multi-passionate Courtney Evors. You’ll hear us dive into what it really means to lead a layered life from fashion design to powerlifting to coaching. Courtney shares how she’s moved through worlds that don’t always make space for the full range of who we are. We talk about what human design has helped her understand about her own creative rhythm, and why the pressure to "pick a niche" never really fit. She opens up about navigating imposter syndrome and how she’s learning to anchor herself in self-trust instead of permission. If you’ve ever felt too much, not enough, or like your path doesn’t fit into a neat little box, this one’s for you. Courtney also shares what’s next for her (hint: it includes a book and a whole new coaching chapter), and what it takes to follow the thread of your own desire when no one else sees the vision yet. I loved this conversation. I think you will too. Sound bites Courtney: “Once I discovered in my design that I’m a manifesting generator, I was like, actually I’m allowed to skip around... I’m not crazy.” — Courtney Evors “I’ve always just been really determined—like ever since I was a kid—that if I have something in my mind, I’m just going to do it until I decide, okay, I don’t want to do that thing anymore.” — Courtney Evors “Sometimes you have to push yourself into something that’s a little unknown to really get something more out of life.” — Courtney Evors “To be interested in different things isn’t so unusual. But to highlight it the way I do, that’s unusual.” — Courtney Evors “The best conversations happen in the kitchen... it’s that incubation space, that creative space where anything is possible.” — Courtney Evors Courtney Bio Courtney Evors is a multi-passionate creative, strategist, writer, and lifter of things. She’s the founder of The Consultancy KTCHN and The Creative KTCHN, with 20+ years of global experience in performance apparel, design, innovation, and brand building, including 13,5 years work with Adidas and launching her own granola company. She brings real-world experience to help creatives and brands find clarity, structure, and momentum. Now, she works with multi-passionate founders to turn vision into strategy and build creative systems that scale.   About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on:  Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.    Courtney links: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thecreativektchn/ Website: https://www.theconsultancyktchn.com/creativektchn LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-evors

This one’s different. I bring you into a thought experiment where I sit down with four cultural giants—David Hume, Pierre Bourdieu, Susan Sontag, and Dave Hickey—in a fictional panel, debating one question: What is taste, and does it still matter in a world of AI? It started on a train ride with my husband. A discussion about AI turned into a deep dive into aesthetics, class, judgement, and the soul of creativity. What unfolded is part role-play, part philosophical roundtable, and very much a love letter to the part of us that still knows how to choose. We explore: Why taste isn’t about preference—it’s about public risk What makes a designer irreplaceable How taste can be an act of rebellion in an algorithm-driven world And the line that every guest agreed on (after much debate) If you’re a creator, designer, thinker, or just someone who wants to believe that beauty still matters…this episode is for you   SOUNDBITES:   “In a world generating so much, where everything is starting to look good, taste is what will make the difference.” Ivy “Safe taste is decoration. Real taste is vulnerable.”  “A designer with taste does not just know what looks good, they know what is appropriate, what is resonant, what is timely.” fictional David Hume   “The problem isn’t that AI is replacing designers. The problem is that the market has reduced design to deliverables.” fictional Bourdieiu “Taste is the last place where instinct and identity meet.” fictional David Hickey About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on:  Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.

In this open deep dive with Brock Johnson we  explored what it really means to grow up, and grow a business, online. We talked about what it's like navigating social media as a young person and how that intersects with the challenges of parenting in a digital world. Brock opened up about starting his entrepreneurial journey early, the mindset shifts he's had to make around money, and the hard lessons he’s learned about public perception and personal growth. We also dove into his evolution as a coach, how he leads his team, and he outsources. His approach to content creation is intentional, yet flexible, and he shared real insights about managing expectations in a world that’s always watching.  Tune in and let me know what you think.    Takeaways: takeaways The approach to social media for kids should be nuanced and individualized. Having an abundance mindset is crucial for financial success. Brock faced significant challenges, including NCAA regulations on student athletes. Communication skills can be developed through practice and experience. It's important to manage public perception and not dwell on negative comments. Brock's motivation often stemmed from a desire to prove doubters wrong. Personal growth involves unlearning unhelpful behaviors and mindsets. Brock emphasizes the importance of over-delivering in business. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, but resilience is key. Brock has a strict application process for one-on-one coaching. He transitioned from low pricing to higher rates for coaching. Brock enjoys working with clients he feels excited about. He has a dedicated team for various aspects of his business. Content creation is primarily done by Brock himself, with some assistance. He believes in reposting and modifying past content for efficiency. Brock emphasizes the importance of managing expectations in social media. He has never experienced burnout due to effective outsourcing. Brock's goal is to help as many people as possible. He values personal happiness and peace over material success.   About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on:  Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you.

In this episode, I share how I gained my first 10,000 followers on Instagram, and what actually made it stick. I talk about my first “viral” moment, what I learned from Chris Do about creating content that matters, and why visibility alone isn’t enough. The real growth came from building trust, showing up consistently, and creating value people could feel. Virality might get their attention, but it’s consistency that keeps it. Takeaways: I got my first 10,000 followers by being consistent, not just viral. Visibility is powerful—but it’s not a growth strategy on its own. Your viral moment means nothing if you can’t back it up. I learned to create content that builds trust and credibility. If you show up and care, they stay. The real lesson? Trust is the strategy. About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creative entrepreneurs who feel undervalued break free from overthinking and fear, so they can price with confidence, sell with ease, and build a business they love. A former restaurateur with 16+ years of business experience, she’s seen firsthand how creatives struggle to balance passion and profit. Now, through Ivy Malik Coaching, she blends Psychology, Human Design, and practical sales strategy to help creatives take control of their success, without the stress. If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on:  Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you. 

In this episode, I sat down with Jacob Cass, CEO and founder of Just Creative, the branding agency with serious visual chops and a flamingo mascot you won’t forget. We got into how he built such a standout brand (yes, we talked flamingos), and why verbal identity is just as crucial as the visuals when it comes to creating a brand that sticks. We also reflected on the Band Builder Summit. What worked, what surprised us, and the big takeaways we both walked away with. If you’re someone who’s been wondering how to position yourself so clients instantly get your value, Jacob had a few gems you’ll want to scribble down. One of my favourite parts? Hearing him talk about action and trust. No fluff, no overnight success stories, just solid advice on showing up, doing the work, and letting things unfold. We even touched on the whole “personal brand vs. business brand” thing, and how to strike a balance when you are the brand, but you’re also building something bigger than just yourself. It’s a good one. You’ll definitely walk away thinking differently about your brand.   About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creative entrepreneurs who feel undervalued break free from overthinking and fear, so they can price with confidence, sell with ease, and build a business they love. A former restaurateur with 16+ years of business experience, she’s seen firsthand how creatives struggle to balance passion and profit. Now, through Ivy Malik Coaching, she blends Psychology, Human Design, and practical sales strategy to help creatives take control of their success, without the stress. If this episode sparked something in you, Can you do me a favour? Would you leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps this show reach more brilliant minds like yours. Thanks for flying with us,I hope it left you lifted. Find me on:  Website: https://ivymalik.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you. Who else would you like me to chat to?