Creative Courage: The Creative Business Podcast

Επεισόδια

• The Formula For Attracting Your Ideal Clients On LinkedIn with Sam Browne 22.04.2026 1ώ 8λ

  If you’re like most creative business owners, you’ve probably dabbled with posting on LinkedIn, but you’ve found that even with consistency, no-one pays attention. Sam Browne is an entrepreneur and LinkedIn strategist who has built multiple six-figure businesses and has grown an audience of over 100,000 followers. Sam spent nearly 20 years operating his creative businesses in silence before stepping into the spotlight, sharing his story, and attracting his first 50,000 LinkedIn followers in just a year. And in this episode, we unpack why so many creative founders struggle to get traction on LinkedIn and how to turn your story into something that makes your ideal clients pay attention. If you’ve been posting consistently but haven’t seen results, this will help you understand what’s missing and how to fix it. Covered in this episode: How Sam scaled multiple six-figure businesses. The litmus test for knowing if a business idea is worth pursuing. How Sam grew to 50k LinkedIn followers in a year. The biggest mistakes agency owners are making on LinkedIn. How to write posts that don’t get ignored. Turning your story into content that attracts ideal clients. The 3 types of LinkedIn content and when to use each one. How to sell through your posts without driving people away. Optimising your profile and connection requests to reach more ideal clients and partners. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Sam Browne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browne/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT   Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 
• If You Feel Lost, Ask Yourself This Question… 15.04.2026 16λ

  It’s understandable if you feel a bit lost right now. There’s more noise and pressure than ever for business owners. And we try to make the right decisions, but the right path isn’t always obvious. In this episode, I wanted to do something a bit different. This is more of a conversation I wanted to have with you. I share the crossroads that I’ve faced over the last few years in my business and the questions I ask myself to find clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about which direction to take in your life and business, this episode will help you to move forward with intention. Covered in this episode: Why it’s normal to feel lost (especially right now). The crossroads many founders reach in their business. The questions to ask yourself to find clarity. Identifying your skill gaps. Why every business decision comes with trade-offs. How to uncover hidden risks before making a move. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 
• Are You Undercharging? Use This Number To Find Out… 08.04.2026 10λ

  It might feel like you’re charging the right amount. Your close rate is good. The business is running smoothly. But what if you could charge more without increasing your hours? Most creative business owners wouldn’t say no to that. And there’s a number most creative founders are missing that can easily tell them whether or not they’re undercharging. In this episode, I share what that number is and how you can apply it. If you’re consistently winning work but you feel too busy, or want to find out if you’re leaving money on the table, this is for you. Covered in this episode: The number that tells you if you’re undercharging. What a healthy close rate looks like. Why a high close rate can actually be a red flag. How to make more money without working more hours. Packaging your offer to prevent taking on underpaying clients. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 
• Uncovering The Hidden Patterns Holding You Back with Kristy Campbell 01.04.2026 1ώ

  Most creative founders think their business needs them to survive. That if they step away, everything will slow down or fall apart. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy Campbell, Founder of Pink Pony Creative. Kristy has built a social media following of hundreds of thousands. But what makes this conversation interesting isn’t just what Kristy has built, it’s how she’s been able to step away from the business and keep it growing. We unpack what happened when Kristy took time away from her business after having a baby and how the business and her following continued to grow without her. We also have a mini coaching session, where I help Kristy uncover some of the hidden patterns and limiting beliefs that hold many creatives back. If you’ve ever felt like your business depends too much on you, or you feel stuck in ways that you can’t quite explain, this episode will help you see what’s really going on. Covered in this episode: Why creative business owners find it so difficult to step away from the delivery. How Kristy’s business continued to grow while she took time off. How to maintain a steady stream of content. What creatives get wrong with social media that limits growth. The strategy behind Kristy growing an audience of over 300k. Why following what other successful businesses are doing doesn’t always work. Identifying the “phantom patterns” influencing your decisions. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Kristy Campbell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-campbell-pinkpony/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 
• Scarcity Mode vs. Opportunity Mode - Which One Are You In? 25.03.2026 18λ

  As a creative business owner, it can feel like there’s a lack of opportunities out there. Like you’ve exhausted all possibilities, or, people “just aren’t buying at the moment”. But often, the opportunities are there, we’re just not in the right mindset to see them. We’re in ‘scarcity mode’, rather than ‘opportunity mode’. And when we’re in scarcity mode, our brain switches to fight or flight. We make defensive decisions and we stop seeing opportunities that are right in front of us. In this episode, I break down the difference between scarcity mode and opportunity mode, how scarcity damages your sales and creativity and the practical steps you can take to shift your thinking when panic starts creeping in. Because once you learn to recognise it, you’ll start seeing opportunities showing up everywhere. And you’re more likely to land them when they do. Covered in this episode: The difference between “scarcity mode” and “opportunity mode”. Why scarcity thinking leads to bad business decisions. How panic harms creativity. The real reason many creatives stay stuck in a feast and famine cycle. Techniques to pull yourself out of scarcity mode. Why more opportunities exist around you than you think. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV 
• How To Stop Fear and Scarcity From Running Your Business with Sebastian Bates 18.03.2026 50λ

  After a serious BASE jumping accident that shattered both his legs, doctors told Sebastian Bates he may never walk again. During Seb’s 2 years of rehab, he lost 15 of his close friends, leaving him with PTSD and major survivors’ guilt. This is one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had on this podcast (back in 2024), so I wanted to share it again for anyone who hasn’t heard it. After a journey of personal development, Seb is now the founder of Warrior Academy, the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East. Seb teaches thousands of kids worldwide while leading a team of 100. Seb has also built several other six-figure businesses and founded a charitable organisation that’s doing incredible things for disadvantaged children globally. Seb shares fundamental principles of courage and resilience that are transformative for creative business owners. If you want to overcome imposter syndrome, develop resilience, and break through the barriers holding their business back, this episode is for you. Covered in this episode: How a near-fatal accident shaped Sebastian’s journey. Why courage is the most critical trait for success and how to get more of it. Practical exercises to overcome fear and replace anxiety with excitement. The impact of a scarcity mindset on creativity and how to break free from it. How to leave your comfort zone without becoming overwhelmed and burnt out. The biggest mistakes leading to fear-based decision-making and how to avoid them. The real indicators of success beyond sales figures. And so much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. LEARN MORE  Warrior Academy - https://www.warrioracademy.co.uk/  The Bates Foundation - https://www.batesfamilyfoundation.org/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Sebastian Bates on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-bates-4b70412b/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam
• Why Your Clients Are Killing Your Business 11.03.2026 13λ

  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 
• The ‘4 Ps’ Strategy That Will Future-Proof Your Creative Business 04.03.2026 17λ

  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 
• How To Become The Go-To Expert In Your Industry with Sabrina Stocker 25.02.2026 39λ

  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
• Scaling A Business Without Losing Your Creativity with Sam Ramsden 18.02.2026 51λ

  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 
• Why An “Authentic Brand” Doesn’t Exist with James Martin 11.02.2026 50λ

  “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 Paying Too Much Tax (Here’s How To Fix It) with Pali Banwait 04.02.2026 54λ

  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 
• The VA Mistakes Most Founders Are Making with Richard Woods 28.01.2026 51λ

  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 
• What Creatives Get Wrong About Content with Chris Do 21.01.2026 52λ

  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
• Freelance vs Agency: Which Model Gives You More Freedom? with Shoaib Ahmed 14.01.2026 55λ

  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 
• The 3-Step System For Getting Sh*t Done in 2026 07.01.2026 16λ

  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
• Are You Building The Wrong Business For Your Personality Type? 17.12.2025 8λ

  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
• AI Will Make Creatives Invisible Unless They Do THIS with Paul Fernandez 10.12.2025 55λ

  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 
• Why Fun Is The Secret Advantage And How To Get It Back with Adam Faulkner 03.12.2025 34λ

  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
• How To Experiment Your Way To Finding Your Purpose with Chris Goor 26.11.2025 44λ

  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