Do you ever feel like you’re not having the kind of impact you want with your business?Like when you reach the end of the year, you look back and ask yourself “did any of it matter?” And even when you have a steady stream of projects and your clients are singing your praises, something still feels off. You’re not alone. And in this episode, I go over what to do when those feelings come up. I recently had a conversation with a past client who’s found success but still feels this sense of unfulfillment and was considering starting a new venture. And there was one thing I told him to do first. If you want to know exactly what to do when you’re feeling unfulfilled in your business, this is for you. Covered in this episode: Why success isn’t always fulfilling. What to do when you don’t feel you’re making the impact you should be. The key skills every entrepreneur needs before launching something new. Why it’s easier than ever to launch new ideas. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

On the verge of burnout. You’ve just lost a client. A team member is off sick. When it all hits at once, the default reaction is to push through. But what if the answer to fixing your business is the exact opposite? In this episode, I share why the first thing I often tell clients when everything is falling apart is that they need to take a break. Last year, I stepped away for an entire month and came back with more clarity and focus than ever. This year, I did it again.  And nothing broke. Now, I know our businesses are different, but I’ve seen it work time and time again. And in this episode I share exactly what to do to make it possible, so that you can reap the benefits. Covered in this episode: Why stepping away from your business could be exactly what it needs. The 2 key moves you need to make for taking a break to be possible. How to manage your finances in a way that allows you to take a month off while still paying the bills. What to expect when you return (hint: it’s not chaos). If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

When you jump on a call with a prospective client, does it feel more like a job interview? Does it feel like you have to prove yourself to them? Like an order taker rather than a valued partner? What if there was a simple way to turn the conversation on it's head? To go from service provider to interviewer. In this episode, I share a 15-minute clarity call framework that will allow you to take control of the conversation, quickly qualify clients and avoid time-wasters so you can work with people who value what you do and pay you what you’re worth. I’m sharing the exact structure and framework I’ve used (and coached clients through) to transform the sales process without sounding too salesy. Covered in this episode: The exact framework to follow to win more of your ideal clients. The switch that turns you from ‘order taker’ into ‘trusted partner’. How to take control of the sales conversation (without being pushy). Why you should stop sending proposals (and what to do instead). Why client budgets are a myth. How to never get ghosted again. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Download the framework - https://matt-essam.notion.site/Clarity-Call-Framework-and-Script-e8fa45f41ab1482e9ad8dd37ddc05a52?source=copy_link  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT   Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

The project deadline is looming. A team member just called in sick. Your computer is playing up. All while the client is constantly chasing you. We’ve all had those weeks where your to-do list is never-ending and everything feels like it’s on fire. And you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to get it all done. I’ve been in this situation myself, and I know what it feels like. That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated strategies I’ve used to stay calm under pressure, protect client relationships, and still deliver high-quality work - without burning out. If you ever feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this 3-step plan is going to give you the clarity and tools you need to get back on track. Covered in this episode: How to stay calm when the pressure is on. The 3-step system I use to get back on track. How to decide what really matters on your to-do list. How to communicate with clients when deadlines loom. The trick to avoiding burnout while still getting stuff done. Why trying to “do it all” is killing your productivity. A simple mindset shift that instantly reduces overwhelm. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE The ONE Thing (book) - https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_One_Thing/ROoCnwEACAAJ  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Have you ever been asked for a discount for your services? Do you ever deal with micromanaging clients who just won’t let you get on and be creative? And do you ever find the scope of a project gets stretched just a little further at every milestone? If so, you’re probably making one of the three pricing mistakes that I’m sharing in this episode. These are the most common mistakes I see creative business owners make. And it’s costing them their time, money and sanity. I’ve worked with clients who, after fixing these mistakes, have managed to double, triple and even 10x their revenue, without doing 10 times the work. If you want to start attracting clients who respect you, value your work and pay you what you deserve, this episode will show you how. Covered in this episode: The three pricing mistakes that many creatives are making. Why you keep attracting the wrong clients. How to raise your prices without losing deals. A mindset shift that will help you stop undercharging. Quick tweaks that can lead to huge wins. 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/@Matt_Essam

AI is evolving fast. The creative skills that we once thought were immune to being replaced by AI seem less ‘safe’ every day. And if you’re not willing to adapt, you’ll quickly get left behind. That goes for designers, web developers, audio engineers, and most other creative skillsets. But how can creatives adapt to this inevitability? In this solo episode, I’m digging into the impact AI is already having on creative work, and more importantly, what you can do to stay ahead of it. This episode isn’t to scare you - it’s to help you adapt before it’s too late, so that you can continue getting paid for your creativity for years to come. Covered in this episode: Why AI is threatening creative jobs more than you think. Will AI take over the creative industry? The key mindset shift you need to make now. How to position yourself so you can’t be replaced by an AI tool. What you need to start doing today to protect your business. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Do you ever feel like you’re building a business based on someone else’s blueprint rather than what feels authentic to you? Following strategies that don’t quite sit right. Building relationships that just feel… off. Pushing yourself down a path that looks good on paper, but feels heavy and draining. If this sounds familiar, you probably need to reconnect with your intuition. In this episode, I’m joined by leadership coach Liza Leiss, and we’re diving into how to reconnect with your intuition and build a business that actually feels good to run - while still achieving your goals. Liza has an MBA and has helped hundreds of founders scale without burning out, and she shares practical strategies to help you get back on your own path and move forward with clarity. Covered in this episode: Why so many creative business owners ignore their intuition and the hidden costs this has. How to spot the symptoms of building a business that’s out of alignment. What really creates fulfillment in your life. The mindset shift that will help you stop overthinking and start trusting yourself again. 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  Liza Leiss - https://lizaleiss.com/  Liza on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liza.leiss/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Liza Leiss on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-marie-leiss-90b00014b/ 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

You know what you need to do to grow your business, but something’s holding you back from taking action. Maybe it’s fear of how people will react... Maybe it’s the voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough. In this episode, you might just learn how to break through these invisible barriers. I sit down with my friend and Coach Adil Hussain who shares a powerful story that allowed him to stop people pleasing, push through fear and start leading his life and business with confidence. Covered in this episode: The real reason most people stay stuck. The formula for building true confidence. How to double your prices. The power of archetypes and understanding yourself better. 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  Adil Hussain on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilhussain001/  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

I know what it’s like to feel trapped in your business. You’re desperate for a holiday, but you know that things will fall apart if you take more than a couple of days away. The team can’t match the level of quality your clients expect. Operations become chaotic. And you tell yourself it’d be easier to keep handling it on your own. But this isn’t sustainable. It leads to burnout, and makes scaling much harder. That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing 3 key principles that will help you remove yourself from the day-to-day without your business breaking. So you can focus on the work you want to do and take time off without stress. Covered in this episode: Why so many creatives feel stuck in their business. How to ensure your team matches the level of quality you expect. The 3 principles to free yourself from day-to-day operations. How to stop micromanaging and still get results. How to grow your business without creating more stress in your life. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.   LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Losing a project to a competitor can be gutting. You know your work is good. You know you can solve the client’s problem. But for some reason, they picked someone else. I’ve been there. Back when I ran my creative studio, I’d come across competitors with great work - sometimes even better than ours - often charging less. And I’d wonder why a client would choose us over other studios. I was assuming clients only cared about the work. But I was wrong. And in this episode, I’m sharing what really matters when it comes to winning clients. It’s a strategy I call ‘The River of Life’, and it’s going to help you cut through the noise, make the competition irrelevant, and charge what you’re really worth. Covered in this episode:- What clients actually care about when choosing who to work with.- Why your skills alone won’t win 6-figure projects.- How to position yourself as uniquely fitted to solve your ideal client’s problems.- How one creative business owner quadrupled his revenue with this approach.- And more… PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you tired of getting to the end of the month and finding that there’s no money left? If you aren’t making the level of profit you want to in your business, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Marcel Petitpas - a profitability expert who’s worked with hundreds of agencies to help them increase their profit margins without sacrificing their creativity or sanity. If you’re tired of working hard and still feeling like you’re underpaid for your talent, this is a must-listen. We dig into the practical numbers, the mindset shifts, and the systems you need to get clear on what your business actually earns - and how to earn more. Covered in this episode: The biggest pricing mistakes creatives make. The 3 levers every agency owner needs to understand to boost their profit. Why most creatives are underpricing (and how to fix it). The exact profit margins you should be aiming for. Why a lack of clients isn’t always the cause of low profits - and what the real issue is. How to balance profitability with freedom and creativity. 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  Free Toolkit - https://parakeeto.com/toolkit/?utm_source=Earned+Media&utm_medium=Podcast+Appearance&utm_campaign=Matt+Essam  Parakeeto Foundation Course- https://course.parakeeto.com/?utm_source=Earned+Media&utm_medium=Podcast+Appearance&utm_campaign=Matt+Essam  Model Beta - https://form.asana.com/?k=1OSsviJBE_luDSLhqMwoRA&d=1156118475728463/?utm_source=Earned+Media&utm_medium=Podcast+Appearance&utm_campaign=Matt+Essam  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkq1Fcy_x3ZcNjMZEaSvSpw  Blog - https://parakeeto.com/blog/  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Marcel Petitpas on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelpetitpas/  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

How do you find new clients when things go quiet? Ask for referrals? Send cold emails or DM's? Post content on social? All of these things work. If you know how to work them. And in this episode, I want to show you how to create content that attracts ideal clients. Most people create content that attracts peers not prospects. They get likes and comments not projects. It can feel frustrating and demoralising. It makes you want to give up. That’s why I’m unpacking what makes the difference between content that flops and content that wins 6-figure deals. Once you understand the 3 simple concepts that I share, you’ll be able to create content that pulls in ideal clients on autopilot. Covered in this episode: How to create content lands five and six figure deals. How to get your ideal clients to practically write your content for you. Why you might not be getting recognition for your work and how to fix that. How to position yourself as the go-to expert with your content. 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  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

Are you building your dream business or someone else's? Are you doing the things YOU need in order to be successful or what someone else has told you to do? It's easy to look at high-performing entrepreneurs and feel like you aren't doing enough. They seem to always be winning awards, getting invited on podcasts and having their work featured in all of the high profile magazines. Maybe they get up at 5am and have a crazy morning routine. Is that you though? Is that what you really want? I think we are missing an important concept. We aren't comparing apples with apples. It's a powerful idea that doesn't get spoken about enough. I just spent 20 minutes unpacking it in my latest podcast episode and it might be the difference between you feeling inferior and feeling content. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to entrepreneurship. And if you want to achieve the life and business you set out to, this episode is going to help clarify whether or not you’re on the right path - and how to get back on track. Covered in this episode: What your personality type says about the kind of business you should run… …and how to figure out what your personality type is. The hidden cost of building a business that you aren’t in alignment with. Understanding what success looks like for 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  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/   LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

How much of your week was spent working within your genius zone?  And how much of it was lost to admin, chasing emails, or fixing broken systems? In this episode, I’m joined by Grant Hushek. Grant helps marketing and creative agencies grow and scale without increasing their headcount using AI and automation.  We uncover actionable strategies that you can start implementing today to eliminate the grunt work in your business for a fraction of the cost of hiring a new team member.  I guarantee this episode will have something for you, and will allow you to do less of the work you hate doing so you can grow your business faster without burning out In this episode, we cover: How to scale your creative business without hiring more people. Identifying what you can automate in your business today. Using AI to create a steady stream of content ideas targeted to your ideal client. How to automate your sales process without losing the personal touch. Streamlining onboarding to improve client experience. The exact tools to use and how to set them up. What the future of the creative agency looks like. 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  Grantbot - https://www.grantbot.co/  Try Call To Content - https://www.grantbot.co/call-to-content  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Grant Hushek on LinkedIn/social - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-hushek/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What if your next six figure deal was right in front of you? What if you don't need more leads, you need to get better at finding the opportunities in your existing network? This is how Daniel Ocock landed a six figure deal in less than 90 days after we started working together. Before that, his branding agency was ticking along, but the spark wasn't there. His business felt stale, and he knew he wanted more. More revenue, more growth and more impact. But doing more of the same wasn’t moving the needle. Instead of looking for new opportunities, we focused on what already existed within his network. In this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast, Daniel shares behind the scenes of his coaching journey and explains how he landed a multiple six figure deal from an existing client. If you want to learn how to close more 6-figure deals and find more opportunities within your existing network, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: The mindset shift that helped Daniel break out of a business rut. How to uncover hidden opportunities within your existing network. The secrets to boosting revenue without working longer hours. The key to staying motivated and knowing when to make a change in your business. Why you need a mentor and how to find the right one. 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  CSTMR - https://www.cstmr.com Daniel Ocock - https://www.danielocock.com  Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Daniel Ocock on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielocock/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What do you do when your biggest client walks away and they’re the only one keeping the lights on? This week, I’m speaking with Sergey Pantileev, a client was on the verge of closing his business and getting a job after losing one of his biggest clients. Fast forward two years, and Sergey is now closing multiple six-figure deals with ideal clients through Upwork and is no longer worrying about when the next opportunity will show up. In this episode, Sergey shares the exact mindset shifts and sales strategies that helped him: Win multiple six figure deals using Upwork Lead sales calls that put you ahead of lower-cost competition. Spot red flags from prospects before it’s too late. Keep an abundance mindset - even when cash flow is tight. 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 Sergey Pantileev on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeypantileev/ 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

How well do you know the numbers in your business? If you’re like many creative business owners, time spent worrying about your accounts is time spent away from being creative. So you avoid it. But because of this, your business likely isn’t as profitable as it could be. You’re making money but you’re not sure where it’s going, how much you can safely reinvest, or what’s really holding back your growth. In this episode, I’m joined by Rayhaan Moughal, Founder of Sidekick Accounting - a specialist firm helping creative and marketing agency owners take control of their finances, create more freedom, and build a business that’s both profitable and sustainable. If you want more freedom, clarity, and confidence when it comes to money, this episode is essential. Covered in this episode: The most common financial mistakes creative business owners make. What profit margin you should be aiming for. How to manage financial risk as a business owner. Why your first accountant/bookkeeper shouldn’t necessarily be your last. What you need to do to start reducing your tax bill this year and stop bleeding cash. 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  Sidekick Accounting - www.sidekickaccounting.co.uk Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Rayhann Moughal on LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rayhaanmoughalRayhann on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayhaanmoughal/Rayhann on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkeVd8URp-KT4mkiWO92eA Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Your relationship with money could be preventing you from growing your creative business and having a bigger impact with your work. Many creatives see money as secondary - a necessary evil that comes with doing creative work. But what if the way you think about money is actually stopping you from charging what you’re worth, growing your business, and creating the life you want? In this episode, I speak with Catherine Morgan, a money psychology expert who spent over a decade in banking and financial planning. Catherine is an Amazon best-selling author, host of a podcast with over half a million downloads, and someone who understands first-hand how money mindset can make or break a business. If you’re struggling to raise your prices and feel confident about what you charge, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why so many creative business owners struggle with money. Why our relationship with money is so important. How to unlearn the money beliefs that are keeping you stuck. The science behind money psychology and how it impacts your business. What’s really stopping you from charging more. The "identity gap" - why seeing yourself as the business is limiting your growth A simple exercise to uncover your relationship with money and start changing it today. 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  Catherin’s Podcast, ‘It’s Not About The Money’ - https://catherinemorgan.com/podcast/ Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT  Catherine Morgan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-morgan/  Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam  LISTEN  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

There’s a hidden force stopping creatives from making more sales and landing bigger deals - it’s called your shadow. The shadow is the part of your personality that you suppress - A part of you that you don't like. It's this part that often inhibits founders ability to sell higher value projects. In this episode, I’m going to show you how to identify your shadow and work out if it's holding you back. Covered in this episode: The real reason you're not closing more deals. Why so many creatives feel "anti-sales" and how to get past this belief. The mindset shift that will help you show up to sales calls authentically. How to stay in control when pitching your services. 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/@Matt_Essam

As a creative business owner, your time and energy are two of your most valuable assets. If you want high-value clients and a business that’s fun and profitable, learning to say this one word is essential. NO Saying no doesn’t come easy to most creative business owners. In this episode, I will help you to figure out which opportunities you should say yes to and give you the confidence to say no to what’s not serving you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why saying no to big opportunities can help you grow your business. The ‘If, When, Then’ paradox and how it keeps you stuck. How to stick to boundaries without feeling guilty. 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/@Matt_Essam