Creative Courage with Matt Essam

Are you a creative business owner? Do you ever feel like you’ve got more to give or that there’s a bigger impact you could make? Creative Courage is a creative business podcast hosted by award-winning coach, author, and speaker, Matt Essam. Matt explores the internal battles we all face as creative business owners. From the fear of launching to the anxiety we face around our life purpose, Creative Courage is the first podcast series that will dive deep into the physiology of courage and its key part in our success as business owners, leaders and creatives. Each week, we bring you expert insights and proven strategies from inspiring entrepreneurs and thought leaders who have conquered their creative challenges. If you’re ready to elevate your creative journey and unlock your full potential, so that you can make more impact, win better clients and ultimately be proud of what you’ve built, then subscribe to the creative business podcast, Creative Courage, now on your favourite podcast platform. Join us as we redefine what it means to thrive as a creative business owner.

Episodes

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3 hours ago

9 min

Most creative agency owners are sitting on untapped opportunities with their existing clients.
In this episode of Creative Courage, I share a simple strategy that can help you turn one-off projects into long-term relationships, increase client spending, and position yourself as a strategic partner rather than just another service provider.
You'll discover how to use Strategy Sessions to create more opportunities, build stronger relationships, and make clients genuinely want to work with you.
Want to turn more conversations into high-value opportunities?
Download my free One Page Sales Framework: https://onepagesales.scoreapp.com

3 hours ago

9 min

Oct 28, 2026

28 min

Most creative agency founders don't have a problem delivering exceptional work. They have a problem getting clients to recognise what that work is worth.
Prospects question their fees, proposals go unanswered, and conversations that seemed promising suddenly go cold.
In this solo episode of Creative Courage, Matt Essam explores a different approach to selling creative services, introducing his One Page Sales Framework™.
Rather than relying on persuasion, clever sales tactics or endless follow-ups, the framework helps you structure conversations that uncover what clients really need, communicate the value of your expertise and turn more opportunities into high-value projects.
Whether you're struggling to close bigger deals, tired of defending your prices or simply want to feel more confident in sales conversations, this episode will help you rethink the way you sell.
Get the free One Page Sales Framework here:
https://onepagesales.scoreapp.com
Because the best sales conversations don't feel like selling; they feel like helping someone make a great decision.

Oct 28, 2026

28 min

Oct 21, 2026

10 min

In this episode, I look at common sales frustrations among agency owners, including slow decision-making, repeated follow-ups, concerns about price, and conversations that focus on deliverables instead of strategy. I explore the idea that how we buy high-value services often shapes how we sell them.For example, how avoiding pushiness means prospects have no reason to make a timely decision. I also discuss how our own fears about appearing motivated by money can lead us to avoid asking prospects to take the next step. By changing how we approach considered purchases ourselves we are able to understand and guide prospects through similar decisions.Ultimately, we can't ask others to do what we are unwilling to do ourselves. 

Oct 21, 2026

10 min

Oct 7, 2026

19 min

I believe the future of design is shifting away from phones toward wearables, voice agents, and more physical, tactile experiences. This episode breaks down what that could look like and why it matters for your career.
I talk about the macro trends I'm noticing in design and consumer behaviour in general, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. 
If you found this episode valuable, please hit the subscribe button. 
 When you are ready to go deeper, here are 2 ways I can help: 1: Join my private '$100K conversations' channel on Instagram 
2: Stop getting ghosted and close bigger deals using my One Page Sales Framework ™

Oct 7, 2026

19 min

Sep 29, 2026

18 min

Have you ever found yourself in that weird in-between space between familiarity and a new compelling future? You know there is more available to you, but it's difficult to let go of the comfort and familiarity of your current reality.  In this episode I explore “the gap”. The scary space between the life you know and the one you want. I then break down three key principles for closing the gap and moving into that new reality. 
Whether it's raising your prices, changing industry or leaving a relationship, we all face the gap at some point. This podcast will give you the tools and strategies to navigate it. 
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Apply to work with me 1:1 

Sep 29, 2026

18 min

Sep 23, 2026

39 min

If LinkedIn still feels like an enigma, this episode is for you. I sit down with Maria Ledenstova in Hyde Park to unpack how she grew 40k+ followers and now gets steady inbound clients and brand opportunities. We break down exactly how she has done it and how you can aply it to your business. 
We cover: How to show up authentically without being cringe 
What to post and when 
The importance of finding purpose
And so much more. 
If you found this episode useful, please share it with a friend. 
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeden/ 
Work with me 1:1 to grow your creative business here: https://matt-essam.notion.site/A-Private-Invitation-To-Work-With-Me-1-1-3ce1bfbff88681f5b880c4ee39c210cb?source=copy_link 

Sep 23, 2026

39 min