Creative Courage: The Creative Business Podcast

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