In this episode, I sit down with Fiona Killackey — business coach, author, and founder of My Daily Business — to talk about building a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Fiona shares her refreshing take on what it means to run a values-led creative business in 2025, why she’s proudly anti-hustle, and how AI can be used intentionally to support your work (without replacing your creativity). If you’re a designer trying to grow your business while staying true to your values, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to do things your own way.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

With nearly a decade of experience coaching creatives, Fiona explores how tools like Poppy, Descript, and Canva can supercharge productivity, free up time, and reduce costs—while also acknowledging the ethical, environmental, and emotional considerations that come with emerging tech.

This conversation is a must-listen for any designer, business owner, or creative who wants to stay ahead of the AI curve without compromising their purpose or identity.

. How Fiona helps creatives build businesses that align with their life—not the other way around
. Why AI should be treated as your assistant, not your boss
. The tools Fiona uses daily to run her business (and save $86 on groceries!)
. Ethical and environmental concerns surrounding AI—and what to do about them
. How creatives can deepen client relationships with the time AI frees up
. What the future of connection and community looks like in an AI world

. AI is here to stay—resistance is futile, but intentional usage is powerful
.Curiosity and creativity are irreplaceable—these human traits are your competitive edge
. Question everything—treat AI outputs like junior interns: helpful, but not always right
. Use AI to amplify your values—not overwrite them
. Build your own knowledge base—so your AI tools can reflect your tone, ethos, and expertise

. Use Poppy for organising chaotic ideas across media types (perfect for visual thinkers)
. Turn long-form video or audio into digestible clips with Descript
. Leverage AI to streamline content creation, client communication, and even meal planning
. Protect your tone and voice by creating a brand-specific data bank
. Always review and edit AI-generated work—don’t just “copy and paste.”

. Interior designers, graphic designers, and creatives curious about AI
. Small business owners looking to reduce overwhelm
. Entrepreneurs wanting to align business with life and values
. Anyone feeling unsure (or excited!) about the role of AI in their work

“AI is your assistant, not your identity. It can help you buy back time—but it can’t replace your curiosity, creativity, or connection.” — Fiona Killackey

Website: My Daily Business
Instagram: @mydailybusinesscoach
Podcast: My Daily Business Podcast

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