Creative Courage

By Matt Essam

Are you a creative business owner? Do you ever feel like you’ve got more to give? That there’s a bigger impact you could make? Or is there an innate fear that’s stopping you from achieving your full p... more

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FAQs about Creative Courage:

How many episodes does Creative Courage have?

The podcast currently has 84 episodes available.

Creative Courage episodes:

September 10, 2025It Was The Trip From Hell - Until I Realised THIS
Have you ever made a choice that felt right in the moment, only to realise it was the decision from hell?
That was me recently.
I flew to Amsterdam, dropped $2,000 on a Mindvalley ticket, and instantly started regretting it.
Instead of enjoying the experience, I found myself frustrated that I’d wasted the money and beating myself up for not making the most of it.
But then something shifted.
I was able to reframe the whole trip and turn what felt like a mistake into something valuable.
In this episode, I break down how you can do the same, so you can transform bad decisions into powerful lessons.
You’ll learn how to make choices that align with your values, so no matter what the outcome looks like, it doesn’t have to come with a side of regret.
Covered in this episode:
How intuition can turn regret into value.
The key to making aligned decisions you won’t regret.
Turning sunk costs into valuable experiences.
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
...more
16min
September 03, 2025How To Triple Your Rates Without Scaring Clients Away
Do you feel like you’re undercharging for your work?
But you believe that if you raise your rates, you’ll scare prospects off?
Or maybe you’ve raised your rates already and you’re getting price objections.
Either way, this is for you.
In this episode, I break down why pricing isn’t about the number, it’s about how prospects perceive the value you deliver.
And I share how to completely change your prospects’ mindset around how much your service is worth, so you can double, triple, or even quadruple your rates without losing business.
Covered in this episode:
The real reason prospects say no.
How to reframe value so a higher price makes sense.
Why asking for a prospect’s budget NEVER works.
Exactly what to say when a client pushes back on pricing.
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
...more
18min
August 27, 2025The BEST Way To Attract Your Dream Clients In The AI Age
There’s a fundamental shift happening in the creative industry, and it’s changing how we find and attract clients.
After a decade of coaching award-winning studio owners, I’ve seen even the most talented creatives struggle to consistently bring in dream clients.
And the reason is because they’re chasing attention instead of building trust. But with AI content flooding the internet, the world is getting noisier.
Standing out is harder than ever, and your portfolio alone won’t cut it anymore.
In this episode, I share with you the best way of fast-tracking your way to trust with your ideal clients, so you can reliably and predictably grow your studio.
Covered in this episode:
Why trust, not attention, is your biggest asset.
How to shortcut the trust building process.
Why content is becoming less valuable in an AI driven world.
A proven way to make trust predictable and repeatable.
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
...more
16min
August 20, 2025Building A 6-Figure Content Creation Business With NO Clients
What would it be like to build a 6-figure business without having any clients?
No relying on client outcomes and schedules.
No more being treated like an employee.
That’s exactly what Greg Preece has done.
And in this episode, Greg shares how he escaped the stress of client work to build a content creation business on his terms.
Before Greg managed to turn his YouTube channel into a passive income machine, he’d reached a plateau with his earnings. But after a few key shifts, his income has skyrocketed, without having to serve a single client.
If you create content, or if you’ve ever considered building a content platform as an additional source of revenue, this episode is essential.
Covered in this episode:
How Greg was able to walk away from client work and still generate a 6-figure income.
The three pillars of successful content creation.
How to get more views and attract brand deals on YouTube.
Why “good” content isn’t enough anymore.
How to find a content niche and stand out.
The truth about AI and the future of content creation.
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
Greg Preece on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GregPreece
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Greg Preece on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpreece/
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
...more
57min
August 13, 2025Feeling Unfulfilled? Listen To This...
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
...more
14min
August 06, 2025When It Feels Like Everything Is Falling Apart - Do THIS
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
...more
17min
July 30, 2025STOP Writing Proposals - Use This Sales Framework Instead
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
...more
15min
July 23, 2025Use This Productivity Hack To Kill Your Overwhelm TODAY
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
...more
24min
July 16, 2025The 3 Pricing Mistakes Keeping You Overworked & Underpaid
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
...more
35min
July 09, 2025AI Is Coming For Creatives - Do THIS To Stay Ahead
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
...more
21min

FAQs about Creative Courage:

How many episodes does Creative Courage have?

The podcast currently has 84 episodes available.

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