Creative Courage

By 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 awa

... more

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FAQs about Creative Courage:

How many episodes does Creative Courage have?

The podcast currently has 95 episodes available.

Creative Courage episodes:

November 26, 2025How To Experiment Your Way To Finding Your Purpose with Chris Goor
Do you ever feel like something’s missing, despite having a portfolio full of great work?
You’re not alone.
Chris Goor has filmed some of the world’s biggest moments from the headline stage at Glastonbury to Usain Bolt breaking world records.
But behind the camera, something felt off.
Chris had built a successful career, but couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t giving him purpose anymore and 12 hour days, 7 days a week were leaving him at breaking point.
So Chris decided to experiment and made a shift out of the world he knew, building a personal brand with a following of over 100,000 people, where he helps others find their purpose through content creation.
And in this episode, Chris shares how he was able to make the leap and find success.
If you ever feel stuck doing work that doesn’t fulfil you, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
How to know when it’s time to make a shift.
The first steps to moving towards something more purposeful.
How to build a following online without chasing trends.
Why your LinkedIn posts are being ignored.
Overcoming the perfectionism holding creatives back.
The key to turning followers into clients that’s often overlooked.
How to move away from work that no longer serves 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
Chris Goor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thechrisgoor/
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Chris Goor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisgoor/
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
45min
November 19, 2025Copy This 3 Step System To Attract Your Dream Clients
You want better clients.
Clients that pay more, respect your time, and treat you like a partner - not just another supplier.
But most founders are making the same mistake every single week that is holding them back from ever attracting those types of clients.
And in this episode, I share what that mistake is, and the steps that you need to take to make attracting your dream clients feel easy.
Covered in this episode:
The mistake most founders make when trying to attract dream clients.
How to pinpoint exactly who you should be targeting.
How to build trust with clients before the first call.
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
15min
November 12, 2025The Blueprint For Landing Huge Clients Like Pepsi & Cadbury with Simon Forster
In a crowded market, many studios are leaning on awards they’ve won to stand out.
Or they find themselves pitching against a dozen other agencies.
But Simon Forster decided to do neither of those things with his branding agency, Robot Food, and has still landed huge global brands like Pepsi, Cadbury and Carlsberg.
Not because they’re the biggest.
Nor the cheapest.
But because they’ve garnered trust and focused on the right things.
And in this episode, Simon breaks down the real reasons global brands choose one studio over another and the strategies that creatives need to consider if they want to play at that level.
If you want to be the studio that big brands pick, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
How to get big corporates to trust you.
The hidden factors that matter far more than creative output.
How to build a reputation that makes getting corporate clients possible.
Why Robot Food doesn’t enter design awards.
How to challenge clients and get them better results.
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
Robot Food - https://www.robot-food.com/
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Simon Forster on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robotfood/
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
44min
November 05, 2025The 3 Steps To Turning Rejections Into Fuel For Your Business
I’ve lost count of how many rejections I’ve collected in my business and life over the years.
From no’s to appearing on podcasts, to no’s from prospects.
I imagine you’ve collected a few yourself.
And it can hurt. Almost like they’re rejecting YOU.
But what I’ve realised is that the amount of rejection that someone faces is in direct proportion to what they’re able to achieve in life.
In this episode, I share the 3-step process I use to reframe rejection and transform it into valuable feedback that helps you get more of what you want.
If you find dealing with rejection draining, or that you hold back from ever asking out of fear of rejection, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
Why rejection is required for success.
Dealing with rejection (motivation for creatives).
How to detach your identity from the outcome so you can keep going after rejection.
The question to ask after every rejection to turn it into momentum.
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
13min
October 29, 2025The Real Reason Your Portfolio Isn’t Attracting Clients
Many creatives spend hours polishing their portfolios, yet still struggle to attract the kinds of clients they feel they deserve.
And that’s when the self doubt starts to creep in.
But it’s not because your work isn’t good enough.
It’s because most portfolios are built with the wrong mindset.
I’ve seen award-winning designers get overlooked, while others with less polished work get taken more seriously, because they’re making this one mistake.
In this episode, I break down the portfolio mistake that’s quietly costing you opportunities and the 3-step process to fix it.
If you feel like your skills deserve higher paying clients than you’re currently attracting, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
The biggest mistake creatives make when creating a portfolio.
The crucial elements most creatives miss when offering solutions.
How to present your work in a way that makes picking you a no-brainer.
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
14min
October 22, 2025Do You Need A Personal Brand To Build A Successful Business?
It feels like everywhere you look online, content creators and influencers are telling business owners they need to build a personal brand.
But there are thousands of successful businesses without personal brands behind them, so why does everyone talk about personal branding like it’s essential?
In this week’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes on my own personal branding journey.
I recently had with Chris Do (The Futur), where we got into the truth about what personal branding really means and at what point should creatives consider building theirs.
I also share insights from another conversation I had with James Martin (Made By James), who had a very different take, that might make you rethink how you see personal branding.
If you’ve ever felt conflicted, or unclear about personal branding, this episode will help you find an approach that works for you.
Covered in this episode:
What is a personal brand?
And do creative business owners need one?
Where to start with building a personal brand.
Why personal brands might not be as ‘authentic’ as they claim.
Why people misunderstand personal branding.
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
Matt’s conversation with Chris Do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE8qfhD4b8I
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
21min
October 15, 20256-Figure Client Experience Secrets From A Hospitality Expert
What if you could attract 6-figure clients, regularly, without any outbound marketing?
No outreach. No paid ads.
This is what Alex Ghalleb has managed to achieve with his multiple six-figure consultancy business - with no full-time staff and no business development.
Alex started out in the audio production industry, before moving into hospitality. And although you might not think of hospitality as a creative industry, Alex is bringing high-value client’s creative visions to life.
In this episode, Alex shares how creatives can over-deliver for clients so their reputation does the work for them.
If you want to attract higher-value clients on autopilot, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
Building a multiple six-figure business with no outbound marketing.
What hospitality can teach creatives about client experience.
The impacts of niching and choosing the right clients.
How to ensure your clients are sold from the first interaction.
How to build relationships that lead to consistent referrals.
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
Alex Ghalleb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ghalleb-13869194/
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
56min
October 08, 2025The Hidden Reason You’re Not Satisfied With Your Business
Do you ever feel like there’s something missing from your life or business?
If so, you’re not alone.
But what you think is missing might not give you the satisfaction you’re after once you get it.
A lot of my clients tell me that they want more clients or they want to reach a certain financial goal.
But what they’re chasing is the vehicle, and even once they reach it, they still don’t feel satisfied.
In this episode, I share an exercise I walk my clients through to uncover what truly matters.
This simple shift helps you get what you want sooner, without the endless chase.
Covered in this episode:
Why “more clients” or “more revenue” never feels like enough.
An exercise to uncover what really matters to you.
How to make important decisions more easily.
Uncovering your highest priority.
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
18min
October 01, 2025Stop Clients Comparing You To Other Studios With The ‘4 P’s’ Strategy
“We like your work but we’ve decided to go with another agency.”
Does this sound familiar?
If you’re tired of prospects comparing you with other agencies, you need to hear this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast.
The most successful creative business owners I’ve worked with have gotten to where they are by differentiating themselves in a way that makes them incomparable.
But with 1000s of agencies out there offering similar services, how do we differentiate?
I’m going to go over the 4 P’s of positioning - the key elements you need to understand as a creative service provider to differentiate yourself from the competition.
Covered in this episode:
How to avoid pitching against a dozen other agencies.
How to immunise your business from being replaced by an AI solution.
Uncovering the unique qualities that make your business stand out.
Identify the right niche for your business.
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
18min
September 24, 2025The Key To Repeating Success And Avoiding Failure In Your Business
How often do you stop to think about why things have or haven’t gone well?
If you’re like most creative business owners, probably not very often.
And the problem with this is that you could be missing the strategies that led to your successes and failures. Meaning it’s harder to repeat the wins and avoid more losses.
As we move into the last quarter of the year, I want to help you to achieve any outstanding goals you’ve set before the year ends.
I’m going to run you through a process that I do with my clients every 90 days, to discover what is and isn’t working, to give you more clarity and help you keep up the momentum.
Covered in this episode:
How to identify what is and isn’t working in your business.
Where to shift your focus so you attract more wins.
A repeatable process to figure out what you need to do more of.
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/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
...more
17min

FAQs about Creative Courage:

How many episodes does Creative Courage have?

The podcast currently has 95 episodes available.

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