Creative Courage with Matt Essam

By Matt EssamBusiness Education Arts Self-Improvement Marketing Design

Creative Courage with Matt Essam episodes

June 04, 2025The 3 Biggest Profit Killers In Your Creative Business with Marcel Petitpas
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
57 min
May 28, 2025The Secret To Creating Content That Lands Six-Figure Projects
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
24 min
May 21, 2025Are You Building The Right Business?
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
19 min
May 14, 2025Scale Your Agency Without Growing Your Team with Grant Hushek
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
59 min
May 07, 2025How To Find 6-Figure Deals Hiding In Your Existing Network with Daniel Ocock
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
33 min
April 30, 2025Close Six Figure Deals On Upwork (Client Case Study)
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
50 min
April 24, 2025Why Creative Businesses Bleed Cash (And How to Stop It) with Rayhaan Moughal
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/rayhaanmoughal
Rayhann 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
45 min
April 16, 2025The Money Mindset Shift That Will Transform Your Business with Catherine Morgan
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
1 hr 2 min
April 09, 2025The Real Reason You’re Not Closing More Deals
There’s a hidden force stopping creatives from making more sales and landing bigger deals - it’s called your shadow.
The shadow is the part of your personality that you suppress - A part of you that you don't like.
It's this part that often inhibits founders ability to sell higher value projects.
In this episode, I’m going to show you how to identify your shadow and work out if it's holding you back.
Covered in this episode:
The real reason you're not closing more deals.
Why so many creatives feel "anti-sales" and how to get past this belief.
The mindset shift that will help you show up to sales calls authentically.
How to stay in control when pitching your services.
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
17 min
April 02, 2025The One Word That Will Transform Your Business
As a creative business owner, your time and energy are two of your most valuable assets. If you want high-value clients and a business that’s fun and profitable, learning to say this one word is essential.
NO
Saying no doesn’t come easy to most creative business owners.
In this episode, I will help you to figure out which opportunities you should say yes to and give you the confidence to say no to what’s not serving you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why saying no to big opportunities can help you grow your business.
The ‘If, When, Then’ paradox and how it keeps you stuck.
How to stick to boundaries without feeling guilty.
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
15 min