Creative Courage with Matt Essam

By Matt EssamBusiness Education Arts Self-Improvement Marketing Design

Creative Courage with Matt Essam episodes

March 26, 2025THIS Is Stopping You From Making More Money
Let’s talk about money.
I’ve heard from so many creative business owners that “it’s not all about the money”. And that more money will only create more stress.
But money gives you freedom, space, and the ability to better serve your clients. Like one of my clients Cey, who was able to release a feature film in cinemas after changing his perspective around money.
If you’re struggling to attract the income you want, it may come down to the way you think about money.
In this episode, I break down some of the most common limiting beliefs around money and share practical ways to shift your mindset and increase your income - without adding more stress.
Covered in this episode:
The hidden ways your mindset around money is keeping you from earning more.
How money can allow you to do more impactful work.
Why making more money doesn’t have to mean more hours and stress.
How to 10x your prices without 10x the skill.
The decisions that separate struggling creatives from those who thrive.
Exercises to help you shift your relationship with money today.
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
21 min
March 19, 2025How To Become The Top 1% of Creative Businesses
There’s a point in every creative business owner’s journey where they feel stuck. You’ve built a strong portfolio, won some awards, but something still feels missing and growth has slowed.
In this episode, I’m sharing a concept that I cover in my new book that I’m currently writing - a phenomenon that I call ‘The Talent Limit’.
After speaking with and coaching countless creative business owners over the past few years, I’ve found that a common cause of these symptoms is that they are focusing mainly on their creative skillset. But once you’ve reached the top 10% in your industry, skill alone won’t get you into the top 1%.
If attracting dream clients feels harder than ever, if you’re questioning your value, or if your business still relies too much on you, this episode will reveal the three key shifts you need to make.
Covered in this episode:
Why being exceptional at what you do is no longer enough.
The common mistake that keeps talented creatives stuck.
The shift that separates the top 1% agencies from everyone else.
The three areas you need to focus on to break through The Talent Limit.
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
16 min
March 12, 2025Your Surroundings Are Sabotaging Business Growth (Here’s Why)
Do you feel stuck in your business, like things have stagnated? Maybe you’re not growing as fast as you’d like or feel like creativity isn’t coming to you as easily as it used to.
Your surroundings might be the cause of all of these problems.
In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful idea that completely changed how I think about business, success and myself - that who you surround yourself with and where you spend your time has a huge impact on you and your business.
This idea is one of the key drivers that initially grew my business to six figures.
Not everyone has the resources to travel the world, but you don’t need to. There are simple, practical ways to shift your environment and create the space needed for growth - and I share them in this episode.
In this episode, we cover:
The hidden ways your surroundings impact your business growth.
How to identify the environmental factors holding you back.
Simple changes you can make to spark creativity and build momentum.
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
13 min
March 05, 2025Discover The ONE Strategy That Will Transform Your Creative Business
Many creative business owners get stuck for the same reason…
They’re focusing on too many things at once.
But the most successful entrepreneurs don’t do everything. They double down on the one thing that moves the needle.
Recently, I spent time with 50 incredible entrepreneurs, some making multiple 7-figures a month, at a retreat curated by Daniel Priestley. I saw first hand what separates those who scale effortlessly from those who stay stuck.
If you feel stuck in your business and unsure where to place your focus, this episode will give you the clarity you need to break through.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Why using too many strategies is killing your progress.
How to figure out what ONE thing to focus on.
The question to ask yourself to unlock clarity.
The secret to crafting an irresistible offer that attracts more clients and doesn’t feel like work.
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
February 26, 20253 Powerful Strategies to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up
Do you ever feel like giving up on your business? Like no matter what you try, or how hard you work, things just aren’t feeling right?
You’re not alone. Many creative business owners hit those moments of doubt, frustration, and burnout. The problem is, many of them give up just before they break through to the other side.
In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful strategies to push through those tough times and come out even stronger. These are strategies that I’ve used myself, and my clients have seen serious results from.
You don’t have to keep feeling like this, and with these three strategies, you’ll be able to guide yourself out of this funk whenever that feeling comes up.
Covered in this episode:
Why we lose motivation for our business and how to get it back.
How to reframe the negative stories we tell ourselves that hold us back.
The questions to ask yourself every week to shift your focus to the positive.
How to control what you focus on to stay driven.
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/roadmap.

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
30 min
February 19, 2025How To Build A Personal Brand That Sells For You with Freddie Pullen
It’s getting harder and harder for creative business owners to get new customers. Buyers are more sceptical than ever and it feels like there’s too much competition out there to stand out.
But there’s a way of cutting through the noise and attracting clients that most creatives aren’t leveraging - their personal brand.
This week, I’m joined by Freddie Pullen. Freddie is an expert in story-driven marketing and helps entrepreneurs position themselves as the go-to authority in their space. And in this episode, Freddie shares the strategies he uses with his clients to help them build a personal brand that does the selling for them.
If you want to cut your sales cycle in half, effortlessly attract high-value clients and stand out in a crowded market, this episode is for you.
Covered in this episode:
Why it’s become so essential for creative business owners to build trust with their audience.
How to build a personal brand even if you don’t think your story is worth telling.
How to capitalise on LinkedIn before it’s too late.
Telling your origin story in a way that positions you as an authority without bragging.
Why customer acquisition is getting harder - and how to fix it for your business.
The key to attracting top talent and opportunities.
A powerful exercise to uncover your unique story.
Freddie’s incredible journey that led him to leaving a prestigious corporate career track for a life of entrepreneurship.
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/roadmap.

LEARN MORE
The Healthy Entrepreneur- https://thehealthyentrepreneurclub.com/
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Freddie Pullen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-pullen/
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
48 min
February 12, 2025The Hidden Costs Of A Full Calendar (And How To Get Your Time Back)
How much white space do you have in your diary?
If you’re like most creative businesses, your calendar is jam-packed with client work and calls. This may look impressive on the outside, but it’s likely costing you the freedom to grow your business effectively and leads to burnout.
I’ve worked with many creative studio owners in this position and have helped them to take back a day a week in their calendars without breaking their business.
In this episode, I share the exact strategy you can use so that you can get the time back to work on your business instead of in it, and grow a business that serves you.
Covered in this episode:
Why creative business owners should avoid a full calendar.
How to get back one day a week without breaking your business.
The exact formula to work out how many calls and projects you need to grow your business sustainably.
The key to building a business that serves you.
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/roadmap.

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
February 05, 2025Stop Trading Time for Money and 10x Your Prices with Robin Waite
Are you tired of working endless hours with little reward to show for it?
In this episode, I sit down with Robin Waite, a bestselling author, award-winning business coach and former agency owner. Robin is an expert at productising and pricing services and has helped countless creative studio owners gain freedom while growing their business
Robin shares his journey from running a successful agency to experiencing burnout and ultimately transforming his approach to business.
Now, he coaches creatives to break free from outdated models and challenge limiting beliefs so they can charge what they’re worth, and build businesses they truly love.
This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stop trading your time for money and take your agency to the next level.
Covered in this episode:
How to avoid burnout as an agency owner.
Why productising your services is essential to scaling sustainably.
The massive opportunities agency owners are missing by not productising their offering.
The 3 principles of productisation and how to apply it to your business.
The questions you need to ask all your clients if you want to raise your prices.
How to stay creative while building a profitable business.
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/roadmap.

LEARN MORE
Get Robin’s book for free - www.fearless.biz/tys
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Robin Waite on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmwaite
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
54 min
January 29, 2025Scaling a Multiple 6-Figure Agency And Landing Your Ideal Clients with Josh Gudgeon
What does it take to build a thriving, scalable business whilst only working with your dream clients?
After eight years in the Royal Navy, Josh Gudgeon now runs a multiple 6-figure video production agency and a top 1% podcast.
In this episode, we get under the hood of exactly how Josh runs his agency, how he’s been able to attract his ideal clients, and the 3 secrets to building a business that gives you the lifestyle you want and allows you to be yourself.
Josh is able to work on projects he’s passionate about, has scaled his business while staying true to his values, and has mastered the art of attracting high-value clients who are willing to pay premium prices. And if you want to do the same with your business, this episode is for you.
Covered in this episode:
How to get the attention of your ideal clients.
Finding a niche you’re obsessed with and why it matters.
Freelancers vs. employees for an agency.
Why price is no longer an objection to Josh.
How to become incomparable to your competitors.
When should you fire a client and how to get the courage to do so.
How to deliver value to your prospects before even speaking to them.
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/roadmap.

LEARN MORE
Josh Gudgeon on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JoshGudgeon/
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Josh Gudgeon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-gudgeon/
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
43 min
January 22, 2025Attract Warm Leads on Autopilot With This Underrated Strategy
If you rely only on word-of-mouth and referrals to grow your business, you’re missing a trick.
In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated lead generation strategies I know of - The Partnership Playbook. This strategy is like referral marketing on steroids. If used correctly, it will scale up your lead flow and start bringing in warm leads on autopilot.
Forget spending endless hours creating content and doing cold outreach. This strategy has been one of the biggest growth levers in my business, and in many of my clients’. One of whom used this strategy to attract 40 signups to her online workshop. And in this episode, you’ll discover how to get similar results.
If you’re looking to scale your business faster, this episode will change the way you think about lead gen.
Covered in this episode:
How to attract your ideal clients on autopilot using The Partnership Playbook.
How to form relationships with influential people.
The three types of partnerships you can start building today.
Practical examples of how my clients and I have scaled lead flow using this strategy.
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/roadmap.

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