After 13 months away, the mic is back on—and we’re starting exactly where too many of us are stuck. In this raw and real return, Stephen unpacks the one conversation that’s been rising to the surface in every mentoring session, DMs, and late-night career spirals: Should I start my own thing? But the real question hiding underneath? Why can’t I bet on myself?This episode isn’t about logos, color palettes, or pitch decks—it’s about confronting the fear, vulnerability, and truth at the heart of every creative career pivot.

Whether you’re debating a freelance leap, building your own agency, or just trying to reclaim your voice in your next job, this one’s a mirror check.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why most people ask the wrong questions about starting their own thing
• The emotional weight of discovering your personal brand
• How industry trauma erodes creative identity and confidence
• The difference between choosing your path vs. accepting what you’re given
• Why betting on yourself is terrifying—and totally worth it

Because there’s no “right time” to bet on yourself. There’s just now.

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