Everyone’s Making It Up—So What’s Stopping You?

Permission to Evolve on Creativity, Ego, and Confidence

In this episode of Permission to Evolve, Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to make it up,” arguing that many societal norms and personal habits are inherited programming that can limit creativity and fulfillment. Using the “ham ends” story and examples like Bezos, Musk, and Apple’s “Think Different,” they discuss how innovation comes from seeing beyond the handbook, risking social judgment, and treating life as trial-and-error rather than identity-driven success or failure. Brandon connects creativity to solution-mindedness, mastery, and leadership, emphasizing deprogramming, surrendering ego, and holding space for others in coaching by staying present and adaptable. They highlight reconnecting with childlike play, remodeling values and structures, and pursuing aligned desires for inner peace, then share ways to connect with Brandon via a free strategy session, newsletter, social channels, and Substack.

00:00 Welcome and Setup

00:11 Deprogramming Old Norms

01:50 Courage to Stand Out

05:18 Innovation and Making It Up

11:59 Solution Mindset and Mastery

17:49 Getting Started Beyond the Lines

26:22 Ego Surrender and Presence

33:51 Client Breakthrough Stories

38:29 Key Takeaways and Remodeling Life

44:57 Where to Find Brandon

🔗 LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://substack.com/@brandonthielk1?r=8jd80n&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/