James is a legend. In his own words he describes his Instagram story as accidentally building a personal brand. At nearly a quarter of a million followers that's no surprise really. He's shown up consistently and made content over several years on IG. He's been a brand and logo designer for 17+ years, and repeatedly says there's very rare overnight successes. His growth and success has been incremental and steady.

What makes James' story inspirational is the backdrop to what happened before he got the design bug. James talks to me about what shook his world. At age 11 his life imploded - which fed into drugs and alcohol use. James is another guest who's embraced quitting alcohol and refocused his energy into exercise, building a life he loves and showing up consistently. Prepare to be challenged by his story. No matter how dark the situation, James is proof your past doesn't need to define you and you can create an exceptional life if you commit to it.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
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PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.