The Jump Moment

What's your biggest takeaway?

In this episode of The Jump Moment, Matt Curtis walks through what it really looks like to start a freelance business. Whether you’re preparing to leave your job or already in your first few months as a freelancer, this episode outlines a 90-day roadmap to help you build in a way that is realistic and builds momentum. 

Matt shares the 12-week framework he walks through in the Christian Creative group to help freelancers set a manageable building pace. If you’ve ever tried to cram an entire business build into a long weekend or holiday break, this episode will help you slow down, plan smarter, and building a way that gains momentum over time.

The 90-Day Jump Start Plan

Weeks 1–6: Building the Foundation

1. Discover Your Why – Identify what drives you and the people you’re called to serve.

2. Build and Price Your Offer – Connect your skills to your client’s real-world problems.

3. Short-Term Marketing – Create a plan to start sharing your offer right away.

4. Personal Systems – Build systems that help you protect you time outside of working in your business.

5. Contracts and Taxes – Understand simple contracts and tax implications as a business.

6. Professional Systems – Build workflows, client onboarding, and invoicing systems to support the operation of your business.

Weeks 7–12: Sustaining Momentum

7. Mid- and Long-Term Marketing – Build a marketing planning focused on mid-term and long-term investments.

8. Money in Business – Learn how to make wise financial decisions that protect your future.

9. The Heart of a Freelancer – Learn how to work well with clients, be gracious and humble, and create healthy boundaries.

10. Protecting Imagination – Prioritizing rest, creativity, and long term creative health.

11. Developing your Skills – Ongoing growth and development as a creative.

12. Evaluate and Pivot – Use a 90-day planning rhythm to review, refine, and set your next goals.

Resources Mentioned

• Traction by Gino Wickman — A powerful guide to building and running your business in 90-day cycles. Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4a0fY7P
• Quarterly Workflow Worksheet — Matt’s free tool to help you plan and evaluate your next 90 days. Download.

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

Recommended resource: The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, and Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier.

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In this episode of The Jump Moment, Matt sits down with Casey Watts, an educator turned consultant, speaker, and author, who helps leaders create meetings that actually matter. Casey shares how her career evolved from teaching to leadership to full-time business ownership—and how clarity became the guiding thread. She also opens up about the fears, financial hurdles, and support systems that made her jump possible. If you’re wrestling with fulfillment, regret, or the “right time” to take the leap, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights:

• Why bad meetings are often a symptom of a lack of clarity.
• How side hustles can reveal your through-line and shape your eventual business.
• The importance of knowing when you’re no longer showing up fully at work.
• Why regret is often the greater risk than failure.
• Two pieces of advice Casey would give her younger self.

About Casey:
Casey Watts is a passionate speaker, author, and thought leader in team leadership with over 20 years in education and 10 years of experience coaching educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. She is the creator of the Clarity Cycle Framework, helping leaders bridge gaps, foster commitment, and create sustainable alignment. Casey is also the founder and host of The Catching Up with Casey podcast, where she and her guests bring clarity to the seemingly small things in leadership that make a big difference.

Connect with Casey:

Website: https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catchupwithcasey

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@catchupwithcasey

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

What if the key to unlocking success in your creative business isn’t another tool or strategy... but it's your schedule? In this episode, Matt Curtis explores how time management shapes both creative freedom and business growth for freelancers and staff creatives alike.

You’ll learn why your calendar might be the most important tool in your creative toolkit—and how managing your schedule with wisdom and intention can help you align your work with your values. Matt shares practical steps from his Tools for Christian Creatives series, including a simple, printable worksheet that helps you uncover where your time really goes.

Whether you feel like your day is out of your control or you’re struggling to stay disciplined as a freelancer, this conversation will help you manage reality, build sustainable habits, and protect the things that matter most—your faith, your relationships, and your calling.

Free Resource: Download the Weekly Schedule Planner mentioned in this episode and build your schedule your time with purpose.

Download now

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

Many believe that burnout is just about overworking. But in many cases, burnout actually stems from being underutilized. 

In this episode of The Jump Moment, I talk with Frank and Sabrina Szabo, founders of /chaynj/ (pronounced “Change”), a coaching business dedicated to helping high performers prevent and recover from burnout. We discuss the dangers of tying your identity to performance, the fears and transferable skills involved in making the jump to freelance, and the critical role of community in sustaining your business.

Episode Highlights:

• Burnout is often about underutilization rather than overwork
• High performance can be healthy with the right rhythms
• The tension of finding transferable skills when leaving a long career
• Why fear is natural (and even helpful) when starting something new
• Community as both protection against burnout and fuel for freelancing

About Frank and Sabrina Szabo:

Frank and Sabrina Szabo are partners in life and co-founders of /chAYnj/, a coaching practice focused on those who operate under constant emotional demand and high responsibility. As a Hungarian-Brazilian team, they bring cultural depth, grounded presence, and hard-earned insight to their work. Their coaching supports individuals who hold it all together at the office, at home, and often in silence. Because they understand the weight of that role firsthand, they help clients recover clarity, agency, and a sense of self.

Sabrina is a leadership coach, educator, and ICF Foundation Ambassador. She currently pursues a PhD in Intercultural Education and holds a Master’s in Global Leadership. Frank is a high-performance coach and author who has spent over twenty years supporting Olympic athletes and pressure-tested teams. In addition, he holds certifications in EQ-i 2.0® and EQ 360. Both Frank and Sabrina are ICF Professional Certified Coaches. Together, they remain committed to making emotional well-being both practical and deeply personal.

If you feel like you've been holding it together while quietly burning out, check out the Own Your Shift program. This 12-week experience supports people who carry a lot and need more than just rest. We help rebuild emotional capacity, sharpen focus, and restore a sense of self through one-on-one coaching, clear structure, and measurable progress. We run the program only three times a year with six participants each time because we prioritize deep, personal support. This work comes from our own lived experience with burnout, and we’re deeply committed to helping others find steadiness again. If you're ready to stop bracing through the day and start living with more presence, they can learn more at chaynj.com.

Connect with Frank and Sabrina: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chaynj/

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

Website: chaynj.com

Frank's Book: https://amzn.to/4mwnzh4

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

When your vision feels far off and progress is slow, how do you keep going? In this episode, executive coach Jacob Dyke shares what it looked like to stay faithful with what God had placed in front of him—even when business didn’t take off right away.

From working evenings at Lowe’s to give his business a fighting chance, to wrestling through identity, fear, and provision, Jacob’s story is a powerful reminder that slow progress is still progress.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it to keep building when results are delayed, this conversation will encourage you to stay the course.

Episode Highlights:

• Why progress doesn’t always mean speed
• What it looks like to be faithful with what’s in front of you
• How to balance vision for the future with intentionality in the present
• Why spiritual formation matters in the entrepreneurial journey
• The role of coaching and outside voices in finding your direction

About Jacob Dyke:
Jacob is the founder of Anchor Coaching, where he helps Christian entrepreneurs improve productivity without burnout as well as a Startups.com Advisor. Jacob writes The Anchored Entrepreneur, a newsletter you can find via his LinkedIn.

Connect with Jacob Dyke:

Website: http://anchorcoaching.co/

Newsletter: https://anchor-coaching.beehiiv.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-dyke/

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

In this episode of The Jump Moment, Cody Lutz shares how he moved from corporate leadership to full-time entrepreneur — and how a powerful mindset shift helped him overcome fear, redefine risk, and bet on himself. We talk about launching before you’re ready, pivoting your offer based on real audience needs, and why identity change is the foundation of every major life change.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Cody shifted from a “wishful” mindset to a “will” mindset
• The false sense of security many employees live under — and how freelancing can actually reduce risk
• How financial discipline gave Cody the freedom to take the leap
• Why launching a business means listening, pivoting, and staying open to better opportunities
• The power of rooting your work in a deeper calling or conviction

About Cody Lutz:

Cody spent 8 years running conferences around the country for a 9-figure non-profit in my 20s. Reinvented myself during COVID and got a tech support agent role in a small tech company. Became the department head a year later and tripled the department in 3 years. Made THE JUMP into full-time entrepreneurship in July of '24 to build Backyard SHREDS (home fitness for men) and now also coach other ambitious men in their own journey from "wantrepreneur" to "entrepreneur".

Connect with Cody Lutz:

Website: http://backyardshreds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecodylutz/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BackyardSHREDS

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

If you’ve ever felt like the mission you're working for doesn’t match the purpose you’re carrying, this episode is for you.

In Is This Even My Purpose?, Matt Curtis opens up about the unsettling moment many creatives face in cause-based roles—when the work no longer feels aligned. He shares four powerful “why drivers” that helped him move from confusion to clarity: craftsmanship, service, mission, and lifestyle.

This isn’t just a reflection. It’s a roadmap. If you’ve been asking hard questions, this episode may help you find honest answers—and your next step.

Episode Highlights:

• Why alignment matters more than loyalty when the mission that no longer fits
• How creatives slowly lose access to their full skillset in misaligned roles
• Four “why” drivers that clarify your purpose: craftsmanship, service, mission, lifestyle
• A step-by-step reflection to help you move forward

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

This week’s resource is the Jump to Freelance group on Skool. 

Freelancing doesn’t have to be lonely. Join a community of like-minded creatives who understand the journey you’re on. Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or building momentum after making the jump, this group offers support, live Q&A’s, and expert guidance to help you thrive—together.
 
Join the group.

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Travis Whatley didn’t feel ready. He didn’t even know what WordPress was. But when someone asked if he could build a website, he said yes—and that one decision launched a freelance journey that became a thriving agency. In this episode, Travis shares how ministry, burnout, and faith collided to shape his path to entrepreneurship, and why waiting to feel qualified can keep you from the exact opportunity you're meant for.

Episode Highlights:

• Why readiness is overrated—and responsiveness is everything
• How Travis turned a single freelance gig into a full business
• Why your past jobs (even the weird ones) may be preparing you
• The link between ministry, marketing, and meaningful work
• How to overcome fear and imposter syndrome by building momentum

About Travis:
Travis Whatley is the founder of Holy Webs, a digital marketing agency helping small businesses grow through websites, SEO, and social media. Originally a youth pastor, he discovered his passion for marketing and turned it into a thriving business. With over 150 websites built, he is now expanding Holy Webs through the Local LeadersMarketers program and his book, "Count Me In." Focused on relationships and community impact, Travis is dedicated to helping businesses and ministry leaders succeed online.

Holy Webs University:

ARE YOU A MINISTRY LEADER? Build a Profitable Digital Marketing Business & Create Financial Freedom Imagine launching your own Holy Webs business for FREE, serving local businesses, and generating steady income—all without juggling a side gig that pulls you away from your ministry.

Learn more at holywebsuniversity.com.

Connect with Travis on Facebook

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

The recommended resource for this episode is the book Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman. Purchasing the book through this affiliate link helps support The Jump Moment, but won't impact the price you pay.

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In this episode of The Jump Moment, Barbara Carneiro shares how invisible barriers, cultural bias, and unexpected roadblocks led her to something greater—her own thriving freelance and agency career.

She didn’t plan to leave. She didn’t plan to freelance.

But when every system around her said no, she built her own yes.

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re “ready” to make the leap to freelance, Barbara’s story might change the question entirely.

Episode Highlights:

• Why not getting a promotion became the best thing that happened to her.
• How a collapsing economy accelerated her freelance jump.
• The importance of trusting your track record, even when others don't.
• How to identify the tasks you must outsource—and why it matters early.
• How to filter your priorities and protect your energy with tools like the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO).

About Barbara:
Barbara loves revealing the heartbeat of the organizations and entrepreneurs she serves. She is the founder of Word Revolution, a communication and branding agency, and the creator of the Church Communicator Conference. She has mentored over 400 agencies and entrepreneurs and is deeply passionate about strategy, branding, graphic design, and web design. Her purpose in life is to help others embrace who they are unapologetically and love the people they serve.

Connect with Barbara

http://www.wordrevolution.com/

https://www.facebook.com/barbarabcarneiro/

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.

What's your biggest takeaway?

In this episode of The Jump Moment, Paul Cox, founder of The Church Co., takes us through his inspiring journey from cautious beginnings to leading a global team. He shares how a need in the church world inspired him to create a tailored website platform, the years of hard work it took to make it viable, and the lessons he learned about risk, persistence, and purpose.

Episode Highlights:

• The moment Paul realized he needed to create a platform tailored to churches.
• How small steps built his confidence.
• Navigating doubts and hesitation while building a business.
• The impact of community and being surrounded by people with big ideas.
• Why believing in your mission makes the hard work worth it.

About Paul:
Paul Cox is the founder and CEO of The Church Co., a platform providing websites, apps, and tools for churches worldwide. Based in Sydney, Australia, Paul’s work bridges his passion for technology and his commitment to serving the church. 

Paul is all about building tech for churches.

The Church Co builds church websites for free, the church just covers the hosting.

Follow Paul:

The Church Co: http://thechurchco.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thechurchco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thechurchco

Join the Christian Creative group on Skool.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching or find tools to help with your jump to freelance at https://www.lunchtimeheroes.co/coaching.