What if the fastest way to grow wasn’t by chasing more, but by showing up as the person you want to become?

In this episode, Jonathan talks with photographer, teacher, and speaker Lance Nicoll about the long game of creative work. They unpack why identity drives craft, how to shift from volume to value, and the mindset of “acting as if” you’re already operating at the next level.

From painting in his studio to shooting luxury weddings, Lance shares the shifts that brought more clarity, balance, and alignm

• “Act as if” you’re already in the next room you want to be in
• Why identity shapes how you price and position yourself
• How painting, volleyball, and teaching sharpen Lance’s photography
• The balance between space, structure, and creative growth

Lance Nicoll is a destination wedding photographer known for his unique talent in capturing the essence of weddings beyond what is seen. His galleries reflect the genuine experiences of the day, blending documentary techniques with a natural, elegant, and timeless aesthetic. Inspired by the beauty of traditions, Lance celebrates the beginning of his clients’ legacies, seamlessly embracing the sophistication and heritage that define their stories.

Connect with Lance:

• Website - www.lancenicoll.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lancenicoll

In this episode, Jonathan Hugo sits down with photographer and brand strategist Garrett Richardson to talk about building a business rooted in clarity, community, and creative vision. Garrett shares how he navigated early seasons of hustle, what helped him slow down with intention, and why he's more focused on building a meaningful life than chasing momentary wins.

Whether you're in a pivot, feeling scattered, or redefining what success looks like - this is an honest and energizing conversation on staying grounded while creating work that lasts.

• Why Garrett decided to slow down (and how it changed everything)
• Navigating identity and clarity in a saturated creative industry
• What building community actually looks like and why it matters
• Choosing conviction over chaos in your brand and business
• The difference between evolving and abandoning your past work
• How Garrett approaches the long game: creatively, spiritually, and relationally

Garrett Richardson is a destination wedding photographer based in Nashville, TN. He serves luxury clients across the globe, focusing on intentional and authentic experiences. His work has been featured in Brides and Martha Stewart and is known for its timeless and refined quality. Since 2011, Garrett’s ultimate goal has been to deliver photographs that inspire joy so marriage can thrive.

Connect with Garrett:

• Website - www.garrettrichardson.co
• Instagram - www.instagram.com/garrettrichardson
• Coaching Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/garrettrichardsoncoach
• Coaching Application - https://tave.com/garrett-richardson-photography/questionnaire/c4a0701dea0762bccf96d440

In this episode, Jonathan Hugo is joined by celebrated event designer and founder of Michelle Norwood Events, Michelle Norwood, for a raw and powerful conversation on what it really means to build a business around the life you want.

Michelle shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, how she redefined success on her own terms, and why protecting your peace is a non-negotiable in both life and business. Together, they explore the value of boundaries, the power of reputation, and the difference between hustle and sustainability.

From navigating burnout to saying no without guilt, this is a conversation for anyone who’s ever questioned the rules of the industry and is ready to write their own instead.

• Reputation is everything, so protect it fiercely.
• Building something meaningful takes time.
• Boundaries aren't optional; they’re foundational.
• It’s okay to walk away from what no longer fits.
• The best branding is being yourself.
• You can be both soft and strong in business.
• Hustle is not the only path to success.
• Designing a business around your life is not a luxury; it’s a strategy.

Known for her tenacious spirit and warm personality, Michelle Norwood is a sought-after destination wedding planner based in New Orleans. Her bespoke planning and design approach is to start with her clients–to uncover their unique stories and backgrounds and let their stories inspire the celebration. 

Connect with Michelle:

• Website - https://michellenorwood.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michellenorwoodevents/

In this episode, Jonathan Hugo sits down with copywriter, creative director, and founder of Copy Uncorked, Kaitlyn Parker. Together they explore the nuances of brand messaging, creative pivots, and how to write words that actually sound like you.

Kaitlyn opens up about the behind-the-scenes of running a boutique agency, the changes she’s made to stay in alignment with her values, and why growth sometimes means making room for what feels right over what just looks good on paper. From working with high-level clients to pulling back for space and clarity, this conversation is full of gentle reminders that your brand voice doesn’t need to shout—it just needs to be honest.

Whether you’re writing copy, leading a team, or rethinking your next move, this one’s for anyone who wants to lead with intention and rewrite their own rules.

• Good messaging isn’t louder, it’s more you.
• Brand voice should reflect the founder’s true energy and direction.
• Growth can mean pulling back, not just scaling up.
• “Creative direction” is as much internal as it is external.
• You don’t need a giant team to do impactful work.
• There’s power in asking: what’s actually sustainable for you right now?
• Business can evolve as you do—quietly and meaningfully.
• Trust the quieter seasons; they often bring the most clarity.

Kaitlyn Parker is a copywriter, brand strategist, and the founder of Copy Uncorked®—a boutique copywriting studio and educational hub where words flow and sales follow™ for the modern founder. Since 2016, she’s worked with 250+ brands across industries, blending research-backed strategy with heartfelt, high-converting copy.

With a Master’s in Strategic Communications and a deep love for brand building, Kaitlyn leads both done-for-you client work and a signature suite of educational resources—designed to help service-based business owners write compelling copy that resonates, builds connection, and inspires action.

Beyond the business, she shares honest, behind-the-scenes reflections on her Substack—by Kaitlyn Parker—offering a thoughtful look at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and life as a wife, mom, and founder.

When she’s not writing or supporting clients, you’ll find her chasing her toddler, traveling with her husband, or savoring a glass of wine by the water. Say hi on Instagram @copyuncorked or explore her latest work at copyuncorked.com.

Connect with Kaitlyn:

• Website - http://copyuncorked.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/copyuncorked/
• Substack - https://bykaitlynparker.substack.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynhiltz/

In this episode, Jonathan Hugo sits down with copywriter, creative director, and founder of Copy Uncorked, Kaitlyn Parker. Together they explore the nuances of brand messaging, creative pivots, and how to write words that actually sound like you.

Kaitlyn opens up about the behind-the-scenes of running a boutique agency, the changes she’s made to stay in alignment with her values, and why growth sometimes means making room for what feels right over what just looks good on paper. From working with high-level clients to pulling back for space and clarity, this conversation is full of gentle reminders that your brand voice doesn’t need to shout—it just needs to be honest.

Whether you’re writing copy, leading a team, or rethinking your next move, this one’s for anyone who wants to lead with intention and rewrite their own rules.

• Good messaging isn’t louder, it’s more you.
• Brand voice should reflect the founder’s true energy and direction.
• Growth can mean pulling back, not just scaling up.
• “Creative direction” is as much internal as it is external.
• You don’t need a giant team to do impactful work.
• There’s power in asking: what’s actually sustainable for you right now?
• Business can evolve as you do—quietly and meaningfully.
• Trust the quieter seasons; they often bring the most clarity.

Kaitlyn Parker is a copywriter, brand strategist, and the founder of Copy Uncorked®—a boutique copywriting studio and educational hub where words flow and sales follow™ for the modern founder. Since 2016, she’s worked with 250+ brands across industries, blending research-backed strategy with heartfelt, high-converting copy.

With a Master’s in Strategic Communications and a deep love for brand building, Kaitlyn leads both done-for-you client work and a signature suite of educational resources—designed to help service-based business owners write compelling copy that resonates, builds connection, and inspires action.

Beyond the business, she shares honest, behind-the-scenes reflections on her Substack—by Kaitlyn Parker—offering a thoughtful look at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and life as a wife, mom, and founder.

When she’s not writing or supporting clients, you’ll find her chasing her toddler, traveling with her husband, or savoring a glass of wine by the water. Say hi on Instagram @copyuncorked or explore her latest work at copyuncorked.com.

Connect with Kaitlyn:

• Website - http://copyuncorked.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/copyuncorked/
• Substack - https://bykaitlynparker.substack.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynhiltz/

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Samantha Leenheer, founder of Kinetic Experiences and House of Joy, to explore how personal stories, intentional design, and thoughtful planning create unforgettable events. Samantha shares her journey from corporate marketing to founding her own event businesses, why full-service planning allows for deeper client connections, and the importance of aligning every detail with each client’s unique story. The conversation dives into lessons learned from corporate America, balancing work and life, building systems, and how focusing on what truly matters can redefine success for creatives.

• Embracing your own story can break silos and open new opportunities in business.
• Listening deeply to clients’ lives and values is key to crafting meaningful, personalized events.
• Intentional outsourcing and creating effective systems free up time for high-impact work.
• Knowing when and how to say “no” is essential for maintaining alignment and avoiding burnout.
• Defining value for clients goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about giving them time and creating experiences that reflect who they are.

Samantha brings 14+ years of expertise to the event industry as founder of Kinetic Experiences, Principal Planner & Designer at House of Joy, and Creative Director at House of Samantha. Originating from corporate events in Chicago, she now crafts transformative experiences nationwide. Recognized as a Knot’s Ones to Watch and featured in publications like Martha Stewart and Brides, Samantha is known for a connective approach, deeply inspired by personal stories.

Her work empowers clients to explore their values and cultivate moments that truly reflect their identity, through designs featuring vibrant color and pattern to push beyond the expected. She extends her expertise through Kinetic Experiences, a boutique industry conference designed to ignite passion, cultivate aligned connections, and empower business owners to forge their own paths through experiential learning and diverse leadership voices.

Connect with Samantha:

• Website - https://kineticexperiences.com/events
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kineticexperiences/?hl=en
• Email List - https://mailchi.mp/274a659ce1ba/kinetic-email-list

In this episode of The Value Impact, Jonathan sits down with iconic photographer John Dolan for a thoughtful conversation about art, trust, and showing up with intention.

John shares how his approach to photography is rooted in presence, subtlety, and emotional honesty. From letting moments unfold naturally to building deep connections with his clients, his process is less about control and more about flow. He also opens up about simplifying his business and staying true to his creative voice.

This episode is an honest look at what it means to build a long, meaningful career by doing things your own way. Perfect for anyone who values authenticity over trends and depth over volume.

• Trust is the foundation of powerful, honest photography.
• Let the moments lead: Don’t force or over-direct.
• Rest and rhythm matter. Flow state is where the magic lives.
• Your personality is your approach. Photography and parenting are often parallel.
• Less is more: a single impactful image can say more than 1,000 average ones.
• It’s okay to run your business differently. Simplicity builds clarity.
• Artistic longevity comes from showing up with purpose, not trends.

John Dolan is a photographer and author based in New York and The Berkshires. An expanded 2nd Edition of his book, The Perfect Imperfect was published in 2024 by Damiani Editions. He has woven a career of advertising, editorial and fine art photography over the past 30 years. He has been a leader in a revitalization of contemporary wedding photography.

His clients include Naomi Biden, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anna Sophia Robb, Jerry Seinfeld and many other cultural figures. His work has been widely published in magazines and advertisements.

Connect with John:

• Website: https://www.johndolan.com
• Buy Signed Copy of the Book: The Perfect Imperfect – 2nd Edition https://www.johndolan.com/print-shop/p/the-perfect-imperfect-book-2nd-editio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndolanphotog

In this episode of The Value Impact, Jonathan sits down with iconic photographer John Dolan for a thoughtful conversation about art, trust, and showing up with intention.

John shares how his approach to photography is rooted in presence, subtlety, and emotional honesty. From letting moments unfold naturally to building deep connections with his clients, his process is less about control and more about flow. He also opens up about simplifying his business and staying true to his creative voice.

This episode is an honest look at what it means to build a long, meaningful career by doing things your own way. Perfect for anyone who values authenticity over trends and depth over volume.

• Trust is the foundation of powerful, honest photography.
• Let the moments lead: Don’t force or over-direct.
• Rest and rhythm matter. Flow state is where the magic lives.
• Your personality is your approach. Photography and parenting are often parallel.
• Less is more: a single impactful image can say more than 1,000 average ones.
• It’s okay to run your business differently. Simplicity builds clarity.
• Artistic longevity comes from showing up with purpose, not trends.

John Dolan is a photographer and author based in New York and The Berkshires. An expanded 2nd Edition of his book, The Perfect Imperfect was published in 2024 by Damiani Editions. He has woven a career of advertising, editorial and fine art photography over the past 30 years. He has been a leader in a revitalization of contemporary wedding photography.

His clients include Naomi Biden, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anna Sophia Robb, Jerry Seinfeld and many other cultural figures. His work has been widely published in magazines and advertisements.

Connect with John:

• Website: https://www.johndolan.com
• Buy Signed Copy of the Book: The Perfect Imperfect – 2nd Edition https://www.johndolan.com/print-shop/p/the-perfect-imperfect-book-2nd-editio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndolanphotog

In this episode of The Value Impact, Jonathan Hugo sits down with photographer and educator Molly McCauley to explore her journey from fashion and design to building a thriving career in the wedding photography industry. Molly shares how trusting her gut, embracing vulnerability, and leveraging her fine art background helped her define her brand and grow a sustainable business.

Together, they unpack the realities of creative entrepreneurship: making tough decisions, managing burnout, refining visual identity, and navigating team dynamics.

Molly also shares the heart behind her educational platform, Make Pretty Workshop - what drives it, how it came to life, and the impact it’s had on photographers aiming to elevate their aesthetic and pricing power.

Whether you’re a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or someone figuring out how to follow your passion, this conversation is packed with real talk, actionable insight, and plenty of laughs.

• Trust your instincts — they act as a compass in creative decision-making.
• Design and photography are inseparable when building a strong brand.
• Patience and seasons matter. Creative success isn’t linear.
• Letting go of “good” can make room for “great.”
• Visual identity impacts pricing power.
• You can’t outsource your gut, but you can outsource your bandwidth.
• Confidence builds when your business reflects who you really are.

Molly McCauley is the creative force behind Make Pretty, the luxury photography workshops, and OVERHAUL, an intensive designed to transform photographers' portfolios and online presence through strategic brand alignment, meticulous curation, and customized website implementation. With a background rooted in design, editorials, and fashion, Molly helps photographers build portfolios that attract dream clients — no compromise, no apologies. She’s the go-to for building a brand that feels rich, irresistible, and unstoppable.

Over the past 17 years in the weddings industry, her work has graced the pages of top-tier publications including American VOGUE, and her workshops are known for their detailed styling, fashion-forward shoots, and a no-fluff approach to business mentorship.

Connect with Molly:

• Make Pretty Workshop: https://makeprettyworkshop.com/overhaul
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeprettyworkshop/
• Website: https://mollymccauley.com/

*Content from this podcast is provided for information and education purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for actual financial or entrepreneurial advice.