Creative Courage
Matt Essam
Are you a creative business owner? Do you ever feel like you’ve got more to give or that there’s a bigger impact you could make?
Creative Courage is a creative business podcast hosted by award-winning coach, author, and speaker, Matt Essam. Matt explores the internal battles we all face as creative business owners.
From the fear of launching to the anxiety we face around our life purpose, Creative Courage is the first podcast series that will dive deep into the physiology of courage and its key part in our success as business owners, leaders and creatives.
Each week, we bring you expert insights and proven strategies from inspiring entrepreneurs and thought leaders who have conquered their creative challenges.
If you’re ready to elevate your creative journey and unlock your full potential, so that you can make more impact, win better clients and ultimately be proud of what you’ve built, then subscribe to the creative business podcast, Creative Courage, now on your favourite podcast platform.
Join us as we redefine what it means to thrive as a creative business owner.
Creative Courage is a creative business podcast hosted by award-winning coach, author, and speaker, Matt Essam. Matt explores the internal battles we all face as creative business owners.
From the fear of launching to the anxiety we face around our life purpose, Creative Courage is the first podcast series that will dive deep into the physiology of courage and its key part in our success as business owners, leaders and creatives.
Each week, we bring you expert insights and proven strategies from inspiring entrepreneurs and thought leaders who have conquered their creative challenges.
If you’re ready to elevate your creative journey and unlock your full potential, so that you can make more impact, win better clients and ultimately be proud of what you’ve built, then subscribe to the creative business podcast, Creative Courage, now on your favourite podcast platform.
Join us as we redefine what it means to thrive as a creative business owner.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 12, 2025 • 44min
The Blueprint For Landing Huge Clients Like Pepsi & Cadbury with Simon Forster
In a crowded market, many studios are leaning on awards they’ve won to stand out.
Or they find themselves pitching against a dozen other agencies.
But Simon Forster decided to do neither of those things with his branding agency, Robot Food, and has still landed huge global brands like Pepsi, Cadbury and Carlsberg.
Not because they’re the biggest.
Nor the cheapest.
But because they’ve garnered trust and focused on the right things.
And in this episode, Simon breaks down the real reasons global brands choose one studio over another and the strategies that creatives need to consider if they want to play at that level.
If you want to be the studio that big brands pick, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
How to get big corporates to trust you.
The hidden factors that matter far more than creative output.
How to build a reputation that makes getting corporate clients possible.
Why Robot Food doesn’t enter design awards.
How to challenge clients and get them better results.
And much more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Robot Food - https://www.robot-food.com/
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Simon Forster on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robotfood/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Nov 5, 2025 • 13min
The 3 Steps To Turning Rejections Into Fuel For Your Business
I’ve lost count of how many rejections I’ve collected in my business and life over the years.
From no’s to appearing on podcasts, to no’s from prospects.
I imagine you’ve collected a few yourself.
And it can hurt. Almost like they’re rejecting YOU.
But what I’ve realised is that the amount of rejection that someone faces is in direct proportion to what they’re able to achieve in life.
In this episode, I share the 3-step process I use to reframe rejection and transform it into valuable feedback that helps you get more of what you want.
If you find dealing with rejection draining, or that you hold back from ever asking out of fear of rejection, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
Why rejection is required for success.
Dealing with rejection (motivation for creatives).
How to detach your identity from the outcome so you can keep going after rejection.
The question to ask after every rejection to turn it into momentum.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Oct 29, 2025 • 14min
The Real Reason Your Portfolio Isn’t Attracting Clients
Many creatives spend hours polishing their portfolios, yet still struggle to attract the kinds of clients they feel they deserve.
And that’s when the self doubt starts to creep in.
But it’s not because your work isn’t good enough.
It’s because most portfolios are built with the wrong mindset.
I’ve seen award-winning designers get overlooked, while others with less polished work get taken more seriously, because they’re making this one mistake.
In this episode, I break down the portfolio mistake that’s quietly costing you opportunities and the 3-step process to fix it.
If you feel like your skills deserve higher paying clients than you’re currently attracting, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
The biggest mistake creatives make when creating a portfolio.
The crucial elements most creatives miss when offering solutions.
How to present your work in a way that makes picking you a no-brainer.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Oct 22, 2025 • 21min
Do You Need A Personal Brand To Build A Successful Business?
It feels like everywhere you look online, content creators and influencers are telling business owners they need to build a personal brand.
But there are thousands of successful businesses without personal brands behind them, so why does everyone talk about personal branding like it’s essential?
In this week’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes on my own personal branding journey.
I recently had with Chris Do (The Futur), where we got into the truth about what personal branding really means and at what point should creatives consider building theirs.
I also share insights from another conversation I had with James Martin (Made By James), who had a very different take, that might make you rethink how you see personal branding.
If you’ve ever felt conflicted, or unclear about personal branding, this episode will help you find an approach that works for you.
Covered in this episode:
What is a personal brand?
And do creative business owners need one?
Where to start with building a personal brand.
Why personal brands might not be as ‘authentic’ as they claim.
Why people misunderstand personal branding.
And more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Matt’s conversation with Chris Do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE8qfhD4b8I
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Oct 15, 2025 • 56min
6-Figure Client Experience Secrets From A Hospitality Expert
What if you could attract 6-figure clients, regularly, without any outbound marketing?
No outreach. No paid ads.
This is what Alex Ghalleb has managed to achieve with his multiple six-figure consultancy business - with no full-time staff and no business development.
Alex started out in the audio production industry, before moving into hospitality. And although you might not think of hospitality as a creative industry, Alex is bringing high-value client’s creative visions to life.
In this episode, Alex shares how creatives can over-deliver for clients so their reputation does the work for them.
If you want to attract higher-value clients on autopilot, this is for you.
Covered in this episode:
Building a multiple six-figure business with no outbound marketing.
What hospitality can teach creatives about client experience.
The impacts of niching and choosing the right clients.
How to ensure your clients are sold from the first interaction.
How to build relationships that lead to consistent referrals.
And more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Alex Ghalleb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ghalleb-13869194/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Oct 8, 2025 • 17min
The Hidden Reason You’re Not Satisfied With Your Business
Do you ever feel like there’s something missing from your life or business?
If so, you’re not alone.
But what you think is missing might not give you the satisfaction you’re after once you get it.
A lot of my clients tell me that they want more clients or they want to reach a certain financial goal.
But what they’re chasing is the vehicle, and even once they reach it, they still don’t feel satisfied.
In this episode, I share an exercise I walk my clients through to uncover what truly matters.
This simple shift helps you get what you want sooner, without the endless chase.
Covered in this episode:
Why “more clients” or “more revenue” never feels like enough.
An exercise to uncover what really matters to you.
How to make important decisions more easily.
Uncovering your highest priority.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Oct 1, 2025 • 17min
Stop Clients Comparing You To Other Studios With The ‘4 P’s’ Strategy
“We like your work but we’ve decided to go with another agency.”
Does this sound familiar?
If you’re tired of prospects comparing you with other agencies, you need to hear this week’s episode of the Creative Courage podcast.
The most successful creative business owners I’ve worked with have gotten to where they are by differentiating themselves in a way that makes them incomparable.
But with 1000s of agencies out there offering similar services, how do we differentiate?
I’m going to go over the 4 P’s of positioning - the key elements you need to understand as a creative service provider to differentiate yourself from the competition.
Covered in this episode:
How to avoid pitching against a dozen other agencies.
How to immunise your business from being replaced by an AI solution.
Uncovering the unique qualities that make your business stand out.
Identify the right niche for your business.
And more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Sep 24, 2025 • 16min
The Key To Repeating Success And Avoiding Failure In Your Business
How often do you stop to think about why things have or haven’t gone well?
If you’re like most creative business owners, probably not very often.
And the problem with this is that you could be missing the strategies that led to your successes and failures. Meaning it’s harder to repeat the wins and avoid more losses.
As we move into the last quarter of the year, I want to help you to achieve any outstanding goals you’ve set before the year ends.
I’m going to run you through a process that I do with my clients every 90 days, to discover what is and isn’t working, to give you more clarity and help you keep up the momentum.
Covered in this episode:
How to identify what is and isn’t working in your business.
Where to shift your focus so you attract more wins.
A repeatable process to figure out what you need to do more of.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Sep 17, 2025 • 54min
The Productivity Secret Nobody Talks About with Simon Alexander Ong
Do you ever feel like you know what you need to do to drive your business forward, but you end up spending your day doing everything except that thing.
So many creative business owners blame a “lack of time” for slow growth.
But ‘time’ is rarely the culprit.
In this episode, I’m joined by Simon Alexander Ong - keynote speaker, life coach, bestselling author and YouTuber with 170,000 subscribers.
Simon and I dive deep into how to re-energize yourself, how to get maximum impact from your day, and the mindset shifts that can turn your biggest goals into reality.
Covered in this episode:
Why a lack of time isn’t what’s holding you back.
How to cut down your responsibilities and focus on what moves you forward.
Productivity hacks you’ve probably never heard of.
The ‘gamification hack’ to make challenging goals achievable.
How to stack the odds in your favour and become a “luck machine”.
Selling with confidence if you get nervous on sales calls.
How Simon secured book endorsements from Simon Sinek and Ali Abdaal.
How to tell if you’re building the life and business you really want.
And more…
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Energize (Simon’s Book) - https://simonalexanderong.com/book/
Simon’s Newsletter - https://simonalexanderong.com/shots-of-energy/
Simon on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexandero/videos
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Simon Alexander Ong on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderong/
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
Sep 10, 2025 • 16min
It Was The Trip From Hell - Until I Realised THIS
Have you ever made a choice that felt right in the moment, only to realise it was the decision from hell?
That was me recently.
I flew to Amsterdam, dropped $2,000 on a Mindvalley ticket, and instantly started regretting it.
Instead of enjoying the experience, I found myself frustrated that I’d wasted the money and beating myself up for not making the most of it.
But then something shifted.
I was able to reframe the whole trip and turn what felt like a mistake into something valuable.
In this episode, I break down how you can do the same, so you can transform bad decisions into powerful lessons.
You’ll learn how to make choices that align with your values, so no matter what the outcome looks like, it doesn’t have to come with a side of regret.
Covered in this episode:
How intuition can turn regret into value.
The key to making aligned decisions you won’t regret.
Turning sunk costs into valuable experiences.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.
PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE
Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator
CONNECT
Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam
