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Overcoming discomfort by embracing it

Building your Brand

Release Date: 11/21/2025

Beyond the Shiny Finish: Scaling, Sacrifices, and Software with Michael Bruny-Groth show art Beyond the Shiny Finish: Scaling, Sacrifices, and Software with Michael Bruny-Groth

Building your Brand

In this episode, I chat with Michael Bruny-Groth, the founder of The Logo Package. Michael created a tool that has become a staple for logo designers worldwide, but behind the "overnight success" lies a story of immense sacrifice, strategic pivots, and radical vulnerability. Michael shares the behind-the-scenes reality of running a software company, including the personal toll of scaling and his bold decision to run a "Pay What You Want" Black Friday campaign rooted in deep, personal storytelling. This is a refreshingly honest look at what it actually takes to build and maintain a successful...

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How I juggle motherhood and running a business show art How I juggle motherhood and running a business

Building your Brand

A behind-the-scenes look at the real, unfiltered juggle of running a business while raising a family. In this episode, I’m sharing the contrast between big career moments and the everyday realities of motherhood, plus the systems, support, and mindset shifts that make it all possible. Key Takeaways The “highlight vs reality” contrast is normal You can go from career highs to cleaning up sick (or dealing with nits) overnight. Both can exist and that doesn’t diminish your success. You don’t have to do it all alone Support systems; whether that’s a partner, family, freelancers, or...

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Redefining Growth: From a Team of 10 to a Team of Two with Lauren Harvey show art Redefining Growth: From a Team of 10 to a Team of Two with Lauren Harvey

Building your Brand

Today on the podcast I chat with Lauren Harvey, who is the owner and founder of with her husband, Alex. I think so often we view running a business as a very linear journey, but often it doesn't really look like that. Over the last 15 years of owning their business, Lauren and Alex started off with just Lauren, grew to a team of 10, and then intentionally scaled back down again to just the two of them. We talk about that experience, how they had to unlearn the traditional narrative of "success," and the new niche they've settled into. We also discuss what it is really like working with your...

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Two failed client projects that had the biggest impact on my business show art Two failed client projects that had the biggest impact on my business

Building your Brand

In this solo episode, I’m sharing two early client mistakes that knocked my confidence; but ultimately shaped the way I run my business today. I talk vulnerably about my previously poor boundaries and some communication breakdowns, and how these experiences taught me lessons I still carry into every project.  If you’ve ever had a client situation go wrong, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone and you can come back stronger. Key Takeaways Your gut is part of your business strategy If something feels off; whether it’s pricing, scope, or a client fit; it’s worth paying...

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Book Design as Branding: Lessons from Penguin with David Pearson show art Book Design as Branding: Lessons from Penguin with David Pearson

Building your Brand

In this episode of Building Your Brand, I’m chatting with , a world-class book designer who began his career at Penguin Books before venturing out on his own. David specializes in both book covers and the internal layouts (text design) of books. We dive deep into the "crossovers" between book design and branding, exploring how David handles the unique challenge of designing for "dead authors" while trying to capture entirely new audiences. David shares his refreshing and somewhat rebellious take on the creative process, explaining why he identifies as a "slow designer" and why he’s...

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Where I Stand on AI (as a Branding Designer) show art Where I Stand on AI (as a Branding Designer)

Building your Brand

In this solo episode I'm sharing honestly on where I currently stand on AI. It's a topic I’m still wrestling with; from its undeniable benefits to the deeper ethical and creative concerns, this isn’t a definitive take; it’s a real-time reflection. If you’ve been feeling conflicted, cautious, or even curious about AI, this episode opens up the conversation and invites you to think more critically about the role it plays in your work, your creativity, and your life. Key Takeaways You don’t need to have a fixed opinion It’s okay to sit in the grey area. Growth comes from questioning,...

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The Invisible Impact: How Your Font Choice Defines Your Brand with Alen Kapetanovic show art The Invisible Impact: How Your Font Choice Defines Your Brand with Alen Kapetanovic

Building your Brand

In this episode I dives into the often-overlooked but essential world of typography with Alen Kapetanovic, a type designer and founder of Alen shares his fascinating transition from civil engineering to running a large design agency, and finally finding true success and freedom through the meticulous art of type design. We explore why fonts are as impactful as color for brand mood, the technical science behind "beautiful collections of letters," and how choosing a unique typeface can elevate a brand without requiring a massive budget. This episode is sponsored by SilverStag Type...

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How I Prepare For Giving a Talk show art How I Prepare For Giving a Talk

Building your Brand

Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to speak at some incredible events including Adobe MAX London (in front of 750 people and Adobe MAX LA. This year I am speaking at Atomicon and OMR Festival in Hamburg.  In this episode I share how I prepare for the talks I give. Every talk is different but with the help of public speaking coach Charlotte Lewis who I have previously interviewed on the podcast I have managed to come up with a process that works well for me.  If you have done any public speaking I would love to hear your experience, and if there is anything else you...

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The Truth About Professional Jealousy with Hannah Isted and Lois Seco show art The Truth About Professional Jealousy with Hannah Isted and Lois Seco

Building your Brand

Today on the podcast, I've invited two of my closest friends, Hannah Isted and Lois Seco, to chat about another vulnerable topic: dealing with professional jealousy. Last time we spoke, we tackled our fear of success, and this time we are diving into the messy feelings of comparison and envy. I am sure everyone has experienced professional jealousy at some point, and honestly, I feel it pretty regularly. In this episode, we chat about how to extract useful information from your jealousy, why taking action is the best antidote to comparison, and the danger of letting the social media...

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3 Memberships I Love as a Freelancer (and Why They Matter) show art 3 Memberships I Love as a Freelancer (and Why They Matter)

Building your Brand

In this solo episode, (recorded in my hotel room in London!) I’m sharing three memberships I’m currently part of and genuinely love; and why I think memberships can be such a powerful way to build community as a freelancer or small business owner. When you run your own business, it can often feel like the people around you don’t fully understand what you do. That’s why finding spaces where people get it can make such a difference; not just for practical advice, but for encouragement, accountability, and support. I talk through three memberships that have supported me in different ways,...

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More Episodes

In today's solo episode I am chatting about the levels of discomfort we can step into in our businesses to activily pursue growth. 

'Get out of your comfort zone' isn't always a helpful phrase when there's no nuance added to the context. I chat through what has now become the normal signs and signals for me that I am in that sweet (horrible) spot of discomfort that is just right for me - uncomfortable but not totally out of reach.

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! 

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

 

Key Takeaways:

  • "Capacity for Discomfort” is More Useful Than “Comfort Zone”
    Instead of fixating on leaving your comfort zone, focus on gradually increasing your tolerance for discomfort in ways that are healthy and sustainable.
  • Growth Happens in Manageable Steps
    You don’t need to leap into the deep end; taking one step at a time, with realistic self-belief, leads to more sustainable progress.
  • Discomfort is a Sign of Growth, Not Failure
    Feeling nervous or uncomfortable is normal and often means you’re on the right track. Over time, what once felt scary becomes routine.
  • Everyone’s Journey is Unique
    Your capacity for discomfort, the risks you can take, and the support you have will look different from others. Comparing yourself to others isn’t helpful; focus on your own path.

 

Episode Highlights:

  • 0:31: The Problem with “Get Out of Your Comfort Zone”: I discuss why the phrase can be unhelpful without nuance and context.
  • 3:57: I share my own journey with my comfort zone 
  • 7:07: The Value of Discomfort: I talk through how discomfort signals growth and how repeated exposure reduces anxiety over time.
  • 12:00: I talk about the importance of accepting both positive and negative emotions in business and life.

 

Mentioned in the episode: