Building your Brand

Graphic Designer Liz Mosley wants all you small business owners to build businesses that you LOVE and feel confident about promoting. Through her decade of branding and design experience and with the help of her guests, she shares top tips to take the fear out of selling and building your brand. Produced by: Lucy Lucraft (Instagram @lucylucraft) Cover illustration: Matt Joyce (Instagram @mattjoyce_illustrator)

How I Prepare For Giving a Talk 03/27/2026

The Truth About Professional Jealousy with Hannah Isted and Lois Seco 03/25/2026

The Truth About Professional Jealousy with Hannah Isted and Lois Seco 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 algorithm dictate your self-worth. This is the perfect episode for you if you've ever experienced jealousy (which, let's face it, is most of us!) This episode is sponsored by SilverStag Type Foundry. If you’re a designer looking for a typeface that really elevates your brand, SilverStag is a brilliant place to start. It’s a one-person type studio creating carefully crafted fonts with multiple weights, alternates, and ligatures; all designed to help brands stand out. Head to and use the code LIZxSLTF for 20% off. Key Takeaways: Jealousy is information: Jealousy often gives you information about what you actually want. However, sometimes you might realise you don't even want the specific thing someone else has; you are actually just jealous of the confidence with which they are showing up. Take action to shift the energy: Hannah shares how she felt jealous seeing videos of groups of girls hanging out, so she took action and started her own group, which now has around 200 people. Taking action is a great way to stop yourself from sitting and stewing in jealousy. The algorithm feeds comparison: Lois discusses how planning her "Creative Kin" events caused the algorithm to feed her content from everyone else doing similar things, which immediately made her feel like her own event wasn't good enough. It is important to remember that the algorithm doesn't know what is actually helpful for your mental health. A rising tide lifts all boats: Having successful people around you—even if you feel a pang of jealousy—is a good thing. If you choose to cheer your friends on, their success often opens doors for you and helps lift everyone up. You don't know the whole story: It is so easy to be jealous of someone's end result without realising the sacrifices, late nights, and completely different circumstances that got them there. We often quickly create our own stories around how someone's success came about, which aren't always true. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Recapping the last episode on the fear of success and introducing today's topic of professional jealousy. 04:00 – Liz's revelation: sometimes you aren't jealous of the thing, you are just jealous of the confidence. 11:00 – Hannah explains how taking action shifts the energy of jealousy, using her 200-person friendship group as an example. 15:00 – Lois talks about how the algorithm fed her comparison when she started her Creative Kin workshops. 30:00 – Dealing with competitive feelings and reframing them so you can genuinely cheer other people on. 40:00 – Remembering that you rarely see the full story behind someone else's success on social media. 45:00 – Lois breaks down the psychological difference between jealousy and envy. About The Guests: runs HiCommunications and is the author of , a book that teaches business owners how to promote what they do in 10 minutes a day. She also runs a membership by the same name; (aff link) You can find her on Instagram at is a contemporary abstract artist and the host of the workshops in South Wales. You can find her on Instagram at Mentioned in this episode: : Get 20% off beautiful, versatile typefaces using the code LizXSLTF at I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40216900

3 Memberships I Love as a Freelancer (and Why They Matter) 03/20/2026

3 Memberships I Love as a Freelancer (and Why They Matter) 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, from helping me stay consistent with marketing, to finding community, to navigating the realities of running a business alongside family life. If you’ve been craving more connection or support in your business, this episode will give you a few great places to start. Key Takeaways Surrounding yourself with people who truly understand your work changes everything. When you’re in the right community, you feel supported, encouraged, and far less alone in your business. Simplifying your marketing makes consistency possible. When the actions feel manageable, you’re far more likely to show up; and those small, regular efforts add up over time. Visibility matters most when you feel busiest. Staying consistent, even in small ways, helps you break out of the feast-or-famine cycle and build long-term stability. The rooms you put yourself in shape the opportunities you receive. When you’re connected to the right people, referrals, collaborations, and clients tend to follow naturally. Your business becomes more sustainable when your support fits your life. The right community will meet you where you are; whether you’re growing, freelancing, or balancing work alongside family life. Episode Highlights 00:20 – Why memberships matter as a freelancer or business owner 01:27 – “The Best 90 Days Ever” & 10-minute marketing 06:43 – Being Freelance membership & community support 08:04 – Doing It For The Kids membership & balancing business with family 10:28 – Final thoughts & how to find the right community Mentioned in the Episode The Best 90 Days Ever (Aff link) Being Freelance Doing It For The Kids I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40512350

Form Over Function: Why Your Beautiful Branding Doesn't Work with Melin Edomwonyi 03/18/2026

Form Over Function: Why Your Beautiful Branding Doesn't Work with Melin Edomwonyi Today on the podcast, I am chatting about such an important topic: inclusivity and accessibility within branding. I'm joined by my friend and fellow designer to dig into what this actually looks like in practice which is a lot deeper than I realised. We cover so many different aspects of inclusivity and accessibility, from the colours we choose to how we format our emails. I feel like some of these topics could be a whole episode by themselves! The biggest reminder from this conversation is that we are never going to get this stuff perfect 100% of the time. It'a about curiosity and a willingness to learn and make improvements bit by bit and Melin shares some SUPER practical tips you can implement straight away to make your brand more accessible. This episode is sponsored by SilverStag Type Foundry. If you’re a designer looking for a typeface that really elevates your brand, SilverStag is a brilliant place to start. It’s a one-person type studio creating carefully crafted fonts with multiple weights, alternates, and ligatures; all designed to help brands stand out. Head to and use the code LIZxSLTF for 20% off. Key Takeaways: Inclusivity is more than just imagery: While showing a diverse range of people in your photography is important, inclusive branding also covers typography, colour contrast, accessibility, and your tone of voice. The problem with the "Beige Aesthetic": We discuss the trend of "aesthetic" design (often beige, low contrast, tiny text) and how, while it might look "luxury", it often excludes people with visual impairments and makes your content hard to consume. Don't make your audience work for it: If your text is hard to read (e.g. centre-aligned body copy), people will simply switch off. Accessibility isn't just a legal or moral requirement; it’s smart business. If people can't read your offer, they can't buy it. Context matters for content: We chat about the accessibility of long-form captions on platforms like Instagram versus platforms designed for reading like Substack or LinkedIn. Providing a summary (TL;DR) is a great way to be inclusive of different neurotypes and time constraints. Designing for the "drunk user": Melin shares a fascinating UX perspective—if your website is usable by someone who is distracted, tired, or even "under the influence", it is likely accessible to everyone. Episode Highlights: 03:30 – What does inclusive branding actually mean? (Hint: It’s not just about photos). 10:00 – The frustration with the "Instagram Aesthetic" and why form should not win over function. 14:00 – A plea to stop centre-aligning your newsletter body copy! 17:00 – Accessibility in copywriting: Why wall-of-text captions can be a barrier for neurodivergent audiences. 25:00 – Testing your website for different scenarios (including the "drunk test"). 27:00 – Tools and resources to help you check your colour contrast. About The Guest: is a designer and the Co-founder and UX Director of , a digital agency that validates, designs, and builds digital products. With over 20 years of experience, she is passionate about building inclusive and sustainable products and helping founders bring brilliant ideas to life. You can find Melin on Instagram or visit Mentioned in this episode: (Discount link/Sponsor) The Instagram account mentioned that fixes low-contrast colour palettes / : Tools recommended for checking contrast. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40072390

My Different Income Streams as a Creative Business Owner 03/13/2026

My Different Income Streams as a Creative Business Owner In this solo episode, I’m sharing a transparent look at the different income streams in my business right now. Over the years my work has grown beyond just branding and design clients, and today my income comes from a mix of things; including client work, brand sponsorships, affiliate income, public speaking, teaching, and digital products. Recently Katie Chappell was talking on her instagram about how she actually feels more secure being self-employed than working a traditional job, and it made me reflect on how having multiple income streams has created that same sense of security for me. In this episode I walk through each income stream, explain how they developed over time, and share why I personally enjoy having variety in my business. If you’re self-employed, freelancing, or building a creative business, this episode might give you some ideas for how your income could evolve over time. Key Takeaways Multiple income streams can create stability in an unpredictable job market. When one area slows down, another can often grow; giving you more flexibility and resilience as a business owner. Your business model should match your personality. Some people thrive by focusing on one thing. Others enjoy variety and creativity across multiple streams. Opportunities often grow naturally from the work you’re already doing. Affiliate income, sponsorships, speaking and teaching often develop organically once your platform grows. Not every opportunity needs to be purely financial. Speaking, teaching, and collaborations can create visibility, relationships, and future opportunities. You can evolve your income streams over time. What starts as “pocket change” or a small side income can become something meaningful as your audience and business grow. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why I’m sharing my current income streams 02:30 – Branding and design client work 03:15 – Brand sponsorships and partnerships 04:20 – Affiliate income and passive earnings 07:00 – Public speaking, workshops, and products Mentioned in the Episode Rich Webster Episode The Best 90 Days Ever Membership (Aff link) ATOMICON - Marketing Conference (Aff link) Flodesk - Email Marketing (Aff link) Katie Chappell - Designer Boss Summit Adobe Express (Aff link) The Lucky Ones Mentorship The Sticker Chart Get Your GIF On Course Lets Get Rejected Challenge I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40041930

Transforming your business using Big Fish Energy with Hannah Isted 03/11/2026

Transforming your business using Big Fish Energy with Hannah Isted This episode was recorded live at my first ever Building Your Brand live podcast event. Before my conversation with Gavin Strange, I sat down with one of the most frequent guests on the podcast and my number one business bestie; . Hannah is the founder of HI Communications and author of The Best 90 Days Ever. In this short but powerful conversation we talk about the idea of “Big Fish Energy”; a mindset that has helped both of us go after bigger opportunities in our businesses. We discuss how the concept started as a voice note between friends, how Hannah experimented with embracing “big fish energy” for a whole year, and the surprising opportunities that followed; including speaking on bigger stages and pitching more confidently. Hannah also shares a refreshing perspective on growth: sometimes the most powerful move isn’t chasing the next shiny opportunity, but focusing deeply on the things you already have. Key Takeaways When you start asking “what would a big fish do?” your decisions change. When you approach opportunities with confidence and intention, you begin showing up differently and people respond to that energy. If you treat your business like a serious business, it will start to grow like one. Small foundational changes; systems, structure, and organisation, can unlock much bigger results. If you allow yourself to experiment, opportunities will appear. Hannah treated a whole year as an experiment in being bolder, and it led to speaking opportunities and career growth she hadn’t expected. Stop comparing yourself to others; you can define success on your own terms. “Big fish energy” isn’t about competing with others, it’s about deciding what growth looks like for you. If you focus on strengthening what already works, your business becomes more sustainable. Sometimes the biggest move isn’t chasing the next opportunity; it’s investing in the foundations you already have. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction to the live podcast event and Hannah’s segment 01:36 – Meet Hannah Isted and the idea behind “Big Fish Energy” 03:00 – How adopting a “big fish” mindset changed opportunities 07:25 – Comparison, confidence and recognising your own achievements 10:00 – Why Hannah’s next “big fish move” is focusing on what already works Event Sponsors Matt Joyce Studio Cotton Adobe Express (Aff link) I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was recorded live by and it was written and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40284830

How I Hosted My First Live Podcast Event (Debrief + What I Learned) 03/06/2026

How I Hosted My First Live Podcast Event (Debrief + What I Learned) Last week, I hosted my first ever live podcast event; recording two episodes in front of a real audience. In this solo episode and debrief, I’m breaking down everything that went into it: from finding the right guest and venue, to selling tickets, securing sponsors, managing logistics, and handling the emotional pressure of hosting something entirely on my own. I share the real numbers, the fears I had (including “what if no one shows up?”), the lessons I learned about marketing, and why I’m already planning the next one; this time in London. If you’re building a brand and wondering what your “next level” looks like, this might just spark something. Key Takeaways Your next level will feel uncomfortable;that’s the point. Growth often looks like responsibility. Hosting the event wasn’t scary because of the interview; it was scary because it rested fully on you. Give yourself more time than you think you need. Pushing the event back meant it wasn’t rushed; and that made all the difference. You probably need to market 10% more than feels comfortable. Consistent promotion works; but you can almost always talk about it more. Don’t rush past your wins. Big milestones deserve to be absorbed. Pride isn’t arrogance; it’s acknowledgement. Episode Highlights 00:10 – Why I hosted my first live podcast event (and how it felt) 02:27 – Planning timeline, choosing the guest & pushing the date back 05:15 – Ticket sales, pricing, attendance numbers & marketing 08:22 – Behind the scenes: team, venue, tech & goodie bags 11:07 – Guest impact, sponsors (including Adobe Express) & what’s next (London event) Mentioned in the episode: Event Sponsors Matt Joyce Studio Cotton Adobe Express (Aff link) I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40288870

Make It Anyway: Live with Gavin Strange on Creativity, Courage & Making For the Joy of it 03/04/2026

Make It Anyway: Live with Gavin Strange on Creativity, Courage & Making For the Joy of it In this special live recording, my first ever, I’m joined by director, designer and relentless maker Gavin Strange (Director at Aardman Animations and creator of Jam Factory) for a joyful, honest and deeply inspiring conversation about creativity, consistency and carving out your own path. From building a 25-year personal project alongside a full-time creative career, to teaching himself electronics to build a life-sized virtual pinball machine, Gavin shares what it really looks like to stay creatively alive over decades; not just seasons. We talk about stop-frame animation, side projects, public speaking, learning in public, raising creative kids, and why it’s not your employer’s job to make you creatively fulfilled. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not the naturally talented one,” or you’re waiting for permission to start; this episode will give you the nudge you need. Key Takeaways If you don’t get the opportunity; build your own version of it. When the door doesn’t open, make something anyway. If you practise the thing before you’re chosen for it, you’ll already be ready when the moment comes. When you treat your side projects like a playground, you’ll grow without fear. When you create a space where you can experiment, break things and try again, you remove the pressure; and that’s where real growth happens. Repeating the work, builds strength. Creativity isn’t about waiting for a breakthrough. It’s about repetition. Do the work over and over; and one day you’ll look back and realise you’ve built creative muscle you didn’t know you had. When you take responsibility for your own creative fulfilment, you stop waiting. It’s not your job, your clients or your industry’s responsibility to keep you inspired. When you own your growth, you unlock momentum. If you protect your creativity with rhythm and routine, it will flourish. Even two hours in the evening, consistently, can change everything. Creative energy doesn’t need endless time; it needs intention. When you stay curious, you stay alive. Falling down rabbit holes, learning new tools, trying something “unnecessary” is not distraction; that’s how you stay creatively awake. Episode Timestamps 03:48 – Live recording begins & Gavin’s creative journey (Aardman + 25 years of Jam Factory) 08:41 – How stop-motion animation actually works (pre-production to post) 14:33 – Getting bored, long projects & taking responsibility for your creativity 17:54 – The origin of Jam Factory & learning in public 25:53 – Building a life-sized virtual pinball machine (and why side projects matter) 31:04 – Balancing creativity, family life & routine 36:20 – Public speaking, fear & putting yourself forward 44:43 – Generative AI, creative fear & what still excites him about animation Mentioned in the Episode (creative project Gavin has with his son) (creative conference mentioned) (James White) About the Guest Gavin Strange is an award-winning Director and Designer for the UK’s beloved creative studio Working there for over seventeen years, Gavin’s creative output ranges from title sequences to channel idents, short films to Christmas ads and everything in-between. His work is diverse in nature but all held together of a common thread of fun and high energy. By night he goes under the alias of ‘, indulging in all manner of passion projects, from filmmaking to illustration, pinball to photography. He even puts out wonky music under the (other) alias of ‘Project Toy’. Event Sponsors Matt Joyce Studio Cotton Adobe Express (Aff link) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and edited by me and recorded live at Cornerstone in Cardiff with If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch this and all of my solo episodes If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40279550

3 Simple Productivity Systems for Creative Business Owners (Without Toxic Hustle Culture) 02/27/2026

3 Simple Productivity Systems for Creative Business Owners (Without Toxic Hustle Culture) In this episode of The Building your Brand podcast I share three simple ways I'm becoming more productive in my business; without slipping into toxic hustle culture. As a creative business owner juggling multiple roles, I have been experimenting with practical systems that reduce friction, minimise distractions, and save time. From using a physical app-blocking device to batch-creating content and building a master business dashboard, these small changes are making a big difference. If you’re spinning lots of plates in your business and want realistic, sustainable ways to create more focus and breathing room; this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Add Physical Friction to Reduce Digital Distraction Using a physical app-blocking device (instead of just software) makes it harder to mindlessly scroll. The added friction breaks the muscle memory of picking up your phone — while still allowing intentional check-ins. Batch by Stage, Not Just by Task Instead of creating one episode at a time from start to finish, Liz batches the stages of production — recording multiple episodes in one session, editing in another, and scheduling in another. The same method works for content creation (like writing carousel posts in bulk). Build a “Master Business Hub” Creating a central board for affiliate links, brand assets, workflows, and processes saves time and reduces back-and-forth. It empowers collaborators and prevents unnecessary delays. Productivity Should Support, Not Consume, Your Life This isn’t about constant optimisation. It’s about creating systems that support your energy, focus, and sustainability as a business owner. Episode Highlights 00:20 – Introduction: Productivity (without toxic hustle culture) 00:59 – The Padlock App & reducing social media distraction 04:20 – Batching podcast episodes & content creation 05:31 – Writing 25+ carousel posts in one session 06:39 – Creating a Master Business Trello Board 09:10 – Invitation to share your productivity hacks Mentioned in the episode Padlock App – A physical app-blocking device that locks selected apps until you tap your phone against it. Use code: LIZ (Affiliate link: 30% discount code) Trello – Project management tool used to create a master business board. Adobe Express – . (Aff Link) Used for brand kits and shared design assets. Adobe Premiere Pro – Used to batch edit podcast episodes on a single timeline. I would love to hear what you think of this episode and if there's anything you use in your business to help with productivity, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40041985

Juggling Multiple Brands with Nikki McWilliams 02/25/2026

Juggling Multiple Brands with Nikki McWilliams Today on the podcast, I am chatting to my friend and voicenote partner in crime Nikki McWilliams. I always find it interesting when people run multiple different brands, and I love to hear how they manage it, how they do it all, and how it all fits together. Nikki not only has a solid personal brand, but she also runs two distinct online shops: one selling her famous biscuit-inspired homewares and another dedicated to stationery. In this episode, we delve into how she keeps it all clear in her head, how she juggles the workload, and how she maintains consistency across different businesses. We also discuss the massive shift in social media marketing—from the polished "flat lay" era to the rise of "scrappy" reels—and why having multiple "squirrel pots" of income is the key to feeling secure as a self-employed creative. Key Takeaways: The "Squirrel Pot" Strategy: Nikki treats her different businesses and income streams as "squirrel pots." Having multiple streams provides security because when one area (like luxury cushions) ebbs, another (like affordable stationery) might flow Distinct Branding for Distinct Audiences: While both brands sit under her name, Nikki uses different visual vibes and colour palettes to separate them—one is luxury and gift-focused, while the other leans into nostalgia and necessity . Scrappy Content Wins: We discuss the mindset shift required to move away from perfectly polished content. Surprisingly, the posts that take the least time to create (like filming in pyjamas on a phone) often perform the best The Art of the Creative Pitch: Nikki shares a brilliant story about how she won a PR trip on a cruise by pitching with a physical, hand-made passport instead of just a standard email. Agility is a Superpower: As a small business owner, you don't have to stick to a plan if it isn't working. Nikki explains why she is currently leaning more into stickers and stationery because that is what is selling right now. Episode Highlights: 01:00 – The origins of the Biscuit Shop (2010) and the rise of the Nikki Supply Store (2017) via the bullet journaling trend 07:00 – How Nikki balances a personal brand with two product-based businesses 15:00 – Why self-employment can actually feel more secure than a traditional job in the current economy 18:00 – How to pitch to brands and get paid properly for content creation 25:00 – The struggle of pivoting from high-production content to "scrappy" authentic video 37:00 – Nikki’s future goals: YouTube monetization and designing a sticker book About The Guest: Nikki McWilliams is a designer and small business owner based in Scotland. She is the founder of Nikki McWilliams, known for her iconic biscuit-themed cushions, and Nikki's Supply Store, a go-to shop for bullet journaling and stationery supplies. You can find her biscuit shop at and her stationery shop at . Follow her on Instagram at and , or search for on YouTube. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40151565

7 Business ‘Shoulds’ I’ve Decided to Ignore 02/20/2026

7 Business ‘Shoulds’ I’ve Decided to Ignore Are you building your business from alignment or from pressure? In this episode, I share 7 things I’m not doing in my business; even though the internet says I should. From posting daily and niching down further, to scaling faster and launching constantly, we’re unpacking the online “rules” that often lead to burnout instead of sustainability. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or small business owner feeling overwhelmed by business advice, today's episode will help you rethink growth, visibility, and success on your own terms. I talk about: Why posting every day isn’t the only growth strategy The truth about niching down Depth vs scale in business Why constant launching can create pressure The danger of building from fear If you’ve ever felt behind, not strategic enough, or like you’re not doing “enough” then this episode is your permission to pause and choose alignment over algorithms. Key Takeaways Not all “shoulds” are aligned with your vision: Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Strategy without alignment leads to burnout. Depth can be more powerful than scale: Bigger isn’t always better. Building for impact, connection and sustainability may serve you more than chasing numbers. Consistency doesn’t have to mean constant: You don’t have to post daily, launch quarterly, or pivot with every trend. Intentional visibility can be more powerful than relentless output. Fear shouldn’t be your business strategy: Many online “rules” are rooted in fear; fear of irrelevance, slow growth, or being left behind. Building from alignment creates longevity. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why I’m questioning business “shoulds” 01:35 – Not posting every day 03:10 – Not niching down into something microscopic 05:00 – Choosing depth over scale 06:45 – Stepping off the launch treadmill 08:10 – Not chasing trends 09:30 – Not outsourcing everything (yet) 10:45 – Why I refuse to build from fear 12:00 – Final thoughts: Choosing alignment over noise I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40037720

The Reality of Being Trolled as a Small Business Owner with Rhiannon Louden 02/18/2026

The Reality of Being Trolled as a Small Business Owner with Rhiannon Louden Has the fear of being trolled ever impacted how you show up online? It definitely has for me, and sometimes I feel like I can't share all the things that I want to in case I attract hate. Today on the podcast I'm chatting to Rhiannon Louden, who is a brand and wedding photographer, all about an incident where she got trolled and exactly how she handled it. A big facet of this conversation is about values, and I love that it comes back to something that has been chatted about on this podcast so many times before: the importance of your brand values. Rhiannon shares a candid story about a reel featuring a trans wedding that attracted significant hate, and how she navigated that storm while protecting her clients and standing by her beliefs. We touch on personal branding, attracting the right clients, running your business with integrity, and why "going viral" isn't always the dream we think it is. Key Takeaways: Viral isn't always a victory: Rhiannon shares how a reel hitting 5 million views brought a wave of hate rather than just "success". It serves as a reminder that visibility without the right audience can be damaging. Values act as a filter: Being vocal about your values (e.g., trans rights) effectively repels people who don't align with you. While the trolling was difficult, it ultimately solidified her niche and signaled safety to her ideal clients. Client care comes first: When the post blew up with negative comments, Rhiannon’s first priority was her couple. She communicated openly with them and gave them the option to delete the post, prioritizing their mental health over the "viral" reach. Have a crisis plan: It is helpful to think about how you would handle trolling before it happens. Having a process—like warning clients or knowing when to turn off comments—can help you stay calm in the moment. Separating your brands: We also discuss Rhiannon's decision to run two separate brands (Rhiannon Neale for weddings/families and Rhiannon Louden for branding) to ensure her messaging stays clear and relevant to each specific audience. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Rhiannon’s journey from journalism to photography and moving to Scotland. 04:00 – The decision to split her business into two distinct brands to clarify her messaging. 06:00 – The story of the viral reel: How a post celebrating a trans wedding attracted millions of views and a storm of hate. 13:00 – Handling the fallout: How Rhiannon communicated with her clients and gave them the power to decide the post's fate. 15:00 – The aftermath: Why repelling bigots is actually a business positive, and how it has led to more aligned inquiries from the LGBTQ+ community. 19:00 – The reality of viral fame: Why we need to stop romanticising the idea of "blowing up" online. About The Guest: Rhiannon Louden is a photographer and brand mentor based in Scotland. She runs two businesses: Rhiannon Neale, focusing on alternative, documentary-style wedding and family photography, and Rhiannon Louden, where she offers personal brand photography and mentorship for female entrepreneurs. She is passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and helping business owners show up authentically. You can find her wedding work at and her branding work at Mentioned in this episode: The reel discussed regarding the trans wedding (though comments are turned off!). I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40048875

4 of My Favourite Mission-Led Brands (and What They Teach Us About Branding) 02/13/2026

4 of My Favourite Mission-Led Brands (and What They Teach Us About Branding) In this episode, I’m sharing four brands I genuinely love and feel deeply loyal to — not just because of their products, but because of the missions they’re built on. Each one shows how having a clear purpose, strong values, and a quality product can create lasting trust, emotional connection, and long-term brand loyalty. Come tell me which brands you're loyal to and why; I'd love to know! Key Takeaways: Building your brand around a clear mission will attract loyal customers When your brand stands for something meaningful and consistently lives it out, people don’t just buy once; they recommend you, return to you, and feel emotionally invested in your success. Pairing purpose with quality creates trust and longevity A powerful mission alone isn’t enough; delivering a genuinely great product builds credibility, repeat business, and long-term sustainability for your brand. Telling human stories gives your brand depth and meaning When your brand highlights real people, real impact, and real change, it builds empathy, trust, and a deeper connection that goes far beyond features or pricing. Episode Highlights: 00:24 – Why mission-led brands create strong loyalty and trust 02:38 – Madlug: how dignity and storytelling build brand loyalty 05:26 – Who Gives A Crap: sustainability, humour, and ethical business 08:29 – Manumit Coffee: employment, dignity, and social impact 10:33 – Tony’s Chocolonely: ethical supply chains and purpose-driven design 13:31 – What mission-led brands can teach you about your own business Mentioned in the episode: I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/40037475

Forget Instagram: Why LinkedIn is the Platform That Matters with Andy Lambert 02/11/2026

Forget Instagram: Why LinkedIn is the Platform That Matters with Andy Lambert Today on the podcast, I am welcoming back my good pal and friend of the show Andy Lambert, who was actually one of my very first guests back on ! Since then, the social media landscape has changed dramatically, and Andy has gone from co-founding ContentCal to becoming a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Adobe. In this episode, Andy gives us a veritable masterclass on LinkedIn, explaining why it is currently the single best platform to find your audience. We dive into the concept of "Social First" marketing, why personal profiles are outperforming company pages, and the data-backed reasons why consistency wins over viral hacks. If you have been struggling to make sense of LinkedIn or want to know where to focus your energy in 2026, this episode is absolute gold. Key Takeaways: The "Social First" Approach: Marketing has shifted; social media teams are now the closest to the customer and should be leading the wider marketing strategy, rather than just being a distribution channel at the end of the process. The 95-5 Rule: Research from the B2B Institute shows that 95% of your potential buyers are not in the market to buy right now. Your marketing job is not just to convert the 5%, but to build memory structures with the 95% so they think of you when they are ready. LinkedIn is the place to be: Andy wagers that LinkedIn is currently the best platform for organic reach and precise audience targeting, especially for B2B and service-based businesses. Zero-Click Content: Social platforms no longer want you to link out to your website. The best performing content (like PDF carousels on LinkedIn) keeps people on the platform and increases "dwell time." Employee Advocacy is vital: People trust people more than brands. The most effective way to grow a company's reach is through the personal profiles of its founders and employees, not just the brand page. Episode Highlights: 02:15 – Andy shares his journey from founding ContentCal to its acquisition by Adobe and his current role. 06:50 – What "Social 3.0" means and why social media needs to move from the "kids' table" to the boardroom. 12:44 – The "95-5 Rule": Why most marketing fails because it ignores the 95% of people who aren't ready to buy yet. 18:41 – A LinkedIn Masterclass: Andy breaks down exactly why LinkedIn is working so well right now. 26:24 – Understanding "Zero-Click Content" and why PDF carousels are generating huge reach. 36:12 – The importance of video and how to repurpose podcast clips for LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts. About The Guest: Andy Lambert is the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Adobe and a founding member of ContentCal, a social media marketing software that was acquired by Adobe. He is also the author of the book Social 3.0, which explores the future of social media marketing. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Andy is passionate about helping businesses understand the power of a social-first strategy. You can find Andy on (it's the best place to get a response!) or check out his book on Amazon. Mentioned in this episode: : Andy’s book on the evolution of social media. . The all-in-one design and content creation tool. (Aff link) The think tank that researched the 95-5 rule. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39908665

The Content Creation Tools I Use to Save Time and Stay Consistent 02/06/2026

The Content Creation Tools I Use to Save Time and Stay Consistent In today's episode, I’m doing something a little different and sharing a few of the tools I’ve been loving recently. These are paid subscriptions I use to save time, streamline my content creation, and make video feel more sustainable and enjoyable. They’re not “must-have” tools to run a business, but they are thoughtful investments that help me work smarter, stay creative, and focus my energy where it matters most. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Choosing tools that save time will protect your creative energy Investing in content creation tools that reduce friction allows you to show up more consistently, avoid burnout, and spend more time actually creating instead of wrestling with tech. Using automation with intention builds trust, not distance When you use automations in a personal, generous way; like voice notes or encouragement rather than constant selling; you deepen connection and make your marketing feel more human and aligned. Building a sustainable workflow makes growth possible Designing systems that make video and content creation faster and easier creates momentum, supports long-term growth, and helps you stay consistent without exhausting yourself. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why I’m sharing the paid tools that help with content creation and save time 00:54 – How I use Superprofile for Instagram automations and voice note DMs 03:46 – Why Epidemic Sound is my go-to for music for YouTube, podcasts, and reels 05:48 – How I use Jitter to create quick animations for Instagram and video content 07:55 – How Frame.io helps with video feedback, collaboration, and client work 10:08 – Why investing in tools matters for sustainable video and content creation Mentioned in the episode /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39962255

Bringing Fashion Editorial Energy to Your Brand Photos with Olivia Bossert 02/04/2026

Bringing Fashion Editorial Energy to Your Brand Photos with Olivia Bossert A topic I haven’t covered on the podcast for a while is photography so when Olivia Bossert got in touch about coming on to chat about her 'IT Girl' philosophy, I knew it would be SUCH an interesting and different perspective on personal brand photography. I am a big believer in brand photography and how much it can do to enhance your brand. It really can impact the visual look and feel of your branding and give you heaps of confidence in how you show up in your business and online. In this episode, Olivia shares her fascinating journey from shooting for Vogue to pivoting into the personal branding space. We chat about why having a full team on set can transform your confidence, why you definitely don't need to know how to pose, and how she is reclaiming the term "IT Girl" to help business owners show up as their most authentic selves. Key Takeaways: Pivoting after achieving the "dream": Olivia shares the honest reality of achieving her life-long goal of shooting for Vogue, only to realise it didn't bring the fulfilment she expected, leading to her pivot into personal branding. The "IT Girl" Philosophy: We discuss reclaiming the term "IT Girl" – it isn't about being a celebrity like Paris Hilton; it’s about fully owning who you are, what you love, and showing up unapologetically as yourself. You don't need to know how to pose: One of the biggest fears people have is not knowing what to do in front of the camera. Olivia explains that on a high-end shoot, posing is the photographer's job, not yours. Treating your brand like a fashion editorial: Olivia applies her background in fashion to personal branding, using a full team (stylists, assistants, lighting experts) to create high-end, magazine-quality images for business owners. Confidence is a result, not a prerequisite: You don't need to feel confident before the shoot. The process of being looked after by a professional team and seeing the final results is what actually creates that lasting confidence boost. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – The "Vogue moment" and why achieving a big goal led to an identity crisis and a business pivot. 05:00 – How Olivia applies a fashion editorial mindset to personal branding to create a unique USP. 06:00 – A breakdown of what a full production team looks like (and why you might want a stylist and lighting assistant). 09:00 – Overcoming camera confidence: Why you don't need to be an influencer or model to look amazing. 16:00 – Redefining the "IT Girl" and why the term might feel jarring at first but is actually incredibly empowering. 28:00 – The debate on AI in photography: Why images hold energy and why AI headshots often miss the "spark" in the eyes About The Guest: Olivia Bossert is a personal brand photographer, artist, and online business owner based in London. After a decade working as a fashion photographer for international publications and brands (including Vogue!), she pivoted to bringing that high-end editorial experience to female founders and business owners. You can find Olivia on Instagram @oliviabossert or visit her website oliviabossert.com. The It Girl Experience: https://www.oliviabossert.com/shoot It Girl Studio: https://www.oliviabossert.com/studio I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39795760

Behind the scenes of planning a live podcast event 01/30/2026

Behind the scenes of planning a live podcast event I am beyond excited to be hosting my first ever Live Podcast Event this year! A goal I've had since 2024 and now is becoming a reality! If you're local to Cardiff/South Wales and want to be there in person you can and come along (if there are any left!) Today on the podcast I am giving you a behind the scenes look into all that has gone on in the lead up to the event. I talk openly and honestly about the highs and lows and doubts and excitements! I'm always interested in behind the scenes of anything I've not done before so I do hope you enjoy this sneak peak behind the curtain!! Have you ever put on your own event? I'd love to know the bits you loved and the bits you hated! I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Big ideas take time; and that’s not a failure. Meaningful creative projects often require patience, alignment, and trusting the timing rather than rushing the process. Valuing your work invites others to value it too. Charging for events matters; not just financially, but as a way of creating commitment, respect, and space to deliver a higher-quality, more intentional experience for everyone involved. Real connection happens when we step into the room together. Live podcasts transform a solitary listening experience into real community, showing the power of bringing people together in person in an increasingly digital world. Episode Highlights 00:00: Why I’m hosting a live podcast event (behind the scenes of podcast event planning) 02:30: How I planned a live podcast: mindset, logistics, and challenges 03:55: Ticket pricing strategy for events: early bird tickets, paid vs free events 07:30: Building community through live podcasts + future in-person event plans /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39895280

Navigating Creative Burnout and Finding Your Flow with Emmi Salonen 01/28/2026

Navigating Creative Burnout and Finding Your Flow with Emmi Salonen I loved today's podcast chat and something I've been thinking about a lot recently is how so many of us creatives and business owners have these similar human experiences that we all have to go through. I think it is so powerful when we share those experiences openly and vulnerably. Today on the podcast, I am chatting to Emmi Salonen, who is a designer, artist, speaker and author of the amazing new book, . Emmi founded Studio EMMI in 2005 and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. In this episode, we talk all about the lessons she has learned as a creative, including her personal journey through burnout and taking a year-long sabbatical. Emmi has chatted to hundreds of other creatives about their struggles, and she shares those insights alongside practical exercises to help nurture your creativity. It was a gorgeous conversation full of little gems that I am definitely going to implement in my own practice! Key Takeaways: Creativity needs a pause: Emmi discusses the concept of the "Creative Ecosystem" and how vital it is to nurture different areas of your life—like connection, wonder, and rest—to sustain your creativity. You are not alone in self-doubt: Emmi’s research found that 87% of creatives struggle with feeling "not good enough". We discuss how important it is to vocalise these feelings rather than internalise them. The power of a 'Solo Day': One of my favourite exercises from the book is the 'Solo Day' (or Emmi Day)—taking guilt-free time alone to do exactly what you want, whether that’s visiting a gallery or just pottering around the house, to let ideas percolate. Financial stability protects creativity: We talk about the tension between passion and finance, and why having a financial buffer (if possible) is crucial for weathering dry spells or allowing for creative breaks. Slow design vs. industry speed: Emmi highlights the pressure to deliver ideas instantly and why she now factors in a "percolation period" at the start of projects to allow ideas to properly form. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Emmi shares her background working in studios in Italy, New York and London before setting up Studio EMMI 20 years ago. 06:30 – The story behind her book: How a severe burnout led to a year off and a deep dive into creative wellbeing. 12:00 – The three biggest challenges creatives face today, including balancing finances and the pressure of instant idea generation. 21:00 – How Emmi practically managed to take a year-long sabbatical (and how Stefan Sagmeister does it every seven years). 23:00 – Practical exercises from The Creative Wellbeing Handbook, including the 'Solo Day' and 'Craft Club'. 32:00 – Emmi’s perspective on AI: Using it as a tool while protecting human creativity and kindness. About The Guest: Emmi Salonen is a Finnish graphic designer and the founder of Studio EMMI, a London-based design practice established in 2005. She is the author of The Creative Wellbeing Handbook, a guide designed to help creatives navigate the ups and downs of their practice. You can find more about Emmi's work at and explore resources for the book at I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39757300

5 moments from the podcast that changed my brain chemistry 01/23/2026

5 moments from the podcast that changed my brain chemistry Last week I gave a talk at St Brides Foundation in London about some of the key moments from the podcast that have forever changed my brain chemistry. Today on the podcast I am sharing those moments with you. Hosting this podcast has added value to my business and in fact my life in ways that I never expected. I've listed all of the episodes mentioned so that you can go back and have a listen through for the full conversations. I hope you find these moments as inspiring as I did! I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and if there have been any moments from the podcast that have stuck in your mind aswell! So please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! Key Takeaways "No" is not the end of the story Each rejection can give you valuable information to improve and come back stronger. Fear of success can hold you back more than fear of failure Sometimes we sabotage ourselves not because we're afraid of failing, but because we're afraid of what success might cost us. "Should" is the killer of joy When you catch yourself saying "I should do this," you're likely following someone else's path. Replace "should" with "could" to open up possibilities that feel more aligned. Expect initial rejection as a learning opportunity. Lean into and welcome rejection as a task of curiosity and information to further your goals Stop adding, start subtracting Before adding new habits, projects, or commitments to your plate, ask yourself: "What am I willing to give up to make space for this?" Episode Highlights Lesson 1: Kyle Webster's story - "No" is not the end Lesson 2: Fear of success with Lois Seco and Hannah Istead Lesson 3: Sophie Cliff - "Should is the killer of joy" Lesson 4: Kyra Matthews - Expect rejection as your teacher Lesson 5: Rich Webster - Don't keep adding, take things away Mentioned in the episode and /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39824975

Staying Solo: Why Growth Doesn’t Have to Mean Bigger with Maggie Patterson 01/21/2026

Staying Solo: Why Growth Doesn’t Have to Mean Bigger with Maggie Patterson Do you ever get sucked in by all the messaging online about growth and what that looks like? For a while, I have known that I don't want to grow my business to be an agency or to have a big team, but sometimes it feels a bit frowned upon to stay small and keep your business lean I was so excited when Maggie Patterson got in touch and suggested chatting on the podcast about staying small on purpose. This chat was totally up my street! We talked about the "trust recession", AI, how we price and package our work, and so much more. I hope you will come away feeling encouraged, but also given a confidence boost about building a business that feels right for you. Key Takeaways: You don't need to scale to succeed: The majority of businesses are actually one-person operations, yet most business advice focuses on scaling up. You don't have to hire a team if you don't want to; staying solo is a valid and ambitious choice. Charge for strategy, not just tactics: A common mistake for creatives and consultants is charging the same for strategic thinking as they do for tactical implementation. If you don't highlight and charge for your strategy, clients may overlook you for big-picture projects. The "Trust Recession" and AI: We are currently in a market where buyers are skeptical and price-conscious, often referred to as a "trust recession". As a solo business owner, your superpower is your ability to offer genuine human connection and build personal relationships, which builds trust faster than faceless brands can. The "Real Life Rule": Your business must work for your actual life, otherwise you will end up resentful and burnt out. When planning growth, you must consider your actual capacity—not just time, but energy and the season of life you are in (like having small children). Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Maggie introduces her book, Staying Solo, and why she wrote it for the majority of business owners who don't want to manage a big team. 10:00 – Why pricing is the first place to look when refining your business, and why most service providers are undercharging. 13:00 – The "Strategy Stack": understanding that pricing doesn't exist in isolation from your positioning, packaging, and promotion. 20:00 – Discussing AI, the "trust recession", and why solo owners have an advantage in building genuine connections. 39:00 – Maggie’s "Real Life Rule" and why we need to stop trying to build fantasy businesses that don't fit our reality. About The Guest: Maggie Patterson is a consultant who has spent years working with micro-businesses and solo service business owners, such as creatives, consultants, and professional service providers. She is the author of Staying Solo: Your Guide to Building a Simple and Sustainable Service Business, which launched in April 2025. You can find Maggie at I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39659885

How branding can transform the way you show up in your business 01/16/2026

How to Practice What You Preach as Your Business Grows with Kat Nicholls 01/14/2026

How to Practice What You Preach as Your Business Grows with Kat Nicholls Today on the podcast, I am chatting to Kat Nicholls, the Brand and Integrity Manager at Happiful. If you haven't come across Happiful before, it is a network of mental health and wellness directories as well as a monthly magazine. I loved chatting to Kat about how the brand came about and what it stands for, but we also dive deep into how to maintain your integrity as your brand grows. We cover some of the mistakes they have made and how they navigated them, along with brilliant advice on remaining true to your values and ensuring those values are communicated effectively across a growing team. For most of us as small business owners, integrity is so important, so I am sure you are going to find this episode incredibly helpful. Key Takeaways: Defining Integrity: For Kat and Happiful, integrity is really about honesty and authenticity. It involves admitting when you make mistakes and learning from them, while ensuring you are "practising what you preach" regarding your values and how you treat your employee. The "Proof Policy": To maintain high standards, Happiful uses a "proof policy" to ensure that any professional advertising on their directories reaches a certain standard of training and adheres to a code of ethics. The Power of Saying No: Sometimes maintaining integrity means turning down press opportunities or partnerships that don't align with your values, even if they would provide significant brand exposure. Handling Mistakes: When things go wrong, such as publishing misinformation, the key is to apologise sincerely to those affected, investigate why it happened (often human error), and implement training to prevent it from happening again. Navigating AI with Integrity: Happiful has developed an AI policy that requires transparency; members must disclose if AI was used, and content cannot be fully AI-generated because human connection is vital in the mental health space. ‌ Episode Highlights: 01:00 – Kat explains her role as Brand and Integrity Manager and the mission behind Happiful. 09:03 – We discuss the definition of integrity: honesty, authenticity and admitting when we get things wrong. 11:59 – The challenges of maintaining integrity and considering your impact on the environment and employees as a business grows. 19:53 – How to handle mistakes and course-correct when content doesn't align with your values. 30:52 – Developing an AI policy that balances technological tools with human connection and transparency.. About The Guest: Kat Nicholls is the Brand and Integrity Manager at Happiful, a company that owns a network of online directories for mental health and wellbeing support, as well as a monthly magazine. Her background is in content writing, podcasting, and coaching, and she now focuses on ensuring the brand maintains its authentic, value-led approach. You can find out more about the magazine and directories at I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39516355

The only resolution I'm planning to keep in 2026 01/09/2026

The only resolution I'm planning to keep in 2026 In today's first solo episode of the year, I'm sharing the one resolution I'm committing to in 2026; writing! I'll be honest I've already stumbled a few times, but I'm learning to let go of my all-or-nothing mindset and embrace consistency over perfection. I talk about why I've always told myself I'm "not a good writer," how I'm using the 750 Words website to build a daily writing habit, and why this practice is going to transform my business. Plus, I'm opening up about my goal to write a book this year 👀 and how I'm learning to be kinder to myself along the way. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and what your goals are and/or your approach to your goals so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways If you keep telling yourself a negative story, it will continue to be true For years, I've told myself I'm not a good writer, but I'm realizing that story isn't serving me. By practicing daily, I'm proving to myself that writing is a skill I can improve, not something I'm inherently bad at. Consistency doesn't mean perfection. I've struggled with an all-or-nothing mindset my whole life, but I'm learning that missing a day here and there doesn't mean failure. It's about showing up regularly, even when it's not perfect; whether that's writing, going to the gym, or any other goal. Daily writing is an investment in my business. Writing shows up everywhere in my work; email marketing, blog posts, website copy, client communications—and by improving this skill, I'm setting myself up to communicate better across all areas of my business. Plus, I'm building a bank of content I can repurpose later. Episode Highlights 2:07 I explain why I don't usually make resolutions and prefer to hold my goals loosely 5:15 I'm revealing my 2026 resolution: writing 750 words every day using the 750 Words website 7:25 I'm opening up about the negative story I've been telling myself about not being a good writer 11:45 I'm discussing my all-or-nothing mindset and how I'm learning to be kinder to myself Mentioned in the episode: /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39657400

10 Boring Things That Create Exciting Growth with Alice Benham 01/07/2026

10 Boring Things That Create Exciting Growth with Alice Benham Happy New Year and welcome back to the Building Your Brand podcast for 2026! I am so excited for what I have in store for this podcast this year. To kick things off, I’m thrilled to welcome back a returning guest for her third time on the show: Alice Benham. Alice is the perfect person to start the year with because I love how she thinks about goals and working on your business rather than just in it. In this episode, we demystify the difference between those two concepts (because I honestly get confused all the time!). We also discuss why it is so important to make time for big-picture strategy, even when it doesn't feel urgent, and how to create a vision that actually motivates you. I hope this episode serves as a lovely motivational start to your year and helps you make a plan to grow your business in a way that feels really good to you. Key Takeaways: The difference between "on" and "in" the business: Working in your business is employee mode (admin, client work) where you notice immediately if it stops. Working on your business is CEO mode (growth, strategy) where the impact is seen months down the line The urgency trap: We often neglect working on our business because it lacks the immediate urgency and dopamine hit of client work, but it is essential for long-term growth. The AB Method: Alice breaks down her strategy into three key habits: casting vision, setting goals, and tracking progress Hold the vision tightly, goals loosely: Your vision is the ultimate destination or feeling you want, while goals are just the vehicle to get there. It is okay to change your goals if a better path appears Track what matters to you: Don't just track arbitrary numbers like revenue if they don't serve you. Create a "scorecard" with 3-5 metrics that align with your specific goals, such as how aligned your work feels or revenue from a specific offer Episode Highlights: 02:27 – Alice explains the "Dummies Guide" to the difference between working on and in your business 11:59 – Why documenting and tracking is vital to stop you from being led purely by emotion 18:41 – The danger of "vanity metrics" and why Alice recommends a simple scorecard with a maximum of five data points 23:25 – How to avoid "goal distraction" by ensuring your goals are actually your own and not just what you see others doing 30:08 – Why vision work is like taking a spatula to the inside of your brain to scrape out ideas About The Guest: Alice Benham is a business strategist who helps business owners grow by working on their business, not just in it. She is the founder of the "On It" programme, which provides the structure and space for business owners to set goals, track progress, and cast their vision. You can find Alice on her or . Mentioned in this episode: Alice's programme for business owners to work on their business. Use code LIZ10 for 10% off I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39439870

My business goals, dreams and ideas for 2026 12/19/2025

My business goals, dreams and ideas for 2026 In this final episode of 2025, I'm reflecting on how the format of two episodes a week has been and sharing exciting plans for 2026. From hosting my first live podcast event in Cardiff to pursuing more public speaking opportunities and even writing a book, I'm opening up about my goals, my philosophy on holding plans lightly, and why I love doing more of what's already working in my business. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and I'd love to hear about your 2026 goals too! So please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Key Takeaways Consistency Pays Off – Running both guest and solo episodes weekly since October has strengthened my personal branding and supported consistent YouTube content creation. Hold Goals Lightly – Sometimes better opportunities emerge than what you planned. Being flexible allowed for speaking at Adobe Max instead of the original podcast event timing. Goals Need Strategy – It's not enough to just set goals; you need a concrete plan and actionable steps to actually achieve them. Do More of What You Love – Growth doesn't require radical change. Focus on expanding the parts of your business that bring you joy and fulfillment. Community Matters – Whether it's self-publishing, podcasting, or building a brand, surrounding yourself with supportive people and communities makes ambitious goals more achievable. Episode Highlights – Welcome & reflecting on the twice-weekly podcast experiment – 2026 public speaking goals and the live podcast event announcement – Details about the February 24th Cardiff event with Gavin Strange and Hannah Isted – The scary but exciting goal: writing and self-publishing a book in 2026 – Philosophy on goal-setting: holding plans lightly and being open to better opportunities /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39459300

The Power of Saying No: Decision Trees and Business Boundaries with Katie Chappell 12/17/2025

The Power of Saying No: Decision Trees and Business Boundaries with Katie Chappell I am so excited to have today's guest back on the podcast after recording an episode with her a long time ago about my rejection challenge. Yes, it is Katie Chappell, who was the original inspiration for that challenge! However, we are not talking about rejection today. Instead, we are talking all about Katie’s incredible business as a Live Illustrator. Honestly, I love chatting to her; she is a total business powerhouse with so many brilliant ideas. In this episode, we discuss how she runs her Live Illustration business, the membership and jobs board she has created to share overflow work, and how she manages her time and boundaries. I came away from this conversation so inspired, and I know you will too. Key Takeaways: The pivot to online-only: Katie made the strategic (and initially terrifying) decision to stop doing in-person events and focus exclusively on online live illustration to better manage her stress and family life. Sharing the wealth with a jobs board: Instead of just turning down the inquiries she couldn't take, Katie created a paid jobs board on Substack to pass that overflow work on to other illustrators, creating a win-win for everyone. Dealing with negative comments: Katie opens up about the backlash and trolling she received regarding her jobs board and how she now views it as a "rite of passage" and a sign of increased visibility. The power of the decision tree: To avoid decision fatigue, Katie uses a "decision tree" managed by her assistant to automatically filter inquiries—if a job doesn't meet her specific criteria (like being online and within school hours), it goes straight to the jobs board. Live illustration is thriving: Despite doom and gloom in the wider illustration industry, Katie explains why live graphic recording is still a high-value, premium service that corporate clients love. ‌ Episode Highlights: 02:11 – Katie explains exactly what live illustration looks like and how she captures visual notes during events.‌ 07:59 – How Katie discovered graphic recording in the library during her master's degree and realised it was like being a war artist, but for meetings. 14:26 – The moment Katie realised she needed to scale back her agency model and set a deadline to go online-only. 15:28 – How the "Jobs Board" was born from an abundance of inquiries she couldn't fulfill. 25:59 – Navigating "mild trolling" and the emotional process of dealing with negative comments online. ‌ About The Guest: Katie Chappell is a live event illustrator who makes visual notes for online events. She is also one-third of The Good Ship Illustration, where she runs courses for creatives, and she manages a popular jobs board for illustrators. You can find Katie on or say hi on Mentioned in this episode: : Katie's course business with Helen Stephens and Tanya Willis. A Substack for illustrators to find work. Previous podcast guest who discussed business as a self-development tool. : Discussed as someone who handles online visibility well. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39336415

Goals, Growth & Business Gains: Reflecting on 2025 12/12/2025

From Overlooked to Fully Booked with Niki Hutchison 12/10/2025

From Overlooked to Fully Booked with Niki Hutchison In this episode, I really enjoyed picking the brains of Niki Hutchison, a marketing strategist who is passionate about online businesses marketing themselves like pros. We discuss moving away from amateur ways of doing things to ensure you are marketing like a professional. Even though I am not a trained marketer myself, I have loved learning about it over the last decade of running my business. Niki and I delve into many interesting areas, including demystifying what a 'strategy' actually is, the importance of a multi-channel approach, and the massive impact public speaking can have on your business growth. Key Takeaways: Marketing strategy doesn't have to be complicated: Niki explains that strategy is often over-complicated, but it is simply about starting with your business objective and deciding how to use different channels to achieve it. Don't rely on a single channel: One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is relying on just one platform; instead, you should leverage your own channels (like your email list) alongside partnerships and other people's audiences. The power of in-person connection: Niki shares that speaking on stages and building real-life connections is currently the most effective way she is growing her audience and establishing trust quickly. Consistency creates trust: A major issue is 'ghosting' your marketing; disappearing and reappearing makes it difficult to establish trust with your audience, so it is vital to find a sustainable rhythm. From Overlooked to Fully Booked: Being 'fully booked' isn't about having zero white space in your diary; it's that confident feeling that you are winning at business, clients are coming in, and momentum is building. Episode Highlights: 02:59 – Niki demystifies the word "strategy" and explains why it is actually quite simple. 07:59 – The danger of relying on just one social media channel and the importance of partnerships. 12:54 – Why in-person speaking and events are Niki's most exciting marketing tool right now. 20:19 – How to build reciprocal partnerships to help spread the word about your launches. 34:23 – Niki’s top tips for creating a marketing plan that fits into your actual life without leading to burnout. About The Guest: is a marketing strategist who helps business owners and brands take a multi-channel marketing approach to market like a pro. She runs two businesses: her personal brand teaching business owners how to market and grow, and specialising in launching for organisations. You can find Niki on Instagram , where she basically lives in her DMs, or connect with her on . You can also find out about her in-person events at her website. Mentioned in this episode: The event Niki hosts in Edinburgh with her friend Abby. Niki is an advisor and trainer for this platform. The tool Niki uses to schedule her content. : An app Niki uses to keep on track with her tasks. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39289545

Behind The Scenes: A mini audit of my business model 12/05/2025

Foresight vs. Fads: Building a Brand That Lasts with Josephine Hatch 12/03/2025

Foresight vs. Fads: Building a Brand That Lasts with Josephine Hatch Today on the podcast I am chatting to Josephine Hatch, who is an Innovation Director with over 20 years of experience in foresight, cultural strategy, and brand innovation. Now, you might not totally know what any of that means, but basically, we are talking about trend forecasting! One of the things that really struck me during our chat is that, as creatives and small business owners, many of us do this instinctively without having the formal language for it. This conversation gave me such a good framework for being more strategic about looking at culture and making plans for my business and honestly, Jo’s perspective gave me such a boost regarding the value of human creativity. Key Takeaways Foresight vs. Fads: While "trends" are often associated with fast fashion or fleeting fads, foresight is about spotting signals and understanding the macro forces that impact human behaviour. Human Truths Remain: Technology and context change, but fundamental human truths—like the need for connection or joy—stay the same. Successful brands understand how to tap into these enduring feelings. The AI Counter-Movement: As generative AI adoption grows, there is a strong counter-trend towards the "human." People are increasingly valuing imperfections, analog hobbies, and genuine human curation. Look Outside Your Bubble: Real innovation rarely comes from looking at your direct competitors. Instead, look to other industries, art, and culture for inspiration to disrupt your own category. Episode Highlights 02:51 – Joe explains her background and how an Alexander McQueen runway show sparked her interest in how fashion mirrors society. 06:49 – We discuss why "trend" has become a dirty word and the difference between short-term fads and long-term foresight. 12:56 – Joe shares incredible free resources and tools that small businesses can use to spot cultural shifts. 20:23 – A fascinating look at AI, including why the "human touch" is becoming a premium and the rise of analog hobbies. 33:17 – Simple habits you can adopt to become more culturally curious, including how to document the things that inspire you. About the Guest Josephine Hatch is an Innovation Director at The Otherly, an innovation and brand agency that works with global brands and small businesses to help them defend their space and grow with intent. She has spent 20 years working at the intersect of trend forecasting, cultural strategy, and innovation. Website: LinkedIn: Mentioned in this episode The Otherly Andres Colmenares, Responsible AI expert and IAM festival co-founder Link to a google drive of trend reports via Global Cultural Strategist Amy Daroukakis. Note that a new set of trend reports will come out around December 2025 Free platform for trends, updated daily , and (both good for packaging), SJ from The Akin’s substack is a great read for what's happening in culture Emma Jane Palin’s Our Curated Abode and Instagram I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm or and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! /episode/index/show/buildingyourbrand/id/39197795

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