CREATIVE STRENGTHS

Welcome to Creative Strengths, the business podcast for creative entrepreneurs who want to build a profitable, sustainable business, while honouring the way you naturally work. Hosted by designer and creative business mentor Philippa Craddock, the show is rooted in the belief that your greatest success comes from recognising and working with your natural strengths. Philippa grew her own design business from the kitchen table to a seven-figure global brand, and now supports creative business owners through her signature strength-led methodology. Each week, she shares practical, jargon-free guidance on pricing, marketing, mindset, and business growth, helping you charge with confidence, attract aligned clients, and build a business that supports your energy, creativity, and ambition. If you’re ready to grow your business so it feels wholeheartedly yours, one built around your own unique creative strengths, this is where your next chapter begins.

127. NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THIS 01/29/2026

127. NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THIS When people ask about growing their creative business, the questions typically centre around online marketing: Which platform, how often to post, what's working right now... But what if the answer isn't about marketing at all? This week, while refining modules for the upcoming six-month programme, I've been thinking about what genuinely accelerates business growth for creative entrepreneurs. It's not complicated, but it is something we often avoid, even though we're naturally brilliant at it. Key Moments: [05:15] Real life right now: what i've been thinking about [07:57] Why we focus on online marketing when strategic outreach grows businesses faster [09:54] How every major client, from Vogue to Dior to Kensington Palace started with an email I sent from my kitchen table [16:21] Why a talk to 12 people created more opportunities than a newsletter sent to 20,000 [18:31] The skills you already use in your creative work that translate directly to strategic business outreach [20:22] What the difference looks like: posting and hoping versus strategic, direct connection [23:04] The shift from reactive to proactive that changes everything Notable Quotes: "Direct connection accelerates everything. We get so lost in online marketing that it's easy to forget to simply contact people." "Every major client and project I became known for started from my kitchen table. With me sending an email." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Free Guide: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: What strategic conversation could you start this week? Whether it's a potential client, a brand collaboration, a publication to approach, or a podcast to be interviewed on, Who could you contact where there's genuine alignment? I'd love to hear what professional relationship you're considering building. Send me a DM on I read and respond to every message. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new programme offerings And don't forget to subscribe to The Creative Strengths Podcast on your favourite podcast platform! /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39893930

126 WHEN THINGS DON'T GO TO PLAN 01/22/2026

126 WHEN THINGS DON'T GO TO PLAN There's something so much more important than frameworks, strategies and tactics. You can read every business book, take every business course, study every successful business, but if you don't understand what makes you unique, have clear positioning, and the confidence to keep moving forward when things get tricky... none of that other stuff matters. This week, I'm sharing what happened with my Pinterest experiment in December, why losing four months of momentum became one of my most valuable lessons, and the three things that are helping me turn setbacks into breakthroughs. If you're facing a moment where things haven't gone to plan, this one's for you. Key Moments: [01:27] Why understanding what makes you unique matters more than any framework or tactic [02:27] Real life: What happened in December [07:34] The moment of choice and what i learned [11:25] The solution: Getting strategic [16:51] Making it fun again [23:09] Why this matters more than tactics [25:03] Being realistic about priorities [34:24] Three thing to go when things get tricky [42:33] Real life right now: Moving forward Notable Quotes: "Successful people don't avoid setbacks. They know how to turn those setbacks into something positive. That's a skill you can develop. it's about deeply understanding yourself, making decisions from that clarity, and surrounding yourself with people who get it." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Join the Pinterest Experiment Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: Have you experienced a moment where something didn't go to plan in your business? I'd genuinely love to hear how you handled it, or if you're in that moment right now, maybe i can help. Send me a DM on I read every message, and your experience might well help someone else who's going through something similar. Never Miss an Episode Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive updates on the Pinterest experiment, and first access to new programme details. Every week, I share practical guidance that helps you build a business around what you naturally do best. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39812390

125. WHY AUTHENTICITY & STORY TELLING MATTER MORE THAN EVER 01/15/2026

124. FEWER THINGS DONE BETTER 01/08/2026

124. FEWER THINGS DONE BETTER Inspired by a Financial Times article on how creativity thrives with constraints, this episode articulates something I've been thinking about for years, that limiting yourself is actually the very best way to seriously flourish. Discover why doing fewer things better might be the most important focus for your creative business this year. Learn three practical principles for constraint-led business, plus how focusing on just one offer last year transformed my entire approach and how the same discipline could revolutionise your business too. Key Moments: [01:27] Why creativity thrives with constraints: introducing the Financial Times article that sparked this entire conversation [02:44] The Muppet Christmas Carol story: when the director's artistic vision met commercial reality [04:38] How creative business owners complicate things when given too much freedom [07:51] Why even brilliant creators need 'editors' [10:36] Three principles for constraint-led business [15:52] My own experience focusing on just one offer last year [19:11] Reflection and questions you can ask yourself this week Notable Quote: "Constraints aren't limiting your potential. They're focusing your brilliance. When you try to do everything, you dilute what makes you exceptional. When you focus, you amplify it." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Financial Times article: "Creativity thrives with constraints" by Stephen Bush The Muppet Christmas Carol (film example discussed) Link: Subscribe to our Website: Send an Email: Share Your Insights: Where could you perhaps remove something from your business to actually strengthen what remains? Share your thoughts with me over on I read every message and love hearing your thoughts. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll receive thoughtful reflections on building a creative business that feels genuinely yours, along with practical guidance you can implement straight away. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39648155

123. A DIFFERENT KIND OF YEAR 01/01/2026

123. A DIFFERENT KIND OF YEAR What if this isn't the year you reinvent yourself? What if this is the year you return to yourself, to your own personal strengths, your genuine values, your natural way of working? This first episode of 2025 challenges the pressure to set aggressive goals and push harder. Through examples of creators who grew significantly in 2025 using completely opposite approaches, we explore why there's no single formula for success, only your formula. I introduce three principles for building a lighter, steadier business: making it truer rather than louder, choosing depth over momentum, and embracing small aligned shifts. If you're tired of forcing yourself into someone else's model, this episode offers a refreshing path forward. Key Moments: [00:00] The pressure of new year expectations: A gentler alternative approach [01:19] Why traditional business advice doesn't work for creative minds [04:52] Doing things your way: Example - Creators with completely different approaches, both successful [08:52] 3 Principles to anchor you in 2026 [15:15] Personal story: how removing rather than adding transformed my floral business [17:05] Three grounding questions for the year ahead Notable Quotes: "Your business doesn't need to be louder than everyone else's. It needs to be more authentically yours." "Big transformations almost always come from gentle, repeated adjustments. Small shifts, made consistently, in a direction that aligns with your strengths." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Send an Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear what you're focusing on this year. What's the one thing that really matters to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts on , Many of our wonderful conversations prompt future episodes. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll receive thoughtful reflections on building a creative business that feels genuinely yours, along with practical guidance you can implement straight away. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39574185

122. TAKING TIME TO CELEBRATE HOW FAR YOU'VE COME 12/25/2025

122. TAKING TIME TO CELEBRATE HOW FAR YOU'VE COME We're brilliant at looking forwards. At setting goals. At planning what's next. But taking time to genuinely look back and celebrate what we've achieved? To acknowledge the obstacles we've overcome, the solutions we've created, the progress we've made? That's something we tend to skip right past. And I think that's a real shame. Because that reflection, that celebration, it's not indulgent. It's strategic. It's how we build sustainable success. In this year end episode, we're pausing to do what creative entrepreneurs rarely give themselves permission to do: look back and genuinely acknowledge how far we've come. We'll explore why we skip this crucial step, why it matters more than you might think, and what happens when you give yourself space to reflect on where your exceptional strengths showed up this year. Key Moments: [01:39] Taking time to celebrate how far you have come [02:53] Why we skip this step: The real power of looking back [08:40] My personal reflection [10:44] The one powerful question to reflect on over the next few days: where did your exceptional strengths show up this year? [13:39] A gentle invitation Notable Quotes: "When you take time to acknowledge how far you've come, something changes. You start to see your capabilities more clearly. You recognise patterns in what works for you. You build confidence in your ability to solve problems and overcome challenges." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Send an Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear from you: Where did your exceptional strengths show up this year? What moments felt most like yourself in your work? Send me a DM on I read and respond to every message. Never Miss an Episode: Don't forget to subscribe to The Creative Strengths Podcast wherever you listen, and join my for behind-the-scenes insights, practical guidance, and first access to new content. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39526970

121. LESSONS FROM TAYLOR SWIFT'S TOUR 12/18/2025

121. LESSONS FROM TAYLOR SWIFT'S TOUR Whether you're a fan of Taylor Swift or not, the strategic thinking behind her Eras Tour offers remarkable lessons for creative entrepreneurs. This episode explores the business operation, leadership decisions, and discipline that made a $2 billion tour possible and what you can apply to your own creative business. From six months of intensive preparation to handwritten letters for her entire team, discover how making excellence look effortless requires extraordinary work behind the scenes. You'll learn about building for long-term trust rather than short-term profit, creating cultures where clients become participants, and maintaining standards that become your reputation. Key Moments: [00:00] Why Taylor Swift's tour docuseries reveals powerful business lessons for creative entrepreneurs [02:50] The scale and strategic planning behind a $2 billion operation with 149 shows and making it look effortless [10:17] Creating Partisipants not Spectators [12:08] Personal Touches and Continuous Evolution [18:19] What does Taylor Swift's tour have to do with your creative business? Notable Quotes: "Making something feel effortless requires incredible preparation. The sense of freedom comes from having done so much work that you don't have to think about all the different components anymore." "Building something exceptional is never about luck or talent alone, it's always about the choices you make behind the scenes. The preparation you're willing to do that no one sees. The discipline you maintain when no one's watching." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Link: Episode Link: Taylor Swift Docuseries: Subscribe to our Website: Send an Email: Share Your Insights: What stood out most to you from these business lessons? Have you experienced how preparation creates freedom in your own work, or discovered ways to build long-term trust with your clients? I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a message on I read every message. Never Miss an Episode: Don't forget to subscribe to The Creative Strengths Podcast wherever you listen, and join my for behind-the-scenes insights, practical guidance, and first access to new content. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39431255

120. WHEN YOUR 'SERIOUS' BACKGROUND MEETS YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS (AND WHY THAT'S YOUR SUPERPOWER!) 12/11/2025

120. WHEN YOUR 'SERIOUS' BACKGROUND MEETS YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS (AND WHY THAT'S YOUR SUPERPOWER!) So many creative entrepreneurs think they need to leave their "serious" professional self behind. That corporate background, that legal career... they see it as separate from who they are now. But that might be costing you your most distinctive positioning. The parts of yourself that feel contradictory? Those might just be your superpower. The creative entrepreneurs I see thriving are the ones who've brought their whole selves forward. That's what creates a business no one else can replicate. In this episode, I share how your previous career isn't something to hide, it's an integral part of what makes you exceptional. From my own journey in executive search to stories from recent Base Notes participants, I explore why integration beats separation every time. Key Moments: [00:00] Introduction: Why your "serious" background is actually your superpower [03:25] The false choice: Treating previous careers as separate from creative work [04:59] My executive search background and how it shapes everything I do today [09:22] Real transformation: The strategist who blended high-level work with gentle creativity. The lawyer who brought precision thinking into creative copywriting [14:34] The Pattern I keep seeing [18:02] How professional backgrounds create genuinely unique positioning [26:30] The takeaway: Your contradiction is your competitive advantage, bringing your whole self forward Notable Quotes: "You don't have two separate lives. You have one remarkable journey and a bucket load of brilliant experience, where you've been building an extraordinary and unique skill set. And when you bring all of that forwards, when you integrate rather than separate, that's when you become genuinely unstoppable." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: Have you been treating your professional background as something separate from your creative business? I'd love to hear how this episode landed for you. Send me a DM on . I read and respond to every message. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to The Creative Strengths Podcast wherever you listen, and join my for behind-the-scenes insights, practical guidance, and first access to new content. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39353340

119. YOUR CREATIVE MIND IS YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE 12/04/2025

119. YOUR CREATIVE MIND IS YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Welcome to the very first episode of the Creative Strengths podcast. This foundational episode examines something backed by research but often overlooked: how your creative thinking isn't a quirk misplaced in business, it's one of your biggest competitive advantages. Leading research consistently identifies creativity as the number one factor for future business success. This episode explores what creative thinking actually means in practical business terms, why it matters more than ever, and what becomes possible when you understand your specific creative strengths as genuine competitive advantages. Key Moments: [00:00] Introducing Creative strengths [02:33] The Research That Changes Everything [05:22] What Creative Thinking Actually Means in Business [14:07] Your Unique Creative Strengths [17:17] Real Life, Right Now and my Experience [20:05] What Becomes Possible [23:12] The Missing Piece & What You Actually Need [26:56] What This Podcast Explores Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Ref: World Economic Forum Future of Jobs report Ref: IBM CEO Study on Creativity Ref: Linkedin Learning 2024 Workplace Learning Ref: Adobe State of Create report Ref: McKinsey on Agile Organisations Ref: Harvard Business School on Leadership in Uncertainty Share Your Insights: What creative strength do you have that feels too easy or obvious to you, but others consistently find remarkable? I'd love to hear what you discover about your own creative thinking. Send me a message on . I read every message, often these discussions lead to future episodes Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to The Creative Strengths Podcast wherever you listen, and join my for behind-the-scenes insights, practical guidance, and first access to new content. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39250630

118. THE LAST PASSION TO PROFIT EPISODE: THE NEXT CHAPTER 11/27/2025

118. THE LAST PASSION TO PROFIT EPISODE: THE NEXT CHAPTER This is the very last Passion to Profit episode. After 118 weeks and over two years of conversations, the podcast is evolving into something that better reflects this work and where it's headed. From next week, everything changes. Make sure you are subscribed to see what comes next. Something I've never admitted: I never actually loved the name Passion to Profit! But I didn't wait for perfection. I started with 'good enough', knowing I could evolve. That choice led to 118 weeks of clarity, connection, and understanding what this work really is. True transformation in creative business has never been about turning passion into profit. It's about building from your natural strengths, understanding what comes easily to you that others genuinely struggle with, then structuring everything around that. This episode explores why the name is changing now, what's coming in 2026, and the powerful work being built behind the scenes. If you're a creative entrepreneur who's hit a plateau, this is where everything shifts. Key Moments: [00:00] Why this is the very last Passion to Profit episode and what's coming next [01:53] The truth about the podcast name I've never really liked but why I started anyway [04:22] Why the podcast name is changing now and what it reflects [09:31] The six-month programme launching next year and how the podcast feeds into it [11:44] Who the podcast and programme are best suited for [21:24] What's ahead in 2026 and why this is just the start Notable Quotes: "I didn't wait for perfection. I didn't hold myself back trying to find the perfect name, the perfect positioning, the perfect anything. I started with what felt good enough at the time, knowing I could evolve." "True transformation has never been about turning your passion into profit. It's about building a business from your natural strengths. Understanding what comes easily to you that others genuinely struggle with." "You're not missing some secret tactic or strategy. You're stuck because you've been trying to build your business using advice and frameworks that were never designed for how you as a creative actually work." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: This is a significant moment the end of Passion to Profit and the beginning of the next chapter. I'd love to hear what resonates with you about this shift. What does "building from your strengths" mean for your business? Send me a DM on I read and respond to every message. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights into the work I'm building and first access to the new programme launching in 2026. You'll also hear about the interviews coming in the new year with creative entrepreneurs who've built exceptional businesses by working with their strengths. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39178460

117. LET'S TALK ABOUT AMBITION: WHAT IT REALLY MEANS FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS 11/20/2025

117. LET'S TALK ABOUT AMBITION: WHAT IT REALLY MEANS FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS Somewhere along the way, ambition became associated with things that don't resonate with creative entrepreneurs, hustle culture, sacrificing everything for growth, becoming someone you're not. So when people talk about scaling or being ambitious, many of us instinctively recoil. Not because we don't want success, but because we don't want the version of success being sold to us. In this episode, through real-life examples, we explore what ambition actually looks like for creative businesses: having a sense of purpose, doing work you're proud of, and being fairly rewarded for it. You don't have to choose between them. You can have all three. Key Moments: [00:00] Why last week's episode on financial independence sparked this conversation about ambition [03:24] Redefining what ambition actually means for creative entrepreneurs and why it's not what you think [04:05] The three elements that make up real ambition: purpose, pride, and fair reward [06:50] What aligned scaling looks like - hint: it's amplification, not multiplication [07:48] Kate's transformation: changing one question that shifted everything for her team [10:28]The interior designer who stopped doing free consultations and created Space Planning Intensives instead [13:48] Why traditional scaling advice feels wrong and the unshakeable foundation that makes ambitious growth possible [17:39] My own journey choosing to scale on my terms and why that was more ambitious, not less [19:43] Three clarity questions that change everything about how you approach growth Notable Quotes: "Let's fully embrace and celebrate ambition. For most creatives, ambition is having a sense of purpose, doing good work you're proud of, and being fairly rewarded for it." "Ambition isn't the problem. Following someone else's definition of ambition is the problem." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Listen Episode 116: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: What does ambition look like for you? I'd genuinely love to hear how you define success on your own terms. Please do share your thoughts with me over on these conversations really matter and often shape future content. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings that support your creative business growth. And if this episode resonated with you, if you're taking away even one idea or action point for your creative business, would you leave a quick review on the platform you use? It takes less than a minute and makes a massive impact on helping us reach others who'll benefit from these episodes. Thank you. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/39064835

116. WHY I DO WHAT I DO! 11/13/2025

115. AN EXPENSIVE HOBBY VERSUS A REAL BUSINESS 11/06/2025

114. THE QUESTION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING 10/30/2025

113. THE FOUNDATION THAT MAKES EVERYTHING ELSE WORK 10/23/2025

113. THE FOUNDATION THAT MAKES EVERYTHING ELSE WORK Over the last few weeks, we've explored what makes you a creative business owner, why your creativity is your most valuable asset, what's working right now for creative businesses, why 26 Pinterest visitors matter more than a million views, and ways to generate revenue that feel aligned with how you work best. I've been getting messages from so many of you saying, "This all makes complete sense. I can see how my creativity is valuable. I understand I need to position myself differently, but how do I actually make this shift? How do I go from understanding these ideas to genuinely embodying them?" This episode looks at the foundational work to make this happen... Key Moments: [00:00] The gap between understanding business concepts and genuinely implementing them [02:05] Why creativity is your greatest business advantage [04:20:] The Missing Piece: Stories of transformation [07:05:] Building on what we have discussed [09:50] The realistic timeline that actually works [14:01] Introduction to The Base Notes Experience and its approach [19:02] What this prepares you for and why now [24:15] Understanding to transformation: Justine explains what happens when you finally make this shift Notable Quotes: "There's a gap between knowing you're valuable, knowing you have so much value to offer others, and actually showing up with that confidence." "It's not about learning to do these things despite being creative. It's all about celebrating and realising these things work better because you're creative, and thenbuilding your entire business from that foundation." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Philippa Craddock Website: Email: Share Your Insights: What's your biggest challenge in truly embodying your creative business identity? Are you struggling to see your unique strengths or feeling stuck between understanding and implementing? I want to hear your story. Send me a direct message on your journey matters, and you might just be on the brink of your own transformation! Never Miss an Episode: Want to dive deeper into the foundations of building a creative business that truly reflects who you are? Join our for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories and weekly guidance to help you turn your creative passion into a thriving, aligned business. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/38649760

112. GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO SHOW UP AS YOURSELF 10/16/2025

112. GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO SHOW UP AS YOURSELF Today's episode is different. I'm in conversation with Vicky Hagen, founder of Hattie & Vic, a personal styling business that empowers women through beautifully considered clothing. What makes this conversation special is that Vicky participated in The Base Notes first cohort earlier this year, and you'll hear how understanding her exceptional strengths has transformed not just her business clarity and confidence, but how she shows up for her clients every single day. Key Moments: [02:57] Vicky's origin story: Transforming personal styling to be more accessible and emotionally supportive [08:54] The transformative power of styling: Understanding women's life stages and personal empowerment [19:34] Choosing reflection over fear: Discovering the Base Notes as a method for business realignment [22:36] Finding the permission slip to turn up as you are [32:14] The challenges of running a business before finding a clear method [43:41] The power of finding your own business answers through guided reflection [51:24] Experiencing growth through intentional foundational work [105:55] The podcast as a supportive resource for creative entrepreneurs [112:30] Envisioning the future of Hattie & Vic Notable Quotes: "The Base Notes is a method, not a formula. It doesn't tell you what the answer should be - that's your decision. It gives you the opportunity to consider all aspects of your business in a comprehensive way." - Vicky Hagen "What makes the Base Notes so powerful is that it allows you to dip back into it in a non-linear fashion. After the initial deep dive, it becomes a resource that shines a spotlight on opportunities to do things differently." - Vicky Hagen Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Philippa Craddock Website: Email: Hattie & Vic Website: Hattie & Vic Instagram Share Your Insights: Are you feeling the tension between your creative passion and business identity? What holds you back from fully embracing your role as a creative business owner? Share your thoughts with me over on i read every message Never Miss an Episode: Join our to receive exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes content, and support for creative entrepreneurs straight to your inbox. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/38589395

111. FINDING REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES THAT ALIGN WITH HOW YOU WORK BEST 10/09/2025

110. WHY 26 VISITORS MATTER MORE THAN A MILLION VIEWS: MY PINTEREST EXPERIMENT MONTH TWO 10/02/2025

110. WHY 26 VISITORS MATTER MORE THAN A MILLION VIEWS: MY PINTEREST EXPERIMENT MONTH TWO After watching Pinterest webinars promising millions of views and instant success, I uncover the game-changing truth about sustainable marketing for creative entrepreneurs. Discover why 26 strategic website visitors matter infinitely more than vanity metrics, and how authentic, strengths-led marketing can transform your business growth. Key Moments: [02:27] The problem with Pinterest webinars promising instant success [04:43] September's Pinterest metrics: 14,905 impressions, 26 unique website visitors [06:26] Why 26 real people matter more than millions of views [10:30] Creating a simple, 30-minute weekly Pinterest routine [12:48] The importance of having a website that supports visitors [14:34] Building marketing strategies around personal strengths [20:20] October's Pinterest strategy: increasing to 5 pins per week [22:36] The bigger picture: sustainable business growth through authentic marketing Notable Quotes: "Twenty-six people finding your perfect-for-them website is worth more than a million views that lead nowhere!" "Your creative business doesn't need millions of anything to succeed. It needs the right people to find you, and it needs you to be ready to look after them really well when they do." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Pinterest Experiment Guide: Link: Link: Podcast Episode: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear if you're testing Pinterest in your own business or considering it after hearing about my experiment. What resonated most with your approach to sustainable marketing? Send me an email at with your discoveries or DM me on I'm genuinely curious about what works for others too. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get practical guidance delivered straight to your inbox, plus monthly Pinterest experiment updates as my six-month journey unfolds. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/38421200

109. WHAT MAKES YOU A CREATIVE BUSINESS OWNER? 09/25/2025

108. WHAT'S WORKING RIGHT NOW FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES 09/18/2025

108. WHAT'S WORKING RIGHT NOW FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES Last week, I had dinner with a brand strategist named Sarah who was completely deflated. She'd just lost a potential client to someone charging half her rates. But here's the fascinating part: that client had spent twenty minutes explaining why Sarah's approach felt so different, so thoughtful, and exactly what they needed. They praised her insights, described her process in detail, even said they felt confident she could transform their business. And then they chose someone else purely on price. Sarah thought this was evidence she needed to lower her rates. I saw something completely different... a pattern I've seen across many creative businesses that, once you understand it, changes everything about how you position your work... Key Moments: [00:00] The dinner conversation with Sarah that sparked a critical business insight [03:14] Why price isn't the ultimate deciding factor for clients [06:17] The real value of understanding your unique business approach [10:03] How to communicate your exceptional strengths [16:10] Strategies for attracting clients who value expertise [21:55] Breaking the cycle of underpricing and overdelivering [28:24] Transforming consultations into value-demonstration opportunities Notable Quotes: "When you price based on the outcomes you create rather than competing on cost, you attract clients who are looking to invest in what you deliver and what they want to achieve." "Quality has become non-negotiable, but it's no longer enough on its own. Beautiful work is expected. What makes you stand out now is how you think, how you solve problems, and how the experience of working with you feels from the very first interaction." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: Have you experienced a moment when a client recognised your unique value but chose a cheaper alternative? Share your story and insights with me over on DM me and let's discuss how we can better communicate our exceptional strengths. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, early access to new resources, and weekly inspiration for creative entrepreneurs. Get the first look at upcoming programs and special offers /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/38257990

107. WHY THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUILD A SMALL CREATIVE BUSINESS (AND WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS) 09/11/2025

107. WHY THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUILD A SMALL CREATIVE BUSINESS (AND WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS) The combined creative economies of Western Europe, US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are now valued at over $1 trillion - driven primarily by solo entrepreneurs and small teams. So why in these seemingly booming times do many creative entrepreneurs still feel like they are struggling? Today we explore the disconnect between this massive opportunity and the way most creative entrepreneurs are trying to build their businesses - and reveal the three key shifts that are making all the difference for those who are succeeding. You will discover you are more ready than you think... Key Moments: [00:00] Challenging conventional wisdom about creative businesses [02:00] The incredible scale of the creative economy - UK and global figures [05:53] Why creative businesses still struggle despite market strength [08:58] The three real reasons creative entrepreneurs get stuck [11:44] Why now is actually the perfect time for creative businesses [17:33] What's working now - key shifts for success [17:50] First shift: Identity over tactics [19:33] Second shift: Building around your natural strengths [20:59] Third shift: Sustainable systems that support creativity [23:45] Your place in the creative economy and next steps Notable Quotes: "What's easy for you is often impossible for your clients - that's exactly why they need you." "The creative entrepreneurs who are succeeding aren't starting with marketing strategies or business plans. They're starting with a fundamental shift in how they see themselves." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Pinterest Experiment Guide: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: How has your perspective on your creative business changed after hearing these market insights? I'd love to hear what resonated most with you - send me a DM on . I really do read and respond to every message, however old the episode - your insights often inspire future episodes. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights from each episode, plus exclusive resources and first access to new offerings. You'll get the deeper context that makes each episode even more valuable. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/38157775

106. MY PINTEREST EXPERIMENT: ONE MONTH IN 09/04/2025

106. MY PINTEREST EXPERIMENT: ONE MONTH IN One month into my Pinterest experiment and I've discovered that everything I'd heard about Pinterest was wrong. Everyone says post daily (some say 30 times a day!). But three strategic pins per week actually works better than seven rushed ones. The results? 11,000 impressions in month one and people clicking through to my website. Sometimes the sustainable approach beats the overwhelming one! Key Moments: [05:52] Why this Pinterest Experiment matters [10:32] The big revelation [17:55] The sustainability reality check [26:05] Surprising technical discoveries [30:24] The numbers from month one and what they actually mean [32:36] The Strategic shift - What’s coming next with AI agents [35:52] Overview and my hypothesis [37:28] My practical take aways and the deeper lesson [44:17] What to expect next Notable Quotes: "Pinterest success isn't about posting more - it's all about posting strategically. I always prefer careful and practical strategy over sheer numbers for the sake of it." "You need enough time to get past the initial excitement and see how something feels when it becomes routine. So much business advice focuses on the first week or two, but sustainability shows up in week three and beyond." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Pinterest Experiment Guide: : Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear if you're testing Pinterest in your own business or considering it after hearing about my experiment. What resonated most with your approach to sustainable marketing? Send me an email at with your discoveries or DM me on I'm genuinely curious about what works for others too. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get practical guidance delivered straight to your inbox, plus monthly Pinterest experiment updates as my six-month journey unfolds. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/38056315

105. IN DEPTH: 5 QUESTIONS TO CREATE YOUR NEXT CHAPTER 08/28/2025

105. IN DEPTH: 5 QUESTIONS TO CREATE YOUR NEXT CHAPTER An Instagram post about spending eight weeks in Greece with my family has so far generated over 165,000 views and revealed something profound... creative entrepreneurs yearning for freedom but unsure how to get there. This week, I'm answering the five questions myself and showing you exactly what your answers reveal about building the business and life you actually want. Key Moments: [00:00] The Instagram post that has now generated 165,000 views and what it revealed about creative entrepreneurs [04:46] Why traditional business advice fails creative minds and the breakthrough that changed everything [07:22] The question that reveals your true business vision (and why most people get this completely wrong) [13:11] The natural ability you're probably undervaluing that could transform your income [18:16] How to identify the part of your business where you feel most authentically yourself [22:53] The permission question that could eliminate half your current stress immediately [26:38] The vulnerable truth most entrepreneurs won't admit (but must address to move forward) [30:24] What your answers reveal about your path to genuine freedom and success [32:37] One simple step to start building your ideal Tuesday this week Notable Quotes: "The gap between where you are and where you want to be is almost never about working harder or learning more tactics - it's about recognising what you naturally do brilliantly and building everything around that." "Your impossible dream? It starts with believing it's possible." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Coffee invitation: Pinterest experiment: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear which of these five questions resonated most with you! What came up when you imagined your ideal ordinary Tuesday? Share your insights with me on - I read every message and love hearing about your discoveries. Please know your reflections often inspire future episodes and help our entire community grow. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to our for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll also receive practical guidance for building a creative business that aligns with your natural strengths whilst creating genuine freedom. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37983825

104. A COFFEE INVITATION: THE QUESTIONS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING 08/21/2025

103. FROM CREATIVE TO CREATIVE BUSINESS OWNER 08/14/2025

103. FROM CREATIVE TO CREATIVE BUSINESS OWNER There's an invisible line that many creative entrepreneurs struggle to cross, from seeing yourself as a creative person who happens to sell their offerings, to stepping fully into being a creative business owner. It sounds like a small difference, but it changes absolutely everything about how you operate. This final episode of our summer series is about making that shift and owning your identity as a professional creative business owner. Your creativity doesn't diminish, it becomes your unique business advantage when treated with the professional respect it deserves. Key Moments: [02:01] The invisible line: creative person vs. creative business owner [04:21] Why "humility" about your work actually holds everyone back [06:45] Simple systems that signal professional seriousness [08:35] You're not becoming a business owner, you already are one! Notable Quotes: "When you show up as a confident business owner, you give your clients permission to see you that way too. They trust you more, they value your input more, they're happier to pay your prices, and they refer you to others with confidence." "You're not just creative. You're a creative business owner. Own it, because the world needs what you have to offer." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Pinterest experiment: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: What resonated most with you about stepping into your identity as a creative business owner? I'd love to hear about your own identity shifts or the small professional systems you're implementing this week. Share your thoughts with me on , I read every message however old the podcast and love connecting with you. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new programmes and community launches. Plus, you'll be the first to know when The Base Notes community opens again. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37773580

102. THE PERFECTIONISM TRAP THAT'S COSTING YOU CLIENTS 08/07/2025

102. THE PERFECTIONISM TRAP THAT'S COSTING YOU CLIENTS As creatives we often think perfectionism makes our work better, but it's actually costing us clients, opportunities and genuine connections with our audience. While you're perfecting, polishing, and waiting for everything to be "ready," your ideal clients are working with someone else - someone who showed up, shared their work, and made that human connection. In this episode we explore why "good enough, shared" always beats "perfect, hidden." Key Moments: [02:19] The real cost of perfectionism: missing clients while you perfect your work [03:57] Why people hire you, not just your skills - the power of authentic connection [05:57] The ceramicist story: how perfectionism was blocking growth and visibility [08:58] Behind-the-scenes content gets more engagement than polished perfection [11:52] This week's experiment: sharing "good enough" instead of perfect Notable Quotes: "People don't just hire your skills. They hire you. And perfectionism often hides the very personality and authenticity that makes you memorable and trustworthy." "Your clients want to work with someone they trust, someone they feel comfortable with, someone who feels real and approachable. And perfectionism actually works against all of those things." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Previous Episode Mentioned: Previous Episode Mentioned: Pinterest experiment: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: What's one thing you've been holding back from sharing because it wasn't "perfect" yet? I'd love to hear about your experiment with "good enough" content - send me a message on and let me know what you discover when you share something genuine rather than polished. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, including my current Pinterest experiment where I'm sharing both the wins and frustrations as I test what works. You'll get first access to new resources and exclusive content that doesn't appear anywhere else. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37699170

101. WHY YOUR NATURAL SKILLS ARE YOUR BIGGEST ASSET 07/31/2025

101. WHY YOUR NATURAL SKILLS ARE YOUR BIGGEST ASSET "It's just something I'm naturally good at." "It feels too easy to charge for." "Anyone could do that." I hear these phrases constantly from creative entrepreneurs who are unknowingly dismissing their most valuable business assets. What feels effortless to you is often exactly what clients will pay premium prices for. In this episode, I'll show you how to spot your undervalued strengths and turn them into your most profitable offerings. Key Moments: [01:53] The problem: Why "it feels too easy" is costing you money [02:53] Real examples of natural skills being undervalued by their owners [03:52] The weird guilt about charging for things that come naturally [05:31] The reframe: Easy for you doesn't mean easy for everyone else [06:50] How to recognise when ease actually indicates expertise [07:31] This week's action: Start tracking your "no big deal" moments Notable Quotes: "What feels effortless to you is often what clients and customers will pay premium prices for. The skill that comes naturally, that you barely have to think about, that you assume everyone can do - that's probably your most valuable part of your offerings." "Your clients aren't just paying for your time. They're paying for your perspective, your expertise, your ability to see solutions they can't see. They're paying for the years of experience that allow you to make something look effortless." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: What natural skill do you find yourself dismissing as "no big deal" that others consistently compliment you on? I'd love to hear about those abilities you take for granted that might actually be your biggest business assets. Send me a DM on I read every message and love helping you recognise your genuine value. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance that supports your creative entrepreneural journey. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37605210

100. THE ONE THING HOLDING BACK YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS 07/24/2025

100. THE ONE THING HOLDING BACK YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS "I'm not a real business owner yet." "I'm just starting out." "I don't have enough experience." I hear these types of phrases constantly from creative entrepreneurs - even ones who've been successfully running businesses for years. This single limiting belief is costing you money, opportunities, and confidence, but the good news is it's completely fixable. As we reach our 100th podcast episode, here's the mindset shift that changes everything about how you see yourself and your creative business. This belief shows up in how you price your services, communicate your value, and the growth opportunities you don't pursue because you assume you're not ready. If you've ever downplayed your expertise or waited for permission to call yourself a legitimate business owner, this episode will help you step fully into your professional identity and unlock the sustainable business growth you've been working towards. Key Moments: [02:29] Celebrating 100 episodes and the collaborative nature of this podcast [04:47] The one belief sabotaging creative businesses more than anything else [06:01] How this self-doubt manifests - even in successful creative entrepreneurs [09:03] The uncomfortable but powerful exercise to shift this belief [11:36] The truth about becoming "legitimate" as a business owner Notable Quotes: "The creative entrepreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the most experienced or the most qualified. They're the ones who recognise their own value and own it confidently." "There's no magic moment when you suddenly become 'legitimate.' There's no external validation that makes you a 'real' business owner. It's a decision you make about how you see yourself and your work." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear how this resonates with you! Have you caught yourself saying "I'm not a real business owner yet" despite all the evidence to the contrary? What shift in language feels most powerful for you? Send me a message on I genuinely love hearing from you, however old the episode! Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new programme launches and exclusive resources. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37522220

099. BE YOURSELF IN BUSINESS! 07/17/2025

099. BE YOURSELF IN BUSINESS! That email you've been staring at for twenty minutes, trying to sound "professional" but ending up sounding like a robot?! I've been there. For years, I thought being professional meant hiding my personality behind formal language and corporate-speak. Then I met Elisa, a Sardinian event planner who was completely herself in every interaction... warm, direct, enthusiastic, while running a hugely successful international business. She taught me that authenticity doesn't make you less professional; it makes you more effective. This episode explores how to find that balance between being genuinely yourself and being professional, and why your real voice is actually your greatest business asset. Key Moments: [03:40] The professional mask we think we need and why formal language often backfires [05:31] My turning point: learning from Elisa Mocci and discovering authentic professionalism [09:21] The cost of hiding behind formality [10:32] What authentic professionalism actually looks like in practice [13:00] Finding your boundaries: what to share and what to keep private [13:43] Overcoming the fear that authenticity will turn off serious clients [14:58] How dyslexia taught me that vulnerability can become strength [15:48] Why your real voice matters more than ever in an AI-generated world Notable Quotes: "When you're hiding behind overly formal language, you're not building genuine connections. And business, especially creative business, is fundamentally about relationships." "Your unique voice, your particular way of seeing things, your specific experiences - these are your competitive advantages. When you try to sound like everyone else, you're giving up the very thing that makes you irreplaceable." Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Free Persistence Guide: Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear about your experience with finding the balance between authenticity and professionalism. Have you noticed a difference in client responses when you've communicated more naturally? What barriers have you faced in letting your real voice come through in your business communications? Send me a DM on - I read every message and love connecting with you about these topics. Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance that supports your creative entrepreneurship journey. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37431185

098. THOUGHTFUL PERSISTENCE: WHY SILENCE DOESN'T MEAN NO 07/10/2025

098. THOUGHTFUL PERSISTENCE: WHY SILENCE DOESN'T MEAN NO That beautiful pitch you sent months ago? The one that never received a response and left you feeling completely rejected? This silence almost never means what you think it means. After two years of rejection from Selfridges, I was told I "wasn't fashionable enough." Instead of giving up, I created fashion-inspired flower arrangements and turned up at their offices. That persistence became the foundation of one of my most important business relationships. Here's what I've learnt about the difference between thoughtful persistence and being pushy, and why your gentle nature is actually your biggest business strength when building a creative business. Key Moments: [02:30] Why persistence only got 12% of votes despite being what holds people back most [03:58] The story of 20 beautifully crafted cards that received zero responses [05:37] What silence really means (and why our minds jump to rejection) [07:15] My Selfridges story: two years of "no" becoming my most important business relationship [11:44] The truth about creative professionals and why your "too much" probably isn't [12:53] When persistence works and when it becomes problematic [17:31] The golden rule of follow-up: adding value rather than adding to to-do lists [18:25] Five practical strategies for thoughtful persistence [20:34] About the Free Guide and how it can help you. Notable Quotes: "Your version of 'rude or pushy or annoying' is probably most people's version of 'thoughtfully persistent.'" "Most of the time, when we think we're hearing 'not ever,' we're actually hearing 'not right now.'" Resources Mentioned: Free Persistence Guide: Read: This Week's Link: Subscribe to our Website: Email: Share Your Insights: If today's episode gave you the courage to send that follow-up message you've been putting off, I'd love to hear about it. Have you experienced a situation where persistence paid off in ways you didn't expect? Share your experience with me over on or through DM's. I always read all your thoughts and comments however old the episode! Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new episodes. You'll also get exclusive resources and first access to new offerings. /episode/index/show/f00ef7a2-5e86-4738-871b-09ca611f7831/id/37350740

CREATIVE STRENGTHS

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