Creative Courage with Matt Essam

Get Existing Clients to Pay You More (without loosing any)

Most creative agency owners are sitting on untapped opportunities with their existing clients. In this episode of Creative Courage, I share a simple strategy that can help you turn one-off projects into long-term relationships, increase client spending, and position yourself as a strategic partner rather than just another service provider. You'll discover how to use Strategy Sessions to create more opportunities, build stronger relationships, and make clients genuinely want to work with you. Want to turn more conversations into high-value opportunities? Download my free One Page Sales Framework: https://onepagesales.scoreapp.com

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Turn Conversations Into High Value Clients Using My One Page Sales Framework™

Most creative agency founders don't have a problem delivering exceptional work. They have a problem getting clients to recognise what that work is worth. Prospects question their fees, proposals go unanswered, and conversations that seemed promising suddenly go cold. In this solo episode of Creative Courage, Matt Essam explores a different approach to selling creative services, introducing his One Page Sales Framework™. Rather than relying on persuasion, clever sales tactics or endless follow-ups, the framework helps you structure conversations that uncover what clients really need, communicate the value of your expertise and turn more opportunities into high-value projects. Whether you're struggling to close bigger deals, tired of defending your prices or simply want to feel more confident in sales conversations, this episode will help you rethink the way you sell. Get the free One Page Sales Framework here: https://onepagesales.scoreapp.com Because the best sales conversations don't feel like selling; they feel like helping someone make a great decision.

Listen to this If Your Prospects Take A Long Time To Make Decisions

In this episode, I look at common sales frustrations among agency owners, including slow decision-making, repeated follow-ups, concerns about price, and conversations that focus on deliverables instead of strategy. I explore the idea that how we buy high-value services often shapes how we sell them. For example, how avoiding pushiness means prospects have no reason to make a timely decision. I also discuss how our own fears about appearing motivated by money can lead us to avoid asking prospects to take the next step. By changing how we approach considered purchases ourselves we are able to understand and guide prospects through similar decisions. Ultimately, we can't ask others to do what we are unwilling to do ourselves.

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How To Stay Relevant As A Designer In 2026 and Beyond (Solo Episode)

I believe the future of design is shifting away from phones toward wearables, voice agents, and more physical, tactile experiences. This episode breaks down what that could look like and why it matters for your career. I talk about the macro trends I'm noticing in design and consumer behaviour in general, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. If you found this episode valuable, please hit the subscribe button. When you are ready to go deeper, here are 2 ways I can help: 1: Join my private '$100K conversations' channel on Instagram 2: Stop getting ghosted and close bigger deals using my One Page Sales Framework ™

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Create a new reality by moving through 'the gap'

Have you ever found yourself in that weird in-between space between familiarity and a new compelling future? You know there is more available to you, but it's difficult to let go of the comfort and familiarity of your current reality. In this episode I explore “the gap”. The scary space between the life you know and the one you want. I then break down three key principles for closing the gap and moving into that new reality. Whether it's raising your prices, changing industry or leaving a relationship, we all face the gap at some point. This podcast will give you the tools and strategies to navigate it. Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Apply to work with me 1:1

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Dominate LinkedIn in 2026 with Maria Ledentsova

If LinkedIn still feels like an enigma, this episode is for you. I sit down with Maria Ledenstova in Hyde Park to unpack how she grew 40k+ followers and now gets steady inbound clients and brand opportunities. We break down exactly how she has done it and how you can aply it to your business. We cover: How to show up authentically without being cringe What to post and when The importance of finding purpose And so much more. If you found this episode useful, please share it with a friend. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeden/ Work with me 1:1 to grow your creative business here: https://matt-essam.notion.site/A-Private-Invitation-To-Work-With-Me-1-1-3ce1bfbff88681f5b880c4ee39c210cb?source=copy_link

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Be The Top 1%: Two Simple Moves Every Founder Must Make

If you are still pitching with your experience and portfolio, you need to listen to this episode. I had a crazy experience the other day. I posted on LinkedIn asking for help writing some case studies, and I was inundated with DM's. What blew my mind was that not a single person led with any value. They all just shared their experience and portfolio. In 2026, this only gets you drowned out in the noise. It won't win high-value clients, and you are probably leaving thousands on the table. Instead, you must lead with value and insight. The right clients have more money than time; they won’t DIY; they’ll pay for someone who’s showing how it’s done. You must give away your best ideas and thinking before you pitch I break down the exact approach in this episode and what I would have done differently. PS: If you are looking for help landing higher-value clients, you can apply to work with me here: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/coaching-linkedIn

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Stop sending proposals - do this instead

Do you remember the feeling of sending the proposal and then patiently waiting to see if you won the project? What if you never had to feel like that again, and there was a better way... In this episode, I break down why PDF proposals lose projects and what to do instead. I talk about framing, uncovering the real objections and moving people from "let me think about it" to "When do we start?" You can also grab a copy of my One Page Sales Framework which has been used by hundreds of creative founders to close more deals and raise prices. Send me a message on LinkedIn and I will send you a copy back

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Finally Eliminate Procrastination By Making Friends With Your Inner Child

What would it be like if you could eliminate procrastination by improving the relationship with your inner child? Sounds like a strange concept right? That's exactly what happened to Lucio in this session. This episode pulls back the curtain on a real coaching session. What starts as business stress quickly becomes something deeper: a childhood wound, a lonely 6‑year‑old, and a surprisingly simple way to reconnect that unlocks confidence and better decisions. It’s honest, intimate, and practical. You’ll hear the moment Lucio meets that younger part of himself, the 5‑minute practice he commits to, and how a week later things have already shifted. Stick around; this one feels like a chat with a friend that actually helps. Connect with Lucio on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucio-di-giacinti/ Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Apply to work with me 1:1: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/coaching

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Stop playing it safe and unlock your true potential

If you’ve ever found yourself choosing the "safe" path over the one you really want to pursue, this episode is for you. I break down why security is actually an illusion and how to avoid falling into the trap. I've personally found that the energy you bring to what you do, is far more important than what you actually do. When you choose work that lights you up, you’ll find that challenges are just temporary obstacles and opportunities show up in unexpected ways. Consider this episode a gentle nudge to re-examine the choices you’re making: are you chasing security, or are you chasing something that lets you show up fully alive? A small but courageous decision can change everything. I would love to know what you think of this episode. You can connect with me on Instagram @matt_essam or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ PS: Next month I'm opening up five spaces to work with me 1:1. If you are interested in finding out more, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn

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When Life Works: Build Your Personal 'Flow' List

Imagine feeling like every day is one of your best days. In this episode, I walk you through my “When Life Works” list: a handful of controllable habits and inputs that reliably make your days feel more energized, grounded, and joyful. No long rituals or 5am fads just practical, personal things you can use to see subtle but real shifts in how you feel day to day. Give it a go and see what changes after seven days. If you enjoyed this please share this episode with a friend. Connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/

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How to find out what really makes you happy

Humans are terrible at predicting what will actually make them happy. So how do we avoid wasting years of our life chasing things that won't give us what we are actually looking for. Today I'm breaking down "goal renting", which involves deliberately testing a goal in real life before committing years of sacrifice to it. I walk through my own experiment as well as many other examples. Ultimately closing the the gap between what you think you want and what you actually want. You'll learn: Why stress-testing a goal beats logically reasoning your way to it How to compress the time between clarity and experience A simple framework for testing big life goals (more free time, relocating, buying property) in weeks instead of years Why the people who already have what you want are your best and most honest source of information How I reward myself along the way to a long-term goal, instead of only at the finish line Whether you're craving more time, eyeing a lifestyle change, or just chasing a goal you've never actually tested, this episode gives you a practical way to find out if it's really what you want. I'm Matt Essam the business coach to creative studio founders and author of The Creative Studio Roadmap. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on courage, creativity, and building a business (and life) on your own terms. 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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Whose Permission Are You Waiting For?

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business or life and didn’t know why, this episode might be worth a listen. This week I threw thousands of hours of coaching calls into Claude and one common pattern came up... The one thing that keeps most founders stuck is waiting for permission. Most of us know what to do but we have subconscious patterns that keep us stuck, often waiting for permission from someone that isn't even around anymore. These patterns can show up in your pricing, your sales calls and even your positioning. In this episode I explore how to spot the patterns and break them once and for all. Whose permission are you still waiting for? This episode is a warm invite to look inward, update your script, and get out of your own way so you can do the work you actually want to do. Please hit the subscribe button if you found this useful and share it with a friend.

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Do this if you're struggling to decide

Are you struggling to make a decision or simply feel overwhelmed with options? In this episode, I discuss my own struggles with decision making and break down four principles that have helped me to make decisions faster. Whether you are at a crossroads or just feel overwhelmed with options, these principles might get you unstuck and making better decisions. If you found the episode valuable, please hit subscribe and share it with a friend.

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Why I Closed My Business (Solo Episode)

I'm back with another episode of the Creative Courage Podcast. Today I'm talking about why I closed my business, what freedom means and how to build a financial buffer in your business. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you are subscribed and share it with a friend. Connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/

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The Formula For Attracting Your Ideal Clients On LinkedIn with Sam Browne

If you’re like most creative business owners, you’ve probably dabbled with posting on LinkedIn, but you’ve found that even with consistency, no-one pays attention. Sam Browne is an entrepreneur and LinkedIn strategist who has built multiple six-figure businesses and has grown an audience of over 100,000 followers. Sam spent nearly 20 years operating his creative businesses in silence before stepping into the spotlight, sharing his story, and attracting his first 50,000 LinkedIn followers in just a year. And in this episode, we unpack why so many creative founders struggle to get traction on LinkedIn and how to turn your story into something that makes your ideal clients pay attention. If you’ve been posting consistently but haven’t seen results, this will help you understand what’s missing and how to fix it. Covered in this episode: How Sam scaled multiple six-figure businesses. The litmus test for knowing if a business idea is worth pursuing. How Sam grew to 50k LinkedIn followers in a year. The biggest mistakes agency owners are making on LinkedIn. How to write posts that don’t get ignored. Turning your story into content that attracts ideal clients. The 3 types of LinkedIn content and when to use each one. How to sell through your posts without driving people away. Optimising your profile and connection requests to reach more ideal clients and partners. And much more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Sam Browne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browne/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

If You Feel Lost, Ask Yourself This Question…

It’s understandable if you feel a bit lost right now. There’s more noise and pressure than ever for business owners. And we try to make the right decisions, but the right path isn’t always obvious. In this episode, I wanted to do something a bit different. This is more of a conversation I wanted to have with you. I share the crossroads that I’ve faced over the last few years in my business and the questions I ask myself to find clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about which direction to take in your life and business, this episode will help you to move forward with intention. Covered in this episode: Why it’s normal to feel lost (especially right now). The crossroads many founders reach in their business. The questions to ask yourself to find clarity. Identifying your skill gaps. Why every business decision comes with trade-offs. How to uncover hidden risks before making a move. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Are You Undercharging? Use This Number To Find Out…

It might feel like you’re charging the right amount. Your close rate is good. The business is running smoothly. But what if you could charge more without increasing your hours? Most creative business owners wouldn’t say no to that. And there’s a number most creative founders are missing that can easily tell them whether or not they’re undercharging. In this episode, I share what that number is and how you can apply it. If you’re consistently winning work but you feel too busy, or want to find out if you’re leaving money on the table, this is for you. Covered in this episode: The number that tells you if you’re undercharging. What a healthy close rate looks like. Why a high close rate can actually be a red flag. How to make more money without working more hours. Packaging your offer to prevent taking on underpaying clients. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Uncovering The Hidden Patterns Holding You Back with Kristy Campbell

Most creative founders think their business needs them to survive. That if they step away, everything will slow down or fall apart. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy Campbell, Founder of Pink Pony Creative. Kristy has built a social media following of hundreds of thousands. But what makes this conversation interesting isn’t just what Kristy has built, it’s how she’s been able to step away from the business and keep it growing. We unpack what happened when Kristy took time away from her business after having a baby and how the business and her following continued to grow without her. We also have a mini coaching session, where I help Kristy uncover some of the hidden patterns and limiting beliefs that hold many creatives back. If you’ve ever felt like your business depends too much on you, or you feel stuck in ways that you can’t quite explain, this episode will help you see what’s really going on. Covered in this episode: Why creative business owners find it so difficult to step away from the delivery. How Kristy’s business continued to grow while she took time off. How to maintain a steady stream of content. What creatives get wrong with social media that limits growth. The strategy behind Kristy growing an audience of over 300k. Why following what other successful businesses are doing doesn’t always work. Identifying the “phantom patterns” influencing your decisions. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Kristy Campbell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-campbell-pinkpony/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV

Scarcity Mode vs. Opportunity Mode - Which One Are You In?

As a creative business owner, it can feel like there’s a lack of opportunities out there. Like you’ve exhausted all possibilities, or, people “just aren’t buying at the moment”. But often, the opportunities are there, we’re just not in the right mindset to see them. We’re in ‘scarcity mode’, rather than ‘opportunity mode’. And when we’re in scarcity mode, our brain switches to fight or flight. We make defensive decisions and we stop seeing opportunities that are right in front of us. In this episode, I break down the difference between scarcity mode and opportunity mode, how scarcity damages your sales and creativity and the practical steps you can take to shift your thinking when panic starts creeping in. Because once you learn to recognise it, you’ll start seeing opportunities showing up everywhere. And you’re more likely to land them when they do. Covered in this episode: The difference between “scarcity mode” and “opportunity mode”. Why scarcity thinking leads to bad business decisions. How panic harms creativity. The real reason many creatives stay stuck in a feast and famine cycle. Techniques to pull yourself out of scarcity mode. Why more opportunities exist around you than you think. And more… If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/. LEARN MORE Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV