Creative Courage: The Creative Business Podcast

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

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

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

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

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/