Let's get strategic!
The Strategic Creator explores the business side of creative work — from systems and structures to decision-making and sustainability. Each edition cuts through noise and performance culture to help creatives build businesses that are legible, aligned, and designed to last.
The Real Cost of Being the Creative Centre
Where Creative Intuition meets Business Intelligence “The discipline isn’t just in what you choose to do. It’s in what you decide to let others own.” 👀 Observed This Week © Image: The Diary Of A CEO I was caught by a clip of Kevin O’Leary discussing what it was like working with Steve Jobs. Jobs was ruthless about ignoring “noise” so he could focus on the small set of decisions that actually shaped Apple’s future: product direction, user experience, quality, and culture. That discipline...
The most valuable currency in Business isn't attention. It's belonging.
Where Creative Intuition meets Business Intelligence "At the top end of the market, the safest choice wins, not the cleverest one." 👀 Observed This Week Watching Nando’s step back from cultural commentary made something clear about how maturity actually shows up in strategy. For years, they were sharp, fast, and always present. Then they stopped performing. Not because they had less to say but because they no longer needed to win the moment. Their shift wasn’t cosmetic. It was a move away...
Why Clients Book Competitors First—and How You Can Change That
Did you know that 70% of clients book photographers based on how easily they can find and connect with them online? Even more surprising—over 80% choose the photographer who responds first with a clear, appealing offer. That means you can book more shoots simply by strategically presenting yourself and communicating with potential clients. Yet, many photographers miss out on jobs they could’ve landed. 🚫 Missed opportunities and clients choosing competitors. Why does this happen? Because even...
Why Scaling Your Creative Business Is the Smartest Move You'll Ever Make 🎨
Most creatives start their business to escape the 9-to-5 grind and find freedom. But here’s the brutal truth:If your business can't run without you designing, shooting, writing, or managing client chaos 24/7… it’s a job, not a business. And here’s the kicker:When you’re trading time for money, you’re stuck in a utility business — meaning your income stops the moment you do. Want real freedom? Build an equity-driven business that works for you. What’s the difference? Utility Business: You...
Letting go to move forward.
Hi Hello Reader,I hope you don’t mind me reaching out again so soon, but I came across something that deeply resonated with me, and I felt compelled to share it with you. It touches on the disappointment of unmet expectations — something I know many creative business owners are feeling right now. “People can sometimes feel trapped by their expectations. We all have dreams and paths we aspire to follow, and it’s completely understandable that our mindset can falter when things don’t turn out...
From Tears to Blackouts: My Story with Emotional Labor (and How You Can Avoid It)
It’s Not in Your Head. The feeling of walking into a room that sucks your creative juices out of you is all too real. The weight and distortion that come with working with someone can become an unbearable burden, growing heavier daily leaving you feeling emotionally exhausted and physically drained. When I started my business in 2018, I was fortunate to work with an incredible humanitarian organisation that aligned with my values. I enjoyed the project we worked on together, and I saw...
This ends in 2024
Hi Reader I don’t know about you, but the last few months—no, the last two years—have been something else. I had to take a hard look in the mirror and decide that I would not go into 2025 the same way I did in 2024. I want to work smarter, not harder, and rediscover the time to focus on why I went into business in the first place. That’s why I’m excited to invite you to our Year in Review Workshop, designed specifically for creative professionals looking to reflect on their achievements and...
Working on, not in.
Hi there Creator 👋🏻 We hear this phrase a lot in the entrepreneurial space - work on your business, not just in it. So what does that mean? Simply put, working in your business is making sure that the basic functions of the business are up to date. It's the day-to-day responsibility of making sure your business runs smoothly. It's the operational activities of running your business; think of the value chain of delivering your products and services to your customers. Activities like sales,...
How to say no to opportunities without missing out?
Hi Reader 🤓, Ever feel like opportunities are just pouring in from every direction? New clients, exciting projects, fresh collaborations... It's like a feast with too many delicious options! Which one do you start with first? But whoa there! Hold your horses. Every 'yes' you utter is a silent 'no' to something else. Intriguing, isn't it? Enter the game changer - 'Opportunity Cost'. It's not just a fancy term, but a powerful tool to assess the value of the road not taken when you're busy...
How To Create Business Growth Habits That Won't Suck The Life Out Of You
Hello Reader👋🏻, I know you’re a creative person. You love coming up with new ideas and bringing them to life. But I also know that you struggle with the other side of the business. I get it. Admin can be boring and time-consuming. And it can be hard to find the motivation to do it when you’d rather be creating. But here’s the thing: Admin is essential for business growth. Without it, you’ll be stuck in the mud. You won’t be able to track your progress, measure your results and revenue, or...
The Strategic Creator explores the business side of creative work — from systems and structures to decision-making and sustainability. Each edition cuts through noise and performance culture to help creatives build businesses that are legible, aligned, and designed to last.