Can running your own business really bring you more flexibility and freedom?

Can running your own business really bring you more flexibility and freedom? Find out my approach to balancing my time between work and outdoor adventures by listening to this episode of About The Adventure podcast. During this interview I also share the importance of my personal values that feed into my work as an ethical branding designer, why spending time in nature is so important to me, and a behind the scenes peek into creating The Brand Builder Course.

This is the longest episode yet, packed full of valuable wisdom and honest reflection. 

Tune in to this episode of About The Adventure Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, About The Adventure website, or click on this magic link to listen on your favourite app.

I think that this episode will be particularly valuable to people interested in branding, ethical business, sustainability, and creating work grounded by personal values. I think it will also appeal to anyone who is thinking about working as a freelancer, starting a business, or creating an online course.

During this episode, Sarah asks me:

• How has setting up your own company enabled you to create more time to spend outside?

• Why has that become a priority in your life?

• How has your appreciation of nature and outdoor experiences inspired your graphic branding design agency?

• Has it also guided who you choose to work with?

• Has ethical branding and sustainability always been important to you, or was there a particular turning point?

• What have you noticed happens if you don’t make time to get out?

• What led you to create your brand builder course?

• What’s the journey that you take people on with your course?

• Can you give us an idea of what went on behind the scenes? (the highs, lows, frustrations, challenges etc)

• How are you reaching the people who you want to share your knowledge with?

• Who has helped or supported you along the way?

• How important do you think it is to feel part of a community when you’re freelancing or working alone from home?

• What steps have you taken to create a sense of community for yourself and for others?

• How do your Conscious Entrepreneurs meet-ups work?

• Reflecting back on your career, how have you found your way through some of the main challenges?

• Question from The Intrepid Creative: How did you attract clients to work with you when you started freelancing as a graphic designer?

• They also ask: Is it difficult to push away the doubts about success and financial stability and did you prepare financially prior to starting your business?

• How does your lifestyle now compare to your previous work experiences?

• Have you had any moments where you’ve thought that you can’t run your own business any more?

• What’s helped you to get through the difficult times?

• What helped your decisions towards creating a unique branding agency that is grounded in your values?

• Is there one thing that has really helped you to define your brand?

• How do you know what your values are?

• We have another couple of questions that have been sent in by Jessica Sinclair, a creative designer and illustrator. Firstly: Where do you look for clients that are in line with your values?

• Has there been a particular platform that you’ve found to be organic in attracting people to work with you?

• Secondly from Jessica: What’s your process for ensuring the work that you’re taking on is in line with who you are and want to be?

• Can you select three core things that have been essential to your work and lifestyle becoming more enjoyable and flexible for you?

Visit About The Adventure website to email Sarah, your podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah’s newsletter to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions. Podcast reviews are much appreciated on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening!

want to learn more? Keep on reading below…

• Re-brand, brand refresh what’s the difference and do you need it?
• Why authentic brand experiences are so important
• Learn how to build an memorable brand on my Brand Builder Course
• Find out how to collaborate with me on improving your brand experience