Minding My Creative Business Podcast

You Are a Brand: What It Actually Takes to Get Hired by a Corporate Client with Scottie RodgersEpisode SummaryPart of MMCB's ongoing Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs series, this episode brings in Scottie Rodgers, Vice President of Communications for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, with over 30 years of communications experience and 32 years working in college athletics. Scottie sits on the other side of the hiring table from most of MMCB's audience — he's the person deciding which creatives get the contract — and he breaks down exactly what separates a creative who gets hired once from one...

Takeaways:Transitioning from a W2 job to full-time entrepreneurship requires careful planning and commitment.Diversifying income streams is essential for creative entrepreneurs to achieve financial stability.Embracing AI technology can enhance creativity rather than replace it, as it offers valuable tools.Collaboration among creative professionals can lead to shared resources, reducing individual burdens and increasing opportunities for success.Participating in structured challenges can guide entrepreneurs toward predictable income and business growth.Understanding one's current position and future goals is crucial for successful entrepreneurship and navigating challenges.Links referenced in this episode:Credit Savant IO<...

What if being creative had less to do with what you make and more to do with how you build your life and business?In this episode of Minding My Creative Business, Ron and Shai sit down with brand strategist, marketing leader, creative entrepreneur, and North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee CMO Noelle LeVeaux for a conversation about what it really means to think like a creative entrepreneur.With more than 30 years of marketing experience, Noel shares how a background in mathematics and analytics shaped her approach to creativity, why flexibility creates opportunities, and...

What does it actually take to grow from a solo entrepreneur into a real business owner? Many creatives start with a skill, some turn that into freelance work — but only a few build a company that can run beyond themselves. In the Season 7 premiere of Minding My Creative Business, Ron and Shy sit down with Sammy Bivens, Founder and CEO of Digital Marketing Maven & Associates, to trace her path from selling handmade jewelry to leading a full-service marketing agency — and why systems, relationships, adaptability, and continuous learning became the foundation of her success.What You'll LearnYour...

This podcast episode serves as a comprehensive recap of Season Six, wherein we delve into the transformative journeys of creative entrepreneurs who are determined to shift from mere survival to thriving within their craft. Central to this discussion is the invitation to engage in the Creative to CEO challenge, a five-day live coaching experience designed to cultivate a mindset that fosters both purpose and profitability. Throughout the season, we have highlighted the significance of collaboration over competition, emphasizing that true success often emerges from partnerships that elevate all involved parties. We reflect on inspiring conversations with notable guests, including...

Your revenue didn’t drop because you need more clients. It dropped because your offer is broken.In Episode 48 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron break down one of the most dangerous beliefs in the creative space:“I just need more clients.”But the truth is:More clients + unclear offer = more chaos.This episode dismantles the “volume trap” and replaces it with a system that actually scales — the CRAFT Method, a framework designed to help creatives turn scattered services into structured, profitable offers.If you feel stretched, underpaid, or constantl...

You don’t need PR — you need to get your foundation together first.In Episode 47 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron sit down with Rae Christine, a 20-year PR veteran and brand architect, to break down one of the biggest misconceptions in the creative space:people think they need PR… when they’re not even ready for it.This episode goes beyond branding theory.It exposes:what actually drives revenue in a PR agencywhy most brands are just “shells”how positioning vs aesthetics changes everythingand the uncomfortable truth about readinessBecause vi...

You want bigger clients… but you’re not operating like someone who can handle them.In Episode 46 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron sit down with Briana Gallen, founder of Swank PR, to break down what it actually takes to run a high-level PR business after 18 years in the game.This episode is not theory.It’s not “motivation.”It’s real execution — from onboarding systems, to pricing structure, to pitching at scale, to managing client expectations.If you’re still freelancing without structure…if your income is inconsistent…<...

You’re getting inquiries… but the money still isn’t consistent. Why?In Episode 45 of Season 6, ShySpeaks and Ron break down one of the most overlooked reasons creative entrepreneurs struggle to scale:a broken client journey.You’re getting messages.You’re booking clients.You’re delivering work.But something still feels off.That “off” feeling?It’s profit leakage happening across your entire process.This episode walks you step-by-step through the full client journey — from first inquiry to repeat purchase — and exposes exactly wh...

Episode Summary:Cindy Beasley didn't take the Hollywood route — she watched what happened to people who did, decided it wasn't for her, and built her own table instead. Now she's the founder of Morally Simple Productions and the newly appointed President of Creative Cipher, a Chicago-rooted creative ecosystem that hosts the XL Film Festival, attracts AMC executives, and is being built into the next Viacom. This conversation goes deep into what it actually takes to survive and scale in entertainment — and it starts long before you ever pick up a camera.What You'll Learn:Why...

Episode Summary:Isabel Bora didn't wait until she was ready — she started in her bathroom, pregnant, modeling wigs at night while her baby slept, and reaching out to 40 companies before she got her first yes. In 14 months, she built Sugar Bridals into a premium bridal hair brand serving brides of color, closed 62 brides in year one, assembled a 5-person team, and used her creative business income to buy her first real estate investment. If you've been sitting on a skill, second-guessing your prices, or wondering how long it's supposed to take — this episode is the answer.<...

Episode Summary:Most creatives are still playing small because they think collaboration is competition in disguise — this episode dismantles that lie in real time. Recorded live at CreativeCon Chicago, Ron and Shy sit down with bestselling author and Motivation Champs founder Dominick "Dom" Domasky and small business powerhouse Ramon Ray to unpack what it actually takes to build events, publishing companies, and creative communities that outlast the hype. If you've ever wondered whether your idea is big enough to become a movement, this conversation will show you the blueprint — and remind you that you were never supposed to b...

Episode DescriptionTwo years in. Five seasons deep. And we are just getting started.In this Season 5 Wrap-Up episode of Mind My Creative Business, hosts Ron Lee Jr. and Shai Speaks take you on a full-circle journey through one of the most powerful seasons yet — recapping the game-changing conversations, frameworks, and strategies shared by this season's guest experts. Whether you are a creative entrepreneur just finding your footing or a seasoned CEO ready to scale, this episode is your master class in one.We are also celebrating a major milestone: two years of th...

The central theme of our discussion revolves around the imperative of automating mundane tasks to liberate oneself for pursuits of greater significance. We delve into the concept of a workflow audit, a critical exercise designed to identify areas of inefficiency within one's business processes. By implementing strategies to automate, delegate, and eliminate repetitive tasks, we can subsequently elevate our creative endeavors, thereby enhancing both productivity and satisfaction. We invite creative entrepreneurs to consider the profound benefits of this approach, particularly as it pertains to achieving a work-life balance that fosters innovation and growth. Join us as we explore actionable...

AI isn’t replacing creatives, those who embrace AI are. In this eye‑opening episode of Minding My Creative Business, hosts Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks chat with Kierra Dotson, an AI engineer, data conversationalist and entrepreneur. They explore how creative business owners can leverage data and AI to work smarter, not harder. A 2025 survey found that AI adoption among small businesses jumped from 39 % to 55 % in a year, with 80 % of users saying AI is essential for reaching new customers. Kierra explains why now is the time to join that movement and build AI into your workflow.You’ll l...

Talent alone won’t build a thriving business—you must value yourself and your craft. In this episode of Minding My Creative Business, hosts Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks sit down with acclaimed photographer Tolulope Berry (T Berry Pictures) to explore how he turned a gift from his mother into a flourishing photography empire. The conversation covers valuing your work, building sustainable systems, and adopting a CEO mindset. In today’s creative economy, passion isn’t enough: a 2025 report notes that design services remain in high demand but that agencies must embrace new tools and strategic pricing to stay competi...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Shadira Nesmith, co-founder of Stacked Up Academy, who passionately advocates for early exposure of youth to technology and essential skills such as financial literacy and coding. With a wealth of experience in the educational technology sector, Shadira articulates her commitment to bridging the gap for students, ensuring they acquire relevant skills that will empower them in their future endeavors. We explore the innovative initiatives she has introduced, including engaging products designed for young learners, and her vision for the upcoming Stacked Up Con, a conference aimed at immersing...

Our latest podcast episode dives into the creative journey, offering insights for every creative professional looking to build an online business. We discuss effective business strategy and the power of collaboration within the industry. It's all about navigating the path to becoming a successful entrepreneur.🕒 Episode Chapters: 0:00 – Team sync for social media5:50 – Establishing rhythm & planning6:46 – Efficient one‑hour meeting plan11:57 – Self‑audit for continuous improvement13:30 – Efficient meetings for progress16:40 – Collaborative spaces & meeting tracking19:20 – Improving communication through meetings22:53 – Quarterly meeting overview27:57 – Monthly meeti...

Join hosts ShySpeak and Ron Lee Jr. as they dive into a compelling conversation with Terry Williams, a Harvard-trained neuroscience and mindset coach. This episode explores the transition from running a successful fitness business to becoming an executive mindset coach. Terry shares invaluable insights into building a growth mindset, understanding life purpose, and the importance of rest for high performance. Learn how to pivot in your career, leverage public speaking to gain executive contracts, and sustain a balanced, fulfilling life. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs ready to stop hustling for clients and start building a purpose-driven, profitable business....

From Media Icon to Creative CEO: Jaleah's Entrepreneurial Journey In this episode of Minding My Creative Business podcast, hosts Ron and ShySpeaks sit down with Jaleah Davis, a self-proclaimed media icon, to discuss her inspiring journey from eighth grade media enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur. Jaleah opens up about her ventures including her television network - Eyeconic Television, her production studio, and the Eyeconic Academy. She also shares valuable insights on leveraging interns, her strategies for growth, and the importance of constant evolution. Jaleah's story is a testament to the power of vision, persistence, and the right support systems...