Never Not Creative

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright sits down with Yasmin Naghavi, founder of Artis Causa and board member of Never Not Creative, to talk about the Never Not Creative Support Line and the legal, emotional and professional challenges creative workers often face. Together, they unpack how power imbalances, unfairtreatment, bullying, harassment, unpaid entitlements and job insecurity can impact mental health, why getting advice early can make a huge difference, and how both employees and employers can approach difficult conversations, saferworkplaces and the changing role of AI in creative work.🔎 Find Out More About Yasmin NaghaviArtist Causa: https://artiscausa.comEmail: [email protected] Not Creative: https://nevernotcreative.orgChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Yasmin Naghavi and the Support Line03:53 - Why Early Legal Support Matters07:42 - Speaking Up Without Fear11:06 - Professionalising Creative Workplaces15:02 - Common Issues Facing Creative Professionals19:01 - Psychosocial Hazards and Workplace Safety27:15 - Talking About Mental Health at Work32:58 - AI, Job Security and Creative Work43:13 - What to Do When Something Feels Wrong44:15 - How the Support Line Works#mentalhealth #creativeindustry #workplacerights

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright sits down with Katie Cadwell, founder of Lucky Dip and host of the NDA Podcast, to unpack the realities creatives don’t often talk about. From burnout and boundary-setting to the pressures of agency life, Katie shares why creating space for honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations is more important than ever. She reflects on her journey from candid junior to confident founder, and how reaching a position of independence gave her the freedom to speak openly about the industry’s hidden challenges.The conversation dives deep into the culture of overwork, the emotional toll of caring deeply about your craft, and why burnout may be inevitable for those who love what they do. Katie explores the tension between personal responsibility and workplace accountability, the impact leaders have on team wellbeing, and why creatives ultimately need to advocate for themselves. It’s a candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges industry norms and pushes for a healthier, more sustainable way of working.🔎 Find Out More About Katie CadwellKatie Cadwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-cadwell-01803230/Lucky Dip Studio: https://www.luckydipstudio.com/ Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/the-nda-podcastThanks to Streamtime, project management software for creative businesses who believe health profits and happy people can exist together!📚 Chapters00:00 - Meet Katie Cadwell & The NDA Podcast02:02 - Talking About Taboo Industry Topics08:16 - Burnout: The Reality for Creatives14:29 - Who’s Responsible for Mental Health?19:57 - Diversity, Inclusion & Industry Gaps29:41 - Parenting, Priorities & Work Culture38:11 - The Unsung Heroes of Creative Teams47:12 - Moral Compass vs Making a Living52:30 - The Cost of Caring So Much#burnout #mentalhealth #creativeindustry

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright speaks with icon designer, illustrator and art director, Bonnie Kate Wolf about the emotional and ethical impact of being made redundant from Pinterest during its shift toward an“AI-forward” strategy. Ironically, Bonnie was actively working on AI initiatives (including the company’s AI assistant) when her role was made redundant.What follows is a deeply honest conversation about grief, identity, corporate decision-making, and the uneasy relationship between creativity and automation.Bonnie shares what it felt like to sense the warning signs, to voice concerns internally, and to ultimately see those fears realised. Andy and Bonnie go on to explore the broader implications for creatives navigating AI disruption: when to trustyour gut, how to separate your identity from your job, and why authenticity and personhood may be the most future-proof assets creatives have. This is a timely discussion on resilience, values, and staying human in a rapidly shifting industry.🔎 Find Out More About Bonnie Kate Wolfhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-kate-wolf-20b04475https://www.instagram.com/bonniekatewolf⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Introduction02:52 – Inside the Innovation Team06:17 – The Day of the Layoffs13:17 – Shock, Support & Survival Mode17:17 – Why This Time Feels Different25:08 – Trust Your Gut29:56 – Choosing Craft Over Automation34:27 – Beyond “Designer” as Identity42:54 – Generations & Ethics49:14 – The Cost of a Query57:39 – Finding Value-Aligned Work#mentalhealth #creativecareers #ai

We’re all in it together – with Cat How What does it mean to run a creative agency where radical transparency and empathy aren't buzzwords, but business fundamentals? In this episode of NeverNot Creative, host Andy Wright sits down with Cat How, co-founder of design studio How & How, to talk about building a creative business that leads with values and doesn’t compromise on care, ethics, or ambition.Cat opens up about launching How & How with her husband during the pandemic, creating a culture of honesty and mental health support, and why saying “no” to oil and gas clients is non-negotiable. From implementing a salary transparency framework to navigating creative rejection with care, Catshares how her team uses systems, structure, and shared values to protect their people and stay creatively sharp. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered how to build a business that actually walks its talk—and still makes beautiful, meaningful work.🔎 Find Out More About Cat Howhttps://how.studio/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cat-how-0499b9149/https://www.instagram.com/how___studio/⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 - Introducing Cat How01:12 - From Journalism to Creative Direction03:45 - Launching How & How in a Pandemic06:20 - Structuring Culture: Transparency, Mentorship & Salary10:15 - Saying No: The Moral Compass for Clients13:30 - Turning Down Oil & Gas Work15:10 - The Business Case for Salary Transparency17:00 - Mental Health & Leadership Vulnerability20:25 - Creative Rejection and Emotional Safety24:15 - Why Client Services Matter More Than You Think27:40 - Founders and the Loneliness of Leadership31:00 - Firing Clients That Mistreat the Team33:20 - Building Organic Culture, Not Beer Pong Fridays36:00 - Leading with Empathy and Structure39:40 - AI as a Creative Superpower#nevernotcreative #mentalhealth #creativeagency

In this episode, Andy Wright and Rio Blake (joining as the new Northern Hemisphere correspondent) sit down with Nick Finney, founder of NB Studio and former Pentagram designer. Nick shares his unconventional journey from working in a bicycle shop and Burton's Menswear to becoming a respected creative leader, while opening up about the realities of running a design agency for 28 years.Key Topics Discussed:The Unconventional Path to Design:Nick reflects on his early struggles with academics, working on a YTS scheme for £25 a week, and his eventual transition to art college. He emphasises how his non-traditional background shaped his perspective and resilience in the creative industry.The Evolution of Internships and Junior Talent:The conversation explores how the internship landscape has changed, with Nick defending the value of junior talent while acknowledging the increased competition. He discusses NB Studio's approach to nurturing interns and the importance of treating them as integral team members.Technology's Impact on Creative Learning:Nick addresses concerns about remote work and whether essential skills are being passed down to the next generation. He remains optimistic about young creatives' adaptability while acknowledging the social challenges of post-COVID workplace integration.Mental Health and Leadership:In a candid discussion, Nick opens up about his 15-year journey with therapy, breaking down stigmas around mental health support for older white males in creative leadership. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental fitness, not just during crises but as ongoing self-care.The Pressure of Agency Life:Nick discusses what keeps him up at night (spoiler: it's public speaking, not finances), the challenge of wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and his preference for creative work over administrative tasks.Introversion in a Networking World:The episode concludes with advice for introverted creatives on building resilience and authenticity in an industry that often demands self-promotion and networking.Quotes:"I'd rather just die of a heart attack while pointing at a mood board.""Fuck it. Tell everyone, actually get therapy. It's good for you.""We're all just human beings. We're all just trying to make a living and what we really want is fun from what we do.""In terms of big ideas... I like to see subversiveness, I like to see people who stretch and play and bend with rules."Resources & Mentions:NB StudioPentagramNever Not Creative Internship ProgramUncommon Creative StudioRuby WaxNotting Hill Carnival photography (Rio Blake's work)This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the realities of creative leadership, the importance of mental health in high-pressure industries, and honest insights into running a design agency in today's challenging market.

In this insightful second half of their conversation, Andy and Rachel share the continuation of Andy's discussion with James Martin, renowned graphic designer and member of the Canva Design Advisory Board. James is celebrated for his commitment to mentoring and supporting emerging designers globally. This episode dives deep into the themes of creative growth, self-development, education, and the evolving landscape of design in the age of AI.---Key Topics Covered:- Gaps vs. Gains Mindset: James shares the importance of focusing on personal and professional gains rather than dwelling on gaps or shortcomings. The discussion references the book The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, emphasising the value of measuring progress by looking back at how far you’ve come.- Creative Freedom Framework: James introduces his framework for creative growth, which includes moving through stages of self-sabotage, self-alignment, self-motivation, and ultimately self-reliance. The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of growth and the importance of action in building confidence.- Education and Industry Readiness: James and Andy discuss the current gaps in creative education, particularly the lack of real-world preparation for students. They advocate for continuous learning, mentorship, and industry involvement to bridge these gaps.- Journaling and Reflection: James talks about the power of daily reflection, journaling three wins each day, and setting intentions for tomorrow as practical tools for maintaining momentum and mental well-being.- AI and the Future of Design: The episode explores the impact of AI on creative work, stressing the need for designers to understand foundational principles to get the most out of new technologies. James argues that AI is only as good as the human guiding it and encourages a balanced, intentional approach to its use.- Burnout and Resilience: James shares personal strategies for recognising and managing burnout, including the importance of self-awareness, support networks, and realigning with personal vision and goals.---Notable Quotes:- “Always measure backwards. Look at where you were a year ago, not just where you want to be.”- “Creative freedom comes from moving through self-sabotage to self-reliance.”- “AI is only as good as the human who controls it right now.”- “Confidence is built through action, not just knowledge.”---Resources & Mentions:- The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy- James Martin’s Courses and Tools- Never Not Creative’s “Asking for a Friend” section for career and mental health support- Streamtime (podcast partner)---Connect with James Martin:- Instagram- Youtube - Website---Listen to Part 1:If you missed the first half of this conversation, be sure to check out Part 1 for more on James’s journey and insights.---About Never Not Creative:Never Not Creative is a community and resource hub for creative professionals, offering programs, content, and support around career development and mental health.---Thanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share. For questions or feedback, reach out via our website or social channels.

In this episode, Andy Wright and Rachel Zhang share an interview with James Martin, renowned graphic designer at Lincoln Design Co., creator of MadeByJames and member of the Canva Design Advisory Board. James shares his deeply personal and winding journey—from overcoming childhood trauma and addiction to building a successful design career and becoming a mentor for emerging creatives worldwide.Key Topics Discussed:- The Myth of the Perfect Career Path: James reflects on his non-linear journey, emphasizing that success rarely follows a straight line. He shares how his early struggles, including being kicked out of school and battling addiction, ultimately shaped his resilience and perspective.- Authenticity in Personal Branding: The hosts and James discuss the current obsession with "authenticity" in personal branding, critiquing the rise of gurus who promise to teach people how to "be themselves." James argues that true authenticity comes from self-knowledge and self-expression, not self-promotion.- The Role of Therapy and Self-Work: James opens up about the impact of therapy and reading (especially the works of Brené Brown) on his personal growth. He highlights the importance of doing the inner work—both when things are tough and when life is going well.- Advice for Emerging Designers: The conversation covers the pressures young designers face to have everything figured out. James encourages embracing the twists and turns, focusing on consistency, and not comparing oneself to others’ highlight reels.- Standing Out in a Crowded Industry: James shares insights on how to truly stand out—not by following trends or mimicking others, but by being human, vulnerable, and honest about your journey.- The Impact of Social Media and AI:James shares how social media has changed the design industry, the temptation to skip foundational work, and the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.Quotes- “True authenticity is about self-expression, not self-promotion.”- “There is no straight line to success—embrace the twists and turns.”- “Therapy and reading gave me the tools to understand and accept myself.”- “In a world becoming less human, being human is your superpower.”Resources & Mentions:-Never Not Creative- Streamtime (Podcast partner)- Madebyjames.com- Brené Brown’s books and talks- Canva Design Advisory Board*This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the creative industry, seeking inspiration, or looking to understand the real meaning of authenticity in personal branding.*

What happens when an internet sensation decides to take creative control? In this episode of the Never Not Creative podcast, Rachel and Andy sit down with Lubalin, the musician, content creator, and viral TikTok star known for his hilarious Internet Drama series.Lubalin opens up about his journey—how a fun experiment turned into a massive internet hit, the challenges of being known for one thing, and his evolution into a serious music artist.We explore the creative struggles of balancing viral fame with artistic ambition, dealing with the highs and lows of social media metrics, and finding ways to stay grounded. Lubalin shares insights on navigating career pivots, embracing change, and maintaining creative integrity. Whether you're a designer, musician, or any kind of creator, this episode is packed with lessons on staying true to your craft while adapting to an ever-changing digital landscape.🔎 Find Out More About LubalinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lubalinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lubalin_vibe_emporium/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lubalinSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lt3CXKfhLXjYl2VFD6vN4Thanks to our sponsor Streamtime - project management software for creative businesses in pursuit of health and happiness. https://streamtime.net

In this episode of the Never Not Creative podcast, hosts Andy Wright and Rachel Zhang are joined by Paper Moose Co-Founder, Nick Hunter to discuss how to break into the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of internships, personality, and authenticity in applications. They explore the significance of passion projects, the concept of Ikigai, and the necessity of networking. The conversation also touches on the challenges of entry-level jobs and offers practical tips for new graduates to stay motivated and make their own luck in their careers.Takeaways Internships are crucial for getting started in the creative industry. Personality and authenticity are key in job applications. Researching potential employers can set you apart from other candidates. It's important to show your unique voice and perspective. Networking is essential for career growth and opportunities. Passion projects can help build your portfolio and inspire you. Career paths are rarely linear; be open to pivots and changes. Ikigai can guide you in finding fulfilling work. Don't take job rejections personally; keep pushing forward. Stay proactive and ready to seize opportunities as they arise.Thanks to Paper Moose and Streamtime for their support. Streamtime is project management software for creative businesses...including Paper Moose!

In this episode of the Never Not Creative Podcast, hosts Andy and Rachel explore the complex topic of determining your worth in the creative industry.We discuss the challenges creatives face in measuring their value, whether as employees or freelancers. Our conversation touches on different pricing strategies, the importance of balancing passion with commercial viability, and gender dynamics in the workplace.We also delve into strategies for negotiating pay rises and promotions, including practical tips from negotiation training and insights from Asking For A Friend guest Regina Stroombergen.The episode is brought to you by our friends atStreamtime and B Corp agency,Paper Moose who shared their home and recording studio!

Andy Wright and Rachel Zhang discuss every creatives dreaded topic – Impostor Syndrome. How to deal with those voices that keep telling us we're not good enough, we don't deserve to be in the room, or that everyone is better than us. Luckily they source advice from previous Asking For A Friend guests, Maria Devereux (Executive Creative Director and Head of Innovation at Accenture Song), Psychologist, Dr. Aileen Alegado, and Aimee Davies from The Hey Mate Project. Thanks to our supporters Streamtime, creative business management software for happier, healthier agencies.

Rachel and Andy are discussing the topic of how to deal with bad behaviour from colleagues, managers and even clients. It's a topic that has been frequently asked in our Asking For A Friend events and so we've brought the learnings and discussions into our latest episode. Our hosts discuss the excellent advice shared on questions like: How do I approach a manager who has been taking credit for my work? How can I change the toxic culture in an organisation? How do I deal with a micro-manager? How do I deal with clients who are being a bully? We reference excellent advice and opinion from: Regina Stroombergen (Thinkerbell) Tarra Van Amerongen (Atlassian) Tara Hurster (The T.A.R.A. Clinic) Nicky Bryson (Brand Momentum) Sharon Draper (Psychologist) Jess Lilley (The Open Arms) Martine Beaumont (Select Wellness) Dr Aileen Alegado (Mindset Consulting) Thanks to our supporter, Streamtime – Project management software for happier, healthier creative businesses. Also to our editor Linley Lai and Community Manager Fong Yu. And to our friends at Paper Moose, who were very kind to share their studio and resources!

Andy and Rachel are back with the still, rather awkward question – How is your mental health? We delve into questions like, how should we talk about mental health at work, as a leader, as a colleague? How do we bring up a subject that can sometimes lead to fear of judgement? Well, fear not, the stigma relating to mental health is improving by the day and we share advice on all of these questions and more by referencing some fantastic Asking For A Friend episodes. How do I let my team know that I'm stressed or not coping? How do I deal with a manager that has no empathy? How do I build up the courage to talk about my mental health with someone at work? Thanks to Nicky Bryson, Martine Beaumont, Sharon Draper, Kristen Highett and Nick Hunter who all contributed to this episode. Editing by Linley Lai. Hosts, Andy Wright and Rachel Zhang. And thanks to our sponsor Streamtime - project management software for happier, healthier creative businesses.

The Never Not Creative podcast is back after a 2 year hiatus. Joining Andy for this new season is co-host, Rachel Zhang, a digital product designer living in Sydney and with experience working across brands and agencies including Telstra, R/GA, Accenture Song and now her own design consultancy Ro&Co. This first episode of the new season focuses on Burnout. Andy and Rachel pull in some of the best advice that’s been shared by Asking For A Friend guests from over the past 3 years of events. Leaders and experts we refer to in this episode include: - Simon Lee, ECD and Co-Founder of The Hallway - Kimberlee Wells, CEO, TBWA Melbourne - Sabina Read, Psychologist - Jess Lilley, Creative Director, The Open Arms - Ash King, Psychologist - Wez Hawes, ECD, Innocean - Katie Feder, Psychotherapist Questions we cover include: - How to deal with the franticness of deadline after deadline? - Will we ever be able to protect our mental health if we can’t say no to clients? - How do I say no to myself? Listen to the full advice from our guests by clicking the links above. Watch this episode on YouTube Subscribe to the podcast on, Spotify, Apple Podcasts Follow us on Instagram Check out snippets of this episode on TikTok. And if you liked it, get in touch and share some feedback, write a review or just check out more at nevernotcreative.org. Thanks to our sponsor Streamtime. Studio management software for happier, healthier creative teams and businesses. And a big thank you to B Corp creative agency, Paper Moose who shared their space and recording equipment for this episode. Thanks also to Linley Lai who’s produced and edited this episode - nice work!

Paul Balfe is no football expert. But he is a male creative who was willing to chat to us about his mental health and his experiences with anxiety. Paul is Creative Director and Founder of Pennybridge Creative, an independent design studio at home on the Gold Coast of Australia.  Paul shares his battle with anxiety as a result of the recent Queensland flooding and the steps he took to improve his mental wellbeing. From hypnotherapist to psychologist, Paul tried a number of different ways to tackle his challenges.  He's gone on to curate an exhibition about creatives' relationship with their own mental health, titled, Welcome to Yourself. Find out more about the exhibition at https://www.nevernotcreative.org/welcome-to-yourself. Thanks to Streamtime. Project management for healthier creative businesses.

Nasya Kamrat is the Co-Founder of FACULTY, a certified, woman-owned spatial storytelling agency. After experiences working with multi-national agencies owned by the global holding companies, Nasya decided to start something new and do completely the opposite. Nasya is joined by Chief Creative Officer, Aaron Wolfe and both chat to Andy about the positives of building a company that is diverse, equitable and different to the status quo. Nasya also shares how she's gone one step further to co-found Komuna, a co-operative of independent BIPOC, women and LGBTQ+ led agencies and leading industry knowledge brokers designed to support the world’s most intrepid brands. Show Links: Komuna FACULTY Never Not Creative Thanks to Streamtime for their support of Never Not Creative. Go to Streamtime for project management for healthier, creative businesses.

In our latest episode, Ve Dewey interviews James Routledge, the co-founder of Sanctus. After starting Sanctus, a coaching business to help improve mental wellbeing in workplaces, James has gone on to author the Penguin Business Book, Mental Health at Work. He's always very transparent and honest in his own challenges and shares how practice was the key to opening up and helping people realise that we're all capable of talking about our mental health. Links: More about James and Sanctus. James' book, Mental Health at Work. Thanks to Streamtime, project management for healthier creative businesses.

In this episode, Ve and Andy join forces to chat to recent winners of the Deutsche Bank Awards For Creative Entrepreneurs – Jameisha Prescod, founder of You Look Okay To Me, an online space for the chronic illness community and Nahum McLean, founder of African Diaspora Dance Association (ADDA), an organisation that aims to expand the curriculum and training of dance under the African Diaspora. Jameisha and Nahum share the importance of strong mentorship, community and not letting social norms stand in your way. Since 1993, through DBACE, Deutsche Bank has overseen the launch of over 220 ventures, helping young visionaries bring their ideas to life as one of the longest running creative enterprise programmes. In 2018, MeWe360 was brought in as a new partner to deliver and help shape the new direction of the programme. Every year, the DBACE programme provides support to 10 entrepreneurs (5 Winners + 5 bursary business support recipients). All entrepreneurs join MeWe360’s incubator membership to receive tailored 1-2-1 mentoring which looks at aspects of business support depending on the entrepreneurs’ individual needs. Applications for the 2022 DBACE program are open now. You can apply here. More about Mewe360 You Look Okay To Me African Diaspora Dance Association And thanks to Streamtime

It's our third and final episode of the F Word Mini-Series. David and Ve sit down for an inspirational conversation around failure at an organisational level with the award-winning transformational change leader Eva Applebaum and Global CEO of Butchershop® Global, Trevor Hubbard. Within the episode, we go in-depth discussing failure, what the opposite of failure is (clarity), key leadership attributes, and what failure for women in a work environment means. Eva Appelbaum – Butchershop – The Clarity Project Thanks to Streamtime for their support.  More at nevernotcreative.org

In our second episode, David and Ve sit down with Alina Mendoza Lopez, currently an intern at Dragon Rouge London, and Max Ottignon, co-founder of the London based agency Ragged Edge to discuss failure at the individual level. Within the episode Max and Alina discuss their experience of failure: Alina discussed her relationship with failure in university whilst Max elucidates early career experiences with failure as well as his current experiences running Ragged Edge. Ragged Edge Dragon Rouge Thanks to Streamtime. Project and studio management for healthier creative businesses. More at Nevernotcreative.org

Based on the “The F word”, our latest mini-series focuses on "Failure." This first episode with Never Not Creative Co-creator, Ve Dewey and David Beare, Executive Creative Director of Dragon Rouge, come together to discuss what we mean by failure. Their discussion lays the foundation for future episodes exploring what failure is and what counts as small or large failures and how we deal with them on a daily basis. Stay tuned for more in episodes 2 and 3 coming soon. More about David – More about Ve Thanks to Streamtime for their support - project management software for healthier creative businesses.

The final episode of our Creativity and Football mini-series rounds out with The Hallway's ECD Simon Lee. Simon has lived experience with the ups and downs of mental health, but has also been working closely with mental health charity, Gotcha4Life for the last 3 years. The result of this work is the quite excellent Boys Do Cry campaign – a clever take on The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" from 1979. It's a powerful piece bringing together 30 men from all walks of life to unite in tackling the stigma of mental health – especially relating to men. Andy and Simon discuss the rules of masculinity, the stiff upper lip and the power and relief that comes from opening up.  You can find out more about the campaign at: Boys Do Cry.  Thanks to Endel.io for background music. Check them out for one month free. Support from Streamtime always appreciated and for joining us on the fight for a healthier creative industry. Check out what's happening at Never Not Creative and last chance to take the empathy survey.

In the 4th episode of our Creativity & Football mini-series we head to Switzerland with renowned lettering artist Stefan Kunz. Stefan is an internet phenomenon, entrepreneur and educator who is passionate about sharing his gift to inspire others. But his quest for excellence and always doing how best isn’t free from the challenges of struggling to get out of bed, becoming bereft of ideas on how to excel further and everything in between. Stefan shares his coping mechanisms and how his willingness to be realistic about what his ‘best’ is on any particular day, helps him through. Find out more about Stefan and sign up for his courses at https://stefankunz.com. Thanks to Endel for their support… Focus, relax, and sleep through the power of sound. The Endel app creates AI-powered sounds designed to support your everyday life. Backed by science, and enjoyed by millions worldwide. Endel is powered by its patented core AI technology. It takes inputs like location, environment, and heart rate, to create the optimal personalized soundscape. This happens on the fly and allows Endel to reconnect your state with your natural circadian rhythm. Get a free 1-month subscription for the NNC Community here  And Streamtime… always on the mission of creating healthier creative businesses and helping create a healthier creative industry. Find out more at Streamtime.net.

It's the 3rd episode of our Creativity & Football mini-series. Craig Elimeliah is an award-winning ECD at VMLY&R in New York. A native New-Yorker he gets his football analogies from the oval shaped ball rather than the circular one. A couple of months ago, Craig wrote a brave post on Linkedin sharing his experiences with many years of mental heath ups and downs. It's not easy to suddenly go from zero to a hundred in the transparency and vulnerability stakes, but Craig has taken it in his stride and now understands his own mental health in order to pull the right levers at the right time. He's also excited by the change our industry is destined to make with a new generation of talent and leaders who won't stand for the toxicity and culture of the past that has burnt out far too many of us. Need help with your mental health? Find out more about Craig. Craig's interview with David Sable for New York Festivals. Thanks to Endel.io - the AI-powered wellness app that helps you focus, relax, and sleep better through the power of sound. Created by artists, proved by science. And thanks to Streamtime. Project management software for healthier creative businesses. More at Nevernotcreative.org

Dr Zac Seidler knows a thing or two about football. Whilst he's scored many a goal from all over the pitch, his ultimate goal is to reduce the staggering rate of male suicide. In this second episode of our Creativity & Football mini series (psst, yeah the one on men's mental health in the creative industry) Andy and Zac discuss everything from mental health to masculinity and the one secret that just may give men the courage to speak up. Find out more about Zac at https://www.zacseidler.com/ and of course support the global Movember phenomenon at https://movember.com where Zac is Director of Mental Health Training.  More from NNC at https://nevernotcreative.org  Thanks as always to https://Streamtime.net

Welcome to a Never Not Creative podcast mini-series. Creativity and Football. We're talking to men about creativity, football and... who are we kidding? This is an essential listen. A mini-series dedicated to the topic of men's mental health in our industry. We kick-off our first episode with Pete Brennan. Co-founder of Heaps Normal, Electric & Analog and lucky for us, sharer of stories and experiences about his own journey with mental health. We're publishing this series because its almost guaranteed that whenever we run something around mental health – we'll see max 10% of males as part of the audience. It's time to chat fellas (and everyone of course, but especially the men). The more open you are, the more honest you are and the more you realise that more than half of this world is feeling something similar, the more we can all help each other. Thank you to Pete for sharing, talking and helping others realise it's good to talk and get to know yourself. Find out more about Pete, Heaps Normal and Electric and Analog below. Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrennan/?originalSubdomain=au Heaps Normal - https://heapsnormal.com/ Electric & Analog - https://www.eanda.cc/ Thanks to Streamtime - https://streamtime.net

Asher Oliver didn’t take the traditional ‘qualified’ pathway into the creative industry. After graduation from university with a Business Management degree in 2009, he moved back home and encountered a huge struggle in regards to finding employment. Like many graduates having to rely on casual work meant Asher became a waiter in an Italian restaurant, but he never gave up what had become a passion on the side for animation. While researching opportunities, Asher came across Gary Vaynerchuk and his mantras of: HUSTLE - HARD WORK - FOCUS - NO EXCUSES When Asher reached out to Gary himself, opportunities appeared. The collaboration opened many doors and he now works full time at Food Fight Studios. Thanks to Streamtime for all their support. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nevernotcreative/message

Blair Enns (author of Win Without Pitching and Pricing Creativity) joins Andy to discuss the challenges that creatives have when it comes to business. How our emotional attachment to work can hinder financial success and why we shy away from the grown-up stuff. We also discuss the pro's and con's of unpaid internships and whether mental health issues are naturally more present in creatives.  Links: Rocket Fuel book Win without pitching Mentally-Healthy research Never Not Creative Thank to Streamtime for all their support – project management software for healthier creative businesses.

Andy and Sarah are back with another episode on a Never Not International Women’s Day talk with Tom Tapper.   Tom is the co-founder and CEO of B-Corp certified agency, Nice and Serious. In 2008, he co-founded Nice and Serious with a clear purpose: to make creative work the world needs. Since then, he’s exclusively worked with pioneering charities and brands to make creative work that amplifies social and environmental causes. From international brands like IKEA, Unilever, Innocent and Ben & Jerrys, to pioneering charities like Greenpeace, WWF, Rainforest Alliance and Parkrun.   Constantly aware of being in the privileged position of the white male founder of a successful branding business, Tom is interviewed by Ve on the extra efforts to ensure that Nice and Serious delivers on being a business that strives for equality.   Listen to the full podcast ep or watch the talk at https://nniwd.nevernotcreative.org/.  The Moral Compass - https://moralcompass.app/  Nice and Equal - https://niceandserious.com/journal/nice-and-equal/ More at https://nevernotcreative.org/ Big thanks to Streamtime - https://streamtime.net/

Join Andy Wright and Sarah Nguyen in another episode to discuss two powerful talks from Never Not International Women’s Day - ‘Until your fear of me isn’t my problem’ with Tanarra Schneider, and ‘Until we flip the question’ with Andy Polaine.   Tanarra is a Managing Director at Accenture Interactive, leading Design in the Midwest. She spills the tea about the outcomes of a system predicated on the fear of women’s success.    Dr. Andy Polaine is a designer, educator, coach and writer who helps clients build and grow their own design and innovation capability, transform their organisations and themselves. Andy flips the question from “what should we do?” to “what should we stop doing?” and dealing with the underlying structural issues that create inequity.   Watch their talks at https://nniwd.nevernotcreative.org/. More at https://nevernotcreative.org/ Big thanks to Streamtime - https://streamtime.net/

Somewhere around 2015, the first of the John genre articles arrived, trumpeting that there are more CEOs named John than women CEOs in their entirety.   In this episode, we have a well-presented talk by Jess Lilley, who focuses on this issue and talks through what we (John) can do about it. Jess is a co-founder at The Open Arms, a creative company that strives to weaponise empathy to help communities thrive. After a near 20-year career as an award-winning writer and creative director in some of the world’s most renown ad agencies, Jess realised the culture of the ad world just wasn’t working for her (or her family). She joined forces with a couple of great people to create something a little different. Their goal is to make work with a social purpose that leaves their patch of the world a little better than they found it. Listen to the full podcast ep or watch this talk at https://nniwd.nevernotcreative.org/. Big thanks to Streamtime - https://streamtime.net/ Other links: https://theopenarms.com.au  https://nevernotcreative.org Episode analytics

Jane Duru (Verbal Design Director, R/GA) and Sumita Maharaj (Associate Design Director, Re:) join Sarah and Andy to discuss their recent submission to Never Not International Women's Day. From having to bring a 6-pack to a meeting to get a seat at the table and a constant need to over-prove themselves Jane and Sumi share their stories and experiences from the world of advertising and design. You can watch their talk at Never Not International Women's Day. More at Never Not Creative. Thanks to Streamtime.

To make meaningful change in workplaces all around the world, we need to recognise that the gender inequity in our industry and society is a cultural problem. We need to show men what they can’t see all around them - the norm. The norm that has let stereotypes rule and anyone but a privileged white male suffer.  Join this discussion with Daniele Fiandaca and Deborah Rey-Burns. By his own admission, Daniele is the very definition of privilege - white, male, straight, middle class and privately educated. As Founder of Creative Social, he often spoke about issues facing the creative industry including the lack of gender diversity. Daniele set up the Token Man community to create a safe space for conversation and get men to improve their education and get a better understanding of the challenges women face. Daniele is Founder of Utopia, a culture change business that re-wires organisations for the Age of Creativity.    Deborah, Founder of Propela and Curator-at-large for ReDesign Business and the Future Of_, Deborah has built a global network of moon-shooting experts that can help companies thrive. She helps events and organisations connect with the superhero thinks of today - the thought leaders and change-makers working on the bleeding edge of business and culture.    Watch this conversation (as well as others) here: https://nniwd.nevernotcreative.org/ Other links; 🔗 https://weareutopia.co 🔗 https://weareutopia.co/towards-utopia/creative-superpowers 🔗 https://tokenman.org 🔗 https://www.propela.co.uk/

International Women’s Day 2021 has passed. But this year, we're not going back to business as usual. As far as we're concerned, it will always be Never Not International Women’s Day until all women including women of colour, women with disabilities, and queer or trans women, stop being penalised for being women.  This new season of the podcast highlights our Never Not International Women's Day initiative. A mind-changing, bias-ridding, downright mutinous loop of ideas and musings from women in the creative and associated industries everywhere that will run 24/7/365 on a loop forever, or until...we don’t need to talk about it anymore. We thought it was important to share our motivations and hopes for what this platform can become and how the world needs to change for the better for everyone.   Join us in our first discussion with those behind NNIWD - Prue Jones, a long term veteran of the creative industries, Ve Dewey, co-creator of Never Not Creative, and Andy Wright, creator of Never Not Creative and co-chair of Mentally-Healthy.   Watch here: https://nniwd.nevernotcreative.org/ As always, big thanks to Streamtime - https://streamtime.net/

Dr Sally Fitzpatrick is a Clinical Psychologist and the Acting Program Manager, Mental Health and Research at Everymind, our partners in the Mentally-Healthy research study. In this episode she’s joined by Author and Creative, Alex Wadelton to tackle community questions about finding meaning and purpose through work, disclosing mental health challenges, taking better care of contractors and freelancers and managing expectations about working hours with your boss.  You can also watch at https://www.nevernotcreative.org/afaf-july-2020 Asking For A Friend is a monthly event in collaboration with Youngbloods and Mentally-Healthy.org.

Victoria Davies has spent years as a leader in the advertising industry.  Now though, Victoria has swapped running some of the most successful agencies in London and New York to start an artificial intelligence business to nudge leaders into being better. This episode is recorded in partnership with Gabberish – Creative Therapy For Creative Minds. An online magazine for our industry. Issue 21 (out on 15th December) is edited by Never Not Creative's Andy Wright and this interview forms part of an exploration into the topic of empathy. Read more at Gabberish.com. Find out more about Newance, artificial intelligence and how it can help us to be better leaders at Mynewance.com Check out Nevernotcreative.org... and thanks to Streamtime.net.

After years of learning in the agency business, championing and doubling-down on a project-based model, Trevor Hubbard is on a mission to wipe out failure. The one thing standing in his way? Clarity, or lack of it. Having co-founded, and then bought outright, his agency Butchershop in California, Trevor's hit on a formula for a successful business, projects and client relationships. The Clarity Project. A concept that introduces us to the pre-mortem (over the post-mortem) and a way of looking at things to head-off failure at all costs. A methodology that so-far has proved successful at getting Butchershop through the pandemic and expansion to Europe. https://www.joinclarityproject.com/ https://www.butchershop.co/ Get in touch with Trevor on Linkedin Let us know what you think in the Facebook group Thanks to Streamtime - head to Streamtime.net/HealthyBusiness to find out more about our efforts in the creative industry.

Kelly Mackenzie founded White Bear in 2014. Since then it's gone from strength to strength. No surprise really, as when we caught up with Kelly it was clear that she doesn't let much stand in her way. We chat about the challenges that women in the creative industry can face in rising to the top and how even, for all designers, this industry can sometimes feel like an extreme sport. Kelly's story of how they continued to grow during the pandemic is also a great case study on how to grow a community (and in turn, client base) as a way of growing stable business opportunities. LINKS: Interview with Kelly - https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/interview-kelly-mackenzie-white-bear-studio-diversity-design White Bear studio - https://whitebearstudio.com/about/ Thanks to Streamtime! Never Not Creative

We chat with Ekaterina Solomeina the founder of Future London Academy. Ekaterina challenges the traditional concept of University, a linear career path and how we learn. What happens when we move into the next phases of our career as we need to continue to learn, develop and grow? And, as we move into a quest for more diverse teams, how do we create the environments and culture to ensure that they thrive? Plus... how do you compose yourself and not freeze when you meet Donatella Versace? And, let's go and find some new heroes tomorrow. Let us know who you're new heroes are... Links: Future London Academy - https://futurelondonacademy.co.uk/ Book - Skin in the game - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/skin-in-the-game-9780141982656 Creative Capes Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4YNqDavM5A7rWJ816TVFRI Ekaterina visits Michael Wolff's house - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66XD8D--JVU  Thanks to Streamtime - https://streamtime.net

An incredible, far-reaching episode with experts on the future and our mental health. Prue Jones, Design Director at Fjord provides a unique perspective on where to from here in 2020. Dr Zac Seidler, a psychologist and specialist in men's mental health, who also works with Movember shares practical, respectable and relevant advice.  Hear advice and opinions on what will the future of our work look like? How do we build resilience? I'm at my wit's end... where to from here? and... how much vulnerability is too much? Watch here - https://www.nevernotcreative.org/afaf-june-2020Need help now? - https://www.mentally-healthy.org/need-help-now  Prue Jones  Dr Zac Seidler Mentally-Healthy Youngbloods

18 months on from our first study into the mental health and wellbeing of the creative, media and marketing industry, we’re back with a deeper dive. The purpose of the second study was to evaluate what’s changed since 2018 and to further understand how people cope and what can be done to improve the situation.  This episode includes a recording of the live presentation of the results with Professor Carmel Loughland, the Director of Everymind, our research legend, Ross Tynan, Nina Nyman, co-chair of the Mentally-Healthy Change Group and of course Andy from Never Not Creative.  You can read more here - https://www.mentally-healthy.org/resources-collection/mentally-healthy-2020 Discuss the results with the community here - https://facebook.com/groups/nevernotcreative  Thanks to  Need someone to talk to? https://www.mentally-healthy.org/need-help-now

When Brooke Strozdas wrote about her side hustle observations she was just letting off steam. Then bang, Twitter responded and she'd clearly hit on something that many people must have been thinking. Why all the pressure to have a side hustle? Is it becoming a mandatory? Is having a side hustle more important than the skills and passion you have for your regular job? Why are employers placing such an importance on it. Andy reached out to Brooke (despite Brooke asking that we stop asking!) and they caught up to tackle the subject in more detail. You can read Brooke's original article here - https://blog.usejournal.com/stop-asking-me-about-my-side-hustle-a6af88b79670 Follow Brooke and thanks to Streamtime

With guests, Jess Lilley, Creative Director of Leo Burnett and Aileen Alegado, Psychologist. We discuss when's the right time to ask for a payrise. Is our industry ageist? And what's Survivors Guilt and how do we get over it? Register for future Asking For A Friend events at https://www.nevernotcreative.org/asking-for-a-friend.  Links: https://mindsetpsychology.com.au/ https://mindsetpsychology.com.au/ebook/ https://jesslilley.com/ https://www.gabberish.com/

Andy first met Daniele Fiandaca in 2002. He was COO at (then) independent agency Profero. They were his agency and he was their client. Since leaving Profero in 2009, Daniele has gone on to co-author 3 books including 'Creative Superpowers: Equip Yourself for the Age of Creativity', become Head of Innovation at Cheil, co-founded Token Man, Brand Social, Creative Social, Culture Social and Innovation Social, hit the front page of a British tabloid, and co-founded Utopia, the culture change business. @weareutopians helps clients such as Coca-Cola European Partners, Google, Red Bull, Spotify and Universal Music build more purposeful, inclusive and entrepreneurial cultures and in 2019, they were named Inclusive Companies Consultancy of the Year. Daniele's work is focused on how to build better work cultures. He helps people understand the value from creating more inclusive and diverse cultures in which everyone can thrive; how to create psychologically safe workplaces, and many other topics that help build belonging and joy in the workplace. This episode was recorded in Daniele's London loft (luckily) before the pandemic and lockdown.  Links: 🔗weareutopia.co 🔗weareutopia.co/towards-utopia/creative-superpowers 🔗tokenman.org

When we stumbled across Creative Confessions in our insta feed, we sensed an immediate familiarity. Veronica Mike and Josh Schneider are on a mission to improve the stigma surrounding mental health in the creative industry. Based in Brooklyn, New York they've been researching with creatives across the world as well as creative leaders in New York and across the USA.  Sarah and Andy chat to Mike and Josh about their findings, stories they've heard and how we can get better about opening up about our mental health experiences. We all know that things need to change, and Mike and Josh are fighting the good fight! Take their Creative Confessions survey (link below) and follow their work through their site. Links: Creative Confessions site Creative Confessions survey It's Friendly

This episode is a fully loaded chat with Andrew Dobbie (Founder of Made Brave) and Peter Czapp (Founder of The Wow Company).  One's a creative founder, the other's an accountant – in fact, Peter is Andrew's accountant. In this fascinating chat, they share stories of how they and other agencies are coping right now. There's lots of advice for how to get through everything that's happening in 2020 and how to plan to come out the other side winning. Thanks to: The Wow Company, and this special resource hub they've put together. Made Brave Streamtime - this episode was taken from a Streamtime webinar.

This episode is from our April Asking For A Friend event. We all know that “asking for a friend”is an easier way to ask a tough question. So once a month we’re going to allow anyone anywhere to “ask for a friend”, to an industry leader, and a psychologist, anonymously, and online. Asking For A Friend is an initiative by Never Not Creative, Young Bloods Australia and Mentally-Healthy. It exists to make it easier for creatives to ask the unaskable. Wherever you are, tune in on the first Thursday of each month to get help, or just listen to the answers to your friends, colleagues and peers questions.With guests, Maria Devereux, Executive Creative Director of Colenso BBDO New Zealand and Katie Feder, Psychotherapist. Register for next month or ask an anonymous question of your own at https://www.nevernotcreative.org/asking-for-a-friend  Links: https://www.katiefeder.com/ http://www.mariadevereux.com/ https://youngbloods.org.au/ https://mentally-healthy.org.au

Sean Hall has seen almost every nook and cranny of our industry. From working in one of Australia's most iconic agencies to running one of Australia's most iconic brands, he now focuses on helping as many of us as possible to improve our energy levels and mental wellbeing. Energx is Sean's business and passion and it's taken him around the country and onto the stage of TEDx to share his unique insights into what makes us tick. Sean has also been kind enough to share his time in the Never Not Creative community and the Mentally-Healthy change group. You can find out more about Sean below as well as links to resources he recommended in this episode. Oh, and send him an email. He'd love that! Links: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register https://www.energx.com.au/ https://instagram.com/weareenergx [email protected]

In this episode Sarah and Andy chat to Mitch Wallis, the Founder of the Heart on My Sleeve Movement. Entwined within Mitch's story about his own Mental Health journey is solid scientific and strategic advice on how to tackle mental health at work. The difference between addressing performance and addressing mental health, and how we can all play a role in looking after ourselves and each other. Mitch is fast becoming one of the most recognisable faces in mental health in Australia and works with many businesses including creative agencies to improve their approach to a mentally healthier workplace. If you'd like to find out more about Mitch and the Heart On My Sleeve movement, check out the links below. Heart On My Sleeve Mitchwallis.com Linkedin Instagram PS the video on Youtube that Mitch mentioned is private to him - so we're keeping it that way. Sure you understand 😃 Other links: Streamtime Never Not Creative Mentally-Healthy NNC Insta Drop us a line

We’re back. Season 3 kicks off with Chris Freel and Nina Nyman from Unltd. We talk all things mental health and how to do good in our industry. Perfect timing as we’ve recently launched the new Mentally-Healthy survey (got take it now - link in bio) and Nina is also the co-chair of the Mentally-Healthy Change Group with Andy. This is a great chat about what happened behind the scenes with our work last year, but also shines a light on the great work that Unltd do helping to connect our industry with youth at risk. Let us know what you think, and feel free to reach out to @unltdaus to find out more about the great work they do and how you might be able to get involved. Thanks to: @unltdaus @streamtime @adwrighty (and a big congrats especially to @sarahpnguyen for the latest addition to the NNC family with baby Nguyen).