The State of Creation

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Hopkins, a dynamic marketing director and multi-talented creative. With her rich experience spanning publishing, branding, and recipe development, Amy pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build a personal brand that is as authentic as it is impactful. Amy shares her philosophy on staying true to yourself, navigating imposter syndrome, and balancing diverse interests in both personal and professional life. From crafting her own journey as a small business owner to leading in corporate spaces, she reveals the strategies and lessons that have helped her thrive. We also dive into the power of relationships—both personal and professional—and how genuine connections can shape your career. Amy reflects on her early days at Women’s Health, her time in marketing, and her move into advertising, offering invaluable advice for young professionals looking to make their mark. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a creative, or a professional looking to grow, this candid conversation with Amy is a masterclass in building authenticity, embracing growth, and staying balanced. Tune in for insights that will inspire and empower you to take the next step in your journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Kiara, the Digital Media Developer at ThinkStory and Founder of Coligro Network. Kiara shares her journey of acquiring a diverse skill set from a young age, discussing the significant milestones that have shaped her career. We explore the value of education, weighing the benefits of university against alternative learning paths. Kiara provides her perspective on finding the right mentors and leaders, stepping out of your comfort zone, and the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced world. The conversation also highlights her project, Coligro, a professional networking community aimed at fostering meaningful connections. We explore the essence of building the right circle of people, personal development, and the evolution of both Kiara and Matt's professional lives. Additionally, Kiara offers her insights on what it truly means to build a genuine brand, sharing valuable tips and experiences from her journey. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that spans education, personal growth, and brand-building.

In this episode, we sit down with Muse Zwane, the dynamic product manager at Barrows, a cutting-edge retail experience company. With his entrepreneurial spirit and wealth of expertise, Muse pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build and lead high-performing remote teams. He shares his philosophy on fostering a culture of efficiency, productivity, and innovation, even when collaborating across different locations and time zones. From hiring top talent to implementing effective workflows, Muse reveals the strategies that have propelled his team to new heights. We also dive into the pros and cons of remote versus hybrid work models, exploring how companies can strike the right balance to meet their unique needs. Plus, Muse reflects on his own remarkable journey, offering invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and product leaders. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or just someone looking to unlock your full potential, this candid conversation with Muse Zwane is a masterclass in remote leadership, seamless collaboration, and carving your own path to success. Tune in for insights that will inspire and empower you to take your career and your team to new levels.

On this episode of The State of Creation we were lucky enough to chat with Beach Body. Beach is a creative strategist, director, writer, voiceover artist, presenter and a master of all things creative. We get into the nitty-gritty of personal branding, reminding you it's okay to be yourself - actually, it's more than okay, it's essential. We talk about the sticky subject of pricing for creatives and chew over marketing strategies. There's some serious stuff in here, but it's not all work and no play - we have some laughs along the way and keep things light-hearted. Enjoy!

Introducing The State of Creation podcast. In our first episode. It's just us - Matt, Kiara, and Amy - chatting all things creative. We dive head-first into the world of AI, discussing how it's shaking up the creative scene. We're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our new ThinkStory website. We've put in a lot of late nights on this project, and we're excited to finally share it with you. We also go into how creatives can shake up their thinking, sharing some of our own experiences and lessons. But don't worry, it's not all serious business. There's plenty of laughs, a bit of friendly nonsense, and a few off-the-cuff moments for the lols. So whether you're starting your creative journey with us, or just here for the conversation, there's something for everyone. We're keeping it real, having a bit of fun, and talking about what we love - creativity. Come join us.