We're all in it together – with Cat How

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.