Enabling Autonomous Creatives with Jessica Abel

In this episode Lauren and Tiago join us to talk about how their recent move from the US to rural Mexico has reshaped their family, business, and mental health. How does a tight community of fellow entrepreneurs, affordable support, and a screen-free lifestyle that feels like the 90s change the way they view work and life? We loved this conversation about cross-cultural living, annual reviews as a “technology” for investigating life, and the value of vulnerability and real human connection in an AI-driven world. Tiago's LinksBuilding A Second BrainForte LabsLauren's LinksLauren's SubstackBeyond Acceptance (Book)Creators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Lauren Valdez - Guest Tiago Forte - Guest

Fellow Notion consultant, self-described “ops artist,“ and generally just one of our favorite people, Alex Antoszek joined us for a conversation about what matters in tech work: his path from photography to the Notion world, why he runs his consulting practice “more like a therapist for business owners,” and his honest skepticism about AI from inside an increasingly AI-first ecosystem. Also: the value of “strategic imbalance,” Poland’s post-Soviet growth story, and why the most durable value in tech is the human stuff a machine can’t replicate.LinksWork, BalancedBalanced SystemsCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Alex Antoszek - Guest

Lianna Patch is a conversion copywriter and comedian whose greatest dream is to make customers pause, smile, and click (in that order). She’s written for Freshbooks, Igloo, Manly Bands, Loop Returns, Flaviar, and ProductHype, and regularly speaks at ecommerce and software conferences around the world, even when they ask her not to.Lianna joined us to discuss why humour and “makin’ em laugh” makes business fun and creative. Of course, we couldn’t have a convo about copywriting without discussing the impact of AI on writing, and the existential weight of the industry on the craft. We get into candid territory about depression, burnout, and structuring work around unpredictable energy flows. How might we bring more joy and laughter to the insanity of the everyday ebb and flow of our experience? LinksPunchline CopyCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Lianna Patch - Guest

Susan Boles is a security officer turned fractional CFO/COO whose consultancy, Beyond Margins, is centered on helping people run calmer businesses. She's now pivoting towards Unpublic, which helps online creators protect their privacy and safety—born from realizing her rare combo of security background and creator experience positioned her uniquely to address the harassment, doxing, and stalking risks that come with building parasocial relationships as a public figure online.In this episode we discuss how she's navigating the slow, messy process of shifting what she's known for, why Beyond Margins is giving way to Unpublic, and how she designs her work around illness and neurodivergence using work cycles with built-in rest periods and intentional amounts of space.LinksUnpublicBeyond MarginsCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Susan Boles - Guest

In this episode, we chat with Megan J. Robinson, a guide and leader who helps people and organizations rediscover how humans actually work so they can live and lead with purpose. We explore themes like the impact of AI on identity and purpose, the role model crisis, and the need for authenticity and vulnerability. We also dig into the significance of community feedback and sustainable systems in navigating life's complexities. Megan also shares her perspectives on the evolving nature of work and creativity, advocating for a more fluid approach to goals and purpose.Links- R21.5 x Megan J. Robinson- YouTubeCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Megan J. Robinson - Guest

In this conversation, Alex Hillman shares his journey from web developer to co-founder of Indy Hall, one of the first co-working spaces in the United States, exploring how community building, meaningful relationships, and iterative learning have shaped his entrepreneurial path.LinksIndy Hall10k IndependentsCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Alex Hillman - Guest

Jessica Abel shares her extensive journey as a creative, starting as a cartoonist and evolving into a business coach for creatives. She discusses her experiences in the comics industry, the challenges of making a living as an artist, and the importance of teaching business fundamentals to aspiring artists. The conversation highlights the need for creatives to adapt their business models and find ways to support their artistic practices while navigating the complexities of the art market.LinksWebsiteAutonomous Creative ConferenceCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Jessica Abel - Guest

In this episode, we dive deep with Rob Hardy, a writer whose "devotional pursuit of a more beautiful internet" has led him to craft powerful manifestos that challenge the status quo. Rob shares his journey from filmmaker to manifesto writer, including the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship and his transformative experience writing "The Source", an article on perfectionism that resonated deeply with Ben and Marie. LinksUngated LifeUngated MediaManifestoryTakeawaysMetrics and views destroy what makes the internet meaningful—connecting with our unique peopleManifestos contain three elements: articulating what's wrong, envisioning what's possible, and building a bridge between themPerfectionism oscillates between shame and grandiosity, while healing happens in the uncomfortable valley betweenCommunity support systems show us our struggles aren't unique and we don't need to face them aloneSustainable businesses start from safety, not scarcity, which leads to chasing metrics and "best practices"Writing a manifesto transforms the creator by forcing confrontation with deeper values and identityManifestos help startups clarify values, improve decisions, guide hiring, and attract aligned customersCreating from conversation rather than control allows for genuine connections and surprising insightsCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Rob Hardy - Guest

In this episode, we're talking to founder Andrew Askins about his experience growing an agency, getting acqui-hired, and then getting fired. We talk about company culture, the unique challenges of being a founder, and what it's like to bootstrap a software business. LinksAndrewAskins.comMetaMonster.aiTakeawaysSelling a business creates unexpected emotional challenges, particularly around maintaining team culture and transparency during transitionThe shift from founder to employee requires significant identity adjustment and emotional processingMindfulness practices and somatic therapy provide practical tools for managing entrepreneurial stress and anxietySuccessful entrepreneurship requires balancing optimistic vision with realistic anxiety managementStrong partnerships can provide essential emotional and strategic balance in business leadershipTeaching and public speaking effectiveness comes from authentic storytelling rather than technical perfectionFear of judgment often blocks creative potential more than actual skill limitationsBuilding genuine community and psychological safety unlocks both team and individual growthCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Andrew Askins - Guest

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Corey Wilks, a licensed clinical psychologist and executive coach who helps high performing entrepreneurs overcome their limiting beliefs and build a values aligned life and business. We also talk about what it means to navigate entrepreneurship when you're neurodivergent.  LinksCoreyWilksPsyD.comCreator AlchemyTakeawaysADHD can lead to both challenges and strengths in entrepreneurship, often driving hyper-focus and creativity.Theory crafting can be a form of self-sabotage, preventing action and real-world execution.Authenticity in coaching relationships fosters trust and allows clients to embrace their true selves.Productivity should serve personal goals, not become an end in itself.Many entrepreneurs feel trapped by their own success, creating a 'gilded cage' instead of freedom.Fear of failure, ridicule, and uncertainty are common barriers for entrepreneurs.Coaching high-performing clients can be more rewarding than working with those who lack motivation.Understanding what one truly wants is crucial for personal and professional alignment.The journey of self-discovery is often complex and requires confronting uncomfortable truths. Change can be overwhelming, but it's essential for growth.Many people wait for permission to pursue their desires.Fear of success often stems from the fear of isolation.Coaching should focus on facilitating transformation, not giving advice.Fun and passion are key to successful content creation. Authenticity resonates with people and builds connections.Creators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Corey Wilks, Psy.D. - Guest