Building Sustainable Creative Momentum

This book changed how I thought about my business. And how I think as a creative. “The Creative Act – A Way Of Being” by Rick Rubin isn’t just inspirational, It’s a deep, strategic reframe of how you approach creativity, leadership, burn out, frustration and self-expression. Five years into building Because of Marketing, I’ve realised that if you want to build something that outlives you, it has to start with how you think. I haven't put this book down and recommended it to so many friends and founders! Almost every page, I’ve underlined or highlighted specific words and sentences. But here are my key takeaways: → Creativity Is About Awareness, Not Control Rubin reminds us that creativity starts with paying attention. Ideas don’t appear because we force them, they emerge when we create space for them to surface. As founders, we often try to force ideas into existence. But the real breakthroughs come when we step back and allow space for them to unfold. → It Expands Your Thinking Beyond A Core Problem Rubin draws from music, art, philosophy, and nature. If you’re stuck on an idea, look at other industries for inspiration. It helps you build a more expansive worldview. → Creativity Has to Be Sustainable We work in an industry that never stops, especially now we have entered the Q4 craziness. Rubin offers a roadmap for long-term creativity. He shows you how to create habits, environments, and practices that keep ideas flowing over time, helping you avoid self doubt and burn out. Because of Marketing has over 700,000 people who have hit that follow button. I don’t want Because of Marketing to only exist.  I want it to matter to our audience. For the past year, we've really honed in on where we seek inspiration, pushed ourselves creatively, studied other industries, and continue to refine every piece of content we put out. I could dive deeper but reading this book reminded me why I care so much about building Because of Marketing. - Active awareness. - Boundless curiosity. - A deep respect for the creative process. And I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite quotes from the book: “Your entire life is a form of self-expression.” “Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.” “Failure is the information you need to get to where you’re going.” “Faith allows you to trust the direction without needing to understand it.” If you’re building something; whether it’s a brand, a business, a community or your career, this book will challenge how you see creativity, overcome self doubt and connect with your inner child. Let me know if you’ve read it! 🤎

Marketing isn't campaigns. It's creating continuous movement. [Watch this spinning wheel art] Look at that artist. Constant motion. Flowing strokes. Never stopping. Always creating. The wheel keeps spinning. The art keeps evolving. That's how marketing momentum works. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: Most founders think in finite terms. "Let's run a LinkedIn campaign." "Launch that email series." "Try a 30-day content push." Start. Stop. Evaluate. Start again. No momentum. No compound effect. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Momentum beats perfection. Movement beats planning. Consistency beats creativity. Last month, I watched a founder spend six weeks perfecting a single email sequence. "It has to be perfect before we launch," he insisted. Meanwhile, his competitor was sending three pieces of content weekly, building relationships, creating conversations. Guess who had momentum by month's end? The perfectionist was still tweaking. The competitor was closing deals. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 1️⃣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Remove friction from creation: → Template libraries ready to use → Content formats that scale → Simple design systems → Quick approval processes → "Good enough" becomes your standard 2️⃣ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 Multiple wheels spinning simultaneously: → Weekly thought leadership content → Monthly customer story campaigns → Quarterly industry insights → Ongoing social engagement → Continuous email nurturing 3️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 Like that spinning art, everything connects: → LinkedIn posts drive newsletter signups → Newsletter content becomes webinar topics → Webinars generate case study material → Case studies fuel social proof content → Social proof drives more LinkedIn engagement 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀: HubSpot never runs "campaigns." They run continuous content engines. Blog posts become ebooks become webinars become courses become certification programs. Each piece feeds the next. Momentum never stops. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀: 1. Identify what slows your content creation 2. Build templates for 80% of common formats 3. Plan 3 infinite campaigns to run simultaneously 4. Connect each piece to drive the next action 5. Measure momentum, not just individual campaign results Remember: Like that spinning wheel art, Marketing magic happens through movement. Continuous creation. Flowing momentum. Never stopping. Always building. The moment you stop moving, momentum dies. And in B2B, momentum is everything. What's slowing down your marketing momentum right now? ---- ❤️ 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. ♻️ 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. 🔔 Follow me for more helpful and entertaining videos to improve your go-to-market approach. 🤟

Your business creations should feed your energy, not drain it. I've been thinking about the difference between sustainable and unsustainable business building. Unsustainable: forcing yourself to create content you don't believe in, offering services that don't light you up, building something that feels like it's sucking your life force. Sustainable: creating from genuine inspiration, offering transformations you're passionate about, building something that actually energizes you. When your business creations are aligned with your authentic self, they feed your energy rather than drain it. You finish a day of work feeling more alive, not more depleted. This doesn't mean every day is easy or every task is fun. But the overall trajectory should be energizing, not exhausting. Your business should be a vehicle for your creative expression, your unique gifts, your deepest purpose. When it is, the work itself becomes a source of energy and inspiration. If your business is consistently draining you, it might be time to ask: What would need to shift for this to feel energizing instead? How does your business feed or drain your energy? What changes would make it more sustainable?

Sustainable tempo isn't about pushing harder; it's about designing better. #MantraMonday    Feeling stuck in the daily grind, chasing success but sacrificing yourself?    It’s a path I know well, one that led to a major turning point in my health.    True momentum isn't about relentless hustle; it's about designing sustainable rhythms.    It's about creating frameworks that work with your energy, not against it.     Most leaders approach tempo through: ✔️ Working longer hours ✔️ Pushing through fatigue ✔️ Sacrificing recovery time   Strategic architects design tempo through: ✔️ Creating rhythms aligned with natural energy patterns ✔️ Building frameworks that balance effort with recovery ✔️ Designing environments that sustain momentum naturally   The difference? One approach inevitably leads to burnout. The other creates sustainable impact over decades. After my hypertension crisis in December 2017, I had to completely redesign my approach to tempo.    The goal wasn't to slow down; it was to create sustainable rhythms that matched my natural energy patterns.   This is the core of our Empower Program: helping driven individuals build a framework for a sustainable, integrated life.    I'll help you leverage your CliftonStrengths to design systems that amplify your impact across career, family, and well-being.    It's not just about quick wins, it's creating a legacy that lasts.    What area of your life needs a TEMPO redesign to prevent burnout while maintaining momentum?   #IntegratedLife #SustainableTempo #EmpowerProgram     P.S. Remember, your most important work isn't a sprint—it's a marathon that requires strategic pacing.

The Secret Weapon of Growth? A System for Creative Breakthroughs. Recently, I led a workshop for a powerhouse collective of women leaders on applying Creative Problem Solving to illuminate old challenges. We didn’t just chase ideas—we built a repeatable muscle for clarity and momentum. Here are 3 takeaways: 🔍 1. Frame It Before You Fix It You’ve heard the quote "A Problem Well Stated is Half Solved." Most teams rush to address symptoms. We slow down and stretch the problem definition itself. Ask: Why is this an issue? What is the fundamental barrier? Reframing unlocks a new universe of possibilities. 💡 2. Split Your Thinking to Sharpen Your Impact Your brain thrives in two modes: Divergence (wild ideas) and Convergence (focused decisions). Mixing them muddies both. Generate without judgment, then judge without generating. That separation fuels breakthroughs. 🚀 3. Make Discomfort a Habit New ideas feel risky—your brain prefers the familiar, even when it’s failing. Bravery isn’t a feeling; it’s a practice. Lean into the butterflies. Build routines that stretch your comfort zone and spark creative leaps. Here’s what Amy L. Halford, Chief Growth Officer of Thrive Petcare had to say: "I was stuck on a complex challenge, and Joan’s session completely changed the way I approached it. Her process helped me think differently, get unstuck, and uncover new perspectives that became the springboard for my team’s next phase of work." 👉 DM me or reach out to joan@thecreativeconservancy.com to discuss customizing this session for your biggest Q4 challenge. 

Most offsites spark excitement for a week, then everyone slides back into old habits. But recently, I saw something different. A client asked a simple question as we wrapped up their quarterly business review: “What if we actually prepared the team to keep the momentum going, instead of hoping the inspiration will last?” So they are changing how they work. Focusing on building a real foundation—rituals, routines, clear expectations—before getting swept up in the energy. A few weeks later, they’re still talking about that shift. The collaboration hasn’t faded. It’s getting stronger. Turns out, team development only works when it’s seen as essential infrastructure—not just a feel-good moment. Here’s what I’ve learned: If you want lasting change, don’t look for the perfect event. Focus on what comes before and after. Build habits and spaces that make inspiration stick. Next week, I’ll share research on how teams make that shift for good—and what small moves actually work. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve seen help a team keep their momentum?

🚨 Dear Education & Nonprofit Colleagues, I'm worried about us. As we look toward potential political shifts in 2025, we need to face a hard truth: our current pace is unsustainable. Many of us are pushing ourselves to the breaking point; we can't keep going like this. To maintain our impact and effectiveness, we must preserve and build our reserves for the challenges ahead. Here's how: 1️⃣ Streamline for Impact Narrow down to the true heart of your mission. Say no to projects that dilute your focus, even if they're tempting. 👉 Less distraction, more focus on what matters. 2️⃣ Aim for Progress, not Perfection Be ruthlessly strategic in your efforts. Choose only high-impact actions. (Funders: this demands flexible funding and lighter reporting requirements). Release the need to perfect what doesn't drive change. 👉 Less perfectionism, more purposeful progress. 3️⃣ Leverage Partnerships, Not Lone Efforts Collaboration isn't optional anymore. Pool resources and build alliances with like-minded organizations to multiply impact without depleting resources. 👉 Less solo effort, more collective strength. 4️⃣ Redefine Success for Real-Life Impact Move beyond traditional metrics. Success looks like: parents becoming advocates, community members stepping into leadership roles, and solutions emerging from within the community. Track the stories, connections, and transformations that numbers can't capture. 👉 Less emphasis on formal metrics, more focus on true impact. 5️⃣ Invest in Lasting Change, Not Immediate Fixes Build sustainable momentum through strategic and systemic action. Create rhythms of rest and reflection that fuel long-term progress. 👉 Less daily urgency, more long-term resilience. 6️⃣ Build Smarter Systems for Lasting Efficiency Invest in tools and infrastructure that eliminate administrative burden and create space for mission-critical work. 👉 Less manual work, more capacity for what matters most. The challenges ahead demand we preserve our strength. We can't afford to burnout. 💬 What's one shift you can make today to preserve your strength for the work ahead? In solidarity, Danielle #Burnout #NonprofitLeadership #EducationLeadership #SustainableLeadership #NonprofitBurnout

Ever notice how some days, just the thought of working out feels like climbing Mount Everest? Yeah, me too. But here's the secret I've discovered - both for fitness AND running a company: Slow momentum is the real MVP. Let me break it down: Imagine two workout options: A) Intense 60-minute session, full throttle from the start B) Gradual warm-up, building intensity over time Which one are you more likely to stick with long-term? If you're anything like me, it's B all the way. Why? Because on those mornings when your bed feels like it has its own gravitational pull, the idea of a gentle warm-up is way less daunting than an all-out sprint. Now, here's where it gets interesting - this same principle is my secret weapon in the boardroom. When I first became CEO, I thought I had to sprint all day, every day. Spoiler alert: I nearly burned out faster than my laptop battery in a Zoom marathon. So, I applied the workout wisdom: 1. Start small (like a 5-minute warm-up) 2. Build consistency (show up every day) 3. Gradually increase intensity (tackle bigger challenges) Result? Our company grew steadily, and I wasn't a caffeine-fueled zombie. It works for: • Implementing new strategies • Building team relationships • Personal development Quick story: When we decided to revamp our company culture and overall HR, we didn't go for a total overhaul overnight. We started with one team meeting a week. I still remember my Chief People Officer at the time saying to "Kunal, this is a 2 year journey". At the end of the first year, we were fostering a thriving culture that boosted productivity and happiness across the board. Remember, you're not aiming for a marathon. Just a warm-up. That's how we build that slow, steady momentum. Let's get moving - slow and steady style! #SlowMomentum #CEOlife #FitnessWisdom #LeadershipLessons

Working longer hours the way to stay productive and successful I agree, there is a time to hustle and grind. I have done that when building my business. Have I been able to sustain it? Yes, and it costed my health, relationships and eventually work, itself. What I have learnt is a blessing - White Space. I learned this in art class, where I realised that what brings life and depth to a picture is the white space—the gaps that allow the main elements of the painting to stand out. Setting aside intentional “white space” each week actually fuels greater progress. Productivity doesn’t come from being constantly “on”; it comes from knowing how to recharge and protect your energy strategically. Here’s why white space matters: → Clarity: When you take intentional breaks, mental clarity improves, leading to sharper decisions. → Sustained Energy: Small pauses help keep energy levels high throughout the day, reducing burnout. → Creativity Boost: Giving your mind space to wander fuels creativity and innovative problem-solving. It’s not relentless hustle that keeps productivity high, but the rhythm of recharging, refocusing, and rejuvenating. So, don’t get caught up in the “always be grinding” mentality just because it’s popular. True productivity lies in balance. Find a way to weave in small moments of rest that fit your rhythm. That’s how you create sustainable success—one intentional pause at a time. #highperformance #coaching #productivity #mentoring