130. A Decade of Creative Leadership: How to Build a Spacious, Sustainable Business

What does it really take to run a creative business without stress or burnout? In today’s episode, I’m joined by designer and mentor Cat Byrne, who built a six-figure studio that stays booked out peacefully months in advance.

Cat shares how she went from charging £400 for projects to confidently landing five-figure clients, all while working just two to three days a week and prioritising family and freedom. We dive into pricing, leadership, and the practical strategies that make a creative business both profitable and sustainable.

If you’ve ever wondered whether peace and success can co-exist, this conversation will show you how.

This conversation is part of our CEO Series on the Honest Business Podcast, where we sit down with inspiring founders to uncover what it really looks like to lead and grow a business on your own terms.

Key Points:
Why your business doesn’t have to be stressful to succeed (2:44)
What a “spacious” business looks like day-to-day (3:34)
The pricing shifts that create room for growth (13:28)
Why starting a business is your first leadership decision (28:27)
How to be fully yourself in business and still succeed (50:53)

Connect with Cat on...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gattocreativementor/
Website https://www.mentor.gattoweb.com/

Connect with May on...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/may.james_/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/maylaurajames/
Website https://www.mayjames.com