Building your Brand

In today's episode, I'm doing something a little different and sharing a few of the tools I've been loving recently. These are paid subscriptions I use to save time, streamline my content creation, and make video feel more sustainable and enjoyable. They're not "must-have" tools to run a business, but they are thoughtful investments that help me work smarter, stay creative, and focus my energy where it matters most.
I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!
If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!
Key Takeaways
Choosing tools that save time will protect your creative energy Investing in content creation tools that reduce friction allows you to show up more consistently, avoid burnout, and spend more time actually creating instead of wrestling with tech.
Using automation with intention builds trust, not distance When you use automations in a personal, generous way; like voice notes or encouragement rather than constant selling; you deepen connection and make your marketing feel more human and aligned.
Building a sustainable workflow makes growth possible Designing systems that make video and content creation faster and easier creates momentum, supports long-term growth, and helps you stay consistent without exhausting yourself.
Episode Highlights
00:00 – Why I'm sharing the paid tools that help with content creation and save time
00:54 – How I use Superprofile for Instagram automations and voice note DMs
03:46 – Why Epidemic Sound is my go-to for music for YouTube, podcasts, and reels
05:48 – How I use Jitter to create quick animations for Instagram and video content
07:55 – How Frame.io helps with video feedback, collaboration, and client work
10:08 – Why investing in tools matters for sustainable video and content creation
 
Mentioned in the episode
Superprofile (aff link)
Epidemic Sound
Frame.io
Jitter

A topic I haven't covered on the podcast for a while is photography so when Olivia Bossert got in touch about coming on to chat about her 'IT Girl' philosophy, I knew it would be SUCH an interesting and different perspective on personal brand photography.
I am a big believer in brand photography and how much it can do to enhance your brand. It really can impact the visual look and feel of your branding and give you heaps of confidence in how you show up in your business and online.
In this episode, Olivia shares her fascinating journey from shooting for Vogue to pivoting into the personal branding space. We chat about why having a full team on set can transform your confidence, why you definitely don't need to know how to pose, and how she is reclaiming the term "IT Girl" to help business owners show up as their most authentic selves.
 
Key Takeaways:
Pivoting after achieving the "dream": Olivia shares the honest reality of achieving her life-long goal of shooting for Vogue, only to realise it didn't bring the fulfilment she expected, leading to her pivot into personal branding.
The "IT Girl" Philosophy: We discuss reclaiming the term "IT Girl" – it isn't about being a celebrity like Paris Hilton; it's about fully owning who you are, what you love, and showing up unapologetically as yourself.
You don't need to know how to pose: One of the biggest fears people have is not knowing what to do in front of the camera. Olivia explains that on a high-end shoot, posing is the photographer's job, not yours.
Treating your brand like a fashion editorial: Olivia applies her background in fashion to personal branding, using a full team (stylists, assistants, lighting experts) to create high-end, magazine-quality images for business owners.
Confidence is a result, not a prerequisite: You don't need to feel confident before the shoot. The process of being looked after by a professional team and seeing the final results is what actually creates that lasting confidence boost.
Episode Highlights:
02:00 – The "Vogue moment" and why achieving a big goal led to an identity crisis and a business pivot.
05:00 – How Olivia applies a fashion editorial mindset to personal branding to create a unique USP.
06:00 – A breakdown of what a full production team looks like (and why you might want a stylist and lighting assistant).
09:00 – Overcoming camera confidence: Why you don't need to be an influencer or model to look amazing.
16:00 – Redefining the "IT Girl" and why the term might feel jarring at first but is actually incredibly empowering.
28:00 – The debate on AI in photography: Why images hold energy and why AI headshots often miss the "spark" in the eyes
 
About The Guest:
Olivia Bossert is a personal brand photographer, artist, and online business owner based in London. After a decade working as a fashion photographer for international publications and brands (including Vogue!), she pivoted to bringing that high-end editorial experience to female founders and business owners.
You can find Olivia on Instagram @oliviabossert or visit her website oliviabossert.com.
The It Girl Experience: https://www.oliviabossert.com/shoot 
It Girl Studio: https://www.oliviabossert.com/studio
I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!
This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I am beyond excited to be hosting my first ever Live Podcast Event this year! A goal I've had since 2024 and now is becoming a reality! If you're local to Cardiff/South Wales and want to be there in person you can grab one of the final tickets and come along (if there are any left!)
Today on the podcast I am giving you a behind the scenes look into all that has gone on in the lead up to the event. I talk openly and honestly about the highs and lows and doubts and excitements! I'm always interested in behind the scenes of anything I've not done before so I do hope you enjoy this sneak peak behind the curtain!!
Have you ever put on your own event? I'd love to know the bits you loved and the bits you hated!
I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!
 
Key Takeaways
Big ideas take time; and that's not a failure. Meaningful creative projects often require patience, alignment, and trusting the timing rather than rushing the process.
Valuing your work invites others to value it too. Charging for events matters; not just financially, but as a way of creating commitment, respect, and space to deliver a higher-quality, more intentional experience for everyone involved.
Real connection happens when we step into the room together. Live podcasts transform a solitary listening experience into real community, showing the power of bringing people together in person in an increasingly digital world.
 
Episode Highlights
00:00: Why I'm hosting a live podcast event (behind the scenes of podcast event planning)
02:30: How I planned a live podcast: mindset, logistics, and challenges
03:55: Ticket pricing strategy for events: early bird tickets, paid vs free events
07:30: Building community through live podcasts + future in-person event plans

I loved today's podcast chat and something I've been thinking about a lot recently is how so many of us creatives and business owners have these similar human experiences that we all have to go through. I think it is so powerful when we share those experiences openly and vulnerably.
Today on the podcast, I am chatting to Emmi Salonen, who is a designer, artist, speaker and author of the amazing new book, The Creative Wellbeing Handbook. Emmi founded Studio EMMI in 2005 and has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
In this episode, we talk all about the lessons she has learned as a creative, including her personal journey through burnout and taking a year-long sabbatical. Emmi has chatted to hundreds of other creatives about their struggles, and she shares those insights alongside practical exercises to help nurture your creativity. It was a gorgeous conversation full of little gems that I am definitely going to implement in my own practice!
Key Takeaways:
Creativity needs a pause: Emmi discusses the concept of the "Creative Ecosystem" and how vital it is to nurture different areas of your life—like connection, wonder, and rest—to sustain your creativity.
You are not alone in self-doubt: Emmi's research found that 87% of creatives struggle with feeling "not good enough". We discuss how important it is to vocalise these feelings rather than internalise them.
The power of a 'Solo Day': One of my favourite exercises from the book is the 'Solo Day' (or Emmi Day)—taking guilt-free time alone to do exactly what you want, whether that's visiting a gallery or just pottering around the house, to let ideas percolate.
Financial stability protects creativity: We talk about the tension between passion and finance, and why having a financial buffer (if possible) is crucial for weathering dry spells or allowing for creative breaks.
Slow design vs. industry speed: Emmi highlights the pressure to deliver ideas instantly and why she now factors in a "percolation period" at the start of projects to allow ideas to properly form.
Episode Highlights:
02:00 – Emmi shares her background working in studios in Italy, New York and London before setting up Studio EMMI 20 years ago.
06:30 – The story behind her book: How a severe burnout led to a year off and a deep dive into creative wellbeing.
12:00 – The three biggest challenges creatives face today, including balancing finances and the pressure of instant idea generation.
21:00 – How Emmi practically managed to take a year-long sabbatical (and how Stefan Sagmeister does it every seven years).
23:00 – Practical exercises from The Creative Wellbeing Handbook, including the 'Solo Day' and 'Craft Club'.
32:00 – Emmi's perspective on AI: Using it as a tool while protecting human creativity and kindness.
About The Guest:
Emmi Salonen is a Finnish graphic designer and the founder of Studio EMMI, a London-based design practice established in 2005. She is the author of The Creative Wellbeing Handbook, a guide designed to help creatives navigate the ups and downs of their practice.
You can find more about Emmi's work at emmi.co.uk and explore resources for the book at creativeecosystem.org
I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!
This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Last week I gave a talk at St Brides Foundation in London about some of the key moments from the podcast that have forever changed my brain chemistry. Today on the podcast I am sharing those moments with you. Hosting this podcast has added value to my business and in fact my life in ways that I never expected. I've listed all of the episodes mentioned so that you can go back and have a listen through for the full conversations. 
I hope you find these moments as inspiring as I did! I would love to hear what you think of this episode, and if there have been any moments from the podcast that have stuck in your mind aswell! So please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode!
 
Key Takeaways
"No" is not the end of the story Each rejection can give you valuable information to improve and come back stronger.
Fear of success can hold you back more than fear of failure Sometimes we sabotage ourselves not because we're afraid of failing, but because we're afraid of what success might cost us.
"Should" is the killer of joy When you catch yourself saying "I should do this," you're likely following someone else's path. Replace "should" with "could" to open up possibilities that feel more aligned.
Expect initial rejection as a learning opportunity. Lean into and welcome rejection as a task of curiosity and information to further your goals
Stop adding, start subtracting Before adding new habits, projects, or commitments to your plate, ask yourself: "What am I willing to give up to make space for this?"
 
Episode Highlights
2:32 Lesson 1: Kyle Webster's story - "No" is not the end
5:15 Lesson 2: Fear of success with Lois Seco and Hannah Istead
7:31 Lesson 3: Sophie Cliff - "Should is the killer of joy"
9:40 Lesson 4: Kyra Matthews - Expect rejection as your teacher
10:57 Lesson 5: Rich Webster - Don't keep adding, take things away
 
Mentioned in the episode
Kyle T Webster Episode
Fear of Success Episode with Liz Mosley, Hannah Isted and Lois Seco
Sophie Cliff Episode
Kira Matthews Episode
Rich Webster Episode
Laura Belgray Episdode and 750 words website