Creativity Made Easy

Dustin Pead
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Host Dustin Pead helps creatives know themselves, their process, & their teams more so they can create greater things together.

  1. WHY YOUR TEAM HATES YOUR NEW SYSTEM (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT) | EP.142

    4D AGO

    WHY YOUR TEAM HATES YOUR NEW SYSTEM (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT) | EP.142

    You just invested time and money in the perfect system. You rolled it out to your team. And then... crickets. Nobody's logging in. The problem? You're leading systems instead of leading people. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why system failures are people problems disguised as technology problems (and how leaders create "tool graveyards" by forgetting team habits) - The proximity to natural habitat principle that determines adoption success (10% adjustment vs. 80% overhaul) - How to run the proximity test before committing to new tools (map current workflow first, then evaluate adjustment level) - The pilot program framework: Start with 2-3 champions, gather real feedback, work out bugs before full rollout - Why this generation needs the "why" behind changes (and how consistent communication skyrockets adoption rates) - The "implement with you" philosophy for working alongside teams through transitions - How to lead people first so system change follows naturally Real story: When I moved a client from Trello to Asana, the team actually adopted it because we brought them close to where they already were. The result? Natural adoption because it fit their flow as they grew. Peter Drucker said it perfectly: "So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work." Don't be that leader. Your new system isn't failing because it's the wrong tool. It's failing because you're asking people to change too much, too fast without their input and without remembering that these are real people you're leading. CONNECT WITH DUSTIN: Website: https://dustinpead.com Free Resources: https://dustinpead.com/free Instagram/Social: @dustinpead Email: dp@dustinpead.com NEXT EPISODE: The 79% Problem—why creative agencies are over-servicing clients and losing money. We're covering boundaries, SOPs, and how to stop giving away work for free. Lead people first. Systems will follow. #ChangeManagement #TeamLeadership #SystemsAndProcesses #CreativeAgency

    8 min
  2. THE PRIORITY PARALYSIS | EP.141

    JAN 8

    THE PRIORITY PARALYSIS | EP.141

    New year, 47 things on your to-do list, 12 marked urgent—and you're completely paralyzed. Today we're breaking free from priority paralysis using the Focus Funnel and capacity planning strategies that actually work. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The 3 types of confusion causing priority paralysis (strategic vs tactical, mine vs theirs, now vs later) - How to use the Focus Funnel to reduce your priorities by 80% (eliminate, automate, delegate, defer) - Why capacity planning requires a 20% buffer and how to calculate your true capacity - The Big Three Rule: Never have more than 3 major priorities active at once - How to implement weekly priority sessions that actually work - Why "Can I fit this in?" is the wrong question (and what to ask instead) Sally Mann says it perfectly: "The measure of artistic success is not money, it's time. Knowing what I have to do every hour of every day is what allows me to schedule, yes schedule, creativity." This episode will help you schedule your creativity by mastering priority management instead of just time management. FEATURED RESOURCE: Download the Priority Framework FREE at https://dustinpead.com/free This comprehensive tool combines the Focus Funnel with the Eisenhower Matrix to help you identify what truly matters. BOOK GIVEAWAY: Win a FREE copy of Sally Mann's "Artwork"! Head to YouTube (search: Dustin Pead), find Episode 141, and comment with one takeaway you're implementing. Deadline: January 16, 2026 at noon EST. CONNECT WITH DUSTIN: Website: https://dustinpead.com Instagram/Social: @dustinpead Email: dp@dustinpead.com NEXT EPISODE: Why Your Team Hates Your New System (change management for creative teams) Taking creatives from chaos to clarity—one system at a time. #CreativeProductivity #PriorityManagement #SystemsAndProcesses #CreativeAgency

    19 min
  3. A Creative's Letter to Future You | Creativity Made Easy Ep. 140

    2025-12-26

    A Creative's Letter to Future You | Creativity Made Easy Ep. 140

    As we close out 2025, it's time to give future you the greatest gift possible: clarity. In this special year-end episode, discover what we learned together this year and exactly how to turn those lessons into your clearest year yet. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The one question that connects every 2025 framework and strategy we coveredWhy margin isn't what's left after work—it's what makes your best work possibleThe exact 4-step process for writing your letter to future youHow to identify your constraint—the one thing that if changed, would change everythingThe single biggest mistake creatives make every January (and how to avoid it)Why clarity comes from consistent action, not perfect planning5 specific action steps to take before 2026 begins2025 LESSONS RECAP: The DO vs DUE Framework taught us proactive planning beats reactive scrambling. Transformative one-on-ones showed us investing in people IS the work. Mental health conversations reminded us that self-care makes us better leaders. AI-assisted planning demonstrated how to amplify strengths without losing the human touch. All of these lessons connect back to one core question: What does future you need from present you? FEATURED RESOURCE: Download your free DO vs DUE Framework, Time & Energy Audit, Future You Framework, and more at dustinpead.com/free Listen to Creativity Made Easy wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday. CONNECT:🌐 dustinpead.com📸 @dustinpead Special thanks to The Core Group (coregroupus.com) for supporting creatives with financial clarity and Profit First strategies. #CreativeClarity #FutureYou #SystemsForCreatives #2026Planning

    12 min
  4. Beyond Margin: Why Creative Agencies Need Capacity Planning | Ep 139

    2025-12-18

    Beyond Margin: Why Creative Agencies Need Capacity Planning | Ep 139

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The critical difference between guessing capacity and planning capacityHow to implement the 20% margin buffer rule across your teamWhy time tracking is essential for sustainable creative workThe manufacturing secret that could transform your agency operationsPractical steps to stop overcommitting and start delivering with excellenceBETA TESTING IN 2026:I'm committing to developing comprehensive capacity planning tools specifically for creative agencies in 2026. Want to be part of the conversation? Email dp@dustinpead.com with your thoughts on what would help you most. FEATURED RESOURCE:Download the DO vs DUE Framework and other free resources: https://dustinpead.com/free CONNECT:🌐 https://dustinpead.com📧 dp@dustinpead.com📱 @dustinpead on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn SPONSOR:The Core Group provides financial clarity for creative professionals. Learn more at https://coregroupus.com #CapacityPlanning #CreativeAgency #AgencyOperations #CreativeEntrepreneur

    10 min
  5. STOP FLYING BLIND: PLAN YOUR CREATIVE YEAR WITH THE 12-MONTH OUTLOOK | EP.138

    2025-12-11

    STOP FLYING BLIND: PLAN YOUR CREATIVE YEAR WITH THE 12-MONTH OUTLOOK | EP.138

    Most creative professionals are flying blind when it comes to annual planning—reacting to opportunities instead of creating them. Today I'm walking you through my 12-Month Outlook template step-by-step, showing you exactly how to get complete clarity on your year and stop leaving your business growth to chance. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to work backwards from launch dates using the 4D Creative Process frameworkThe exact template for visualizing your entire creative year at a glanceHow to build realistic timelines that include margin instead of constant firefightingWhy bringing the system to where you are matters more than perfect planningHow to make better decisions about what to say yes to (and what to decline)FEATURED RESOURCE:Download the 12-Month Outlook Template completely FREE at dustinpead.com/free, along with the DO vs DUE Framework, Time & Energy Audit, and all my other frameworks for creative professionals. CONNECT:Website: https://dustinpead.comSocial: https://www.instagram.com/dustinpead SPONSOR:This episode is brought to you by The Core Group—financial planning exclusively for creatives. Whether you need basic tax help or full CFO-level strategy, they'll meet you where you are. Head to coregroupus.com to create financial clarity today. #CreativePlanning #AnnualPlanning #CreativeSystems #AgencyOperations

    12 min
  6. Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before The New Year | Ep 137

    2025-12-04

    Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before The New Year | Ep 137

    Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before The New Year | EP.137 Everyone's planning what to ADD in January—new goals, new systems, new habits. But what if the secret to your best creative year isn't about adding more, but ruthlessly REMOVING what's been draining your energy all year long? This episode is your December decluttering blueprint. While everyone else is waiting for January 1st to start fresh, you'll be creating actual space for growth by subtracting before you add. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:• Why you can't build new systems on broken foundations (and why most January goals fail by mid-month)• The exact year-end audit process Dustin uses with his team every December• How to evaluate tools, calendar events, projects, and communication channels for what's actually serving you• The Four Bucket System: Dead Weight (delete immediately), Incomplete Business (finish or archive), Great Idea Wrong Time (archive with intention), and Active Misalignment (reevaluate or eliminate)• Practical 15-minute exercises that will reclaim hours in your week• Why "if it isn't a clear yes, then it's a clear no" is the filter your agency needs• How to identify energy drains vs. time drains (and why energy matters more) This isn't theory—it's the exact conversation Dustin has with his team every December before planning the new year. Join the revolution of subtracting first and adding second. FEATURED RESOURCE:Get free frameworks and tools at dustinpead.com/free Episode Length: 24 minutes CONNECT WITH DUSTIN:Website: dustinpead.comSocial: @dustinpeadBook a consultation: dustinpead.com/contact Next Episode: The 12-Month Outlook Framework (Episode 138) - After decluttering, learn how to strategically plan your best year yet. #creativesystems #agencylife #decluttering #productivityforCreatives

    26 min
  7. A Thanksgiving Letter of Gratitude | Ep 136

    2025-11-27

    A Thanksgiving Letter of Gratitude | Ep 136

    This Thanksgiving, I'm sharing something personal—my deep gratitude for this incredible creative community. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why gratitude is a strategic choice, not just a feelingHow to create from abundance instead of "never enough" scarcityThe power of Sarah's 10,000 gratitudes journaling practiceWhy systems don't kill creativity—they protect itOne simple action step to shift your creative perspective todayHow to build sustainable creativity without burnout FEATURED RESOURCE:The Core Group - Strategic financial partners for creative professionals who need more than tax filing. Visit: coregroupus.com (Tell them Dustin sent you!) EPISODE LENGTH: 8 minutes NEXT WEEK: Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before 2026 🌐 dustinpead.com📥 Free tools & frameworks: dustinpead.com/free📱 @dustinpead (all platforms) #CreativeLeadership #GratitudePractice #CreativeSystems #SustainableCreativity

    9 min

  8. 2025-11-20

    Stop Forcing Perfect Systems: Meet Your Team Where They Are | EP.135

    You don't need the perfect system. You need a system that works for you where you are right now. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why the gap between current habits and new systems determines adoption successThe "Point B not Point E" approach to rolling out new tools and processesHow to identify pain points and bring solutions directly to themA practical week-by-week timeline for implementing project management systemsWhy gradual adoption beats overwhelming launches every single timeThe 7-10 touch point rule for creating lasting behavior changeFEATURED RESOURCE: Struggling with system implementation? Download the free DO vs DUE Framework and other tools at dustinpead.com/free After years of helping creative agencies build better systems, I've learned that the best system isn't the most sophisticated one—it's the one your team will actually use tomorrow morning. In this episode, I break down the path of least resistance approach to implementing any new system without overwhelming your team. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronreMarkable digital notepadCONNECT:🌐 dustinpead.com📸 @dustinpead🎁 dustinpead.com/free NEXT WEEK: Step-by-step walkthrough of the 12-Month Outlook—one of my most-used planning tools for creative professionals. Perfect timing for 2026 planning! #SystemImplementation #CreativeAgency #ProductivitySystems #TeamManagement

    17 min
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Host Dustin Pead helps creatives know themselves, their process, & their teams more so they can create greater things together.

Information

  • Creator
    Dustin Pead
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dustin Pead
  • Show Website
    Creativity Made Easy