Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News

Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky
  • 5.0 (3.7K)
  • Business News
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — a top-ranked show in Business News where entrepreneurship, creativity, media strategy, and pop culture collide. Whether you are building a business, growing a personal brand, launching a podcast, writing a book, or expanding your influence as a thought leader, this show was built for you. We believe business doesn't have to be boring. The most successful entrepreneurs are always learning, adapting, and evolving — and that means mastering business strategy, branding, marketing, AI tools, podcasting, publishing, and public speaking, while staying locked in on the pop culture moments, entertainment headlines, and media trends shaping the marketplace right now. Why? Because there is business behind everything. From viral moments and major brand moves to celebrity influence and cultural shifts, the biggest business lessons are playing out in real time. We break them down, make them actionable, and help you apply them to your brand and your bottom line. Each episode delivers real conversations, expert guest interviews, and practical frameworks to help you grow revenue, build authority, and expand your reach in today's creator economy. No fluff. No filler. Just the strategies that actually move the needle. What we cover: Business growth and monetization · Branding and authority building · Podcast and media strategy · Public speaking and visibility · AI and emerging tools · Publishing and thought leadership · Pop culture and business trends · Entrepreneurship and mindset · Marketing and content creation · Personal brand development Most of all, we believe in connection, community, and building meaningful relationships. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating — but growth accelerates when you surround yourself with the right people, the right tools, and the right conversations. This show is designed to help you move faster, think bigger, and build smarter. Whether you are a seasoned CEO, a rising entrepreneur, a content creator, or a thought leader ready to own your stage and scale your influence, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast meets you where you are and challenges you to go further. Ready for an incredible live experience? Join us at Cre8tive Con — the traveling conference where entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders come together to learn, connect, and grow. Visit www.cre8tivecon.com to find an event near you. About the hosts: Julie Lokun, JD — Business strategist, podcaster, speaker, and publicity expert. Founder of Dragonfly Effect and co-founder of Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs amplify their message, increase visibility, and build authority through media, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Learn more at www.julielokunconsulting.com. Dominick Domasky — Publisher, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Motivation Champs (www.motivationchamps.com). Dom helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders share powerful stories, build strong brands, and create lasting impact through publishing and media. Together, Julie and Dom bring sharp insights, powerful guests, and unfiltered conversations to help creative entrepreneurs grow — in business, media, and beyond. Join a live event: www.cre8tivecon.com Podcast home: www.cre8tiveconpod.com Inquiries: julie@cre8tivecon.com | dom@cre8tivecon.com

  1. What Gary Vee Told Me When I Lost My Notes: Raw Lessons from VeeCon on Entrepreneurship, Hustle, and Showing Up

    21h ago

    What Gary Vee Told Me When I Lost My Notes: Raw Lessons from VeeCon on Entrepreneurship, Hustle, and Showing Up

    What Happens When You Go Toe-to-Toe with Gary Vee and Forget Your Notes? You go full send. And that's exactly what Creative Entrepreneur Podcast host Julie Lokun, JD did at VeeCon Indianapolis — one of the most electric entrepreneurial events on the planet — when she sat down with Gary Vaynerchuk for a conversation that no script could have produced. No color-coded notes. No safety net. Just two entrepreneurs in a room — and the kind of raw, real dialogue that changes the way you think about business, failure, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts. If you're a Gary Vee fan, a student of hustle culture, or a creative entrepreneur who's ever felt the pressure to have it all figured out — this episode is your backstage pass. ABOUT THIS EPISODE Host: Julie Lokun, JD | Media Strategist, Brand Authority & Top Global Podcaster Co-Host: Dominick Domasky (out on assignment this episode) Guest: Gary Vaynerchuk — serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, creator of VeeFriends, and one of the most influential voices in entrepreneurship and digital marketing Recorded at: VeeCon, Indianapolis WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE Gary Vaynerchuk on the origin of VeeCon Gary didn't just wake up and launch a conference. The idea percolated for nearly a decade — born from his time as a speaker, shaped by his identity as an entrepreneur first. VeeCon was built as the live component of VeeFriends, his NFT project, with a mission to deliver the highest-impact conference experience possible. Gary's framework: don't focus on exceeding expectations. Focus on executing. The female CMO panel Gary couldn't wait to watch Gary spotlighted a powerhouse panel featuring Carla Hassan, Carolyn Tastad, Pam Kaufman, and Gale Tifford — titans of marketing and real-world friends — calling it a salon shop talk mixed with heavy business content. If you follow marketing, brand strategy, or women in leadership, this is the conversation inside the conversation. Why Gary Vee is obsessed with the 1980s It's not nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. Gary grew up in the '80s, was shaped by that era's pop culture in a deeply personal way — and he'll tell you straight: the decade we're living in right now is his least favorite, and not because of cynicism. It's because it's not finished yet. Three more years to get it going, he says. The one piece of advice Gary gives every new entrepreneur "The game is based on self-awareness and kindness to oneself." Don't beat yourself up for every miss. Losing is a feature, not a bug. Fall in love with the music — meaning the process, the game, the grind itself — and stop judging yourself against an outcome. This is the framework that built an empire. Gary Vee's only real regret He's made four mistakes today (his words), but his deepest regret? Candor. Specifically, the lack of it earlier in his career — the employees he didn't give honest feedback to, the exits he fumbled in his 20s and 30s because he didn't have the courage to be direct. This isn't the Gary Vee you see in the clips. This is the real one. What Gary is most proud of — and what nobody knows The closer you get to Gary's inner circle, the more real it gets. He's heard the question a thousand times: "What's Gary really like?" His answer: more genuine than his biggest fans imagine — and more authentic than his biggest critics can stomach. The thing he's most proud of isn't a business metric. It's that the people closest to him believe. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS Execute over expectations. Gary doesn't set goals to exceed — he sets a focus to make things great. Execution is the only metric that matters. Self-awareness is your most valuable entrepreneurial asset. Know your strengths, own your weak spots (Gary admits candor is still one of his), and keep building. Losing is part of the game — fall in love with it. The most successful entrepreneurs don't fear failure. They factor it in. Your inner circle is your truth test. The people closest to you will tell you what's real. Build a life and a business where those reports are ones you're proud of. Forgetting your notes might be the best thing you ever do. Julie Lokun is living proof. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Julie Lokun, JD is a media strategist, brand authority, and top global podcaster whose shows rank in the top 0.1% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. She is the co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, the force behind Dragonfly Podcasting, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Dragonfly Podcast Consulting. Julie sits at the intersection of media, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship — and she gets in rooms with the people who are actually building. Connect with Julie: www.julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. A tireless champion for the creative entrepreneurship movement, Dominick brings the energy, the community, and the conviction that business does not have to be boring. Connect with Dominick: www.motivationchamps.com ️ ABOUT THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR PODCAST The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is where real entrepreneurs, bold thinkers, and creative disruptors come to build something extraordinary — out loud. Hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, this show ranks in the top 0.1% globally and consistently hits top 5 on Apple Podcasts. Every episode is proof that you don't need a perfect plan — you need the right conversation. Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News JOIN US LIVE — CRE8TIVE CON Ready to be in the room where entrepreneurship happens in real life? Cre8tive Con is the national traveling entrepreneurship conference series co-founded by Julie Lokun and her team — bringing together creative entrepreneurs, brand builders, podcast hosts, and business visionaries for an experience Gary Vee would approve of. Cre8tive Con Boston July 13, 2026 One Financial Center, Boston, MA This is your VeeCon moment. Come prepared to go full send. ️ Tickets & Info: www.cre8tivecon.com Join the Cre8tive Con Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cre8tivecon RESOURCES MENTIONED & LINKS VeeCon — garyvaynerchuk.com/veefriends Gary Vaynerchuk — garyvaynerchuk.com | @garyvee on all platforms VeeFriends — veefriends.com Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts — Listen Here Julie Lokun — www.julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky — www.motivationchamps.com Dragonfly Podcasting — www.dragonflypodcasting.co Cre8tive Con Boston, July 13, 2026 — www.cre8tivecon.com Cre8tive Con Facebook Community — https://www.facebook.com/groups/cre8tivecon SHARE THIS EPISODE If this conversation lit a fire in you — share it. Tag someone who needs to hear that losing your notes is sometimes the bravest thing you can do. Leave a review. Because this is how we get voices like Gary Vee's into ears that are ready to do the work. Tag us: @julielokun | @dominickdomasky | #CreativeEntrepreneurPodcast #GaryVee #VeeCon #CreativeEntrepreneur #Cre8tiveCon #Entrepreneurship #PodcastLife The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — We don't just talk. We build something extraordinary. Because business does not have to be boring. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    12 min
  2. How The Brits and Americans are Celebrating 250 Years of Business

    Jul 6

    How The Brits and Americans are Celebrating 250 Years of Business

    WHAT IS OUR FAVORITE CRM?  KEAP! GET ORGANIZED AND AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH KEAP www.keap.com/cre8tive LEARN ABOUT BOBBY LANE OF FACTOTUM Are you running a business but struggling to keep up with the "back-office" chaos? You aren't alone. Many entrepreneurs excel at their craft but get bogged down by the very systems meant to support them. In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dom and Julie sit down with Bobby Lane, CEO of Factotum, to discuss how to bridge the gap between big ideas and smart execution. Bobby, a seasoned strategist from across the pond, is rewriting the rules of how business gets done in the U.S. From navigating the "Big Pond" transition to the importance of building a business based on trust and relationships, Bobby shares the "no-fluff" secrets to scaling a smarter company. Inside the Episode: Building a Business in the Gaps What is a "Factotum"? Bobby breaks down the Latin origins of the name—meaning "do the whole thing"—and how his company provides multidisciplinary outsourcing for the back-office gaps every small business faces. The UK vs. US Business Mindset: Why the pace of change in America is an entrepreneur's playground, and how Bobby combined British strategy with an American leadership team to conquer the market. Execution Over Advice: In a world of "fractional consultants," Factotum focuses on actually doing the work—from accounting and HR to marketing and recruitment. When to Hire Help: Bobby reveals why you should surround yourself with people cleverer than you before the four o’clock panic sets in. Jules’ Rules (British Edition): A fun, high-stakes debate on who does it better: Tea or Coffee? James Bond or Marvel? (Spoiler: Bobby might be more Americanized than he thinks!) Key Takeaways for Creative Entrepreneurs Check for Need: Before launching a niche business, ask: "Does someone actually need this solution?" Surround Yourself with Experts: Don't be afraid to hire people who challenge you and handle the details you hate. Relationships are Strategy: Bobby explains why he builds his business through "friends and family" connections spanning 30 years—trust is the ultimate cultural fit. Automate or Outsource: If you’re still signing contracts on the side of the road with a pen and paper, it’s time to engineer a better system. Connect with Bobby Lane & Factotum Ready to stop chasing tasks and start putting your growth on autopilot? Website: www.factotum.com LinkedIn: Connect with Bobby Lane Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Keap Stop losing leads in the shuffle. Keap is the leading sales and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses. Capture leads, automate your follow-ups, and build stronger relationships without the manual grunt work. Get Started: keap.com/creative Support the Show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and share it with a fellow visionary who is ready to build something smarter. "The best businesses aren't just built, they're engineered." The Podcast & Media Where can I listen to the latest episodes? The Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast for Business Growth, Strategy, and Monetization is available on all major platforms. It features high-level interviews with experts like Jim Kwik and David Meltzer. Apple Podcasts: Listen here Spotify: Search for "Creative Entrepreneur Julie Lokun" Official Website: CreativeEntrepreneurPod.com Who are the main hosts? The show is hosted by Julie Lokun, JD (a business coach and "legal eagle") and Dominick Domasky (founder of Motivation Champs). They often collaborate with other industry leaders like Lauren Erickson and Bobby Lane from Factotum.   ️ Tools & Business Growth What is the "Follow-Up Fortune" link? The show heavily emphasizes the power of automation to prevent leads from going cold. They recommend Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) for small business CRM and marketing automation.   Keap Trial/Promo: You can often find their specific partner link in the show notes of recent episodes, or visit Keap.com/cre8tive  to explore their "Conquer the Chaos" resources. How do I connect with the guests (like Bobby Lane)? If you are looking for the outsourced business services (HR, IT, Accounting) mentioned by guest Bobby Lane, you can find his firm at Factotum. Website: Factotum.org.uk Community & Events What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is the flagship live networking conference for the brand. The 2026 event recently took place in Chicago, focusing on "Human-First" business growth and moving beyond digital-only connections. Event Info: Cre8tiveCon.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  3. Pitch Like a Pro: Forbes Riley on Sales, Networking, and Business Growth

    Jun 29

    Pitch Like a Pro: Forbes Riley on Sales, Networking, and Business Growth

    In this powerful episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Dominick Domasky sits down with legendary entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and sales powerhouse Forbes Riley for a conversation every entrepreneur, author, speaker, and business owner needs to hear. With more than $2.5 billion in product sales, over 197 infomercials, multiple bestselling books, and decades of experience in media and business, Forbes has built a career around one simple truth: Life is a pitch. From networking events to podcasts, from sales calls to social media DMs, every interaction is an opportunity to connect, communicate, and create momentum. This episode dives deep into what makes a great pitch, why so many people get it wrong, and how mastering communication can transform your business and your life. Together, Dom and Forbes unpack: • Why pitching is not about selling but about connection • How to avoid sounding salesy or scripted • Why authenticity and confidence matter more than perfection • The power of tailoring your pitch to the person in front of you • How to approach high-level opportunities with clarity and confidence • Why practice creates profit Forbes shares powerful stories from her journey, including working with icons like Kim Kardashian, Mario Lopez, Richard Simmons, Serena Williams, Grant Cardone, and Fabio, while revealing how one great pitch has repeatedly changed the trajectory of her career. As founder of Motivation Champs Media, Dominick brings a unique perspective as a publisher, storyteller, and brand builder who has helped countless authors transform stories into books, businesses, and opportunities. His message has remained consistent for years: your story matters, and learning how to communicate that story effectively can change everything. Co-host Julie Lokun was out preparing for the upcoming Cre8tive Con OTR Boston 2026, but her influence is felt throughout this episode. As a media strategist, publicist, podcast expert, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con, Julie has long championed helping entrepreneurs build visibility, authority, and real business growth through media and meaningful connection. Key Takeaway: The best entrepreneurs are not just better at selling. They are better at communicating. They know how to connect. They know how to create trust. And they know how to clearly articulate value. Connect + Take Action Follow The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Leave a review and tell us what you're building Join the Cre8tive Con community and get your ticket to the next live event Connect with Julie Lokun: Get Obsessed Podcast Connect with Dominick Domasky and his publishing work: Motivation Champs Media Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
  4. How Social Media is Killing Your Business Plan with Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky

    Jun 22

    How Social Media is Killing Your Business Plan with Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky

    What if Instagram disappeared tomorrow? What if Facebook changed the algorithm — again — and your reach dropped to zero overnight? For millions of entrepreneurs, that's not a hypothetical. It's already happening. In this high-energy, no-fluff episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky deliver a wake-up call every entrepreneur needs to hear: social media is not a business strategy — it's borrowed land. And if you're building your brand exclusively on rented platforms, you're one algorithm update away from losing everything you've worked for. REACH OUT TO JULIE AND DOM- www.creativeentrepreneurpod.com and www.cre8tivecon.com Julie and Dom break down what it actually means to own your ecosystem — and give you the concrete, actionable framework to start doing it this week. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why social media is a rental agreement, not a business plan — and what to do instead The shocking truth about organic reach in 2025 (Instagram: 5–7% of your own followers; Facebook: as low as 1–2%) The 7 pillars of owning your ecosystem: website, email list, podcast, book, community, live events, and your own stage How the RSS feed works — and why your podcast content is truly yours forever Why your website is your most important digital real estate in the age of AI and deepfakes How to turn social media from your strategy into your megaphone Why books are still the ultimate credibility asset — and how to use one to unlock speaking, coaching, and media opportunities How Cre8tive Con OTR was built from community demand — and why live events are a business moat The SBA principle that proves: if you only have one customer (or one platform), you don't have a business How to reverse engineer your business from the problem you solve, not the platform you post on Key Quotes "Posting on social media is not a business strategy. It's a rental agreement — because you do not own the building." — Julie Lokun "You're either the product or you're getting paid. Until you own your own ecosystem, you're playing their game." — Dominick Domasky "Social media is the door. Your ecosystem is the house." — Julie Lokun "Use it. Don't let it use you." — Dominick Domasky "The entrepreneurs who are going to win this next decade are writing books, launching podcasts, building email lists, and creating the rooms where they make the rules." — Julie Lokun ️ Your Homework This Week Pick one thing that moves you off rented land and onto something you own: Write your first chapter Start your email list Record your first podcast episode Plan your first live event or community meetup Build or update your website with an opt-in You don't have to build it all today. You just have to start. Resources + Tools Mentioned Meetup.com — community building + email list growth Mighty Networks / Skool — community platforms you control RSS Feed / Podcast Syndication — own your audio content across all directories Stripe — sell directly from your own website Thryv — proud sponsor of Cre8tive Con OTR Cre8tive Con OTR — Boston | July 13 | One Financial Center Who This Episode Is For: This episode is essential listening for coaches, consultants, authors, speakers, and service-based entrepreneurs who are spending the majority of their time and energy on social media content — and wondering why their business isn't scaling. If you've ever felt at the mercy of an algorithm, this is your roadmap out. Connect + Take Action Follow The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Leave a review and tell us what you're building Join the Cre8tive Con community and get your ticket to the next live event Connect with Julie Lokun at getobsessedpod.com Connect with Dominick Domasky and his publishing work www.motivatonchamps.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
  5. From a Cult to An Author: How Entrepreneurs Use Storytelling to Get on Stages and Get Paid

    Jun 19

    From a Cult to An Author: How Entrepreneurs Use Storytelling to Get on Stages and Get Paid

    JOIN US ON THE ROAD AND MEET US LIVE! www.cre8tiveconotr.com What if the story you've been hiding is actually the thing that builds your authority, fills your calendar, and grows your business? On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun, JD (founder of Cre8tive Con) and Dominick Domasky (CEO of Media Champs Publishing, COO of Cre8tive Con) sit down with Porsche Mysticque Steele — award-winning book coach, TEDx speaker, and independent publishing strategist — for a conversation that is equal parts raw and tactical. Porsche doesn't just teach entrepreneurs how to write books. She lived the proof. Books saved her life. Now she helps founders, executives, coaches, and speakers across Chicago and the United States turn their lived experience into published authority and paid stages. Connect with Porsche Mysticque Steele → porschesteele.com What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your personal story is your most underleveraged business asset — and how to architect it for maximum impact How publishing a book positions entrepreneurs as the go-to expert in crowded, competitive markets The concept of story architecture — the framework Porsche uses to shape both books and keynote talks that convert How the process of writing a book transforms the author before the first copy is ever sold The real reason strategic networking (not transactional pitching) is what actually lands speaking opportunities How to turn pain into profit — ethically, powerfully, and without exploiting your own story Why books remain one of the highest-ROI credibility tools for business owners and thought leaders About the Guest: Porsche Mysticque Steele is an award-winning book coach, TEDx speaker, and independent publishing expert who works with entrepreneurs, speakers, and executives to transform personal stories into published books, keynote platforms, and lasting authority. She works with clients in Chicago and nationwide. porschesteele.com About The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Hosted by Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is built for founders, creatives, and business leaders who are ready to amplify their voice, build their brand, and stop playing small. This podcast is powered by the team behind Cre8tive Con — a traveling entrepreneurship conference designed to connect and elevate the next generation of bold business owners. FAQs What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is hosted by Julie Lokun, JD (julielokunconsulting.com | bigbetterbrand.com) and Dominick Domasky (motivationchamps.com) — a podcast built for founders, creatives, and business leaders ready to amplify their voice, build authority, and grow a brand that actually means something. Powered by the Cre8tive Con community. Who hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Julie Lokun, JD is a communications strategist, attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Cre8tive Con. Learn more at julielokunconsulting.com and bigbetterbrand.com. Dominick Domasky is CEO of Motivation Champs and a publisher and brand strategist — connect with him at motivationchamps.com. Together they bring a powerhouse blend of legal, media, and publishing expertise to every episode. What will entrepreneurs learn from this episode? Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky guide a conversation that delivers real frameworks — how to leverage storytelling and book publishing to build credibility, land speaking engagements, and grow a personal brand that opens doors in competitive markets. Why should entrepreneurs consider writing a book? As Dominick Domasky knows firsthand from the publishing world, a book establishes you as the definitive expert in your field, differentiates you in crowded markets, and attracts speaking stages, media features, and high-value clients that other marketing strategies simply can't match. How does Cre8tive Con support entrepreneurs? Cre8tive Con, co-founded by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, is a traveling entrepreneurship conference that amplifies founder voices, elevates bold ideas, and creates meaningful connections between business leaders, creatives, and industry experts — live and in person. What is story architecture and how does it apply to entrepreneurs in Chicago? Story architecture is a strategic approach to shaping personal experiences into compelling narratives that support branding, speaking, and publishing. Chicago entrepreneurs use story architecture to create books and talks that resonate locally and nationally. How can Chicago entrepreneurs get booked on speaking stages? Chicago entrepreneurs can get booked on stages by combining a clear message, a published book, and strong relationships within entrepreneurial communities, conferences, and events like Cre8tive Con. Is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast relevant beyond Chicago? Yes. While hosted by a Chicago-based team, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast reaches entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers nationwide and internationally through major podcast platforms. How can business owners connect with Porsche Mysticque Steele after this episode? Business owners can connect with Porsche Mysticque Steele through the links provided in the episode show notes to explore book coaching, publishing strategy, and speaking development services. Who should listen to this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, authors, and speakers—especially those in Chicago—who want to turn their story into a credibility-building business asset. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  6. Your Trauma Is Your Trademark: How Wendy Babcock Turned Pain Into a Profitable Speaking Business

    Jun 15

    Your Trauma Is Your Trademark: How Wendy Babcock Turned Pain Into a Profitable Speaking Business

    What if the thing you've spent your life hiding is actually the thing that builds your empire? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dom Domasky sit down with Wendy Babcock — TEDx speaker, songwriter, visibility strategist, and founder/CEO of When Stories, a storytelling and visibility platform helping women turn their defining moments into talks, books, podcasts, and media assets. This conversation goes way beyond "share your story." Wendy breaks down the real business mechanics behind turning vulnerability into authority — including the three specific assets (a book, a TEDx talk, and podcast appearances) that shifted her own business and started attracting speaking opportunities to her instead of the other way around. The conversation also dives deep into a topic every entrepreneur and speaker needs to understand right now: GEO and AEO — how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini are increasingly used by event planners to find and vet speakers, and what kind of content actually gets indexed by AI versus what just looks good on Instagram. Plus: a hilarious (and brutally honest) round of "Jules Rules" covering the worst things you can possibly do on a stage, and Wendy's signature framework for building a talk that actually moves an audience — including her concept of neuro-coupling and the difference between speaking from "the wound" versus "the scar." If you've ever felt like your story was too messy, too painful, or not "polished" enough to build a business around — this episode is your sign. Meet Your Guest: Wendy Babcock Wendy Babcock is the founder and CEO of When Stories, a storytelling and visibility platform that helps women transform their defining life moments into TEDx-style talks, books, podcasts, and media assets. She's a TEDx speaker, songwriter, and visibility strategist with nearly a decade of professional speaking experience, and she's also a past featured speaker at Cre8tive Con OTR. Connect with Wendy: When Stories: whenstories.com Personal site: wendybabcock.com In This Episode Intro — Why the thing you're hiding might be the thing the world needs Meet Wendy Babcock — From TEDx speaker to founder of When Stories Why vulnerability builds connection — "When you share the real, real stuff... it connects you on a whole different level" The origin story of When Stories — How one coaching question — "Tell me a moment when everything changed" — became a business The 3 Authority Assets — Why a book, a TEDx talk, and podcast appearances changed everything for Wendy's business Egocentric vs. Authority-Centric Visibility — The two types of visibility, and which one actually builds a business GEO & AEO Explained — How AI search (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini) is changing how speakers get discovered and booked Reels, Content & John Lee — Why "more content" isn't always the right advice, and what event planners actually want to see now Jules Rules — The worst things you can do on stage (slap somebody, admit you're nervous, pitch from the jump, recite a memorized speech, run over time) Wendy's Storytelling Framework — Leading from the scar (not the wound), the "drop them into a moment" technique, and neuro-coupling Final Takeaway — Healing becomes leadership: how your story becomes your service Quotable Moments "Your story is not your weakness — it's your authority, and it can be your asset." "AI doesn't care about egocentric. It's looking for content that serves an audience, that teaches something, that shows your expertise." "Event planners are going to Claude and ChatGPT saying, 'I need a speaker who solves this problem for my audience,' and seeing what comes up." "There's a difference between leading from the wound and leading from the scar. When you lead from the wound, you're still bleeding. When you lead from the scar, healing becomes leadership." "Drop them into a moment. Don't narrate — describe." 5 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Speakers Your story isn't a liability — it's an asset. The most painful chapter of your life can become the foundation of your authority, your brand, and your revenue. Build your 3 authority assets. A book, a TEDx (or TEDx-style) talk, and podcast appearances are the assets that actually move the needle on bookings and credibility. Know the difference between egocentric and authority-centric visibility. "Look at me" content is flashy but slow to convert. Content that teaches and demonstrates expertise is what AI search engines — and event planners — are now prioritizing. GEO and AEO are not optional anymore. If your content (articles, transcripts, podcast appearances) isn't being indexed by AI tools, you may not show up when someone asks ChatGPT or Claude for a recommendation in your space. Master the "drop them into a moment" technique. Skip the preamble. Start your story mid-scene, with sensory detail, so your audience experiences neuro-coupling — feeling like they're living the moment with you. Resources & Links Mentioned When Stories (Wendy's company): whenstories.com Wendy Babcock (personal site): wendybabcock.com Cre8tive Con OTR — the conference where Julie & Dom discovered Wendy as a speaker Keep Creating — Connect With Us Loved this episode? Don't just listen — go do something with it. Your story has been sitting on the shelf long enough. Want help turning your story into your brand strategy? That's exactly the kind of work Julie does — head to julielokunconsulting.com to learn more. Need a daily dose of motivation to keep going while you build? Get your fix at motivationchamps.com. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with the entrepreneur in your life who's been hiding their story. Until next time — keep creating. JOIN US AT CRE8TIVE CON! www.cre8tivecon.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  7. 20 Proven Ways to Get Your Message Out to the World : Marketing Tips for Entrepreneurs & Authors

    Jun 8

    20 Proven Ways to Get Your Message Out to the World : Marketing Tips for Entrepreneurs & Authors

    Are you struggling to get your book, product, or business in front of the right people? In this power-packed solo episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, host and publisher Dominick Domasky steps in while Julie is out on assignment to deliver one of the most actionable marketing episodes yet. Whether you're an author, small business owner, entrepreneur, or content creator, Dominick breaks down more than 20 real-world strategies to help you expand your reach, grow your audience, and convert connections into customers — without waiting for someone else to do it for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why networking events are about connections, not closes — and how to work a room the right way How to land speaking opportunities at Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, chambers of commerce, and retirement groups The power of being your own hype man (and why no marketing firm can replace your authentic voice) How consignment shops, boutique hotels, and local gift shops can become unexpected sales channels Why podcast tours are one of the most underutilized growth tools for entrepreneurs and authors The social media engagement trap — and what you should be doing instead How Amazon book reviews directly impact your discoverability (the magic numbers: 50 and 100) How to throw a launch party that creates buzz and builds community The press release strategy that works for both local and national exposure How to tap into book clubs, mommy influencers, and business event speakers series TED Talks, university speaking, and how to build a global platform The power of unique partnerships — and the story of an author who sold 400,000 books through college students How to create your own stage with vlogs, reels, and social audio Dom's Rules (Today's "Jules Rules" Replacement): Don't wait until 3 days before launch to start talking about your product Don't make it all about you — vanity is not a marketing strategy Stop giving the same canned speech — tailor your message to every room Key Takeaway: "Your story, your message, your business, your brand, your service can help people — to not share it with the world is actually a disservice." — Dominick Domasky Resources & Topics Mentioned: Networking events and local business groups Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, chambers of commerce Consignment shops and local retail partnerships Amazon book review strategy Podcast guesting / podcast tours Press releases (local and national) TED Talks and Blue Talks University speaking engagements Social media content creation (reels, vlogs, social audio) Launch party strategies Connect with Dominick Domasky: Motivation Champs | Creative Entrepreneur Podcast www.motivationchamps.com www.cre8tivecon.com Enjoyed this episode? Rate, review, and subscribe to the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — and share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear this message. Don't keep it to yourself! Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth, Strategy and Monetization - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min
  8. Leadership Lessons from a Navy Rear Admiral: How Military Discipline and White House Experience Help Entrepreneurs Build Elite Teams

    Jun 5

    Leadership Lessons from a Navy Rear Admiral: How Military Discipline and White House Experience Help Entrepreneurs Build Elite Teams

    JOIN US LIVE IN BOSTON- MEET AND NETWORK WITH ENTREPRENEURS! www.cre8tiveconotr.com What does it take to lead 16,000 people — and what can that teach entrepreneurs? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur, hosts Dom Domasky and Julie Lokun sit down with Admiral Garry Hall — a decorated Rear Admiral who commanded 27 ships, advised the President of the United States, and spent decades at the highest levels of national leadership. The result is one of the most actionable leadership conversations you'll hear all year. Whether you're scaling a startup, managing your first team, or searching for your own leadership identity, Admiral Hall's hard-won lessons from naval aviation and the White House translate directly to entrepreneurship — and to life. What you'll learn in this episode The difference between management and leadership — and why most business owners confuse the two How to lead yourself first — the mental, physical, and moral discipline that separates good leaders from great ones The power of mentorship — the bold ask Admiral Hall made early in his career that changed everything, and how entrepreneurs can do the same Why every business needs a "This Is Who We Are" document — a 1–3 page compass that guides every decision your team makes How to build high-performance teams — lessons from commanding 16,000 sailors across 27 ships on morale, readiness, and accountability How to navigate failure and setbacks — owning mistakes and building resilience without losing forward momentum Learning from extraordinary leaders — why reading biographies and studying great figures is a leadership practice, not just a hobby Fan-favorite moments in this episode Julie earns her call sign "Awesome Actual" — and learns what Admiral Hall means when he uses the word "awesome" as a title of respect. Dom and Julie also put the Admiral through a round of Presidential Superlatives: best hair, best suits, and which president would make the greatest mentor. The Admiral's answers — including reflections on Ronald Reagan and Dwight Eisenhower — are as illuminating as they are entertaining. About Admiral Garry Hall Admiral Garry Hall is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, White House advisor, and the author of Navigating Leadership: Making a Pact with Excellence. He is also the host of the Navigating Life podcast, where he explores character, purpose, and leadership through conversation. Key takeaway Leadership begins with self-leadership. When you examine your behavior — mentally, physically, and morally — you become capable of leading teams and businesses with clarity and integrity. Humility, calmness under pressure, and commitment to excellence are the traits that distinguish effective leaders from average ones. Resources mentioned  Navigating Life Podcast — Apple Podcasts  Navigating Leadership: Making a Pact with Excellence — Amazon  The Creative Entrepreneur — Dom Domasky & Julie Lokun Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min
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Welcome to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — a top-ranked show in Business News where entrepreneurship, creativity, media strategy, and pop culture collide. Whether you are building a business, growing a personal brand, launching a podcast, writing a book, or expanding your influence as a thought leader, this show was built for you. We believe business doesn't have to be boring. The most successful entrepreneurs are always learning, adapting, and evolving — and that means mastering business strategy, branding, marketing, AI tools, podcasting, publishing, and public speaking, while staying locked in on the pop culture moments, entertainment headlines, and media trends shaping the marketplace right now. Why? Because there is business behind everything. From viral moments and major brand moves to celebrity influence and cultural shifts, the biggest business lessons are playing out in real time. We break them down, make them actionable, and help you apply them to your brand and your bottom line. Each episode delivers real conversations, expert guest interviews, and practical frameworks to help you grow revenue, build authority, and expand your reach in today's creator economy. No fluff. No filler. Just the strategies that actually move the needle. What we cover: Business growth and monetization · Branding and authority building · Podcast and media strategy · Public speaking and visibility · AI and emerging tools · Publishing and thought leadership · Pop culture and business trends · Entrepreneurship and mindset · Marketing and content creation · Personal brand development Most of all, we believe in connection, community, and building meaningful relationships. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating — but growth accelerates when you surround yourself with the right people, the right tools, and the right conversations. This show is designed to help you move faster, think bigger, and build smarter. Whether you are a seasoned CEO, a rising entrepreneur, a content creator, or a thought leader ready to own your stage and scale your influence, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast meets you where you are and challenges you to go further. Ready for an incredible live experience? Join us at Cre8tive Con — the traveling conference where entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders come together to learn, connect, and grow. Visit www.cre8tivecon.com to find an event near you. About the hosts: Julie Lokun, JD — Business strategist, podcaster, speaker, and publicity expert. Founder of Dragonfly Effect and co-founder of Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs amplify their message, increase visibility, and build authority through media, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Learn more at www.julielokunconsulting.com. Dominick Domasky — Publisher, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Motivation Champs (www.motivationchamps.com). Dom helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders share powerful stories, build strong brands, and create lasting impact through publishing and media. Together, Julie and Dom bring sharp insights, powerful guests, and unfiltered conversations to help creative entrepreneurs grow — in business, media, and beyond. Join a live event: www.cre8tivecon.com Podcast home: www.cre8tiveconpod.com Inquiries: julie@cre8tivecon.com | dom@cre8tivecon.com

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