Creative on Purpose Live!

Scott Perry

Where the art of living meets work that matters. creativeonpurpose.substack.com

  1. The Identity Trap: Leadership, Purpose, and Playing Your Own Game

    قبل ٦ أيام

    The Identity Trap: Leadership, Purpose, and Playing Your Own Game

    What happens when the role you’ve been playing no longer tells the full story of who you are? In this conversation, Scott Perry joins Edgar Huitema, PhD to explore identity, leadership, coaching, creativity, and the shift from performing a role to practicing a way of being. Edgar shares his experience moving from scientist to leader and realizing that what animated him most was not simply biology, but learning, exploration, and working with people. Scott reflects on the “identity trap,” the difference between management and leadership, and why he sees himself less as a coach and more as a cornerman: someone who helps others get clear about where they are, what they want, and how to close the gap with greater ease and velocity. Together, they explore curiosity, humility, play, conversation, and choosing the game of life and work you actually want to play. Key Ideas Explored The identity trapRoles matter, but they are not the whole story. We can take our roles seriously without clinging to them so tightly that they limit our growth or happiness. Management vs. leadershipManagement often maintains the status quo. Leadership points toward something better and invites others to come along. From role to deeper identityEdgar’s shift from scientist to leader revealed that his deeper identity was not only rooted in biology, but in learning, exploring, and working with others. The cornerman postureScott describes his work as helping people see blind spots, reveal untapped potential, and decide what to do next. Being and becomingWe are already sufficient as we are, and we can still practice becoming more of who we are here to be. Play your own game“You can’t win a game you don’t want to play.” Success has to be defined on your terms, not inherited from society, family, peers, or the market. Begin and begin againEvery conversation, project, and moment offers the chance to return to openness, curiosity, and presence. Be interested, not interestingThe best conversations often begin when we stop trying to impress and start paying closer attention. Quoteable Moments “You can’t win a game you don’t want to play.” “We can take our roles seriously without clinging to them as the whole story.” “Management often maintains what is. Leadership points toward what might be.” “Every moment gives us the chance to begin and begin again.” “People don’t need you to be interesting as much as they appreciate you being interested.” Your Turn Where are you clinging to a role that once served you, but may now be too small for who you are becoming? And what would change if you stopped trying to play someone else’s game and started defining success on your own terms? Links and Resources Subscribe to Creative on Purpose on Substack: Subscribe to the Creative on Purpose YouTube channel for more conversations, frameworks, and practical encouragement for purpose-driven solopreneurs. Thank you Claire Machado, Duncan The Sage, and many others for tuning into my live video with Edgar Huitema, PhD! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  2. Why You Need to Ditch the Funnel Strategy Now

    ١٣ مايو

    Why You Need to Ditch the Funnel Strategy Now

    What if the fastest path to a better business isn’t another funnel, lead magnet, or content strategy? In this conversation, Scott Perry of Creative on Purpose joins Ryan Maxwell of Chasing Maximus for a candid discussion about purpose-driven work, burnout, digital marketing BS, and the deeper work of closing the gap between where you are and what you actually want. Scott shares how he built a successful business that looked good on paper but felt soul-sucking in practice—and how he rebuilt around conversations, generosity, right-fit relationships, and work that funds and fits the life he wants. Together, Scott and Ryan explore identity, ancient wisdom, Stoicism, Substack, self-trust, and why knowledge is rarely the real obstacle. The real work is implementation, awareness, and becoming more of who you’ve always been. 7 Essential Takeaways * Funnels work, but they are not the only way to build a business. * Conversations are often the fastest path to clarity, connection, and right-fit clients. * Closing the gap starts by defining the real problem, not chasing more information. * Much of business growth begins by stopping what doesn’t actually matter. * People don’t pay for information; they pay for help implementing insight. * Purpose-driven work requires letting go of games you never chose to play. * Becoming is often less about reinvention and more about returning to who you’ve always been. For more conversations and principle-based guidance for building a business that funds and fits the life you actually want, subscribe to Creative on Purpose on Substack: Join the conversation, participate in the community, and explore The Circle for coaching, resources, and support. Thank you Edgar Huitema, PhD, New Paths with Sparks, Duncan The Sage, and many others for tuning into my live video with Ryan Maxwell! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  3. Make Decisions Better

    ٢٦ أبريل

    Make Decisions Better

    Most of us believe the goal is to make better decisions. But the more useful practice may be learning how to make better decisions. In this episode of Creative on Purpose Live, Scott Perry introduces a practical Stoic decision-making framework rooted in the work of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and the three Stoic disciplines: perception, action, and will. Scott reframes these disciplines into three simple questions: * What’s now?What is actually happening, stripped of fear, drama, and distorted stories? * What’s next?What can you decide and do from here? * What matters?What choice aligns with your values, integrity, and who you seek to become? This episode is especially useful for solopreneurs, freelancers, creatives, coaches, and anyone navigating uncertainty, overwhelm, or the pressure to make the “right” move. Key Ideas Trying to make the “best” decision can keep you stuck. The Stoic approach is not about certainty or control. It is about clarity, character, and aligned action. Epictetus’ Stoic fork reminds us that some things are within our control, and most things are not. We cannot control outcomes, other people, economic forces, health, weather, or circumstances. But we can practice control over how we see things, what we decide to do next, and how we respond to what happens. Marcus Aurelius’ three disciplines — perception, action, and will — offer a practical operating system for modern life and work. Scott translates these into the Decision Triangle: What’s now? What’s next? What matters? A stressful situation becomes more workable when you strip away catastrophizing. “I’m going to fail and lose everything” becomes “I don’t have enough gigs on the calendar to pay the bills this month.” One is panic. The other is a solvable problem. The outcome is never fully in your control. Your responsibility is to see clearly, act with integrity, and accept what happens next without giving up your agency. Listener Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to: * Understand the Stoic fork and why it matters for decision-making * Apply the three Stoic disciplines to real-world problems * Use the Decision Triangle to reframe overwhelm into clear action * Separate what is actually happening from the story you’re telling about it * Make choices that align with your values instead of reacting from fear * Accept outcomes without surrendering responsibility Estimated Chapter Markers 0:00 Welcome to Creative on Purpose Live2:20 Why Stoicism still matters today6:30 The Stoic fork: what you control and what you don’t12:45 The three Stoic disciplines: perception, action, and will18:10 Why “making better decisions” can become a trap21:20 The Decision Triangle: What’s now? What’s next? What matters?26:45 A freelancer’s real-world decision-making example31:40 Turning panic into a solvable problem35:20 Choosing the next right action39:00 Why outcomes are not fully within your control42:15 Make decisions better, not perfect45:00 Closing invitation and next steps Resources Mentioned * Meditations by Marcus Aurelius * The Enchiridion by Epictetus * The Art of Living, Sharon Lebell’s interpretation of Epictetus * Onward by Scott Perry * Annie Duke’s work on decision-making * Chip and Dan Heath’s work on decisions * Shane Parrish and Farnam Street Subscribe Subscribe to Creative on Purpose for more principle-based guidance on building a life and business that fit: Subscribe to the Creative on Purpose YouTube channel for more videos on Stoicism, solopreneurship, purpose-driven work, and practical philosophy for navigating modern life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  4. Clarity Over Clicks: Seth Godin, Substack, and Marketing That Actually Helps

    ١٧ أبريل

    Clarity Over Clicks: Seth Godin, Substack, and Marketing That Actually Helps

    What if marketing were not about pressure, performance, or chasing attention? In this conversation, Scott Perry and @robopulp explore a more human way to build an audience and grow meaningful work. Drawing on lessons from Seth Godin, altMBA, the Marketing Seminar, and his own journey from professional guitarist to writer, coach, and Cornerman, Scott unpacks what creators often get wrong about clarity, positioning, sales, and platform strategy. This episode gets into the tension many writers, artists, and solopreneurs feel when online attention starts rewarding the wrong things. Instead of chasing trends or forcing yourself into a narrow niche, Scott makes the case for a different approach: get clear enough about who you are, what you do best, and where you belong, then keep showing up in service to the right people. You’ll also hear why Scott believes Substack is a better fit than most social platforms for thoughtful creators, why “niching down” can be less useful than strong positioning, and how ethical marketing is really about telling true stories to people whose lives would be better because of them. This is a conversation for anyone trying to build a body of work, attract the right audience, and make a living by making a difference. In this episode: * Why external validation can pull creators away from the work that matters most * Scott’s path from music and teaching into coaching and writing * The difference between impact and easy-to-measure online metrics * Why clarity often comes through conversation and experimentation * The distinction between technician, mentor, and Cornerman * Why positioning matters more than niching * What makes Substack different from X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn * How Scott defines ethical marketing and clean sales * Why needy marketing repels people * The power of serving a smallest viable audience Memorable idea from the episodeYou do not need a massive audience. You need enough of the right people to connect with the difference only you can make. LinksSubscribe to the Creative on Purpose Substack: Subscribe to the YouTube channel for more conversations on purposeful work, marketing, and solopreneurship. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  5. Why Service Is the Best Marketing Strategy with Bruce Bryan

    ١٧ أبريل

    Why Service Is the Best Marketing Strategy with Bruce Bryan

    What do waiting tables, ethical marketing, curiosity, and purpose-driven work have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Creative on Purpose’s Scott Perry sits down with Bruce C. Bryan —author of Turning Tables: Everything I Needed to Know About Business I Learned as a Server, host of Naturally Curious, and owner of Five Points Creative—for a rich conversation about service, storytelling, branding, and what it really takes to build a meaningful body of work. Bruce shares how his early love of radio evolved into a career in broadcasting, marketing, and authorship, and why the lessons he learned in restaurants kept showing up everywhere else in business. Together, Scott and Bruce explore the connection between service and sales, why great marketing is really about solving problems, and how the hardest part of creating something meaningful is often not making it—but getting the word out after it’s done. This conversation also digs into the difference between trying to be interesting and actually being interested, why branding is more about the customer than the creator, and what purpose-driven solopreneurs need to remember if they want to make a difference without losing themselves in performance, hype, or self-promotion. Bruce’s closing takeaway says it all: bring value. If you do that consistently, generously, and with integrity, good things tend to follow. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * How Bruce’s career came full circle from childhood radio dreams to podcasting and authorship * Why hospitality teaches powerful business lessons * The link between curiosity, listening, and meaningful work * Why writing the book is only part of the job * How ethical marketing can be an act of service * Why the best brands help the customer feel seen, capable, and empowered * What purpose-driven creators should focus on next: bringing value Links & ResourcesBruce Bryan: brucecbryan.comSubscribe to the Creative on Purpose Substack: Subscribe to the Creative on Purpose YouTube channel for more conversations on work that matters and the art of living. Go Further If this episode resonated, subscribe to Creative on Purpose on Substack and on YouTube for more conversations about work that matters, ethical marketing, and building a business that fits your life. Thank You! Thank you Penny Harris ACC, Duncan The Sage, Claire Machado, and many others for tuning into my live video with Bruce C. Bryan! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  6. The Loving Shove You Need to Begin (Even When You're Afraid)

    ١٥ أبريل

    The Loving Shove You Need to Begin (Even When You're Afraid)

    What keeps thoughtful, purpose-driven people stuck is rarely a lack of motivation. More often, it’s fear, overthinking, false stories, and the hope that clarity will arrive before commitment is required. In this conversation, Creative on Purpose’s Scott Perry joins Judith Röhrle of The Ocean Says Hi to talk about his book, Intrepid: Dare to Make a Difference, and the deeper challenge behind meaningful work: choosing to begin even when fear is present. Scott unpacks why fear is often a sign that you’re pointed toward something worth exploring, why mindset tends to follow action rather than precede it, and why so many smart, capable people sabotage themselves by chasing certainty, waiting for readiness, or clinging to stories that no longer serve them. They also explore the role of relationships in growth, the value of small honest steps, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your values and call you forward. This episode is for solopreneurs, creatives, coaches, and difference-makers who want to stop waiting, start moving, and do work that matters with more courage and clarity. In this episode, you’ll hear: * What “intrepid” really means * Why fear can function as a compass * The difference between motivation and commitment * Why action creates clarity more reliably than mindset work * How smart people get in their own way * Why certainty is overrated * How relationships accelerate meaningful progress * What to do when you don’t know your next step Key takeawayYou do not need perfect clarity, absolute confidence, or the right mood to begin. You need an honest next step, a willingness to commit, and the right people around you. Resources & LinksPurchase Intrepid: Dare to Make a Difference. Subscribe to the Creative on Purpose YouTube Channel. Subscribe to the Creative on Purpose Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  7. How to Launch Your Book Without a Huge Audience

    ١ أبريل

    How to Launch Your Book Without a Huge Audience

    What does it really take to launch a book today? In this conversation with Claudia Faith of Wander Wealth, Scott Perry of Creative on Purpose breaks down a refreshingly grounded approach to writing, publishing, and promoting a book without chasing hype, gaming the system, or waiting for permission. He shares how he tests book ideas before writing them, why he prefers self-publishing, how a small but engaged audience can be enough, and what actually helped his latest book, Intrepid: Dare to Make a Difference, gain traction. Scott also talks about building a launch team through his paid Substack community, why he is more interested in meaningful readership than vanity metrics, and how writers can use AI as a tool without letting it replace their voice. If you’ve been thinking about writing a book, publishing a memoir, or building an audience around your ideas, this episode will give you a clearer, saner path forward. In this episode, we discuss: * Why you should not write a book just because someone told you it builds authority * How Scott tests a book idea before committing to write it * What it took for his previous books to earn Amazon bestseller status * Why he chose a Substack-first launch for Intrepid * How “Team Intrepid” helped improve and promote the book * The real tradeoffs between self-publishing and traditional publishing * Why you do not need a massive email list to publish a successful book * How AI can help writers without replacing what makes their work human Key takeawayA successful book launch is not about making the biggest splash. It is about getting the right book to the right people with clarity, integrity, and enough commitment to stay with the work for the long haul. Resources and links Purchase your copy of Intrepid: Dare to Make a Difference. Subscribe to Creative on Purpose on Substack: Subscribe to the YouTube channel for more conversations on meaningful work, writing, purpose-driven business, and building a life that fits. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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  8. Motivation Is Not Enough

    ٢٩ مارس

    Motivation Is Not Enough

    What does it really take to make a meaningful difference with your life and work? In this conversation with David McIlroy, publisher of How to Write for a Living, Scott Perry, publisher of Creative on Purpose, shares the core idea behind his book Intrepid: Dare to Make a Difference, a book built around one central question asked 27 different ways: Do you care enough to commit? He explains that the book is for purpose-driven people who want to live a meaningful, fulfilling life on their terms but are not always sure where to begin. Scott also unpacks what “intrepid” actually means. Not fearlessness. Not recklessness. Resoluteness. In other words, acknowledging fear, getting honest about what matters, and moving forward anyway with intention and awareness. A major theme in this episode is the difference between motivation and commitment. Scott argues that most people do not have a motivation problem. They have a commitment problem. Instead of waiting to feel inspired, he makes the case for daily disciplined action, showing up before you feel ready, and letting behavior shape mindset rather than the other way around. You’ll also hear why small steps are not “too little,” but the real path to meaningful progress. Big visible outcomes are usually just the final snapshot of a long series of small, quiet actions that compounded over time. Scott makes the case that the process itself becomes both the shortcut and the reward. Toward the end of the conversation, Scott speaks to self-sabotage, identity, and why so many people get stuck before they even begin. His answer is blunt and useful: find the others. Find fellow travelers, mentors, coaches, and communities that can support the journey and help you keep going when the old story no longer fits. And if you are wondering where to start, Scott brings it back to a handful of foundational questions: Who am I? What do I really want? What am I good at? Where do I belong? Who do I want to become? That is where the work begins. Resources & Next Steps Click here to get your copy of Intrepid: Dare to Make a Difference. Get connected with Scott’s work by subscribing to the Creative on Purpose Substack: Subscribe to the Creative on Purpose YouTube channel for more conversations about meaningful work, principled growth, and purpose-driven business. You can also find the link to purchase Intrepid through Scott’s recent posts on Creative on Purpose. In the conversation, he notes that the paperback includes access to the ebook, audiobook, and reader’s guide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe

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Where the art of living meets work that matters. creativeonpurpose.substack.com