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Making Ideas Real with Danielle Giroux

In this episode, Michael Janda sits down with Danielle Giroux, Senior Director, Brand & Creative at Clio, to unpack what it really takes to move ideas from “interesting thought” to actual business impact.

Danielle shares her path from walking into a local design studio at 13 with a faux-leather portfolio, to building a creative career across agency, tech, brand leadership, AI adoption, and now her upcoming platform and book, Making an Idea Real.

This conversation goes deep into the messy middle of creative work: selling ideas, building alignment, navigating stakeholders, using AI responsibly, knowing when to pivot, and learning that the real work is rarely the polished final output. It is the trust, clarity, resistance, decision-making, and leadership required to get the idea across the finish line.

Big Ideas from the Episode

1. The portfolio gets you noticed. Relationships move your career.
Danielle’s early story shows how ambition, trust, and human connection can open doors long before the work is perfect.

2. Awards matter—but business impact matters more.
Danielle reflects on the difference between agency award culture and in-house creative leadership, where the real question becomes: did the work move the needle?

3. AI is not just a production tool. It is an alignment tool.
Danielle shares how AI can help translate ideas for different stakeholders—CMOs, CFOs, sales leaders, clients, and internal teams.

4. The 1% idea is not enough.
The brilliant idea is only the beginning. The other 99% is navigating people, resistance, timing, belief, trust, and execution.

5. Being “real” is becoming a creative advantage.
In a world of AI-generated polish, the human layer—your voice, your presence, your perspective, your imperfections—matters more than ever.

Memorable Quotes

• “Great ideas don’t fail. They fade.”
• “The other 99% is everything it takes to make it real.”
• “The win can look different on different days.”
• “You have to know when to pivot before it’s too late.”
• “Being real means showing more of yourself than you might be comfortable showing.”

Guest Links: Danielle Giroux

• Website: daniellegiroux.com
• About Danielle: daniellegiroux.com/about-1
• Making an Idea Real: daniellegiroux.com/making-an-idea-real
• Blog: daniellegiroux.com/blog-making-an-idea-real
• Instagram: instagram.com/DANIELLE+GIROUX
• LinkedIn: Danielle Giroux on LinkedIn
• Clio profile via The Org: Danielle Giroux at Clio
• DAM Consultation: Danielle’s DAM Consulting Page
• Superside SHIFT Summit: Danielle at Superside SHIFT
• OnBrand Speaker Profile: Danielle Giroux on OnBrand
• Bynder Customer Story with Clio: Bynder: Clio + Danielle Giroux

Brand Mascots, AI, and the Future of Creative Work with Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode, Michael Janda talks with Belgian designer, brand strategist, and mascot-obsessed creative Stef Hamerlinck about the strange, exciting, and controversial intersection of brand mascots, generative AI, and creative entrepreneurship.

Stef shares how he moved from general graphic design to agency ownership, then into brand strategy, and eventually carved out a unique niche helping brands create memorable mascot-driven identities. He also opens up about the business model that gives him creative freedom: one major retainer client that covers his needs, plus selective side projects that fuel experimentation.

The conversation dives deep into AI’s impact on the creative industry. Michael and Stef tackle the ethical concerns, the “AI is stealing jobs” argument, and why creatives need to stop hiding from the tools that are already reshaping the market. Their take: AI is not going away, and the creatives who thrive will be the ones who learn to direct, conceptualize, experiment, and bring personality to the work.

Key Takeaways

1. Recurring revenue creates creative freedom
Stef’s big retainer client gives him the ability to say no, charge more, and only take side projects that genuinely excite him.

2. Mascots are powerful brand assets
Stef explains that characters and sound are among the most memorable brand assets, often outperforming logos, colors, and typography.

3. AI is changing production, not eliminating creativity
The future creative role is less about pushing pixels and more about directing ideas, taste, personality, and brand worlds.

4. The real differentiator is personality
As high-production visuals become easier to generate, what stands out is character, point of view, humor, and human connection.

5. Don’t be “cooked”—start cooking
Instead of ignoring or hating AI, creatives should experiment with it, understand it, and decide how to use it ethically and strategically.

Memorable Quotes

“Production value on its own is not going to be enough anymore.”

“You still need creativity. You still need conceptual thinking.”

“Stop saying we’re cooked and start thinking about how we can be cooking.”

“The future of creative people is not as much about pushing the pixels as it is directing how those pixels are generated.”

Topics Covered

Brand strategy, mascot design, AI tools, generative AI ethics, personal branding, creative entrepreneurship, recurring revenue, pricing power, creative direction, brand memorability, and the future of design work.

Guest: Stef Hamerlinck
Website & Substack Links

• Stef Hamerlinck Official Website
• Marcel’s Lab (Substack)
• Stef Hamerlinck on Substack (@letstalkbranding)
• Let’s Talk Branding Podcast (Substack)

📸 Instagram
Personal IG

In this episode, Michael Janda and Jena (“the Gribbler”) break down Matthew Inman’s (The Oatmeal) comic about AI art and what it means for creatives. They talk about that weird “deflated” feeling when you realize something you liked was AI-generated, why artists feel threatened, and how AI both democratizes creativity and risks devaluing hard-earned craft. They compare AI tools to things like Photoshop and digital cameras, dig into why process and struggle matter in art, and ultimately land on a nuanced view: AI-generated stuff is here to stay, but it’s different from human-made art—and creatives can still win by doubling down on their humanity, story, and point of view.

About Jena:

Jena Gribble is the owner and creative lead of Blush Cactus ( ⁨@BlushCactus⁩ ) Design Studio, a Phoenix-based branding and design agency. Originally from a small town in South Dakota, she moved to Arizona after studying at the University of North Dakota. With over 12 years of experience in graphic design and several years running her business, Jena empowers fellow creatives by offering not just design services but also education, community and mentorship to help them turn their passion into a viable business.

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In this candid conversation, Becca Berg—founder and CEO of Dubsado—shares the real story behind building one of the leading client-management platforms from the ground up. From her scrappy entrepreneurial childhood to launching Dubsado with zero funding, Becca opens up about competition, burnout, mental health, and the relentless drive that fueled her journey. She and Michael Janda dive into marriage, business, motherhood, and the mindset required to build a company that lasts—without losing yourself along the way.

In this episode learn how: 

• How Becca built Dubsado from scratch without outside funding and why bootstrapping shaped the company’s culture and product.

• The power of deep automations and branded client experiences—and how they differentiate Dubsado in a crowded market.

• Becca’s real entrepreneurial journey, from childhood businesses to juggling motherhood, marriage, and a fast-growing tech startup.

• The role of competitiveness, mindset, and community in building a successful business.

• Candid insights on burnout, mental health, and finding balance after nearly a decade of nonstop hustle.

About Dubsado:

Dubsado is an all-in-one client management platform designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses streamline their workflows. It combines proposals, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, forms, and powerful automations into one customizable system—allowing users to manage leads, onboard clients, and run projects without juggling multiple tools. Known for its deep automation capabilities and fully branded client experience, Dubsado helps business owners save time, stay organized, and create a seamless, professional process from first inquiry to final payment.

• Website 
• Instagram

About Becca Berg:

Becca Berg is the founder and CEO of Dubsado, the popular client-management platform built to help entrepreneurs streamline their businesses. A lifelong creative with deep entrepreneurial roots, Becca launched Dubsado in 2015 with her husband, bootstrapping it from a simple idea into a leading software company known for its powerful automations and customizable client experience. Passionate, competitive, and candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, Becca is committed to helping business owners save time, build better systems, and grow with confidence.

• LinkedIn

🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Website
• Courses
• Community

Michael Janda discusses Affinity Designer's huge announcement that their software is now completely free to download and use forever. He shares his thoughts and reactions to this surprising move and what it means for the design community.

What's your hot take on the new announcement?

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Regulate to Create: Chris Geisler on Breath Work, Boundaries & Creative Calm

Episode summary

Creative work asks us to pour our hearts into something—and then invite opinions about it. In this conversation, men’s coach and podcaster Chris Geisler joins Michael and Bri to unpack practical nervous-system tools (breathwork, cold exposure, movement) that help stressed, coffee-fueled creatives swap reactivity for regulation. Chris shares his journey from anger and chaos to presence, how travel and men’s work reshaped him, and why “connection vs. protection” is the real toggle we’re all riding.

What you’ll learn

• Fight / Flight / Freeze / Fawn, explained—and how to spot which state you’re in during client feedback loops.

• Breath basics for creatives: low-diaphragm breathing, CO₂ tolerance, and why “calm is a skill.”

• Anger alchemy: making safe space to discharge energy (so it doesn’t leak into your projects or team).

• From goals to mission: reframing purpose to reduce anxiety and people-pleasing.

• Environmental design: curating communities and routines that help you stay regulated under deadlines.

Timestamps

• 00:01 – Why breathwork + cold plunge hit hard for a creative crowd

• 03:16 – Chris’s backstory: dysregulation, consequences, and course correction

• 12:33 – Two years of solo travel, humility, and nervous-system safety

• 21:24 – Practices that actually move the needle (“The Beautiful Practice”)

• 29:24 – Breathing 101: where to breathe and why it matters

• 44:36 – Fight / Flight / Freeze / Fawn for client scenarios

• 53:09 – Healthy anger: boundaries, expression, and repair

• 58:52 – A surprising place Chris learned to release rage

• 1:05:10 – Where to find Chris & how to go deeper

Memorable lines

• “We’re always toggling connection or protection—know which one you’re in.”

• “Calm is a skill. Practice creates capacity.”

• “I was born with everything I need to thrive—I just had to remember.”

Mentioned (light reading list)

• The Alchemist (on listening to your life)

• Gabor Maté on attachment & authenticity

• Thich Nhat Hanh on everyday mindfulness

• Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory (awareness as a prerequisite for thriving)

Try this (quick practices)

• 2 minutes of slow nasal, low-diaphragm breathing before client calls.

• After tough feedback, do 10–20 shakes through the legs/arms to discharge energy.

• Write a one-line mission (not a goal) you can contribute to daily.

• Post-work “off switch”: 5 minutes eyes-soft, mouth-closed, long exhales.

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Chris Geisler — Links

• Website: thechrisgeisler.com The Chris Geisler

• Podcast: The Chris Geisler Podcast (show page) The Chris Geisler+2The Chris Geisler+2

• Link hub (socials + more): Linktree (find Instagram, Facebook, etc.) Linktree

• Men of Earth (community): Inner Circle / Skool The Chris Geisler+1

• Retreats / Men’s Weekends: Facing the Shadow (info + dates) The Chris Geisler

• 1:1 & Group Coaching: Offerings & LEAD program The Chris Geisler+1

• YouTube: @thechrisgeisler YouTube

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda
• Website: https://michaeljanda.com
• Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
• Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

For: Graphic designers, creative freelancers, YouTubers, and anyone navigating the mental game of the creative industry.

Struggling with imposter syndrome, burnout, or creative overwhelm? In this episode, Michael Janda and Will Paterson get real about the emotional rollercoaster of creative careers. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs, we unpack what it really means to succeed as a designer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur in today’s AI-driven world. Learn why saying “no” is essential, how to stay human in your work, and why being their favorite matters more than being the best.

🔑 Topics:

• Imposter Syndrome in Creatives
• Dealing with Burnout
• Creative Business Boundaries
• YouTube Growth & Personal Branding
• AI vs Human Creativity

About Will Paterson:

Will Paterson is a graphic designer and content creator specializing in logo design, hand lettering, and brand identity. He shares his knowledge and expertise to help other designers. The channel offers:

✅ In-depth design tutorials

✅ Logo critique and review videos

✅ Graphic design tips and tricks

✅ Brand identity breakdown videos

 

This channel aims to help students, freelancers, and in-house designers. YOUTUBE // WEBSITE  // MASTERCLASS // INSTAGRAM

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Bri, MCA's very own VP of Operations, joins us on WTH to talk about alll the details for our upcoming Creative Professional Retreat, Morepalooza. The retreat is set to begin in London September 10-14 with a one-day workshop stacked with incredible creative talent. 

Swag. Venues. Excursions. Weather. What to Expect and more. If you are considering attending Morepalooza or you've snagged tickets, this episode is for you!

LEARN MORE

GRAB TICKETS

 

🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda
• Website: https://michaeljanda.com
• Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
• Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com