What does it really take to turn creative work into a sustainable, purpose-driven business? In this talk, I’ll share some of the lessons I learned the hard way over two decades; starting as a freelance illustrator, building a globally recognized art studio from scratch, and eventually selling it to a public company. This isn’t a how-to manual. It’s a reflection on the uncomfortable, sometimes counterintuitive truths I wish I had known earlier. From leadership and cashflow to self-doubt, grit, and knowing when to walk away, this talk is for any creative who’s ever wondered how to build a successful career without losing themselves along the way.