In this episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Sarah Bierenbaum shares her inspiring and unorthodox journey from professional theatrical stage manager to tech startup executive, and now, founder and coach at Nimble Penguin Coaching. Sarah brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership experience to the table, offering invaluable insights on how empowerment, self-awareness, and alignment with personal values drive success—whether in the arts, tech, or entrepreneurship.

🔑 Key Moments in This Interview:

The unexpected crossroads of art and tech: Sarah reveals how her path from stage management to tech was both surprising and transformational. She walks us through her first role in a tech startup and how she adapted her artistic instincts into effective leadership in business.

A transformative conversation about values in the workplace: Hear about Sarah's frank conversation with her CEO, where they explored how to align personal values with the companies you work for—a moment that will resonate deeply with anyone navigating work-life values .

Salary negotiations & advocacy: A moment of vulnerability as Sarah reflects on her early struggles with salary negotiations in the tech industry and how she learned to advocate for herself, a lesson she now passes on to others, especially women and marginalized groups .

Lessons learned at the intersection of art and business: As a former stage manager, Sarah brings creativity and adaptability from the world of theater into high-stakes business environments. She explains how both worlds require innovation and teamwork, where people from diverse backgrounds collaborate to create something new .

Sarah’s journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader looking to level up, or someone navigating a career transition, Sarah’s story will inspire you to find your unique path and bring your whole self to work.

📈 How to Grow as a Leader:

Sarah emphasizes the importance of empowering others and yourself, creating spaces where innovation thrives, and knowing your worth in negotiations.

She shares her experience from working with “Chief,” a private network for executive women, highlighting the power of community and the support it offers as women climb to the C-suite .

🌟 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions! Who is someone you know that has successfully made a career shift? Let us know below!

🔗 Stay Connected with Sarah Bierenbaum:

Nimble Penguin Coaching: https://www.nimblepenguin.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbierenbaum/

✴️ Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd/

#Leadership #Tech #CareerTransition #StageManagement #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #SalaryNegotiation #CreativeLeadership #CareerGrowth

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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🔥 What does it take to grow a brand from scratch and evolve through chaos? In this gripping episode of Artist Recovery Podcast we sit down with Gareth Robertson, the powerhouse behind GR-aphic Studio (formerly Design Pit). From his kitchen table to leading a full-fledged creative agency, Gareth shares the unfiltered truth about building a business in the ever-evolving world of branding and digital marketing.

👀 IN THIS EPISODE:
💡 How Gareth went from a one-man design studio to running a multi-service creative agency.
📘 The story behind his book "Decade: A Creative Journey in Business" — a raw look at reinvention, growth, and failure.
🧠 Lessons in branding, content creation, and thriving in the digital age.
😷 Pivoting during the pandemic: restructuring, relocating, and still coming out stronger.
🌍 Going eCommerce with Print Pit — a bold leap that expanded his creative reach.
❤️ His powerful fundraising mission for Parkinson’s UK, raising over £15,000.
🏆 From startup hustle to winning “Best Creative Business” — what it really takes.

📈 WHY YOU SHOULD Listen: If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, Gareth’s story is packed with real-world lessons, branding gold, and emotional insight. His resilience, innovation, and honesty will leave you inspired — and maybe even spark your next big idea.

🧠 WHO IS GARETH ROBERTSON?

Founder & Creative Director of GR-aphic Studio (est. 2012)

Author of Decade: A Creative Journey in Business

Winner of multiple business awards including Best Creative Business

Creator of the Print Pit eCommerce platform

Connect with Gareth Robertson: https://gr-aphic.uk/
Gareth on Linkedin: / garethrobertson

Support the show

Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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Join the Community: https://www,artrecroom.com

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🔥 WATCH THIS if you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or needed that one sign to keep going.
In this raw and inspiring episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright sits down with John McBride — Director of Product Design at Bestway Global Holdings, former Crayola designer, Matchbox/Hot Wheels mastermind, Designer at the Franklin Mint and founder of Midnight Octane. He opens up like never before.
📌 Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 - Intro & John's killer design resume
02:30 - Discovering creativity in childhood
05:10 - How cars + crayons shaped a future
10:00 - His Garfield obsession & early schoolyard “fame”
14:00 - From struggling in algebra to mastering design thinking
17:40 - The unexpected flyer that changed his life
21:00 - Grappling with depression, faith, and nearly giving up
31:00 - The moment that pulled him off the edge
36:00 - Surviving on ramen while making it in art school
41:00 - Building futuristic car models with airbrush and grit
48:00 - Why he chose design over comic books
54:00 - Jealous coworkers, chalkboard cartoons, and Wegmans wisdom
✨ Why You Should Watch:
Whether you're a young designer, seasoned creative, or just someone who needs a reminder that you're not alone in the grind — this episode is for you. Hit play, get inspired, and keep creating.
This isn’t just an origin story. It’s a creative survival guide — loaded with wisdom for aspiring artists, designers, and anyone chasing dreams through adversity. John drops unfiltered gems on:
-Using creativity as communication 🔊
-The power of faith and resilience 🙏
-Turning artistic passion into a paycheck 💼
-What it takes to break into industrial design 🚗💡

-Why sometimes being “the weird art kid” is your superpower

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments: ➡️ What moment hit you the hardest in John’s story?
➡️ Have you ever felt stuck creatively or personally — and how did you get through it?
➡️ Drop your dream career in the comments — we want to support you!

👀 New here? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on 🔔 notifications — we’ve got more powerhouse creatives sharing their journeys, design insights, and mental health real talk. This is where art meets authenticity.

📣 Follow John McBride: Midnight Octane → https://www.midniteoctane.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/midniteoctane/

Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

—

#JohnMcBride #ARPodcast #CreativeJourney #IndustrialDesign #MatchboxDesigner #MidnightOctane #FaithAndCreativity #DesignCareer #MentalHealthInCreatives #HowToBeADesigner #BestwayGlobalHoldings #CrayolaDesigner #ArtSchoolLife #CreativeInspiration #ArtistStory

Support the show

Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

Follow us here: https://www.theartistrecovery.com
Join the Community: https://www,artrecroom.com

Listen Weekly at: https://www.artistrecoverypodcast.com

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