Elizabeth Henson

Teaching as a Creative Entrepreneur with Laylee Emadi | EP 221

1/21/2026

Date

Teaching as a Creative Entrepreneur

Teaching as a creative entrepreneur requires a completely different skill set than mastering your craft. In this episode of the Messy Success Podcast, Elizabeth sits down with educator, speaker, and conference host Laylee Emadi to talk about the gap that’s quietly costing creatives money, credibility, and opportunity.

Skill vs. Teaching

Many talented professionals assume that experience alone qualifies them to teach, speak, or lead. But teaching as a creative entrepreneur involves more than knowledge — it demands ethical responsibility, clear communication, thoughtful curriculum design, and a deep understanding of how people actually learn. Laylee shares what most creatives overlook when they rush toward visibility before building a strong educational foundation.

Chasing Visibility

The conversation pulls back the curtain on the speaking and education industry, covering pitching, rejection, messaging, and the preparation required before stepping into leadership roles. Laylee Emadi offers an honest look at what it takes to grow from skilled creative to trusted educator.

Leading with Integrity

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re “not getting chosen” or felt stuck between where you are and where you want to be, this episode offers clarity and direction. Teaching as a creative entrepreneur isn’t just about being seen — it’s about being ready to lead with integrity and impact.

SHOW NOTES:

08:25 The industry gap between talent and effective teaching

11:50 Why the Creative Educator Conference was created

14:30 Why education businesses grow slower than service businesses

18:51 Internal barriers, imposter syndrome, and rejection in speaking

21:13 Building your own stage instead of waiting to be chosen

25:43 What event hosts actually consider when selecting speakers

29:52 Community and trust matter more than credentials

39:55 Visibility won’t fix unclear messaging or misalignment

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