Pretty Philosophical

If you're currently facing unemployment, lack of direction, and a degree that didn't deliver as promised, you're not alone. After graduating in 2021 with student debt and no opportunities, I transformed my situation into a thriving six-figure freelance business within five years. In this episode, I reveal why having nothing to lose is a powerful position and how you can convert it into a lucrative...

Have you ever dreamed of leaving the 9-5 grind? At the age of 26, I've managed to craft a lifestyle that lets me work independently, entirely on my own terms. Over the past five years, I've built this lifestyle from the ground up without employees or outside funding. This journey is far from glamorous, but I am here to share the real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed on your own....

I flew to Cannes for the world's largest marketing and creativity festival and stayed with nine women who all earn online without traditional jobs. This experience reinforced my views on the future of work. In this episode, I explore three effective online business models, discuss why skepticism about online income is keeping many from succeeding, and guide you on finding your niche in this evolvi...

Discover how focusing on specialization rather than juggling multiple side hustles can significantly boost your freelance income. Learn from firsthand experiences how choosing a single skill to excel in led to moving from earning $5K a month to $10K with just one client. In an era where being a generalist may be less rewarding, this episode explores the power of specialization and why it compounds...

If you feel like you're endlessly "working on yourself" but still living life on repeat, this episode is your wake-up call. Discover the four key changes that transformed my life, pushing past mere coping to actively becoming the person you aspire to be. Delve into building alter egos, mastering foundational skills, reshaping your money mindset, and understanding why visibility is critical in toda...

Breaking free from the myth that suffering is a prerequisite for financial success, this episode shares insights into a more rewarding path. Many women are trapped by the misconception that struggle is a necessary step before earning a substantial income. This episode challenges that belief, showing how to change your money mindset and take control of your financial future. Learn from someone who,...

You know that feeling after a doomscrolling session? Numbness, slight disgust, and exhaustion despite having barely moved. You've experienced a whirlwind of emotions but can't pinpoint what you watched. That doesn't have to be your reality. In this episode, I share how I motivated myself to escape the doomscrolling trap. Hey, I'm Denée! 🎀 Let's explore life design and how your beliefs, often inhe...

Feeling like the odd one out in your surroundings, yearning for something beyond the ordinary career path? This episode is for you. Here's an empowering discussion for women who crave more and have been labeled ungrateful or reckless for it. Discover how freelancing, creative strategy, and building your own income are viable options, not mere fantasies. It's time to redefine your career path on yo...

After graduating with a double major, I applied for countless jobs and faced rejection from a master's program. During the pandemic, I observed many seasoned professionals leave their corporate careers, feeling unfulfilled. This prompted me to reconsider the traditional career path, and ultimately, not getting hired turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In this episode, I delve into why I chose...

The job market has transformed drastically since the pandemic, leaving many individuals searching for alternative career paths. If you find yourself in this position, this episode is a game-changer. I graduated during the pandemic with no job offers despite applying extensively. This led me to hire myself and within 18 months, I built a six-figure freelance business in creative strategy without a...

There's a version of your life that's richer, fuller, and more profound than what you're currently experiencing. The reason you haven't discovered it yet is that you're searching for it in others. This episode dives into the true costs of outsourcing your happiness, decision-making, and life's burdens to someone else. We explore the dependency loop that goes unnoticed, why facing challenges is ess...

An entire generation dutifully followed the expected path—pursuing education, incurring loans, earning degrees—only to face an uncertain job market. Entry-level hiring has plummeted by 30%, with AI stepping in to replace junior roles even before they begin. This episode offers an unfiltered perspective on why traditional career paths are crumbling, how the job market is set to evolve by 2026, and...

Explore the psychology behind why we often idolize successful individuals and the hidden costs associated with it. Learn from my experiences with founders, athletes, artists, and creatives, and discover how they are just as human as you. The key difference? They gave themselves permission to pursue their goals despite their fears and uncertainties. If you've ever felt that greatness is reserved fo...

Welcome! In this episode, we're delving into how you can embark on a successful freelancing journey without prior experience. Discover the essential mindset shifts and practical steps that enabled me to secure my first freelance retainer without a fancy portfolio or corporate background. We'll cover key topics including: Common reasons why beginner freelancers often feel stuck. The true "skill" be...

This episode delves into the pervasive habit of doomscrolling and how it affects our lives. If you find yourself constantly distracted, overwhelmed, or attached to social media, this discussion offers insights to help you regain control, reduce screen time, and utilize your phone as a tool instead of letting it dominate your life. Our host, Denée, shares her philosophy on life design, emphasizing...

For a long time, I believed I needed to try harder, be more consistent, and stay focused. However, the real issue was deeper and more uncomfortable. I knew what needed to be done but struggled to take action. In this discussion, I delve into what's really happening beneath the surface with your nervous system, why you might be delaying life-changing actions, and why it's challenging to break throu...

Welcome! In this episode, I delve into the art of pricing your work as a freelance creative strategist. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your pricing strategy, I've got you covered. We'll explore the key components that should influence your pricing, from retainers and performance bonuses to revenue sharing. I also emphasize the importance of positioning your work effectively to e...

This episode delves into the excuses that may be holding you back from achieving your dreams. If you're feeling stuck or unable to reach your goals, this discussion will illuminate the reasons why. It examines how daily habits, mindsets, and patterns are pivotal in shaping your current reality, emphasizing that your actions directly influence your life. By understanding this, you can initiate mean...

Discover the transformative power of creative strategy in this insightful session, tailored for freelancers, brand owners, and marketers eager to elevate their ad game. Delve into the art of crafting high-converting ads by understanding their core elements: message, mechanism, packaging, and context. Explore the nuances of ad evaluation to discern the factors distinguishing generic ads from high-p...

Ever heard of 'auramaxxing'? In this insightful episode, we delve into its true meaning, going beyond the buzzword. Discover how the fear of seeming foolish might be holding you back from reaching your full potential and attracting others naturally. Our host, Denée, shares personal stories about overcoming these fears, especially while building a successful freelance business. Explore how embracin...

Explore the fascinating world of creative strategy and how it's empowering individuals to earn significant income online. Discover what a creative strategist does, the intricacies of creative strategy in paid ads, and why it's a top-paying marketing skill today. Learn how freelancers are leveraging these skills to build lucrative, self-employed careers. This episode delves into how brands utilize...

In this episode, explore the concept of breaking free from the mindset of being a victim. We delve into how easily one can fall into the trap of needing to be right about being wronged and how this perspective shapes your reality. Discover strategies to focus on what you can do next to move forward positively. Additionally, hear a personal story of how a shift in perspective after a rejection sign...

Freelancing is often marketed as the ultimate freedom, but it demands much more than just talent. In this episode, discover the hidden challenges of freelancing as I share personal experiences and insights from my career, built from the ground up. Learn why freelancing requires mastering uncertainty, time management, and self-regulation, especially when things don't go your way. I've collaborated...

Are you stuck believing that everything will magically work out without taking action? This episode dives into the dangers of passively waiting for things to improve and how such a mindset can make you a passive participant in your own life. I used to think that if I stayed hopeful and on the 'right path,' everything would eventually fall into place. This belief, however, made me passive and strip...

In a world where appearances play a significant role in perception and success, it's crucial to acknowledge how grooming and presentation impact opportunities. This episode delves into the societal dynamics around appearance, discussing the importance of understanding and managing it as a strategic asset. For ambitious women, recognizing the influence of beauty can be essential in building a caree...