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Creative Boom Podcast - Episode 197 - From New York to 'Now What?': Starting Over on Your Own Terms, with Adam J. Kurtz
The conversation with Adam J. Kurtz emphasizes the importance of untangling one's identity from professional success and embracing a more grounded, self-aware approach to creativity. For brand strategy, this suggests that brands should focus on authenticity and adaptability, allowing for evolution in response to changing personal and market dynamics.
Creative Boom: From New York to 'Now What?': Starting Over on Your Own Terms, with Adam J. Kurtz In this week's episode, Katy sits down with artist, author and beautifully honest human Adam J. Kurtz to talk about what happens when you reach the thing you thought you wanted… and realise it's not the whole story. Dialling in from Hawaii, Adam shares how leaving New York forced him to untangle his identity from his work, his city, and the version of success he'd been chasing for years.
What followed wasn't a dramatic reinvention, but something quieter and more meaningful—a shift towards simplicity, honesty, and figuring things out in real time. They talk about burnout, creative cycles, and the uncomfortable question so many of us are sitting with right now: what next?
Adam reflects on how his work has evolved alongside his life, moving from hopeful striving to something more grounded, self-aware, and forgiving. There's also a glimpse into his upcoming book, Now What?, a project shaped by uncertainty, growth, and the reality that none of us ever really have it all figured out. It's a conversation about letting go of perfection, embracing change, and finding a version of success that actually feels good to live with. Funny, candid, and quietly reassuring, you'll realise that you're allowed to change your mind, path, and pace...
no matter where you are right now. Further Information More Episodes The Spark: Rob Draper on Old-School Electro, Portrait-a-Day and Nike Dreams Why Starting From Scratch Might Be the Best Thing That Ever Happens to You, with Rob Draper The Spark: Katy Ennis-Hargreaves on Croc Hatred, Accidental Shoplifting and Vivienne Westwood Why Being Yourself Is Your Biggest Creative Advantage, with Katy Ennis-Hargreaves of BOLDISM The Spark: Malika Favre on Coffee, Dinner Party Dreams and a Cheeky Confession Building a Career in Illustration on Your Own Terms, with Malika Favre The Spark: Jimmy Turrell on Snails, Rave Culture and Creative Chaos Creativi
ty, AI and the Truth About Staying Original, with Jimmy Turrell The Spark: James Martin on Pasta, Pet Peeves and a Few Unfiltered Truths Personal Branding, Visibility and the Truth No One Tells You, with James Martin The Spark: Natty Harris on Good Pens, Big Feelings and Pasta Personalities Grief, Growth and Rebuilding a Creative Life, with Natty Harris
The podcast discusses a fresh perspective on personal identity and creativity that can significantly influence brand strategy, making it relevant and somewhat novel for professionals in the industry.