What if the safest thing you could do… was take the leap?
That’s exactly what Sam Cordry did when she walked away from her full-time job and launched Cordry Creative, a marketing agency that helps entrepreneurs build brands rooted in story and authenticity.
In this inspiring episode of the podcast, host Nata Salvatori and Sam dive deep into the emotional, strategic, and personal side of going from 9–5 employee to creative business owner.
When Words Become the Catalyst for a Business
Some journeys into entrepreneurship start with spreadsheets. Others, like Sam Cordry’s, start with a love for words and a gut instinct that won’t be ignored. In this episode of The Accidental CEO, Sam joins Nata to share how she transformed from a corporate marketing manager with a freelance side gig into the full-time CEO of her own thriving agency, Cordry Creative.
Freelance Roots & the Leap to Full-Time
Sam didn’t launch her business in a blaze of Instagram announcements. In fact, she waited over a year before telling the world what she’d built. That wasn’t fear—it was intention. After years in marketing, her freelance gigs organically led to larger contracts, and one pivotal client gave her the green light to quit her job and go all in.
Why Writing Still Leads the Way
At the heart of Cordry Creative is storytelling—Sam’s superpower. What began with blog posts evolved into a signature offering: The Foundation Framework, helping clients articulate their core story and values with clarity and confidence. From there, Sam’s agency naturally expanded into full-service strategy and creative support.
What Entrepreneurs Get Wrong About Marketing
Many creative entrepreneurs struggle to describe what they do. Sam sees it all the time—vague messaging, typos, clunky user experiences. Her advice? Keep it simple, clear, and grounded in your actual personality. And please, spellcheck your website.
Marketing with Soul, Not Stress
Sam believes in consistent, sustainable marketing that feels good to execute. That means choosing platforms and strategies that align with who you are, not chasing every trend. The secret sauce? Clarity on your message and permission to show up as you.
Listening to Your Gut in Business
Sam’s gut has guided every big decision—from saying yes to her first freelance gig to knowing when a client isn’t the right fit. Her advice? If something feels clunky or off, don’t ignore it. That internal voice is your greatest business advisor.
What’s Next for Cordry Creative
With a growing client roster, Sam is focused on streamlining operations, expanding her team, and evolving the Foundation Framework into a scalable offering. She’s proof that building a business on your terms—slow, intentional, and heart-led—can be both successful and soul-satisfying.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- The truth about leaving corporate: It’s more than a career shift—it’s an identity shift. Sam gets real about what the transition actually feels like.
- How to brand with heart and clarity: Forget the templates. Sam shares how to create messaging that connects—because your story is your strongest asset.
- Common mistakes entrepreneurs make: And the small tweaks that can make your brand instantly more magnetic.
- The power of showing up as yourself: Sam shares why “being authentic” isn’t a trend—it’s a strategy. And it works.
This is the kind of conversation that leaves you both inspired and equipped to take your next big step—whether that’s launching a business, refining your message, or simply owning your story more boldly.
Links Mentioned:
Related Reads:
- “How to Build a Brand Story That Sells”
- “The Real Difference Between Personal and Business Branding”
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