From graphic design beginnings to her current role as host of the incredibly popular Super Creative podcast, Catie Dawson has built a career fueled by curiosity, creativity, and connection. Her podcast spotlights the stories of Kiwi women making waves in business and beyond, offering insight into their successes, challenges, and personal journeys. We sat down with Catie to talk about her inspiration, the lessons she’s learned from interviewing some of the country’s sharpest minds, and what’s next for her ever-evolving passion project.
With a background in marketing and design, you've undoubtedly brought a unique skill set to podcasting. What strengths from your previous career have shaped your approach to creating and running Super Creative?
I think I've been fortunate in my career path. I trained as a graphic designer in the late 90s, and although I transitioned into marketing roles a few years later, I've always maintained freelance design work on the side. This combination has given me a well-rounded approach when launching my own initiatives, particularly the podcast. I can develop strategy, create branding, build websites, and design social media assets. When starting a passion project, it's incredibly helpful not having to outsource (and pay for!) these tasks.
What inspired you to launch a podcast? What was it about the platform that peaked your interest?
My journey into podcasting stemmed from my natural curiosity about people and their stories. I'm admittedly a big talker, but I genuinely love learning about others. I've always been surrounded by incredibly creative friends who have inspired me. I was an early adopter of podcast listening and often thought about how I would love to do my own podcast. The seed was planted after I had my first daughter (now 7 and a half years old) - I had moved from Auckland to the Mount and was feeling creatively disconnected. I casually mentioned the podcast idea to two of my best friends while on holiday, and they not only encouraged me but became my first two guests.
You’ve interviewed an impressive lineup of inspiring minds. Are there any recurring insights on success that you think everyone—creative or not—could apply to their own lives or careers?
SO many. The most common advice is simply to start - if you have an idea, pursue it because you never know where it might lead. Understanding your financials is crucial - they can be just as creative as the fun aspects while forming the foundation of your business. Stay authentic, don't get caught up in what others are doing, and maintain strong connections with your customers. The list goes on!
For many creatives, navigating the world of business can feel daunting. What would you say is the most vital strategy for creative minds to thrive in business?
For creatives in business, the most vital strategy I've observed is allocating and protecting creative time. While I haven't mastered this myself yet, it's a clear goal. I regularly hear from women who are so consumed by running their business that they miss opportunities for creative growth. However, those who consciously carve out creative time consistently produce innovative, inspiring work.
As someone who celebrates creativity in others, what do you do personally to nurture your own creative spark? Are there any routines, hobbies, or rituals that help you recharge?
Personally, nurturing my creative spark is still a work in progress. My most creative moments come during walks, drives, or while listening to podcasts - times when my mind can wander freely. Often inspiration strikes around 11 PM in the shower - quite cliché! While I'm not particularly "woo-woo," I plan to explore meditation next year to help clear my mind more effectively.
Super Creative shines a light on the exceptional achievements of Kiwi women. If you could interview any woman from within New Zealand, or further afield, who would you love to delve deep with?
Regarding dream interviews, my New Zealand wish list keeps growing, there are so many women doing amazing things here! I've been fortunate to speak with some of my personal design heroes already, but I would love to expand internationally one day and first on my wishlist is Zoe Foster Blake.
Sitting down with some of the sharpest business minds in the country must be exhilarating. Do you ever get nervous, and if so, do you have any rituals or techniques to channel that energy into confidence?
Interestingly, the actual interviews don't make me nervous - I thrive on conversation! The anxiety comes more from approaching potential guests and managing rejection (which luckily doesn’t happen too often). In those situations, I try to maintain perspective and focus on what I can control.
You’ve shone a spotlight on so many unique paths to success. If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice about life or career, what would it be?
If I could offer my younger self advice it would be - be a bit more strategic about where you want your career to go, make some decisions that aren’t based on desperation after spending all your money travelling! I would tell myself to listen to The Curve podcast and start investing my money from a young age! But also if I were to give advice to any younger person in general, I'd recommend gaining diverse experience - work in various businesses of all sizes, seize every opportunity, and learn as much as possible. Every experience, good or bad, proves valuable eventually.
What’s on the horizon for you and Super Creative? Are there any exciting projects that you can share with us?
Looking ahead, my goal is to transform this passion project into something more financially sustainable. I'll be increasing my focus on the podcast in the new year, with an emphasis on in-person events. After the success of my first Super Creative panel event in October, I'm excited about upcoming collaborations and eager to explore more opportunities in this direction.
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