What if real growth in your business would come from dreaming bigger? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the moment from a recent conference that stopped me in my tracks. At that moment, I knew: I’ve been playing too small and I’m ready to dream bigger. For my business, and for yours.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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Stop Playing Small: How Dreaming Bigger Can Transform Your Business
What if the growth you’re chasing isn’t about more strategy, but about dreaming way bigger?
That’s the question that hit me like a lightning bolt at the Story 2025 conference in Nashville. It wasn’t a technical tip, a marketing trick, or a productivity hack—it was a sentence that challenged me to stop hiding behind “being strategic” and step fully into the identity of a dreamer.
The Moment That Changed Everything
I was sitting in the audience, soaking in the creative energy and brilliance of the storytellers on stage. Then Harris III shared a story about a conversation with a friend. He was explaining a big idea that never quite came to life, and she simply said:
“I can tell you don’t surround yourself with people who dream bigger than you.”
That line could’ve landed a dozen ways, but it hit me in a way I didn’t expect.
Not because I’m lacking those dreamers around me—I have them. I am surrounded by bold, big thinkers. The problem? I haven’t been that person for others.
That realization shook me. Because the truth is, I’ve been playing it safe.
I’ve been strategic, yes. I’ve been helpful, consistent, supportive. But I haven’t been bold enough. I haven’t dreamed big enough—not for myself, and not for the people I serve.
And if I’m not going to be the one dreaming big for my clients… then who is?
Why Dreaming Bigger Is a Business Strategy
I’ve always believed that podcasting is a powerful tool for visibility, thought leadership, and connection. But somewhere along the way, I let the systems and strategies I’m so good at become a ceiling instead of a launchpad.
Dreaming bigger isn’t just about ambition. It’s about leadership.
It’s about believing in what’s possible for your clients before they can see it for themselves.
It’s asking:
- What would this show look like if you stopped aiming for consistency and started aiming for impact?
- What could happen in your business if your podcast became your platform, not just your content stream?
- What would it look like to stop playing small?
That’s the version of me I’m stepping into.
Not just as a producer, but as a visionary and growth partner.
What’s Changing at Gaffin Creative
Behind the scenes, I’ve already been walking this out. I’ve been working with coaches and mentors who’ve challenged me to think bigger and be bigger. I kept those dreams quiet for a while—but not anymore.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A more strategic, integrated approach to podcasting—aligned with your overall business goals.
- Elevated services that go beyond editing and scheduling—we’re talking vision, positioning, growth plans, and revenue alignment.
- Deeper partnership—because producing your show isn’t enough. I want to help you make your podcast matter more.
We’ve always had the capacity to offer this level of support. What’s changing is the intentionality and clarity behind it.
This Is Your Permission Slip, Too
If you’ve ever felt like your podcast—or your business—is stuck in a safe zone, I get it.
But what if safe isn’t serving you anymore?
What if the next level you’re craving won’t come from adding another tool or workflow—but from believing that you’re meant for more?
So let me ask you the question I had to ask myself:
What could change in your business if you stopped waiting for permission to go all in?
Maybe it’s finally pitching that guest you’ve been scared to reach out to.
Maybe it’s raising your rates.
Maybe it’s reimagining your podcast into something so much bigger than just an audio file.
Whatever it is—this is your nudge to stop playing small.
Find It Quickly:
The moment the story hit me (1:21)
I need to be the big dreamer (1:52)
Where I’ve been playing small (3:14)
Dreaming bigger at Gaffin Creative (4:20)
Dreaming big in your own business (5:28)
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Podcast Growth Program: gaffincreative.com/growth
