This week on If I’m Honest, Julia sits down with DJ, entrepreneur, investor, and creative strategist Mick Batyske for a candid conversation about building a career that evolves with you.
From teaching himself how to DJ in college to performing for brands, celebrities, and global events, Mick shares the real story behind turning creativity into a sustainable business. He opens up about moving from Cleveland to New York, navigating uncertainty as a freelancer, learning how to market himself, and why relationships, not just talent, have shaped his career.
Mick and Julia also dive into:
* What it actually takes to build a long-term creative career
* The pressure of constantly reinventing yourself
* Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends
* How he approaches networking and outbound pitching
* The business side of freelancing and setting rates
* The emotional highs and lows of performing
* AI, creativity, and where DJ culture is headed next
* Why adaptability is the key to longevity
This episode is packed with honest insight for anyone pursuing an unconventional path, building something creative, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
Buckle up for an honest conversation about ambition, reinvention, resilience, and creating a career on your own terms.
Find Mick on Instagram @mick, check out his website https://www.mick.co, and read his Substack at https://mickbatyske.substack.com.

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