Are you tired of feeling like your content is at the mercy of social media algorithms? Cameron Uganec, SVP & GM at Thinkific & The Leap, is trying to show creators a better way to monetize online. Cameron is a seasoned expert in building brands and products in the creator economy. In this episode he shares insights on how creators can maximize monetization opportunities and build audience-centric brands. We explore the 3 phases of the creator economy, from the rise of social media influencers to the current entrepreneurial phase, and deep dive into the concept of ‘creator educators.’ Cameron explains why it’s more beneficial for creators to pursue an educator path rather than chasing influencer status. Cameron unveils his journey, from managing big brand accounts to now empowering content creators at Thinkific. We explore his experiences, insights and predictions for the creator economy, further illuminating the ways this economy is reshaping the digital landscape.

Learn more about Cameron:

1. Instagram @maketheleap
2. TikTok @the.leap
3. Twitter @cameronu
4. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uganec/ 
5. The Leap: https://www.theleap.co/ 

Subscribe to Arcade’s Newsletter, SCAN 👀 CLUB: https://www.arcadearcade.ca/scan-club 

Show Notes:

1. 01:00 - Introducing Cam!
2. 02:00 - How Cam got started working with SaaS companies. 
3. 03:30 - Working in the creator economy before it was called the creator economy. 
4. 07:00 - What phases the creator economy has gone through and where it’s at now.
5. 09:00 - How to think like a creator educator. 
6. 11:00 - What are the benefits of focusing on the creator educator track?
7. 12:00 - Getting over imposter syndrome around creating digital products. 
8. 14:00 - Taking an audience-first approach as a digital creator. 
9. 17:00 - How to stop being at the mercy of the algorithm and take back your power as a creator. 
10. 21:20 - Mental health concerns in the creator economy. 
11. 24:00 - Barriers to entry with digital courses and falling into a perfectionism trap. 
12. 27:00 - The story of The Leap and how we worked together to build an audience that ultimately led to a low customer acquisition rate. 
13. 31:30 - How to validate the type of content you’re making.
14. 34:00 - Who is making waves and why? 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Jasper.ai: https://www.jasper.ai/ 
• Descript: https://www.descript.com/ 
• Durable.co: https://durable.co/ 

Waves Podcast with Mike (@mmmiiike) and Mitzi (@mmmitzi). 

For more from Arcade, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @helloarcade. https://www.arcadearcade.ca/

Waves with Mike (@mmmiiike) and Mitzi (@mmmitzi).

For more from Arcade, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @helloarcade. https://www.arcadearcade.ca/

S6 - present Production by Morgan Berna, editing by Harrison Neef.