Meet Colleen Finn | Creative Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colleen Finn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colleen, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of The Moody Tiger brand is my authentic connection with the creative community. My success stems from a deep understanding of the creative mind, rooted in my own experiences as a creative professional and someone managing bipolar disorder. This unique perspective allows me to truly empathize with and effectively serve other creatives.

The key to my approach is recognizing that creatives think differently, process information uniquely, and face similar challenges. By speaking their language and understanding their mindset, I’m able to offer tailored strategies that resonate deeply with my clients.
Another crucial element is my commitment to being in service to other creatives. I’m driven by the positive ripple effect that occurs in each of my client’s lives as they reclaim their creative joy and overcome obstacles. This genuine desire to see others succeed fuels my passion and drives the continuous evolution of my coaching methods.

Lastly, I believe my sense of humor plays a significant role in my brand’s success. Creativity often thrives in an environment of lightness and play, and I strive to bring that spirit into my coaching. This approach helps my clients feel at ease, encourages open communication, and makes the journey of self-improvement more enjoyable and sustainable.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Moody Tiger is a brand dedicated to mental well-being for the creative mind. What sets me apart is my unique approach that combines life coaching, time management expertise, and creative empowerment, all infused with my lived experience of managing bipolar disorder and a lifetime in creative industries.
My mission is simple yet powerful: to help creatives recapture the joy and optimism that comes with bringing their creative genius to life. I believe creativity is a necessity, not a luxury, and my purpose is to help individuals maximize their creative potential in every aspect of their lives.

The journey to establishing The Moody Tiger was not easy. It was born from the challenges of 2020 and a personal reboot in early 2023, after a series of professional setbacks cleared my plate. This challenge became an opportunity to combine my varied experiences as a business owner, designer, illustrator, and educator into a cohesive brand that addresses the unique needs of creatives.

What I’m most proud of is my 3-month coaching program. It’s designed to meet clients where they are and guide them to their “version 2.0,” helping them overcome common creative challenges like imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and creative paralysis. I’ve developed a toolkit of tips and tricks to help creatives live in harmony with their inner “Moody Tiger” – that voice that serves as a mental muse, but also provides the unwanted negative self-talk that often holds us back.

A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability and resilience in business. When faced with setbacks, I chose to pivot and create something new that aligned with my passion and expertise. This adaptability is now a core value of The Moody Tiger brand.

I want the world to know that The Moody Tiger is more than just a coaching service – it’s a movement to reignite creative passion and improve mental well-being. I’m here to remind every creative that their ideas matter, their voice is unique, and their creativity is a vital force that deserves to be nurtured and celebrated.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Personally, I am drawn to alternative performances like the upcoming show with the Violent Femmes and the ASO. I’m also a big Atlanta neighborhood festival junkie – Inman Park, Candler Park, the L5P Halloween Parade. With regard to the scope of the city, I’m definitely someone who does not stray outside the perimeter…actually, I rarely go outside a 5 mile radius. Everything I need is right around the corner. When I need a good caffeine jolt and a great space to work early in the morning, I hit up The Daily on Hurt Street in Inman Park, and if I’m feeling delusions of grandeur I may head up the street to Beetlecat for their lobster roll. My next plan is to map out all of the happy hours in town (and Decatur) and make it a weekly “date” to go with friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Biggest props to my folks who supported me through rounds of education and multiple careers of varying success. I also have to mention my career mentor, Mary Yedlin who has spent the past two years guiding me along this bumpy path. Finally, I would like to give a shoutout to Stacey Brass Russell, the coaches’ coach extraordinaire.

Website: https://www.themoodytiger.com

Instagram: https://colleenfinn.pro

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenfinnpro

Other: TikTok: @colleenfinn.pro

Image Credits
Ari Skinner
Nakita Pope