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Matthew Knight

Matthew Knight

Independent Strategist, Founder, and Freelance Mental Health Advocate

thinkplaymake
Joined September 2025

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Summary

Matthew Knight is a serial founder and independent strategist with a career spanning over two decades in digital, innovation, and creative businesses. He has founded and led multiple successful ventures, including the digital agency de-construct (acquired in 2005), the freelance mental health support project Leapers Co., and communities for independent strategists like Outside Perspective and foxlark. thinkplaymake+3
A significant focus of Matthew's work is advocating for and supporting the mental health and well-being of freelancers and the self-employed. Through projects like Leapers Co. and Freelancing.Support, he provides resources, community, and guidance to help independent workers navigate the unique challenges of self-employment. thinkplaymake+3
Matthew has extensive experience in strategic leadership, having run strategy teams at prominent agencies like Carat UK and The LEGO Agency. He has also served as interim head of digital for D&AD and interim head of technology for Endemol UK, demonstrating a strong background in technology and innovation strategy. thinkplaymake+1
Beyond his professional ventures, Matthew is also a creative innovator, as evidenced by his 'Disposable Memory Project,' a global photography initiative. He is recognized for his contributions to the industry, having received awards such as D&AD pencils and the YunoJuno Freelancer of the Year. thinkplaymake+1

Work

Projects

Writing

What the IR35 rollback means for businesses who hire freelancers.

September 1, 2022

Discusses the implications of the IR35 rollback for businesses and the ongoing responsibility and opportunity to work effectively with freelancers.

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The shifting relationship with your workforce.

September 1, 2022

Examines how the relationship between companies and their people has evolved, especially in the context of recent global events.

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In times of turmoil…

September 1, 2022

Argues for investing in people, including freelancers, to provide flexibility and resilience for organizations during challenging times.

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(co)work from home?

September 1, 2022

Explores the potential comeback of home-based co-working models.

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Are freelancers more in control than employees?

July 1, 2022

Compares the level of control experienced by freelancers versus traditional employees.

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Don’t cling on to pre-pandemic working cultures. They’re gone.

July 1, 2022

Suggests that pre-pandemic working cultures are outdated and discusses the need for organizations to adapt to new realities.

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The Great Resignation isn’t just away from employment.

July 1, 2022

Explains why the 'Great Resignation' also highlights the need to invest in and support freelancers.

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Taking time to reflect on your week.

June 1, 2022

Advocates for regular self-reflection to build a more supported and sustainable work life, particularly for freelancers.

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