Yes, I work in the industry he claims to be some sort of expert in. He, and his wife, are the quintessential examples of the influencer generation. You're not "working" with a brand if they're giving you a free bathroom in return for an Ad. That's a tax-deductible promotion for them, not an admission of a creative partnership or employment. I'd be shocked if either of them could work to a brief or pitch to a client about anything other than their own cliche'd aesthetics. Working in the creative field means putting aside your own ego and helping a client fulfill a vision you both have together. Not nipping into their studio space with a sharpie and writing "good vibes" and "we don't deserve dogs" on the wall with illustrations which were last on trend in 2012.
I could spend hours ripping apart all of his "experience" in the industry but the main issues with his begging for work are what's already been outlined. Someone who has any form of actual agency experience would have built up a portfolio of work that can be shown to potential clients. This would be demonstratable work and outcomes which benefit the brand, right through to completed projects. Show the work, name the clients, demonstate where you have added value to their brand.
The irony is I have helped to art direct campaigns for worldwide brands and I'd not have the arrogance to act like I was some form of svengali who knew it all. Anything that is remotely important in this sphere is a hugely collaborative project and they'd not let someone like Richard near it with his current level of experience. I've literally employed all the professions he claims to be able to work in; Stylists / photographers / brand developers / illustrators / designers / interior architects and art directors. These are all different jobs where folk spend YEARS working hard to get work in the industry, not something you slap on your instagram bio in an afternoon because you've ripped off some artists from pinterest.
I don't know Richard well and I have no idea if he's a "nice guy" or not so this is no attack on his personality but I can comment on what I know. His startling idea of his own self-worth and abilities would be impressive if it wasn't so misplaced. I don't have an issue with the Instagram / TikTok grift - it's not aimed at me and I don't need to see it. I take issue when he paints himself to be an expert in a field where my colleagues and I have spent years working on our craft and constantly upgrading our skill sets.
There's a term in the industry - "fake it 'til you make it" which I think he's been running with for the last decade and a bit. Unfortunately, that only works for so long before you actually need to do the work.
My advice (and, unlike Richard, I do get paid to give this on occasion) would be; Work out what you're good at, what you want to do and work out how you can get clients to pay you to do that. Start off small and pay attention to the pitch, the brief and the exectuion. Take that work and slowly build on it until you have a decidcated, demonstratable body of work you can take to a bigger client / agency and then rinse and repeat.
I have a theory that she did some research and Orange was the only colour left.