Jadon Thomas, Principal, JT Studio

Jadon runs a brand consultancy that focuses on serving the D2C EdTech community. Jadon helps EdTech founders and executives gain clarity in what they need to build their brand. They can attract the right audience, increase revenue and grow their business and impact. Unlike many branding agencies that skip strategy, focus on visuals, and don't even know what positioning is, Jadon bases their strategies on intensive customer research, positioning science and their expertise.

What is your favourite social media platform, and why?

Clubhouse, it has provided an opportunity to build both personal and business relationships in a way that other platforms can't.

Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.

I operate at the intersection of brand strategy and consulting in the marketing field.

“Don't be afraid to go against the crowd, often times the majority is wrong.”

Jadon Thomas

Jadon Thomas, LinkedIn

What do you like about your career or area of focus?

The ability to think creatively and provide solutions that meaningfully help my clients.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

It wasn't so much advice as much as reassurance that I have the ability to do whatever I set my mind to. That allowed me to start thinking a bit bigger than I was before.

What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?

I want to help support the persons that are moving past the current education system with its many flaws and providing education in a way that’s affordable and accessible.

What are you proud of in your life so far?

The small impact that I've had so far. Being able to help a few persons get to the next level of their business is extremely satisfying.

What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?

Since the pandemic, social media has been a good way. It has opened up conversations and points of view with people all over the world that I wouldn't normally be able to meet.

What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?

Improving the soft skills that I have. Communication hasn't been my strong point, so I've spent a bit of time learning how to communicate.

What do you wish you had known when you started out?

That everyone is figuring it out with you, even the successful ones. Learn from others, make your own mistakes and grow.

Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?

I've learned a lot from Blair Enns. He wouldn't know but listening to him has helped me avoid some of the mistakes that are usually made and limiting beliefs that persons in this industry usually have.

Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?

During the initial lockdown/quarantine, I started learning to play the guitar, which was a huge help for balancing out myself. Also, I enjoy playing football, the kick the ball one, not catch the ball and doing a few other sports.

Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?

I think there's a way to find the bright side to it. It's opened my eyes to the possibilities, things that I wouldn't have thought of before. For example, starting my own business completely online compared to finding a job.

Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?

I don't have a mentor. I draw inspiration from a few people that I relate to. I haven't met and spoken to all of them personally, but just reading their books and their content has had a tremendous effect on me.

What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?

Focus. The temptation is to try and learn everything about everything, but if you can focus, you will build a depth of expertise much faster. In the same breath, don't always drink from the same pond. Get inspiration and ideas from everywhere and then find ways to apply them. The amount of resources that are available to you is mind-blowing. Use them.

What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?

Planning. Either over planning or under planning. The idea is to have a direction and path that you'd like to go in but have it flexible enough that you can make adjustments. That also means being reasonable about your expectations.

Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?

There are so many, but a simple one is "When everyone zigs, you zag". Don't be afraid to go against the crowd, often times the majority is wrong.

What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?

The work that Chris Do from The Futur does is really making an impact, especially in the creative industry. That's a good example of how education can change lives.

How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?

Success is different for everyone. The mistake would be to take someone else's definition and apply it to yourself. Figure out what's important to you. If you don't feel good after reaching your goals, then they weren't the right goals.