We were lucky to catch up with James Mcleod recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I have always believed that safety is a pathway to failure. Taking risks, failing, and starting again has been a critical part of getting my business to the position it’s in today. Eventually, you take the risk and succeed. This, however, does require a system of belief wherein genuine passion for your trade is the driving factor in your motivation. Without a genuine love for what you do, persevering through the inevitable discouraging moments seem futile.

James, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I had the opportunity as an art student in college to take a glass blowing class, which, pun intended, really ignited something in me. It was the first time that I felt that something was actually able to captivate and hold my attention. I thought, “this is it- this is what i’m supposed to do”. Obviously, I had to make money in order to support my art, so I began working in glass factories and studios to learn the trade; I wanted to be as proficient as I could possibly be. After years of training in those spaces, I eventually gained the education and experience needed to begin a new chapter in my career as a professor. Today, I am proud to say that I am still passing on my knowledge of the trade to practicing students, while also running two of my own companies- “CLEOD Glassworks” and “Solar Sands Glassworks”. My companies offer custom, hand-blown, bespoke glassware including homeware, lighting, sculpture, and basically all things custom glass. We work with the client one-on-one, from initial design to final production, in order to create the glass piece to fit their exact design and function needs. I believe that what sets CLEOD Glassworks apart from other companies is our willingness to approach every project without limitations. We feel that when we provide a service, we want the creativity and challenge to be the driving force in our process, are are willing to take the risks necessary to to make work that’s groundbreaking. It’s imperative that we continue to push the boundaries/limitations of what we make, and find those challenges to be the most exciting and pivotal aspect of our work. I think i’m most proud of the team that’s been forged from years of hard work; I have put a significant amount of time and energy into nurturing a team of creatives that are as eager about the challenges, trials and tribulations, and ultimately successes that come with the craft. I’m able to watch a group of people grow with me and the company, which has been the most rewarding thing of all. I hope, above all, that clients know that they’re working with a group that has a true and pure passion for what they do, and they are going to receive the purest version of the work that exists to them in the market. Our client’s can always feel assured that they’re getting all of the creative resources that we have to offer, and that we are eager to embrace any technical challenge head on.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

While innocently reading Matthew Mcconaughey’s book, “Green Light”, I unexpectedly found inspiration that felt personal to my craft and process. The book compares life to a series of green, yellow, and red lights- moments where it feels as if you’re either moving forward, slowing down, or stopping. He highlights the importance of recognizing each of these signals and how perspective during these yellow and red light moments are what aid you to increase the amount of green lights in your life. As much as we want every light in our life to be green, we will, no matter what, experience roadblocks in our career where it feels that the light will never be green again. Reflection and meditation in your current state, good or bad, is critical to your longevity as an artist. Generally, the book assured me that everything that you do as an artist and entrepreneur is about ingenuity; you’re faced with a series of challenges that you have to try to work with- the more creative your approach, the easier it is to accomplish the goals and meet the expectations that you’ve set.
It can be particularly frustrating when you don’t get what you want as an entrepreneur, and what’s so different than a normal day job is that you’ve put absolutely everything that you have into to your craft because the work is who you are. Don’t overlook the value in getting a no or a maybe, or hitting a wall- Fail Passionately.
You have to walk into things blind and know that you can get through whatever comes your way.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Genuineness is what I believe has been the most profound way to connect with my Clients. They know that we are always going to be transparent about who we are and what we are capable of doing from the very beginning, and what drives us to do what we do. I believe that there’s a shortage of honesty in business, which makes it hard to have any sort of genuine relationship with your clients. I think that people are craving connection and community now more than ever, which is what has helped us keep our business strong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cleodglassworks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleodglassworks/?hl=en