Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Howard Jr
Hi Greg, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Most of the things I’ve done have resulted from me saying “I bet I could do that,” and every time someone has said, “Ok, then do it.” I won’t say that everything I’ve done has been easy or I’ve picked up quickly, but Cindy Lauper once said “As artists, our job is not to judge but to keep the channel open.” As someone who has always been a performer, in some way or another, that quote helps keep things in perspective. I’ve gotten this far because I kept the channel open, even when the product of whatever was in my head at that moment was terrible.
I won’t sit here and say that it’s all been because of hard work and dedication, that’s not true. I, also, know people who can help me. I can get into rooms that other people can’t. I have an incredibly supportive circle of people. Sometimes it’s luck, sometimes it’s hard work, but the majority of the time it’s knowing the right people to get you where you need to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Imposter syndrome, for me, I think is the biggest struggle. I struggle with wondering if what I’m working on is too much like something else I’ve done and if I am resting on what I know. ‘Am I challenging myself enough?’ ‘Does this add to what I bring to the table?’ Those doubtful voices that everybody has sometimes get to me. I’m a Virgo so I’m VERY particular so I’m always getting in my way about how a project looks.
Needless to say, I spend a lot of my time getting out of my head and trying to stay motivated.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’d say I’m mostly known for creating and hosting podcasts even though I’ve mostly closed that chapter of my life. Right now I’m primarily focused on my weekly, monthly, and quarterly digital magazines. I feel like I get more satisfaction from the magazines than I did podcasts because I’m a very visual person.
I’m definitely most proud of being able to build a platform that I can boost my friends from. I’ve been called an “elevator person,” which is true because if I’m going up I’m not going alone. I don’t see the point in that. It’s on the same level as seeing your friends as competition. You lose more competing with your friends than you do supporting them.
I think the number of projects I’m working on at any one given moment would definitely set me apart from others. I’ve gotten very good at multitasking. I would also say that I’m self-aware enough to know when I’ve said all I need to say and move on to a new project. I always want my work to feel fresh and inventive.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to networking, I’ve always started with my friends. You’d be surprised at the well of knowledge that you don’t even have to go looking for. If your friends can’t help, they usually know someone who can. The best advice that I can give to anyone starting a new venture is to just remember that the worst they can say is ‘no.’
Contact Info:
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