We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Hardin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jason thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?
My journey as an entrepreneur has been filled with various investments, both successful and challenging. Reflecting on my experiences, one of the most significant investments that stands out was my decision to create the “LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast”. This was an investment not just in terms of money, but also time and creative energy.
The backstory of this venture began with my passion for sharing my philosophy on personal growth and success. I realized that having a platform to voice these ideas could not only spread my message but also strengthen my brand and connect with like-minded individuals. The decision to start the podcast was driven by a desire to create an impact and share valuable insights on personal development and entrepreneurship.
However, this investment wasn’t without its challenges. The initial phase involved significant time and financial resources. I had to invest in quality recording equipment, dedicate time to planning and recording episodes, and also learn the nuances of podcast production and marketing. It was a steep learning curve, and balancing this with my other business endeavors was demanding.
The outcome, though, has been incredibly rewarding. The podcast has not only allowed me to reach a wider audience but has also opened doors for networking and new business opportunities. It’s become a platform for not only sharing my thoughts but also for engaging with thought leaders and influencers in the field. The personal growth and connections made through this endeavor have been invaluable.
The key lesson I learned from this experience is the importance of investing in your passions and leveraging your strengths. While it’s crucial to assess the financial and time commitments of any new venture, the true value often lies in the intangible benefits such as personal growth, network expansion, and brand development. This investment in the podcast taught me that sometimes, the best returns are those that cannot be quantified immediately but are realized in the long term through personal and professional growth.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As founder of Hardway Enterprise, host of “LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast”, and the creative mind behind the MADE IN DENA brand, my journey is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of success on my own terms. My path into entrepreneurship and personal development was shaped by a series of challenges and triumphs, starting from a very young age.
Diagnosed with a rare and deadly tumor as a baby, I faced adversity early in life. Despite the physical and emotional scars, I emerged with a fierce determination to succeed. My upbringing, marked by instability and moving frequently, taught me adaptability and resilience. These experiences forged my philosophy on life: success is not just about financial gain, but about living a life rich in experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
In my professional life, I wear multiple hats. As a private chef, I bring culinary creativity and nourishment to my clients. But my true passion lies in empowering others through my ventures like Hardway Enterprise, LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast, and MADE IN DENA.
Hardway Enterprise: This is the umbrella company that ties all my ventures together. It offers a range of media, marketing, and management services. From graphic design to business coaching, we provide the tools necessary for individuals and businesses to excel in today’s competitive environment.
LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast: As the host, I delve into topics around personal development, entrepreneurship, and success. The podcast is a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and strategies to help listeners create and live their own definition of success.
MADE IN DENA: This brand is a reflection of my roots in Pasadena and Altadena. It’s more than just apparel; it’s a celebration of local culture and community spirit. We offer a range of products that resonate with those who have a deep connection to the area.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity and impact. My approach to business and life is holistic – I believe in nurturing not just financial success, but also personal well-being and community involvement. I’m most proud of how I’ve turned my life experiences into a source of strength and inspiration for others. Through my podcast, speaking engagements, and community work, I aim to empower people to overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand and work are rooted in genuine passion and purpose. Whether it’s through my podcast, my entrepreneurial ventures, or community involvement, my goal is to inspire, educate, and uplift. My journey is a testament that with resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision of success, anyone can overcome obstacles and thrive.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining stories of my journey, which illustrates my resilience, is the period of homelessness I faced right after high school. This experience was both a test and a turning point in my life.
After graduating from Pasadena High School, I found myself without a home. I was just 18, and due to a conflict over rent and bills, I ended up being kicked out of the house. This wasn’t my first experience with homelessness, but it was the first time I was facing it alone. Both of my parents were still alive at the time, but I chose not to tell them about my situation, fearing it would cause them undue worry.
During this period, I spent my nights sleeping on the number 4 Metro Bus. This route, traveling from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica, was the longest 24-hour bus route available, allowing me to sleep for about an hour at a time before I had to disembark and catch the bus in the opposite direction. This routine lasted until morning, after which I would head to my classes at Pasadena City College.
The death of my father shortly after my 19th birthday led to me quitting school and beginning a phase of self-medication. I was aimlessly moving from job to job, place to place, with no clear direction or foundation in life.
What turned things around for me was my commitment to what is now the ‘Life Of A Boss’ philosophy. I focused on creating a life defined by freedom, flexibility, and the ability to be there for those I love while making a positive impact on the world. This philosophy became my guiding light, helping me to navigate through and eventually overcome the challenges I faced.
This story of resilience, of overcoming homelessness and personal loss, to become a successful entrepreneur and a mentor, is a testament to the power of determination and a clear vision of success. It demonstrates that no matter how difficult the circumstances, with the right mindset and actions, transformation and success are possible.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson of unlearning to live in survival mode has been a pivotal chapter in my journey. The backstory of this unfolds from my challenging childhood and early adulthood, where survival was not just a mindset but a necessity.
Growing up, I faced a series of relentless challenges. The early health struggles, constant moving due to the instability in my family, and the experience of homelessness right after high school, all ingrained in me a deeply rooted survival instinct. I was always in a state of alert, constantly bracing for the next hurdle, the next crisis. This survival mode became my default setting, a way to cope with the unpredictability and hardships of my environment.
However, as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey and embraced the ‘Life Of A Boss’ philosophy, I realized that living perpetually in survival mode was limiting my potential. While it had been a crucial coping mechanism during my toughest times, it was now acting as a barrier to growth and fulfillment.
Survival mode, by its nature, is reactive. It’s about making it through the day, often at the expense of long-term planning and personal development. It meant I was always bracing for the worst, rather than anticipating and working towards a better future.
Unlearning this mindset involved consciously shifting my focus from merely surviving to thriving. It meant adopting a proactive approach to life, setting goals, and working systematically towards them. It involved cultivating a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, of seeing possibilities instead of limitations.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It required consistent effort, reflection, and a commitment to change. But the shift has been profound. It has allowed me to approach life and business with a mindset of growth and possibility, leading to greater success and fulfillment.
The lesson here is that while survival mode can be a necessary response to immediate challenges, it’s not a sustainable way to live if you want to grow and achieve your full potential. Unlearning this has been instrumental in my journey towards building a successful, balanced, and fulfilling life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifeofaboss.net
- Instagram: @HardwayHardin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardwayhardin/
- Twitter: @HardwayHardin
Image Credits
R2I Photography