Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawn George. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Shawn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

This is a great question! There are probably dozens of factors that could be considered but I’m going to boil it down to 3 points that I believe are required to find success.

– Consistency
– Building Strong Long-lasting Relationships
– Delegating tasks to the right people

Consistency is the key to mastery within your field, anything that is done often and to the best of your ability will undoubtedly become like muscle memory for you. Your workflow will become so smooth, efficient, and with a level of finesse that is only obtainable through constant practice and focus. In 2019, I was working on earning my pilot’s license. We would take a small two-seater plane up for lessons and learn maneuvers, emergency procedures, and navigation. With very few hours under my belt, my control of the plane was shaky at best and I lacked the confidence to fly the plane to its fullest potential. However, when my instructor took over controls it was like witnessing a master class in aviation. The aircraft moved in ways that I didn’t even know was possible, that’s the power of practice, experience, and of course consistency.

We’ve all heard the quote, “Your network is your net worth”. A gem that will always ring true. The strongest businesses are built upon strong relationships and mutual respect. Doors will open for you that you didn’t even know existed because you fostered authentic relationships with people who truly believe that you deserve a seat at their table. It’s one thing to get a customer, it’s another to have the trust and respect of a returning client. Always prioritize how to maintain that connection and show them that you truly care, value their feedback, and respect their time.

If you’re leading a team, you can quickly find yourself in a position where you’re saturated with tasks and time isn’t on your side. This is where you empower one of your teammates to lead the charge in getting a specific task across the finish line. Your team should consist of people who have strengths that cover your weaknesses. This is also great for them, it gives them a chance to shine and utilize the skill set that they’ve spent years honing. I had the pleasure of filming a wedding alongside my best friend. He’s spent years working as a photographer and developing the skill of capturing beautiful photos of people in a variety of settings. He was especially proficient at directing the subjects to take different poses to convey emotion in the image. As we were capturing the wedding, I leaned on this experience directing the bride, groom, and family as we captured their big day. I was more than happy to step back and let him be great in that moment because I knew that this would improve the overall experience for the couple. “A star wants to see himself rise to the top. A leader wants to see those around him rise to the top.” – Simon Sinek

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Shawn George, I’m a videographer, photographer, and pilot and my brand is Casual Friday. The name is a nudge to my laid-back and easy-going nature, but my focus is using my skills as a videographer and licensed drone pilot to capture the essence of my client’s brand and weave a beautifully crafted story that is not only going to connect with your audience but create something that my client is proud to display on their website or social media. My specialty is drone capture. As a licensed pilot, I have an understanding of the US Airspace system and the finesse that comes with a being pilot allowing me to capture buttery smooth video, all hand-flown.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I’ve learned that energy is everything, When your manager walks wearing a smile, saying “Good Morning”, and immediately sets a positive tone. It causes a ripple effect throughout the team that can be the difference between having a powerful day or (as my wife calls it) a character-building day. It starts from the top, being a leader is a hefty responsibility and your attitude is contagious so use that opportunity to spread your light and boost your team’s spirits. I’ve been blessed to have received guidance from some incredible leaders who have empowered me to make decisions, plan for the future, and build teams of my own.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are a few books that I would highly recommend you add to your reading list if you haven’t already. Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol helped me with navigating complex and unfamiliar problems that required unconventional thinking. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie taught me how to better communicate, become a more effective leader, and become a better listener. Lastly, 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene shares techniques from history’s most effective strategists and relates them to everyday life. All of these books have helped me become a better husband, friend, and businessman.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://casualfriday.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casualfriday___/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-george-b6281525/