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

Tyson, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

In my early twenties, I worked for a restaurateur who helped guide me from working as a food expeditor to a manager of the finest dining restaurant that they owned. During this time period the owner allowed me to ask questions of them on a daily basis. Those questions ranged from how to be better at my current role to advice on what to do with life situations as they arose.

As I quickly became a better employee, leader, and person I reflected on how and why. I found that I had improved because the culture of the restaurant gave me all the tools and opportunities I needed to be great. My boss created this culture by being present. They were available and in the moment and attetentive to the conversation at hand. They clearly outlined what was expected of me as an employee and how I could demonstrate excellence within my role. They treated me like a person and discussed the “grey” areas of situations and problem solving. And there was always a sense of safety to try and fail without repercussion in addition to not wanting to let the person down.

Many of the lessons I experienced in this role I have used throughout my life. I frequently think of this person and their guidance or thought process and use that experience to push myself to everyday.

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

I am a commercial photographer for small and large clients, agencies, and individuals. I bring a wide variety of experiences in photography; from editorial interiors, to portraits, to action sports; and combine this with my background in corporate settings to provide a holistic approach to the project, leaving the client with an end result of images they can be proud of and a production that represents their values.

Being a photographer starts with capturing well exposed images or video of people, places, and/or things. I believe what makes one a professional photographer is the ability to capture those images in addition to understanding the whole process or system of creativity and production. This can be a daunting undertaking filled with questions, unknowns, timing issues, and a myriad of things one may not even know they should consider or simplified – “problems”.

I am a problem solver. I use my unique skill sets and diverse background to help all of my clients solve their problems or needs. What I do is help guide the client through a process that ensures that they understand what their needs are and how myself and other can bring our skills to them to create visual images that support their values and tell the stories of their brand, event, or personality.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

We are relationship based as human beings. Establishing a great and healthy relationship is important to all of us. Whether that relationship is work, social, or romantic we all desire certain things from those relationships. I look for situations that foster a mutually great outcome for all people involved. This is the basis of a great relationship.

I accomplish great relationships by being a positive member of the team and bringing the needed skills to that team at any given time. I also communicate clearly and honestly with my clients and teammates. Communication is mostly about listening and business is centered around needs. Those needs change business and listening to your clients allows you to understand their needs and wants. From that point it is as easy as creating a plan and executing you role in the plan and supporting other in their roles.

When you deliver consistent communication matched with agreed upon results, everybody is excited to work together and the people involved consistent choose to work with each other.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout my life I have faced too many challenges to name. I come from a place that lacks privilege and demands excellence. I harness my background and experiences to build an unwavering sense of resilience.

I recall a time when I worked as an educational leader and consistently meet and exceeded any and all goals as stated for my position. My expectations of excellence consistently challenged the culture of white institution racism that the institution was built upon. After the institution and their leadership made every effort to have me removed from their ranks, because “I did not make people feel good about their consistent underachievement and inability to improve on their goals”. I was able to success prove my innocence to all governing bodies and was able to continue with my career.

At this pivotal moment I decided to reinvest my efforts on myself and begin betting on myself. From that point I have grown into a success creative career that has allowed my to provide for myself and give others an opportunity to start their own careers in a creative industry.   

Contact Info:

• Website: tysoncrockett.com
• Instagram: @tysoncrockettphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-crockett-29b16952/

Image Credits
All images by Tyson Crockett