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Brian Elles has twenty years of professional media, TV, and digital-out-of-home expertise. He strives to improve the viewing experience for tens of millions of monthly Americans when they are off the couch and inside places of business. Brian is a client facing creative strategist and business leader who works with the world’s largest retailers, brands, and agencies.
You can see his work when visiting any Whole Foods Marketplace grocery store, Quest Diagnostic healthcare center, or at the airport gate-holding area before you fly. Referred to as “common ground programming,” Brian strives to provide video programming to audiences that are not divisive, inclusive of all, and enhance the on-premise experience.
Brian is also an independent content creator who won multiple Telly Awards for his original video productions, Buzzard Day the Documentary and Chi-Town Podcast AirShow. He is currently finishing his first historical nonfiction book, Dandelion Soup, which is expected to be printed in the second half of 2024.
Connect with him to learn more.
Listen to the Podcast Here, or Find it Wherever You Get Your Podcasts:
Here are Five Things We Cover:
- Importance of Authentic Mentorship: Brian Ellis underscores the significance of finding genuine mentors. He advises young professionals to reach out to mentors by showing a genuine interest and participating in industry-related events and groups.
- In-Person Networking: Both hosts emphasize the value of in-person interactions, such as attending conferences and events. These face-to-face engagements are instrumental in building authentic connections and establishing meaningful relationships.
- Content Creation as a Differentiator: Brian and Ryan share personal stories about how creating original, passionate content can set candidates apart during job interviews. Ryan’s podcast and Brian’s creative projects, such as his Waldo content, opened doors to unique opportunities.
- Personalized Follow-ups: Brian highlights the importance of personalized follow-ups in networking. Remembering details from past conversations and referencing them in follow-ups can make interactions more memorable and impactful.
- Flexibility and Adaptation: In interviews, Brian stresses the need for flexibility and the ability to pivot based on the role’s specific requirements. Creating original content that showcases one’s abilities can significantly differentiate candidates in the competitive job market
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Building Authentic Mentorship Relationships. Reach Out Authentically. Show genuine interest in potential mentors’ work when reaching out. Reference specific projects or accomplishments to demonstrate you’ve done your research. Engage in Industry Events. Attend conferences, seminars, and meet-ups to network in person. These settings are fertile grounds for building meaningful connections. Leverage Digital Resources, Utilize LinkedIn, webinars, and online forums to expand your network.
- Uniqueness in Content Creation: Incorporate Personal Passions. Use your interests to create content that’s authentic and engaging. This genuineness will attract an audience. Stay Consistent. Regularly publish content across multiple platforms to build and maintain your presence. Demonstrate Your Work. Use your unique content as a portfolio during job interviews to stand out.
- Joyful and Adaptable Use of Technology and AI
Brian stressed the importance of incorporating pleasure and adaptability into your tech and AI endeavors. Continuous Learning. Keep updating your skills with the latest tech tools and AI advancements through online courses and tutorials. Find Joy in Creation. Ensure you enjoy the process of creating content, whether it’s blogging, podcasting, or video editing. Flexibility. Be adaptable in your professional journey, ready to pivot as needed to fit various roles and projects.