How to 3x Your Career | Jason Mayden on Impact Theory

TL;DR

Jason Mayden, CEO of Super Heroic and former Senior Global Design Director at Nike, shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity and pursuing his dreams. He emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, curiosity, and resilience in achieving success.

Transcript

Tom: Hey, everybody. Welcome to Impact Theory. You are here my friends, because you believe that human potential is nearly limitless but you know that having potential is not the same as actually doing something with it. So, our goal with this show and company is to introduce you to the people and ideas that will help you actually execute on your d... Read More

Key Insights

• ⛽ Overcoming adversity and limited opportunities can fuel an individual's determination to succeed and achieve greatness.
• 😀 Embracing challenges, taking on difficult projects, and persisting in the face of rejection are essential for personal and professional growth.
• 🤩 Surrounding oneself with experts and being open to continuously learning from others is a key trait of successful individuals.
• 📶 Reflecting on one's own strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth is essential for success.
• 🤗 Embracing change and being open to new ideas and perspectives are crucial for personal and professional development.
• 🤳 Balancing humility with a desire to excel is vital for continuous self-improvement.
• 💪 Developing a strong work ethic, maintaining resilience, and staying focused on personal goals are key to overcoming adversity.
• 😃 Finding joy in the present moment and serving others can bring fulfillment and help individuals overcome challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jason Mayden develop such a strong work ethic and determination to succeed?

Mayden's work ethic and determination stem from his upbringing in a blue-collar environment, where he was taught to never make excuses and to believe in his own potential. The relentless pursuit of greatness and the desire to prove skeptics wrong fueled his motivation throughout his journey.

Q: How did Michael Jordan inspire Jason Mayden and influence his mindset?

Michael Jordan's work ethic, calculated mindset, and ability to overcome obstacles deeply influenced Mayden. He saw Jordan as a tangible example of what could be achieved with hard work and determination. Jordan's analytical approach and refusal to make excuses motivated Mayden to adopt a similar mindset.

Q: How does Jason Mayden balance humility and striving to be the best?

Mayden believes humility is a necessary trait for achieving greatness. Acknowledging that there is always someone who knows more or possesses different skills helps him constantly learn and strive for improvement. He emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback and learning from others.

Q: What is Mayden's advice for individuals facing adversity and limited opportunities?

Mayden encourages individuals facing adversity to view their circumstances as opportunities for growth and learning. He suggests leveraging whatever resources and connections are available and always striving to improve oneself. Mayden also emphasizes the importance of serving others and finding joy in the present moment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jason Mayden grew up in a violent neighborhood in Chicago but refused to let his circumstances define him. Despite being told his dreams were unrealistic, he pursued his passion for designing shoes and became the first African American design intern at Nike.

• Mayden's relentless dedication to his craft and willingness to take on challenging projects earned him recognition and opportunities at Nike. He designed shoes for top athletes and iconic figures like Michael Jordan.

• Mayden furthered his education and honed his business skills, eventually becoming the Senior Global Design Director for the Jordan brand at Nike. He left Nike to co-found Super Heroic, a company focused on creating play products for kids.

• Through his journey, Mayden has learned the importance of persistence, humility, and serving others, as well as the value of facing and overcoming challenges and setbacks.