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Jason Felts embarked on his journey from a small town in Texas to California in 1996 as a fresh high school graduate, aspiring to carve out a career in the film industry.
Over the next decade, Felts diligently worked towards that goal. He co-founded J2TV, his own production company, spearheaded a multimillion-dollar entertainment venture for the Virgin Group, becoming one of the youngest CEOs in the company’s history after Sir Richard Branson. Moreover, he led the Virgin Fest initiative and served on Virgin’s Global Brand Council, providing strategic guidance to various Virgin-branded enterprises.
Felts’ path, filled with invaluable lessons, is chronicled in his memoir, Hollywood Virgin: Breaking Into and Out of Show Business. In it, he shares not only his achievements but also the pivotal role that mentorship played in his development, particularly highlighting his relationship with Branson.
Reflecting on his experiences while writing the memoir, Felts acknowledged how influential mentors like Branson shaped his leadership style. He describes Branson’s mentorship as something absorbed through observation, learning how to treat people and prioritize tasks simply by witnessing Branson’s actions.
Jason Felts’ Memorable Encounter with Richard Branson
Felts first met Branson on Necker Island. At that time, many of Virgin’s well-known ventures, such as Virgin America, were still in the conceptual phase. Entering this new environment without preconceived notions, Felts later recognized it as the optimal approach to encounters like this. Branson noted Felts’ friendly demeanor and creative spirit, which he found appealing.
During a dinner on Necker Island, Branson spontaneously invited Felts to stand on the table and share his insights about himself and the film industry. In what Felts described as a “surreal” experience, he articulated his thoughts on the industry’s direction, predicting a decline in theater attendance in favor of more mobile content consumption. This moment of standing before elite peers was transformative for Felts, reshaping his self-perception and confidence as he returned to Los Angeles.
The Importance of Authentic Leadership
This experience underscored for Felts the significance of authenticity and purposeful leadership. He learned that once given a platform, one must be ready to speak truthfully and with conviction about their beliefs. This lesson came to the forefront again as Felts faced a turning point in his career, recognizing he had become overly focused on the titles and responsibilities of being a CEO, which diverted him from his true motivations.
Today, Felts prioritizes initiatives infused with purpose. Proceeds from Hollywood Virgin support The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization aiding LGBTQ+ youth. Further demonstrating his commitment to community, he organized a benefit event for the LA Fire Department stemming from personal loss in the recent Palisades fire.
Cultivating a Listening Culture
In his memoir, Felts emphasizes that successful individuals, regardless of their achievements, are often navigating uncertainty. His sharing of opportunities with Branson revealed a mutual tendency to embrace the unknown, aptly summarized by the idea of seizing chances and figuring out the details later.
Branson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of listening as a vital trait for effective leadership. He cites the example of Virgin Unite’s The Elders, a collective of global leaders committed to peace, noting that their strength as leaders lies in their ability to listen and learn from each other.
Fostering Team Trust and Presence
Witnessing Branson achieve his dream of traveling to space solidified Felts’ recognition of his own accomplishments and prompted a transition away from the entertainment sector. This realization also helped him manage feelings of “striver syndrome,” a relentless drive for more that previously compelled him to attend every social or professional engagement.
Now, Felts emphasizes the importance of presence and time management. He encourages his team members to take breaks and prioritize their wellness, reinforcing the belief that when teams are cared for, business outcomes improve.
Detail Orientation and Delegation
Throughout his tenure, Felts led various ambitious projects, from producing films and television to orchestrating creative campaigns such as the iconic Virgin America Safety Dance video. Branson points out Felts’ ability to merge thoroughness with a sense of fun, fostering an environment where creativity thrives. He describes Felts as a leader who gets hands-on when necessary while also knowing when to delegate responsibilities.
The Power of Mentorship
Felts’ journey began with his proactive outreach to industry figures, showcasing the importance of networking in the pursuit of success. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to seek mutually beneficial relationships and recognize the value of giving back when approaching potential mentors.
Branson urges young businesspeople to connect with experienced individuals who could offer valuable counsel, stressing that many retired entrepreneurs are eager to share their knowledge.
Agreeing with Branson, Felts notes, “Never be afraid to ask,” underscoring this as a foundational mindset for those striving for success in their careers.
Source
www.entrepreneur.com