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Having an open mind has been an essential tool on Jamie Nonis’ journey from print media to podcasts and videos.
What’s your story?
My career as a journalist began at men’s fashion and luxury watch magazines 20 years ago. I left to start my own business and spent a decade running my own boutique public relations firm.
Three years ago, I decided to return to my true love: Writing. I rebranded the agency, streamlined the business to focus solely on content services, and also returned to the media, contributing to top-tier publications such as Tatler and CNA Luxury.
2020 was another pivotal year where I further evolved the business to include videography. I also moved into hosting with the launch of SPEQ:TRUM podcast.
What excites you most about your industry?
The business of content continues to explode and transform, beyond traditional realms of media.
Audiences’ attention spans are getting shorter than ever due to overconsumption of media so brands and media platforms have to grow ever more strategic and creative to capture eyeballs and retain audiences.
We need to constantly adapt, innovate and stay nimble on our feet.
I like to think that when nothing is certain, everything becomes possible.
Change can be exciting, if we choose to view it as such.
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
The status quo is the adversary of growth.
I believe in challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries not for notoriety but to induce mindset change for the greater good of humanity.
A prime example of this was launching my SPEQ:TRUM podcast in 2020, which was the first locally-produced LGBTQ podcast to come on-air in Singapore in 12 years.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
Having a growth mindset is key. It lays the foundation for an open mind, ensures you’re never stagnant and always learning, and equips you better to bounce back from failure and disappointment, which are inevitable in life and business.
As many entrepreneurs have witnessed in the unprecedented challenges that 2020 delivered, adaptability is another important asset to have in your mindset toolkit.
It is what has enabled me to reinvent myself several times over the span of my career, and it is a fundamental quality we all need in order to thrive amid the growing uncertainties our current realities present.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Never go into business with friends and family.
Who inspires you?
In business, Richard Branson for his bold, fearless and audacious approach in blazing new trails.
In personal development, Lewis Howes, author and host of ‘The School of Greatness’ podcast for his relaxed yet incisive interview style cushioned by a very warm and gentle approach that makes his guests feel at ease.
And the Dalai Lama for his teachings around kindness and empathy.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
I love my role as a journalist because I’m always learning new things.
Whenever I interview a CEO or an entrepreneur, I acquire new domain knowledge and learn so much about their business and their leader’s mindset that enables them to steward successful businesses.
Recently, I interviewed Ng Yi Ming, co-founder & CEO of Tribe Accelerator, Singapore’s first government-supported blockchain accelerator for a story in CNA Luxury.
He was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in 2020 and in just one meeting, succinctly explained blockchain technology and its real-world applications, demystifying all the techspeak for a creative like myself.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have let go of old, entrenched beliefs and challenged myself to adapt to and adopt new media much sooner.
The world has clearly been moving towards video mediums for years and I needed to shake off the resistance and shake up my mindset to shift to a new paradigm in order to move from static writing to more dynamic video production in my business offerings.
How do you unwind?
Regular exercise is a non-negotiable, essential reading is a necessity, and an 18-year single malt is a luxury. Preferably The Glenlivet 😉
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
The need for a well-balanced media strategy.
In 2020, I had focused too much of my efforts and content strategy on building my profile on Instagram, which I had previously identified as an important platform and metric I had earlier neglected. However, in focusing so intensely on one platform, I had inadvertently neglected other useful platforms.
So at the end of 2020, I conducted an honest self-assessment and brand audit, and I went back to the drawing board and identified a need to recalibrate and re-strategise my content strategy for 2021.
Everyone in business should read this book:
‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie.
This classic has been hailed one of the best business books of all time for good reason.
Unless we live as a total recluse, our lives revolve around relationships and our ability to get things done hinges on our ability to influence others.
It’s as basic and as complex as that.
The highest performers are therefore often ‘people’ people.
Shameless plug for your business:
This year, I’m excited about expanding Jamie Nonis Media as a brand studio offering content services and videography, with the addition of a brand new product we are launching this year: Legacy videos.
We will also be expanding the entities under Jamie Nonis Media to include the upcoming The CEO Channel, a new digital magazine focused on business, leadership and executive lifestyle content, with a focus on CEO interviews.
The CEO Channel eco-system will comprise a website and podcast and YouTube channels, where we will also feature video interviews with high profile personalities including Massimo Ferragamo and Mary Buffett.
How can people connect with you?
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamienonis
Instagram: @jamienonis / @theceochannel / @speqtrumpodcast
Podcast: SPEQ:TRUM podcast on Spotify or Apple podcasts
Email: jamie@jamienonis.com
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