"Embrace the digital wave, but remember, the real power lies in enhancing human experiences in a virtual world."
Jevon Wooden Tweet
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview with Jevon Wooden, a true visionary in the realm of business strategy and leadership. With a warm Texan backdrop and a diverse skill set encompassing cybersecurity, military service, and prestigious academic achievements, Jevon is a multifaceted entrepreneur who has made a significant mark in the business world.
Hailing from vibrant Houston, Texas, Jevon Wooden is not your typical CEO. His journey is as exceptional as it is inspiring, spanning from mastering cybersecurity at Fordham University to acquiring an MBA from the esteemed Robert H. Smith School of Business. Add to this equation 12 years of dedicated military service, where he honed his leadership skills under the most challenging conditions.
As the CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, Jevon’s mission is unequivocal: to guide and support individuals and businesses in their pursuit of growth, branding, and entrepreneurship. His insights have graced the pages of renowned publications such as Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Foundr, Forbes, and Verizon.
In this exclusive interview, Jevon Wooden shares his unique perspective on leadership, business strategy, and the power of communication. Join us as we embark on a journey through the remarkable life and career of this dynamic business growth strategist.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Jevon Wooden: I’m Jevon Wooden, a business growth strategist, coach, speaker, author, and podcast host from vibrant Houston, Texas. With a passion for leadership, business strategy, effective communication, marketing, and technology, I’ve spent years assisting motivated individuals and businesses achieve their goals.
What sets me apart is my unique journey. This path led me from earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Fordham University to obtaining an MBA from the prestigious Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Alongside my academic pursuits, I’ve also dedicated 12 years to the military, where I honed my expertise in leadership and peak performance under the most demanding circumstances.
Through my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have my insights and ideas featured in renowned publications like Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Foundr, Forbes, and Verizon. As the CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, my mission is clear: Whether you’re aiming to scale your business, build your brand, or navigate the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship, I’m here to provide the support, insight, and expertise you need to transform your dreams into reality.
So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, join me on this growth, discovery, and success journey. Let’s unlock your potential and achieve remarkable things together!
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, are an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Jevon Wooden: In my experience, employees are happy when they have meaningful work, shared values with the organization, autonomy, and benefits that improve quality of life.
Meaningful work is paramount. When employees feel their contributions matter and align with the company’s mission, they’re more engaged and fulfilled.
Shared values between individuals and the organization build a sense of belonging and purpose, creating a powerful synergy.
Autonomy is a significant motivator. Allowing employees the space to make decisions and take ownership of their tasks fosters creativity and a sense of empowerment.
Additionally, providing benefits that enhance their quality of life, such as flexible work arrangements, wellness initiatives, and professional development opportunities, goes a long way in nurturing job satisfaction.
As for reducing the percentage of people who feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace, that can be resolved with something I speak to companies about regularly during my speaking engagements: unleashing the power of storytelling to influence and inspire. We must learn more than the job that an employee does.
It takes really learning why they chose your company and what truly matters to them. Leaders must also build trust through transparency and vulnerability. Regular communication channels that encourage open dialogue, listening to employee feedback, and demonstrating genuine care can combat feelings of being unheard or undervalued. Embracing diversity and inclusion also plays a crucial role, in creating an environment where everyone’s perspectives are valued.
By focusing on the human aspect of business and prioritizing the well-being and growth of their workforce, companies can weather the current storm of talent mobility and thrive in an era where a motivated and engaged team is a competitive advantage.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Jevon Wooden: The digital revolution has indeed reshaped the business landscape, propelling online platforms, virtual interactions, and remote work to the forefront. Looking ahead, I anticipate this trend to continue its upward trajectory, with even more innovations on the horizon, like augmented and virtual reality being leveraged to make patrons feel like their at the store or office from the comfort of their homes.
In the B2B realm, I foresee a deeper integration of AI-driven tools for data analysis and personalized customer experiences. This will enable businesses to make more informed decisions and tailor their solutions to individual client needs. As for B2C, e-commerce will see further growth with seamless shopping experiences and enhanced cybersecurity measures to foster trust among consumers.
Virtual meetings and remote work are here to stay, but refining the virtual meeting experience will become crucial. This includes striking a balance between efficiency and human connection, leveraging advanced collaboration tools, and adapting to hybrid work models that combine the best of both physical and virtual interactions.
In healthcare, the concept of telemedicine will continue evolving, potentially expanding beyond consultations to diagnostics and even remote monitoring of patients’ health. This could revolutionize healthcare accessibility and patient care.
As for how I’m capitalizing on this tidal wave, BrightMind Consulting Group is at the forefront of helping businesses navigate this digital landscape. By offering strategic guidance on adapting business models to the online sphere, optimizing virtual interactions, and creating cohesive remote work cultures, we empower organizations to harness these trends effectively.
Riding the digital wave isn’t just about keeping up with technology; it’s about leveraging these tools to enhance human experiences, create value, and drive meaningful connections in an increasingly virtual world.
Christopher Hitchens, an American journalist, is quoted as saying that “everyone has a book in them” Have you written a book? If so, please share with us details about it. If you haven’t, what book would you like to write and how would you like it to benefit the readers?
Jevon Wooden: I agree with Christopher. I have written a book titled, “Own Your Kingdom: How To Control Your Mindset So You Can Control Your Destiny.” In this book, I delve into mindset’s pivotal role in shaping our outcomes. Drawing from my experiences in military leadership, business strategy, and personal development, I provide actionable insights and strategies to empower readers to take charge of their lives.
“Own Your Kingdom” is a guide to unlocking one’s full potential by harnessing the power of a growth mindset. I explore the nuances of cultivating a growth-oriented perspective, conquering self-doubt, and developing resilience in the face of challenges.
The book is not just about theoretical concepts; it’s about practical steps individuals can take to transform their thinking and, consequently, their reality.
I firmly believe that a strong mindset is the cornerstone of success in any endeavor, whether in business, personal relationships, or personal growth. By sharing my experiences and expertise, I aim to equip readers with the tools they need to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and determination.
As for future writing endeavors, I’m intrigued by the idea of delving deeper into the realm of leadership dynamics and business growth. With the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on how we lead and connect, a book on my 5Y Framework could be a powerful resource. It would offer insights on building a flexible, scalable, and sustainable business while being a human-centric leader.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Jevon Wooden: One of the most underestimated aspects of running a company is the importance of fostering a solid and cohesive company culture. It’s not just about offering fantastic products or services; it’s about cultivating an environment where employees are engaged, aligned with the company’s values, and motivated to give their best.
Here’s an example: Imagine a tech startup that’s rapidly expanding due to its innovative products. The leadership team is so focused on product development and market expansion that they neglect to nurture a unified company culture. As a result, employees feel disconnected and overworked, there’s a lack of collaboration, and turnover rates start to rise.
In this scenario, the underestimated value of a robust company culture becomes apparent. By recognizing the significance of creating a shared sense of purpose, encouraging open communication, and investing in employee well-being, the company could have retained talent, improved morale, and fostered an environment of innovation and teamwork.
As a business growth strategist, I often stress the significance of company culture to my clients. It’s not just a feel good element; it’s a strategic asset that directly impacts productivity, innovation, and long-term success. It’s about ensuring that every team member is not just working for a company but is a vital part of a thriving and harmonious community.
What does “success” in 2023 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Jevon Wooden: Success in 2023 means I’ve helped at least 100 businesses increase clarity, confidence, and cash flow through coaching, consulting, or keynote speaking. I also have a renewed fitness goal to lose 10 pounds while increasing my mobility and strength. For the readers, Pilates and yoga are way more challenging than lifting weights!
I am also welcoming a beautiful baby girl and getting married this year while starting my PhD in Business Administration program at the University of Houston.Simply put, I aim to be the best husband, father, businessman, and human I can be!
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Jevon Wooden for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Jevon Wooden or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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