We recently had the chance to connect with James Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi James, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m proud to be building my own creative identity and thankful GOD is allowing me to align better with who I was meant to be. I’ve spent a lifetime people-pleasing, and in this current space, I’m standing in who I am, and doing the things I was meant to do in this lifetime.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m James Johnson, Founder of U.G. Digital Media & Publishings. We are an entertainment multimedia brand, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Through the years, I’ve built and designed this company to encompass all the things I love about the media and journalism industries. Currently, we dominate in digital publishing, internet radio, podcasting, and public relations. We provide positive, inspiring media coverage, and create ground-breaking content meant to drive urban culture to greater levels. I consider myself to be a serial entrepreneur and love everything about organically building a solid brand. Despite having multiple degrees and having worked with several high level media organizations, I’d much rather do this for myself and build something that will elevate our culture and communities for generations to come.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I’ve felt powerful in many settings and situations; but I think greatly of the moment it became clear that I was meant to be in the media realm. Without going into ridiculous detail. I essentially was aiming to make contact with a particular celebrity, and upon being told no by someone many today would label a “gatekeeper”, I created my own strategy of making “said” connection a reality. Once I was able to make it happen, it solidified by path.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
There’s a great deal to learn from suffering. I’ve been able to take away great wisdom from the moments I’ve suffered or “failed” in a sense. I’ve learned that all suffering is temporary. We all have down moments, but they do not last forever. Suffering often leads to great accomplishments down the line. Also, the harder you work for something, the longer it lasts and the more you appreciate the win when it finally happens.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that family is what matters most to me. My child. His success. His happiness. Everything I do centers around him. All who know me know I would drop everything for my child at any given moment.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People tend to think and believe my success has been overnight. They don’t realize I’ve been working at this for twenty-five years. Ups. Downs. In-between! I’ve kept the train running, and never gave up.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://itsthejspot.online
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamjamesgrant
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgjohnsonii?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/iamjamesgrant?s=21&t=BputYh3hHHfPDvBrcuiNTw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17nLy4r4gx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Drico Lamar Photography
