In this episode of Prometheus Chats, host Damion sits down with the celebrated web novel author, Jack Sherwin (a.k.a. JKS Manga), known for his hit series 'My Vampire System'. They discuss Jack's transition from being a music teacher to a full-time writer, the evolution of web novels, and how Jack garnered a massive following by publishing his works digitally. Dive deep into Jack's creative process, the impact of reader feedback, and the realities of monetizing web novels. This conversation offers insights into balancing commercial success with creative passions and navigating the unique challenges of the digital literary world. To learn more about JKS Manga or to read My Vampire System, check out his website or the My Vampire System page on WebNovel. https://www.jksmanga.com/my-vampire-system https://www.webnovel.com/book/my-vampire-system_16709365405930105 CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Prometheus Chats 00:57 Meet JKS Manga: The Author Behind the Name 02:08 The Digital Revolution in Publishing 02:32 The Journey to Becoming a Writer 04:47 The Art of Web Novel Writing 07:48 Inspiration Behind the Series 11:32 From Musician to Full-Time Writer 18:47 The Challenges of Consistent Writing 23:53 Monetizing Web Novels 28:54 Experiencing Stories Together 30:04 Balancing Passion and Commercial Success 31:12 Understanding Market Trends 35:10 Reader Feedback and Story Development 36:28 Marketing and Promotion Strategies 38:40 Future of the Web Novel Industry 43:02 Building a True Following 48:04 Traditional vs. Digital Success 54:48 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
In this episode of Prometheus Chats, Damion interviews Christian Sørensen, founder and CEO of Podder, a platform that provides analytics for podcasts. Christian discusses starting Podder in late 2020 after initially wanting to build an advertising marketplace for podcasts. However, they soon realized there was a lack of reliable data in the podcasting industry to power something like that. So they pivoted to focus entirely on collecting and analyzing podcast data to provide insights to podcasters. Some challenges Podder faced included the decentralized nature of podcast listening across many platforms, GDPR compliance as a European company, and gaining credibility as newcomers to the industry. But Christian says they overcame these by staying small and nimble as a team, ensuring their platform was privacy-compliant, and persistently engaging with podcasters to keep learning and improving. Christian also reflects on the pivots and emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and says the most exciting success so far has been recently feeling like they really “found their groove” in solving podcasters’ problems after talking to enough users and honing the product. Knowing that artificial intelligence is the clear topic du jour, that Damion and Christian discuss how Podder is looking to leverage AI/ML to enhance their platform and workflows without aiming to replace human roles. Overall, an insightful look into Podder’s founding story and Christian’s entrepreneurial journey building a startup in the podcast analytics space. He shares the challenges they faced and the importance of continuously engaging with customers, learning, and adapting.
Redefining Corporate Culture: A Chat with Christian Ortiz Have you been told that you need to fake it to make it in entrepreneurship? That being inauthentic can lead to success? It's time to ditch that outdated advice and embrace authenticity as a powerful tool for building a successful business. In this episode, we'll discuss how putting your mission first, establishing clear boundaries, and promoting diversity and inclusion can lead to greater success on social media and beyond. Don't let the drudgery of inauthenticity hold you back any longer. Join us and learn how to thrive as an authentic entrepreneur. Get to know Christian Ortiz, a dedicated entrepreneur who seamlessly weaves his personal values and beliefs into his professional endeavors. As the CEO and founder of Mod Atlas Media, Christian is committed to transforming the landscape of entrepreneurship and corporate culture by championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. A self-taught artist, photographer, and musician, Christian's entrepreneurial journey serves as a shining example of the power of authenticity in the workplace, motivating others to embrace their true selves in their professional lives. In this episode, we will cover: Uncovering the advantages of focusing on your mission rather than monetary gains in entrepreneurship. Bolstering authenticity at work and setting effective boundaries when dealing with clients. Leveraging the potential of social media to champion diversity and inclusion in your online world. Innovative and practical techniques for executing impactful social media marketing campaigns. Tailoring your messaging to connect with distinct audiences across multiple social media platforms. The importance of creativity on a zero-Dollar budget. Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work In a world where professionalism is often associated with concealing personal beliefs, bringing your authentic self to work becomes a courageous act. Emphasizing authenticity in the workplace cultivates an environment of open communication, trust, and understanding among colleagues and clients. This, in turn, contributes to better team collaboration, increased job satisfaction, and ultimately, better overall performance. During our conversation, Christian Ortiz stresses the importance of showcasing one's true self to clients and colleagues. As a proponent of workplace authenticity, Ortiz encourages entrepreneurs to be transparent about their beliefs and values from the beginning, setting the tone for stronger relationships with clients and collaborators. By doing so, Ortiz sees a significant improvement in the work environment that benefits the well-being and success of everyone involved. "If you're all about the money, that's going to be very prevalent to anybody who you're trying to do business with, and it's going to reduce the purpose and what you're trying to accomplish with them. But if you're able to say the money is going to come regardless and I'm just going to keep doing me and I'm going to do it the right way, then the money is going to always be there, period" - Christian Ortiz If you would like to learn more about Christian and his work at Mod Atlas you can find all of his contact information through his Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/OfficialChristianOrtiz
Have you heard these common myths about using data to enhance creativity? Myth #1: Data stifles creativity. Myth #2: Data is only for analytical minds, not creatives. Myth #3: Data can't measure the intangible aspects of creativity. Well fear not, I'm here to share how data can actually fuel your creativity and lead to greater success. Are you ready to learn more? If we're creating for an audience, we should know that audience, we should understand what they want, what their expectations are, if for nothing else so that we know how to deliver on the promise of what we said we were going to make, or to play with those expectations to delight and surprise audiences. -Damion Taylor Data-Informed Creativity The use of data-informed creativity emphasizes a strategic blend of data insights and firsthand experience, elevating the creative process to produce exceptional content. This technique involves evaluating audience preferences, testing content, and refining strategies accordingly. It fosters an understanding of the audience and enhances communication, resulting in content that resonates with viewers. Data-informed practices provide a solid foundation for high-quality, engaging creative work that appeals to diverse audiences. During this episode, host Damion Taylor demonstrates the application of data-informed creativity in the creation of the animated series Tech Witch. Collaborating with writer Trey Livingston, the team successfully developed characters and a storyline based on personal experiences as well as data insights.With these methods, Tech Witch exemplifies the potential benefits and achievements when implementing data-informed practices into the creative workflow. If you would like to follow our creative journey, please follow us on social media or check out our Science Fiction and Fantasy scripted podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ifprometheus/ https://www.instagram.com/animatedprometheus/ https://imaginationandfantasy.podbean.com/
In this episode of Prometheus Chats, Damion shares a personal story of choosing between a flashy red convertible Mercedes and a practical brown Chevy Nova. But the decision is not just about the car itself, as he grapples with the balance between status and practicality. Will he make the right choice in the end? What is the right choice? Heck! Is there even a such thing as the right choice? This may be an unconventional way to talk about motivation, but who ever said conventional is our thing? Motivation is pivotal to company culture and decision making in business. So knowing and understanding motivations is obviously important. However, so often we don't take the time to question or even just check in with ourselves to understand the motivations for our own actions. Motivation can really drive outcomes. So be intentional about what you want to achieve, and let that drive your decisions.
My special guest this week is Carlo Odicino, founder of One Team Partners. Carlo is a friend and seasoned consultant dedicated to guiding life science companies towards success. With a unique approach, Carlo focuses on fostering a people-first culture, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and maximizing every moment. He believes in helping individuals discover their strengths, allowing them to thrive within their teams. As an advocate for self-awareness and adaptability, Carlo leads by example, creating a dynamic work environment that values self-care, continuous learning, and genuine connections. In this episode, we discuss: Promoting a value-centric organizational culture for long-lasting success. Cultivating self-awareness for continuous personal and professional growth. Achieving harmony between work responsibilities and personal aspirations for a fulfilling life. Appreciating the significance of mentorship in uncovering hidden obstacles. Advancing leadership skills through effective communication and shared understanding. Over the duration of our conversation, Carlo shared some great tips to keep in mind as you build your company: Consider engaging in a leadership training program that looks at leadership from the inside out to better understand yourself and become a more effective leader. Reflect on your own core values and how they align with your organization's values to ensure a good fit and foster a positive work environment. Focus on building relationships and investing in the growth and development of others in your team or organization. Encourage open conversations and shared vocabulary within your organization to create a more cohesive and effective team. Develop a set of standards or behaviors that align with your organization's values and create a structure for success. Recognize the importance of awareness in making choices and adapting to different situations within your organization and when working with clients. Consider implementing rituals or habits that contribute to building success in your professional and personal life. Evaluate your organization's operating system and structure to ensure they are conducive to achieving desired results and fostering a thriving work environment. Values and Standards Developing a company culture characterized by strong values and standards is crucial to foster a successful work environment. A value-driven organization emphasizes the importance of aligning employees' values with company values to create a unified and purposeful working experience. When values and standards are clearly communicated from the beginning, individuals can make informed decisions about their suitability to an organization. This also enables companies to identify candidates who are more likely to succeed in that environment. Carlo Odicino, during his conversation with Damion Taylor, stressed the importance of establishing values and standards for One Team Partners. He credited the company's success to a culture that nurtures genuine connections and emphasizes self-care, presence, and continual learning. The shared understanding of values and standards across the team has helped create a thriving work environment where individuals can flourish in every available moment. If you would like to connect with Carlo or learn more about One TEAM Partners here are the deets: Website - https://oneteampartners.com/ Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-team-partners/ Email: carlo.odicino@oneteampartners.com
My special guest in this episode is Bridget Brown, an ambitious engineer-turned-entrepreneur, who boldly committed to starting her own web design and marketing business, resulting in an adventurous journey of self-discovery, tenacity and growth. A crucial aspect of entrepreneurship is being financially prepared before venturing into a new business. It is important for entrepreneurs to have a clear understanding of their numbers, finances, and revenue generation strategies, as well as keeping expenses low. Having a solid financial plan and setting achievable goals can act as a foundation for business growth and stability. Entrepreneurs must also remain nimble and ready to adapt their financial plans according to changing market conditions or business needs. During the conversation with Bridget Brown, she emphasized the importance of being financially prepared before making the transition to entrepreneurship. Drawing from her own experience, Brown urged new entrepreneurs to know their numbers and plan for revenue generation while keeping costs low. She suggested setting small, achievable goals that can build upon each other, thus creating a sustainable and financially stable business. In this episode, we talk about: Mastering financial strategies designed for entrepreneurs, paving the way for success. Discovering the value of setting goals and marketing professionally in today's competitive world. Overcome emotional challenges and find the support every entrepreneur needs to thrive. Explore the benefits of diversifying your services and committing to continual learning for business growth. Achieve the perfect balance between revenue generation and giving back to your community. Bridget Brown, entrepreneur and owner of Pages and Posts, is an accomplished digital marketing expert with a background in engineering. Transitioning from a 14-year engineering career, Bridget's analytical skills and passion for management led her to create her own digital marketing agency, focusing on website design and strategic online presence. In her journey, Bridget emphasizes the importance of financial preparation and setting attainable goals to ensure success and stability for entrepreneurs. If you would like to connect with Bridget Brown or to learn more about her company Pages and Posts, you can reach her here: www.pagesandposts.com https://www.facebook.com/pagesandposts https://www.instagram.com/pagesandposts/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pagesandposts/
When a Voice-Over Artist and Musical Director join forces to create a Fantasy/Sci-Fi podcast, Caitlin Martin, the Voice of Tech Witch, overcomes her fears to reach her goal and delivers a powerful performance worthy of the praise it has received. Today's episode is a throwback to January 2021 when we had a chance to interview singer and voiceover actor Cait Martin. We talk about: 1. Overcoming Fear in Your Career - How Caitlin Martin Explored a Dramatic Career Shift During COVID 2. Exploring the Creative Process of Voiceover Acting - What Is the Trickiest Skill to Master? 3. Bridgerton: Uncovering a Geeky Moment Through Music - How Music Can Enhance a Story. Cait Martin is an amazing voiceover actor, singer and performer. She has worked on many projects, including the popular podcast Tech Witch, and is now a contestant on season 23 of NBC's hit show, The Voice. Please follow her journey on Instagram and watch her epic performances on The Voice. https://www.instagram.com/caitmartinsings/ If you are interested in listening to our Sci-fi/Fantasy podcast Tech Witch it can now be found on If: Imagination & Fantasy Podcast. Here's a link: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HraMn5ClDjW6WFZnOsuGB?si=137a028810f1426b We will resume publishing episodes on April 17th, 2023.
Being a podcast about entrepreneurship, it's only fitting that we talk about our experience starting and running Prometheus Digital Studio. Today my Prometheus co-founder, Gabriel Salinas, joins the podcast to talk about why we started Prometheus, the challenges along the way and the lessons we've learned. We also talk about our proudest moments and the milestones we are most excited to hit. Join us for a story of over a decade in the making. Website - www.prometheusdigitalstudio.com Prometheus LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74096034/admin/ Gabriel Salinas LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielyepsalinas/ Damion Taylor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiontaylor/
Experience the power of Blank Page Agency and make an impact with your project. Ebrahim Hasan is an experienced web developer and founder of BlankPage Agency, a web development and app development company based in Egypt. He has been freelancing for over 8 years and has grown BlankPage to 10 people in just two years! As the owner of a web development agency, he faces the challenges of leading an increasingly complex international web development business, while managing the conflicting goals of scaling his business, making an impact with his clients and taking time for his personal life. Here's what I cover with Ebrahim Hasan in this episode: 1. How to successfully manage a web agency with a small team 2. The challenge of creating a productive company culture 3. How to navigate scaling from freelancer to managing a company Please reach out if you would like to learn more about BlankPage Agency. Ebrahim Hasan - Founder of BlankPage Media Website - https://www.blankpage-agency.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blankpageagency Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blankpageagency/
REPLAY: This episode is a replay from an older episode from our Professional Confession podcast (which has since been discontinued and rolled into Prometheus Chats). Last week we spoke to Dr. Linet Mera from the Unconscious Bias Project. Dr. Mera shared her personal origin story with us - telling us about the various challenges and events that led her to where she is today. After hearing her story, it seemed like a good time for me to talk about one particular event in my career that was incredibly formative and has influenced the way I manage others and run my company today. Side note: It's really hard and weird to write about yourself in third person...darn! So, I wrote the episode description in first person. At least now you know that it's me, Damion, writing this and I don't have an army of podcast minions doing my bidding.
Welcome to Prometheus Chats. I'm your host Damion. Prometheus Chats is a podcast about business and entrepreneurship like you have never heard before. We know that being an entrepreneur or running a business touches virtually every facet of your life and that’s why we talk about the ENTIRE life of an entrepreneur - the good, the bad and the mundane. Because being an entrepreneur or running a business is a way of life. From freelancers to people running organizations with hundreds of employees; from tech start-ups to movie producers - we will be exploring the full spectrum of what it means to run a business. That means in addition to talking about how to get the work done, we will talk about the do’s and don'ts of integrating work into our lives in a way that’s healthy. Let's be honest, running a business of any kind is not easy, but it can also be incredibly rewarding both financially and mentally. So join us as we explore the lives and experiences of entrepreneurs and business leaders across the gamut.
In today's episode, we are so excited to chat with Dr. Linet Mera (she/ella), co-founder of the Unconscious Bias Project. Dr. Mera is our first Friends episode guest! We delve into her origin story - touching on the importance of community, how genuine relationships can lead to new opportunities and how her life experiences led her to the amazing work she and the team at the Unconscious Bias Project are doing. Although Dr. Mera's path to the Unconscious Bias Project is unconventional, her story is an inspirational example of owning one's life experiences and the realization that we all can make a positive impact on the world around us. You can learn more about Dr. Linet Mera's work with the Unconscious Bias Project at the links below: Website: https://www.unconsciousbiasproject.org/ IG: @UBP_stem Facebook: @UnconsciousBiasProject WARNING: In this episode we discuss sexual abuse, suicide and mental health issues. We warn listeners before discussing any of these topics and include details about how far you will need to skip. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these issues, you can use the resources below for help. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Mental Health Counseling: www.betterhealth.com
Challenging Perceptions of What It Means to Be a Fashion Start-up Today we chat with Jimmy Zollo, co-founder of fashion start-up Joe & Bella - a brand that challenges perceptions of what it means to be a fashion start-up by focusing on contemporary, stylish adaptive-wear for seniors. Every day 10,000 people in the US turn 65. Additionally, we are quickly approaching a time when, for the first time in US history, there will be more people over 65 than people under 18. Given these stats, why is it that the start-up community pays so little attention to the needs of older adults? We'll learn how Jimmy and the team at Joe & Bella are tackling the problem head on in the fashion industry. Make sure to listen all the way though the company origin story. It's one of the most inspiring and heartwarming stories I have heard. To support or learn more about Joe & Bella use the links below. Website https://joeandbella.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ShopJoeandBella/ Twitter https://twitter.com/shopjoeandbella LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/joe-bella
In this episode of Prometheus Chats, I sit down with Elliot Boudard, founder of Social Gem, a company specializing in user-generated content (UGC) marketing. Elliot shares the power of authentic, relatable content in today's digital marketing landscape and why traditional influencer marketing is quickly becoming obsolete. Episode Highlights: What makes UGC more effective than traditional advertising and celebrity endorsements How Social Gem grew from a chance meeting in Mexico to handling over 10,000 ads last year The science behind creating hooks that stop users from scrolling Why watch time is the most important metric in social media marketing How brands can leverage relatability to build trust with potential customers The current state of AI in UGC marketing and why human connection still matters Social Gem's unique approach to fully managed UGC campaigns Elliot breaks down the psychology behind effective marketing content, explaining why people don't want to be "sold to" and how subconscious selling through entertainment and relatability leads to significantly better results. He also shares practical insights on what it takes to grow a successful marketing agency, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people and creating a positive company culture. Whether you're a business owner looking to understand the modern marketing landscape or a creator interested in UGC opportunities, this episode offers valuable insights into what actually works in today's saturated digital environment. Find Social Gem at: Website: socialgem.io Instagram: @socialgem.io Facebook Group: Social Gem's Daily Marketing Tips
Dive into the world of independent filmmaking with industry veteran Ray Ellingsen in this eye-opening episode of Prometheus Chats. With over three decades of experience as a writer, producer, and film financier, Ray pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked business side of bringing movies to life. Discover why treating filmmaking as a business is crucial for success, learn the secrets of audience building and networking, and uncover the common pitfalls that trip up aspiring filmmakers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Ray's practical advice and insider knowledge will revolutionize your approach to the film industry. Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable insights that could make or break your next project!
Description: In this inspiring episode of Prometheus Chats, we sit down with Mara McCann, the visionary founder of Zhive Media. Mara shares her journey from small-town Iowa to creating a groundbreaking media and talent incubator for Gen Z creators and entrepreneurs. Discover how Zhive is bridging the gap between intuition and action, empowering young voices, and revolutionizing the way we approach content creation and entrepreneurship. Mara offers invaluable insights on building a company with intention, the importance of mentorship, and the power of trusting your own voice in business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a content creator, or simply curious about the future of media, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice. Don't miss Mara's powerful message: "Don't listen to anybody else but yourself." Tune in to learn how Zhive is shaping the next generation of creators and leaders! Connect with Mara and Zhive: You can find Mara McCann on LinkedIn @MaraMcCann | Follow @ZhiveMedia on social platforms | Visit Zhive.com/community for the blog | Check out Zhive's YouTube channel for interviews and content | Creators, entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors are encouraged to reach out!
Get inspired by the entrepreneurial journey of Betty Taylor, a successful hair stylist and salon owner - who also happens to be my mother. In this candid conversation, Betty shares how she built her business from the ground up, overcame challenges along the way, and empowered others to pursue their dreams. Listen as Betty recounts starting out as an independent contractor before recently opening her own salon. She offers advice on being open to learning new skills, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and committing fully to your vision. Betty also discusses the motivation behind writing her book “Pastor of the Salon Chair”, which shares lessons from a 50-year career making clients feel beautiful inside and out. Whether you want to start a new venture or are just looking for some motivation, Betty’s story of perseverance and caring for others will give you a burst of inspiration. Tune in for an uplifting chat with a woman who lives out her purpose daily. If you would like to contact Betty or learn more about here salon or book, you can visit her website: https://bettyssalon.com/ Order Betty's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYB4K3WB
Navigating the Path from Educators to Entrepreneurs with AI In this Prometheus Chats episode, host Damien Martin speaks with former educators and co-founders of Alexandria’s Design, Dr. Charles and Marie Martin. They detail their journey shifting from teaching careers to launching their own instructional design company focused on corporate training. A key part of their success has been strategically leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. The Martins share how they use these technologies to analyze content, generate ideas, increase efficiency, and develop innovative learning experiences for clients. While not replacing human work, AI allows them to handle complex assignments and focus on high-value creative aspects of instructional design. In addition, the conversation covers other topics including building remote teams, overcoming cash flow challenges, and maintaining work-life balance as a couple in business together. The Martins stress the importance of continually developing new skills and maintaining a future-focused mindset as entrepreneurs. Listen to the full discussion of how this power couple has leveraged AI and their complementary skillsets to find success in corporate training at www.alexandriasdesign.com.
My special guest is Julie Fry. Introducing Julie Fry, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Your Expert Guest, a company that supports thought leaders and mission-driven business owners in increasing their visibility through podcasts. With a background in sales and firsthand experience in building and selling a business, Julie understands the crucial role of relationships, company culture, and values in overcoming entrepreneurial obstacles. Her natural talent for connecting people has allowed her to create a successful and thriving business focused on making a difference. In her downtime, Julie can be found enjoying life with her family, including a cat and dog, in the beautiful Seattle area. Julie Fry's journey from corporate career to entrepreneur was only the beginning; what came next was truly unexpected. Through a chance moment on a dog walk, she stumbled upon her newfound passion, and with her extraordinary gift for connecting people, she started a business that quickly flourished. But Julie's greatest success comes from her commitment to building strong relationships, shared values, and a positive company culture. In this episode we discuss celebrating your accomplishments, overcoming challenges in business, navigating the challenges of a remote workforce and finding a supportive business community and resources for entrepreneurs. Resources discussed in this episode are: SCORE Foundation The Power of Fun by Catherine Price (please note that we are Amazon Affiliates and may receive a small commission to support our podcast if you purchase using this link) How to Be the Best Podcast Guest Ever Checklist About Your Expert Guest Your Expert Guest is a podcast guest booking agency for female founders and impact-driven leaders that want to speak directly to their ideal client without spending HOURS on social media. Julie Fry and her team have booked over 1500 interviews for their clients and can track hundreds of thousands of dollars of business back to being a podcast guest on top-ranked shows. Web + Social Links: Website - https://yourexpertguest.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/yourexpertguest Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yourexpertguest/ Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fryjulie/ Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-expert-guest