John Futrell

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

I go with the wind as far as inspiration, I create music, write poetry, design sneakers and more. Everyday is an exploration of creativity.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Internships and following your passions are important. Money is just the end result.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

It happened a lot, to an extent family still oppose to me not following the typical everyday path. But I learned it was more about them, not me. Which is key. You define your happiness.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

Stressful, sometimes I need to take walks to clear my mind. But it is usually just overthinking.

How did you start building your network?

It started in college through friends, then it was myspace and Facebook during the very early days.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

To do what I love, it was given to me when I was in my Master's program, it made me really look at what it was that I was doing.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I honestly ran from this path majority of my life although I knew it was who I really was. I've published books, have multiple degrees and accolades. But it wasn't until I embraced my passion that I found some sort of peace.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was not falling for the one in a million fairytale which is the entertainment business. I had to realize building a fan base or audience was about what I was feeling not what was on the radio.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I'm not sure I have got a big break. I was signed to a start up label and recruited by a big label. But things did not work out for a reason. It did prepare for where I am now with my publishing deal. So I'm just working and creating.