We were lucky to catch up with Shawn George recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shawn, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
People who know me know that I tend to trend positively. This is a choice that I make every morning when I wake up. I believe that having an upbeat personality and a positive outlook can impact those around you. Everyone is dealing with their own burdens and issues it helps to be around someone who can see the glass half full. In fact, I make it my duty every day to make someone feel special, comfortable and heard. I can’t take full responsibility though, whenever someone tells me that friendly or welcoming I tell them that they should meet my wife. She is truly a ball of sunshine to nearly everyone she encounters. She has a big heart and smile to match, so I try to match her energy when I can.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Shawn George, I’m a videographer, photographer, and pilot and my brand is Casual Friday. The name is a nudge to my laid-back and easy-going nature, but my focus is using my skills as a videographer and licensed drone pilot to capture the essence of my client’s brand and weave a beautifully crafted story that is not only going to connect with your audience but create something that my client is proud to display on their website or social media. My specialty is drone capture. As a licensed pilot, I have an understanding of the US Airspace system and the finesse that comes with a being pilot allowing me to capture buttery smooth video, all hand-flown.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The 3 qualities or skills that were most impactful in my journey are: 1) Active Listening- This is a big one, I listen to fully understand not just to respond. I’ll take notes and ask follow-up questions to ensure I have a rock-solid understanding of what someone is telling me.
2) Starting from the bottom – When I entered the aviation industry with the goal of becoming a pilot, I started work at an aviation school in Cleveland taking out the trash and washing planes, later I took a job fueling and parking business jets at that same airport and using my tip money to go fly. This gave me an appreciation of all the small jobs that are required to have an operation run smoothly. Everyone wants to start on top, but starting at the bottom will give you something very important. Humility.
3) Public Speaking – This one is huge, being able to convey your thoughts to an audience without locking up and losing focus will separate you from the average Joe who has great ideas, but no idea how to communicate them. Take a Toastmasters class and learn how to be confident when you speak, and people will listen.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Way of the Superior Man – This is the book that I picked when I was working to get my life together in my 20’s. It left me with many lessons but this one in particular resonated with me deeply. “Fear needs to become your friend so that you are no longer uncomfortable with it.”
I learned how to overcome fear when my flight instructor was teaching me how to land a plane, my instincts and fears told me I was going to crash. I didn’t want my fears to control me or hold me back from accomplishing my goals
Contact Info:
- Website: https://casualfriday.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casualfriday___/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.george.16100/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-george-b6281525/
