Meet Steven Howard Jr

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steven Howard Jr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

My ability to take risks truly developed after I made one of the biggest leaps of my life in the fall of 2023: moving to Los Angeles. I don’t believe many people are born with an innate willingness to step into discomfort. Most of us are wired to do the opposite—do what’s logical, do what’s safe, stick to what we know.

At 22, I realized that if I wanted to reach the goals I’d set for myself and genuinely walk in my passion, I had to make a choice that might look irrational to others. So, right after graduating college, I packed my bags and moved more than three thousand miles away from everything and everyone I knew. I was chasing a dream—one that, at the time, meant accepting a role as a digital video editor for the NFL (National Football League).

Growing up in Connecticut and attending college in New York, the idea of moving to LA—a place where I had no family, no friends, and not a single visit under my belt—absolutely terrified me. But I also knew that the life I envisioned wouldn’t just fall into my lap. You can’t wait for life to happen; you have to make it happen.

Despite the challenges, the doubts, and the moments where I questioned my decision, taking that risk remains one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I learned quickly that fulfilled dreams live on the other side of facing fear. Moving to LA, beginning my career with the NFL, and building a new community from scratch has genuinely changed my life forever.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Steven Howard Jr.

I’m a passionate creative with a deep love for storytelling through video production and digital content.
After graduating from Ithaca College with a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, I dove headfirst into the world of content creation. Since then, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects in sports media and branded content.

Currently, I’m proud to be working with the Los Angeles Chargers as an Associate Creative Producer on the Features & Branding team. In this role, I help bring the team’s identity and stories to life through high-impact video features, branded content, and behind-the-scenes storytelling that connects with fans on a deeper level. Before joining the Chargers, I worked as a Digital Video Editor for the National Football League (NFL).

My journey in video production started back in college when I founded my own startup, STEVE JR MEDIA. What began as a student-run production company evolved into a multi-campus team of contracted videographers, editors, and photographers. We worked with athletes, brands, and local businesses — telling stories through visuals that mattered.
After college, I scaled my freelance work, collaborating with global brands including Nike, Jordan Brand, and Adidas. I’ve also traveled to Paris, France, to capture content for the 2024 Olympics, and had the privilege of working with sports legends like Terrell Owens and Lisa Leslie, creating content that celebrates excellence on and off the field.

Whether it’s behind the camera or in the editing suite, I’m always looking to connect with others who are passionate about documenting life and storytelling.

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 area of knowledge that has shaped me the most is networking—or, as I call it, “collecting people.” As cliché as it sounds, it’s often less about what you know and more about who you know. In a massive industry like creative media, talent alone isn’t enough. I remind myself of that constantly. My dad used to say, “Life is a competition,” and he was right—you’re competing with far more people than you realize.
As skilled a videographer, editor, and producer as I believe I am, many others share those same abilities. What sets me apart is my capacity to genuinely connect with people. That skill has opened doors that talent alone couldn’t.
It’s become a defining theme of my journey: making people care about me and my story. When someone believes in the person, they believe in the product. Nearly every opportunity I’ve earned—whether corporate or freelance—can be traced back to a relationship I built by researching, reaching out, asking questions, and showing what I have to offer.

The next area of knowledge I believe is crucial is taking initiative. The grass is greener where you water it. You can’t expect anything in your life to grow if you’re not investing time and effort into it—whether it’s your career, your community, your friendships, or even yourself. In more ways than we realize, we have control over the lives we’re building. Don’t wait for life to happen… go make it happen.

The last area of knowledge I’ve come to understand is something I learned recently: sometimes the people who know you are the least likely to support you. It sounds backwards, but I realized it as I started hitting goals I once only dreamed about. Familiarity can blur respect—people often see your history, not your growth. Early on, some accomplishments felt less meaningful because I didn’t receive the support I expected from certain people. But I eventually understood that this is normal. People cheer for you as long as your success feels attainable to them; when it doesn’t, they often go quiet.
What this taught me is simple: you have to be your own biggest fan. Your happiness and sense of accomplishment can’t depend on outside validation. Learn to be proud of yourself first—and there’s real confidence and contentment in that.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have ever done for me is believe in me and support me every step of the way. My parents are truly special. They have each taught me different things and passed down values that have shaped who I am today. I didn’t fully understand how remarkable they were until I got older and could truly appreciate the sacrifices they made to put me in the best position to succeed. Without their support, not a single step of my journey would have been possible, and I am forever grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stevejrmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevejrmedia/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-howard-jr/