Meet Aj Eckstein

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aj Eckstein. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi AJ, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is a direct reflection of the lessons my parents instilled in me from the very beginning. I can confidently say that the drive and determination I carry today are the results of witnessing their relentless pursuit of success and their unwavering commitment to their passions.

My mother’s story is one of courage and resilience. She emigrated from Mexico with nothing but a dream, and alongside her sister, she built a thriving jewelry business from scratch. I grew up in her office, watching her pour her heart and soul into every piece, every decision. She didn’t just build a business; she created opportunities for others, employing over 10 full-time staff and making a lasting impact on our community. Her journey taught me the value of hard work, the power of perseverance, and the importance of following your passion no matter the obstacles.

My father, too, is a testament to the power of dedication. He worked tirelessly to become a doctor, a profession where he saves lives every single day. I’ve shadowed him in the hospital, often during grueling 12-hour graveyard shifts, and I’ve seen the deep respect his team has for him. He doesn’t just work hard; he works with purpose, driven by a passion for helping others and making a difference in the world. His commitment to his patients, his team, and his calling has inspired me in ways that words can hardly capture.

Growing up with parents like mine wasn’t always easy. They were tough on me, not because they demanded perfection, but because they believed in my potential. They rarely yelled; instead, they expressed their disappointment when they saw me falling short of what they knew I was capable of. As a kid, there was no greater motivation than knowing I had the power to make them proud—or the fear of letting them down.

As I grew older, their expectations became my own. I developed a work ethic that is as much a part of me as breathing. Today, I set my own bar, constantly pushing myself to reach higher, to do more, to be better—not because I have to, but because I want to. My parents gave me the blueprint, and now, it’s up to me to build on that foundation with the same passion and determination they showed me every single day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey began in an unexpected way: graduating from USC in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many of my peers, I faced uncertainty in a world that had suddenly changed overnight. But as a proud transfer student, I had already learned the value of resilience and adaptation. So, when the opportunity arose, I dove headfirst into the world of management consulting, securing a role at a leading public consulting company. Over the next three years, I found myself consulting at the heart of product marketing for one of the most iconic tech giants: Google.

Before consulting, I had a memorable stint as an intern at The Walt Disney Company. Working for the Disney was a dream come true for many, but it also taught me that I wanted something more—a role where I could see the bigger picture and make a larger impact.

As I navigated the corporate world, something else was quietly brewing. I had been active on LinkedIn, trying to carve out a space for myself as a creator. But in the early days, LinkedIn was the underdog of the creator community, often dismissed or laughed at. While others focused on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, I saw untapped potential in LinkedIn—a platform where professionals, brands, and creators could truly connect.

But here’s the thing: monetizing on LinkedIn wasn’t easy. I struggled, and I wasn’t alone. I discovered a community of LinkedIn Creators who were just like me—underserved, underpaid, and underappreciated. We were trying to make our mark, but the path wasn’t clear. That’s when I had an epiphany. If the opportunity didn’t exist, I would create it myself.

So, I did something that many would consider irrational—I quit my comfortable Fortune 500 management consulting job. I left behind the security, the six-figure salary, and the prestigious title to dive headfirst into building a solution. That’s how Creator Match was born.

Today, as the Founder of Creator Match, I’m on a mission to unlock LinkedIn’s potential for brands and creators alike. We’ve built the #1 LinkedIn Creator Marketing Platform, trusted by the world’s most innovative brands—like HubSpot, Notion, Teachable, Wix, beehiiv, BetterHelp, and many more—and the most influential LinkedIn Creators.

Creator Match makes it effortless for brands to connect with vetted LinkedIn Creators, delivering impactful campaigns and robust analytics. What started as a personal struggle has grown into a thriving platform that empowers creators to get the recognition and compensation they deserve.

But my journey doesn’t stop there. When I’m not busy building Creator Match, I write for Fast Company, speak at conferences around the world, and share my insights through LinkedIn Learning courses, which have reached over 100,000 learners. I’m also an avid adventurer—whether it’s surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or competing in endurance sports like marathons and triathlons, I’m always pushing my limits.

And if you’re curious about what it’s like to be a young founder, building in public, follow me for daily content on LinkedIn growth, monetization tips, brand deals, and B2B creator/influencer marketing strategies.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities that have been particularly impactful in shaping my path: resilience, curiosity, and the ability to take calculated risks.

1. Resilience
Resilience is the backbone of any entrepreneurial journey. Starting something from scratch, whether it’s a business, a new role, or even a personal project, is never easy. There were countless times when things didn’t go as planned—campaigns that didn’t take off, partnerships that fell through, and moments when doubt crept in. But each setback was an opportunity to learn and grow. The ability to bounce back, adapt, and keep pushing forward despite challenges is what ultimately drives success.

2. Curiosity
Curiosity has been my compass, guiding me through the unknowns of my career. Whether it was diving deep into product marketing while working with Google or exploring the nuances of LinkedIn as a creator, my desire to learn and understand new things kept me moving forward. I’ve always believed that staying curious and asking questions, even when you think you know the answer, opens doors to new opportunities and insights that others might overlook.

3. Calculated Risk-Taking
Taking risks is essential, but it’s not just about jumping into the unknown—it’s about making informed decisions and understanding the potential outcomes. When I decided to leave my secure consulting job to build Creator Match, it wasn’t a reckless decision. It was a calculated risk, backed by research, planning, and a deep understanding of the market need. Being willing to step outside your comfort zone and embrace uncertainty is crucial, but doing so with a strategic mindset is what leads to meaningful progress.
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Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:

Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Don’t be afraid to fail. Each failure is a lesson that brings you one step closer to success. The key is to learn from those experiences and apply those lessons as you move forward.

Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and support your growth. Your network is one of your most valuable assets, providing not just opportunities, but also advice and mentorship.

Shoot Your Shot: Don’t wait for the perfect moment or all the stars to align—take the leap. Whether it’s reaching out to a potential mentor, pitching your idea, or applying for that dream job, go for it. The worst that can happen is a “no,” but the best that can happen is you open a door to incredible opportunities. Taking initiative and putting yourself out there can make all the difference in your journey.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and reassess the situation. I’ve learned to differentiate between good stress and bad stress, which helps me manage those moments effectively.

Good Stress vs. Bad Stress

Good stress is the kind that drives growth. It’s the excitement of new challenges and the pressure that pushes you to perform at your best. This stress keeps you motivated and moving forward.

Bad stress, however, is when things start to feel unmanageable, leading to burnout and anxiety. When I recognize that I’m slipping into bad stress, I know it’s time to recalibrate.

When I feel overwhelmed, I manage it by prioritizing tasks, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps, and focusing on one thing at a time to regain control. I also shift my perspective, reminding myself that most problems aren’t as big as they seem, which helps reduce the pressure. While I thrive on being busy because it drives growth, I set boundaries and know when to take breaks to maintain balance. I also seek support from mentors or friends for advice or perspective when needed. Lastly, I practice mindfulness through meditation, quick workouts, or deep breaths to stay grounded.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creatormatch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aj_eckstein/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-aj-eckstein/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreatorMatch