Meet Austin Courtney

We were lucky to catch up with Austin Courtney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Austin, 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?
My optimism drives from my uncontrollable curiosity for everything around me. I find genuine enjoyment in the most mundane tasks, and have always understood that I have two options when going about anything in life. I can either make the most of a situation and use it as a learning opportunity, or I can drag my feet and use at as a burden on my life. While I’m sure the second option sounds appealing, I always tend to lean towards the first option. Optimism takes practice, effort, and positive energy. Pessimism drains positive energy, takes no real effort, and is practiced the same way – stemming from a habit. When you choose your habits carefully, then you choose who you identify as. I personally, have never identified as a pessimistic person.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My goal is to elevate brands by guiding them through digital journeys. In the immersive world of the internet, the demand for an online presence has never been greater. I connect with brands and help them learn themselves, which then translates into wonderful content and copy. I want to revolutionize the way we see marketing as a whole. My mission is to create unique and engaging copy that will leave a lasting impression on consumers. This starts with aligning a brands mission, vision, and purpose with their signature style. The most special thing about this field is meeting new people, facing new problems, and finding new solutions.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) Networking – The ability to simply speak to anyone, about anything. The reason I put this skill at the top is because without networking, there are no real opportunities. The ability to network is how likely you are to step into a room and meet the correct people. Sometime this can take talking to many people, and sometimes it may be the first person you speak to. Nonetheless, it requires a certain level of commitment to learning other people’s problems, listening to what they are experiencing, and connecting to them on a personal level.

2) Video Editing – This skill was something that effectively allowed me to express myself as a creative. Creative expression can be done in many ways – art, music, speeches etc. For me video editing was the outlet that I had been missing for so long. Video editing was not cut and dry like I had thought, but instead introduced me to my signature style that I am still developing to this day. Also, it is a great skill to get yourself starting into the digital media space and land some great gigs.

3) Time Management – This is an under utilized skill simply because people do not understand how life changing it can be. One hour of deep focused work can outweigh eight hours of distracted and low-effort work. Time management is not about cramming as much as you can get done into one day, but it is about understanding the power you have when you properly use your momentum. The second you stop and check your phone, get distracted and watch tv, or take an afternoon nap you are destroying one of the greatest assets you have – which is energy.

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?
I would say the book “Persuasion” by Lee Hartley Carter. This is a book that teaches you how to properly persuade someone – whether it’s a business deal, a marketing campaign, or a simple negotiation, it breaks down the pillars that go into persuasion. The reason this book was so impactful to me, was because instead of teaching gimmicky sales tactics, the book actually pivots around the idea of emotional empathy. Emotional empathy is your ability to insert yourself in someone else’s emotional state based off of what they are experiencing. Rather than trying to sway someone to switch to your beliefs, you should instead insert yourself into what they are thinking, and come from a place of understanding. Persuasion is not about manipulation, but it is about emotional intelligence and learning other people’s problems and bringing together a fair proposition.

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