We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hananh Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hananh below.
Hananh, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.
I’ve always been a decisive person, but over time, I’ve learned the importance of taking a step back and giving decisions a second look. It’s so important to not base choices solely on emotions or react impulsively. Starting a business with my partner, especially in the middle of a global pandemic, has been a key experience in developing my decision-making skills, as we were faced with decisions every day from the beginning. While I won’t always make the “perfect” decision, I try to focus on making the best decision for the moment based on what’s going on around us. There’s always a learning opportunity, whether things go as planned or not, and maintaining confidence in those decisions is vital for the health of our business. The key is to move forward, learn from the experience, and be willing to adjust until you find what works.
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?
Hannah Haarala Jones currently serves as Senior Vice President of Creators at Wasserman, directly overseeing the partnership and monetization teams within Wasserman Creators, the Digital Talent division within the company’s global talent representation practice. Hannah has supported some of the most prolific digital creators across all verticals. Jones co-founded J1S alongside her husband, Michael Calvin Jones, which Wasserman later acquired in the fourth quarter of 2023. Hannah’s diverse background in talent representation across lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and entertainment provides her with a unique perspective on the rapidly growing creator economy.
Hannah received her bachelor’s degree in Media Production from the University of Southern Mississippi. Michael and Hannah are also actively involved in numerous philanthropic efforts related to animal cruelty and human trafficking.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout my journey, three skills have been particularly impactful in shaping my path. First, the ability to connect with people has been crucial. It’s important to speak as a person, not as a robot or in a corporate tone. Building genuine relationships and treating people with respect and authenticity makes a huge difference in any field. Second, the ability to adapt and learn quickly has been vital, especially early on when resources can be limited. Being thrown into situations and figuring things out on the fly taught me the value of staying flexible and embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Lastly, leadership, paired with kindness and empathy, has been essential in building strong teams and fostering a positive environment. Paying attention to the details, understanding others’ perspectives, and leading with compassion helped me navigate the highs and lows of my career journey. For those just starting out, my advice is to focus on building meaningful connections, stay open to learning, and always lead with empathy—these qualities will help you grow and thrive throughout your career.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
An ideal creator is someone who is highly marketable, driven by clear goals and demonstrates a strong work ethic. They should have a vision for their career and an understanding of where they want to go, while also being adaptable to opportunities that arise. A strong, engaged community is crucial, as it shows they connect well with their audience. Being a good storyteller is also essential, as it helps build deeper relationships and keeps followers invested. Positive metrics and strong engagement are indicators of success and growth, making them someone who is on the rise, consistently bringing value to their audience. Lastly, an ideal client should exude a fun, inviting energy that attracts people to their content and fosters a positive, welcoming atmosphere.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahhaarala/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-haarala-jones-b11508123/
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