Meet John BEST

We recently connected with John BEST and have shared our conversation below.

John, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve learned to be effective by not shrinking myself. When I’m the only one in the room who looks like me, I remind myself that I’m there because I earned my place, not because I was invited by accident.
I’ve had to learn how to read the room, speak with confidence, and be prepared enough that my work speaks before anyone has a chance to doubt me. I ask questions, I listen closely, and I make sure my perspective is heard without feeling like I have to represent everyone who looks like me.
I’ve also learned that success is not just about being in the room, but making space for others to enter after me. Being the only one has taught me resilience, self awareness, and the importance of showing up fully even when it’s uncomfortable.

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

I work in broadcast, streaming, and media strategy, with a focus on building systems that help people tell their stories clearly and professionally. My work sits at the intersection of technology, creativity, and leadership. One day I may be working through signal flow, live production, or streaming infrastructure, and the next I may be mentoring students, supporting staff, or helping shape the overall vision for how content reaches an audience.

What excites me most is that this work is bigger than cameras, equipment, and platforms. It is about access. It is about making sure moments are captured, stories are shared, and people feel seen. I enjoy taking something complex and making it work in a way that feels seamless for the people watching and the people creating.

My brand is built on preparation, excellence, and purpose. I care about doing the work right, but I also care about helping others learn the work and see what is possible for themselves. I want people to know that I am not just building broadcasts or managing technology. I am building opportunities, creating space, and helping the next person walk in with more confidence than I had when I started.

Right now, I am continuing to expand my work in live streaming, media operations, and AI-driven production tools. I am focused on creating smarter workflows, stronger teams, and more scalable ways to bring high quality content to audiences. For me, the goal is always growth, not just for the brand, but for the people connected to it.

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?

Looking back, the three things that have impacted my journey the most are preparation, adaptability, and communication.

Preparation has carried me a long way. In broadcast, streaming, and media, people may only see the final product, but the real work happens before anyone presses record or goes live. I’ve learned that when you are prepared, you walk into rooms with more confidence. You understand the details, you can solve problems faster, and you are not easily shaken when something changes. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to study your craft seriously. Learn the equipment, learn the language, learn the process, and do not wait until you are in front of people to get ready.

The second is adaptability. This industry moves fast, and technology does not stop changing. You have to be willing to learn, adjust, and sometimes figure things out in real time. Every project will not go exactly as planned, so being able to stay calm and find a solution is important. I would tell people early in their journey not to be afraid of being uncomfortable. Some of the best growth comes from being placed in situations where you have to stretch.

The third is communication. You can be talented technically, but if you cannot communicate clearly, lead people, or work with a team, your impact will be limited. I have learned that success is not just about knowing how to do the work. It is also about knowing how to explain the work, how to listen, and how to help others understand the vision.

For anyone starting out, I would say be patient with your growth, but be intentional. Ask questions. Take notes. Find mentors. Pay attention to the people who are doing the work well. Most importantly, do not shrink yourself. Learn as much as you can, show up prepared, and keep building until your confidence catches up with your calling.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

People not taking me serious. People always tried to to keep me out the meeting, out of the conversations. So, I kept working on my own to be where I am today. I am going harder and I am making sure I am on point.

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John Best

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