Career Roadmap
John's work combines: Science, Environment & Nature, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduate Degree
Business Administration and Management, General
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Producers & Directors:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Philosophy
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Closest relative (my grandmother) & biggest influence in my life was in the entertainment business.
2.
I was mentored and inspired by two well known writers, William Goldman & Lawrence Kasdan.
3.
My mentors said to avoid starvation as a writer, I should go get a job and try to make some money.
4.
Got a job as a marketing/concept creation guy for a restauranteur.
5.
I joined a small start-up investment company...and had no life. They paid for me to get an MBA.
6.
Company went public & I quit to travel to SE & Central Asia. I climbed mountains and saw the world.
7.
Returned to develop shows for tv & write interstitials for TODAY Show.
8.
A 3.5 yr detour to start an Internet company with Apple. THEN focus on writing & producing film & TV.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You should get a stable job in real estate or business for a while THEN join the family business. I grew up in a small house. My dad was very strict. Our family was old fashioned. It was clear: follow the preordained path.
How I responded:
There was subtle pressure to just get in tune with the consensus. My father was 25 years older than my mom so he was the last & ONLY word in our family. My brothers & I are all quite different. While finding sports to be an outlet for stress relief, my passion for nature was where I found my own voice. I love photography & writing. That came from exposure to amazing things I saw in nature, around lakes, rivers, the ocean & mountains. It was MY private space. Love for dogs also had a big impact.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My family was not a huggy/affectionate family. Expectations were significant. I had to find a way to find MYSELF amongst the noise. Was hard navigating all the expectations of friends, teachers & family but you eventually get there. Don't be fooled.