An Interview With Fotis Georgiadis
I love that I get to keep changing and evolving my work. I never worry about finishing because there’s always something else to be done, or an interest to explore.
As a part of our series about business leaders who are shaking things up in their industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing John T. Carmouche.
John is a multidisciplinary creator, curator, and contributor in the entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality, film, radio and social impact spaces. Originally from Louisiana now residing in Atlanta. A rising force in his own right, committed to bridging the gaps and shining the light on his community through his practices.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
The true meaning of a multi hyphenate.. At my core I’m a creator, curator, and contributor. I always try to operate from my most authentic (as well as explorative) self. That place of genuinely being interested in whatever it is that I’m doing. If something is in my mind, Why not? That’s where the foundation of my interest stems from.. the goal was/is to shine the light on the culture, collaborating with like-minded people as well as what lead me to taking the raw version of my influences into a more refined flow, with direction and true substance.
Everything I’ve been involved in has kind of had a natural progression. I’m an observer. So, being introduced to people, places, and things always gave me a space to say — “Yeah that’s cool.. but I can do better.” For most creatives, it’s really just staying committed to that voice inside that told you who you were. Not a blueprint or crash proof path to follow.. keeping the composure, and that light.. until you the process of getting closer to “this feels right” that’s what leads me.
Can you tell our readers what it is about the work you’re doing that’s disruptive?
Disruption to me is the cousin of Intention. With time, I came to realize that being in the rooms was not just for the sake of being there. I understood the value of speaking for and on behalf of the culture I represent. The Creative House is the culmination of all those experiences that have shaped my tastes and world view and enabled me to see my work from a more aligned perspective. Whatever I do, whether it’s a personal project or contributing outwardly, begins there. Through high school and college, I promoted/hosted events, which led to a career in entertainment — First working in radio in my hometown, then Revolt, BET, iHeartRadio, and V.103 Atlanta, among others, while always considering myself an entrepreneur.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
All of it. But, that’s the best part. In other words, the opposite of what led us here. Regrets don’t sit well with me, so I take mistakes as they come and keep evolving.
We all need a little help along the journey. Who have been some of your mentors? Can you share a story about how they made an impact?
Yes, of course. I’ve had a few people who have added a real sense of color to my lens. I won’t ever be able to convey my appreciation to them in words that can express what I feel. It doesn’t matter whether it was intended or just a random talk, even watching from afar and saluting them with a “Well done.”
In today’s parlance, being disruptive is usually a positive adjective. But is disrupting always good? When do we say the converse, that a system or structure has ‘withstood the test of time’? Can you articulate to our readers when disrupting an industry is positive, and when disrupting an industry is ‘not so positive’? Can you share some examples of what you mean?
When someone else wins it’s positive in my book. I think the times we’re in right now can create a sense of repetition even though there is disruption and change. Know what your message is or else the waves will water it down. We can do something temporary to gain glory, but there’s no comparison with becoming the real thing and not just the image, I’ve been on both sides of that energy so, I know it well.
Can you share five of the best words of advice you’ve gotten along your journey? Please give a story or example for each.
“Because I felt like it.” — Jean Michele Basquiat. That’s the tweet. [Laughs]
We are sure you aren’t done. How are you going to shake things up next?
I love that I get to keep changing and evolving my work. I never worry about finishing because there’s always something else to be done, or an interest to explore.
Over the last year I’ve found the flow space where I’m less into timelines and more into really doing what is in me, which will feel good to share with other minds soon.
Do you have a book, podcast, or talk that’s had a deep impact on your thinking? Can you share a story with us? Can you explain why it was so resonant with you?
A ton. I’m notorious for deep diving when I find something that resonates, but It’s always worth it.. you can’t fake the funk!
I actually curated a digital archive of most of them, The Maison. As a point of reference. I knew that if the right person came across the collection, they would pick up something.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
That’s a good one. Honestly, Virgil Abloh said — “I’d do anything at the right time, and I would also do things at the wrong time if they felt right.” That’s the energy I’m living on currently — less thinking.. more feeling.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Thank you. Easy, “The Art of Living Well.” Prioritizing living a life that feels makes you look forward to Sunday turning into Monday. Especially now, life gets sticky daily. I realized that when if you can’t control what goes on around you, the inside is all yours. Living well is so important to the culture, we deserve it. For a little inspiration, I curated these sounds that kind of illustrate the frequency of remembering it’s in you, not on you!
Check out the latest here!
How can our readers follow you online?
JohnTCarmouche.com | @johntcarmouche
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share!
Meet The Disruptors: John T Carmouche On The Five Things You Need To Shake Up Your Industry was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
