Imagine Faith Talk - Interview with Ashton Owens (Part 1)
Episode Overview
In this episode, we sit down with Ashton Owens, CEO of Triple Threat, a branding and design agency that specializes in telling stories for professional athletes. Ashton shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and authentic storytelling in the sports industry.
Key Topics
- Introduction to Ashton Owens and Triple Threat's work
- Leadership philosophy and team building strategies
- The journey from Oklahoma City to Springfield, Missouri
- Managing creative teams and ego in the industry
- The intersection of faith and business
- Brand storytelling in sports and athletics
- Current trends in the athletic wear industry
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Key Insights
1. **Team Building Philosophy**
- Uses 6-month contract periods to assess team fit
- Emphasizes personality alignment over just talent
- Creates collaborative culture without rigid titles
- Values long-term relationships with team members
2. **Leadership Development**
- Started entrepreneurial ventures in early teens
- Views leadership as an ongoing refinement process
- Balances leading and following in different seasons
- Emphasizes humility in leadership positions
3. **Brand Storytelling**
- Creates authentic connections with audiences
- Focuses on purpose-driven projects
- Understanding the power of personal narrative
- Builds genuine community engagement
4. **Business Culture**
- Prioritizes team success over individual recognition
- Implements a "no-titles" approach to foster collaboration
- Values long-term partnerships over short-term gains
- Builds culture based on shared purpose
Notable Quotes
- "The moment that you think that you like have it all figured out, right? Like you're your dead in the water."
- "I believe in failing fast."
- "Where does my joy and my validation come from?"
- "It really comes down to truly understanding what do you stand for?"
Industry Insights
- Analysis of Nike's recent market challenges
- Evolution of consumer behavior in athletic wear
- Impact of social media on brand storytelling
- Rise of individual creators challenging major brands
- Importance of authentic storytelling in modern marketing
Personal Background
- Founded first company at age 20
- Relocated from Oklahoma City to Springfield, Missouri
- Background in music and church leadership
- Currently age 33, approaching 34
- Experience in sneaker culture and sports branding
Faith and Business Integration
- Emphasis on finding validation through faith rather than social media
- Integration of Christian values in business decisions
- Focus on serving others in leadership
- Building business relationships with purpose
*Note: This is Part 1 of the conversation with Ashton Owens.*