Jonathan Raymond (@JonathanRaymond) is an author, coach, consultant, and CEO of Refound, working with business leaders and managers to install better workplace habits and company culture, including mentoring. Over the years, he’s seen numerous workplace dynamics, not just within the creative fields, and shares some of his patterns with us.
In this conversation, we search for definitions of culture, discuss the differences between mentoring and simply bossing, and offer some advice for both the employee and the manager to build better relationships and in turn, a better team.
Jonathan’s book, Good Authority, released in late 2016, explores workplace leadership and how we can change the status quo toward more effective, more compassionate culture and work.
Listen Now
Get The Episode
- Download The Busy Creator Podcast, Episode 81 (MP3, 52:36, 25.4 MB)
- Download The Busy Creator Podcast, Episode 81 (OGG, 52:36, 28.7 MB)
Subscribe to Get New Episodes
Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on Apple Podcasts, on Google Podcasts, on Stitcher, on iHeart
Show Notes & Links
- Jonathan “helps managers become mentors”
- Many companies talk about innovation, but a “gap” appears when they don’t build the conditions
“Culture is 'This is how we do it here.'”
—Jonathan Raymond
- Gallop says “7/10 employees are actively disengaged from their job”
- Rolodex
- Jeff Goins appeared on The Busy Creator Podcast
“Culture is Context.”
—Jonathan Raymond
- The First Rule of Fight Club
“The First Rule of Culture Change is not to talk about it.”
—Jonathan Raymond
“We over-rely on our strengths. We default to the things we're good at.”
—Jonathan Raymond
“You're not on the same team; You own the company.”
—Jonathan Raymond
“You can't afford not to invest time into you (your people).”
—Jonathan Raymond
“If you invest in someone, they might leave. If you don't invest in someone, they'll definitely leave.”
—Prescott Perez-Fox
- Jonathan was the Chief Brand Officer of E-Myth
“When creative people go off the rails, they hold the rest of the team hostage.”
—Jonathan Raymond
- Studio culture is fundamentally about experimentation
- Agile methodology
“Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose.”
—Janis Joplin
“More Yoda, less Superman.”
—Jonathan Raymond
“95% of the work in any business is identical.”
—business adage
“The bad thing isn't the hierarchy; it's abusive people in a hierarchy.”
—Jonathan Raymond
“Write drunk, edit sober.”
—Ernest Hemingway
Tools
Techniques
- Break away from the victim mindset; share what you’re working on and struggling with
- Make bold requests — to attend conferences, meetings, etc.
- Be a Mensch, make that connection
Habits
- Practice being loose, unfinished
- Take steps in the other person’s direction before discussing tension or issues
- Give your creative team room to be creative (so they don’t turn into administrators)
- Create some distance to reinforce the idea of being a “boss”
Try Audible.com Free for 30-Days
Visit BusyCreatorBook.com for your free trial

Join the Discussion
Add your experiences in the Comments section below.
Enjoyed this article?
More insight and resources delivered in our newsletter. Sign up below to receive site updates.