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.*