We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerome Barkley Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerome, how does your business help the community?
My main focus was to offer a platform and service that would give the city of Columbus creatives a voice and visually to be heard and seen. Often times we can get caught up in the awe of what comes forms creatives & leaders we also should take the time to hear from them and let them tell their stories. Our job is to make them look good! The podcasting community and those alike have been very receptive to the CPA’s as well as what we do with A&R Studios.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Between organizing the CPA’s each year and producing content for Columbus creatives, what sets me apart from others is patience with making sure everything i touch comes out polished! The goal is always to have the work speak, when the final product is received well by the recipients that’s the most rewarding part. It didn’t take a lot to get here, because it’s a choice, the tough part is staying there once you get there. However, it’s not easy, having systems makes it more manageable but leading people, organizing an event and staying on top of what’s going on in my field could be overwhelming at times. To overcome these it’s important to have focused people around you and remind yourself of what the goal is. Lately i’ve learned to give myself breaks as well.

Goodness! So many lessons, countless. But i would say don’t commit yourself to things that aren’t in alignment with the direction your going in, you could find yourself losing sight of what was in front of you. Another lesson i’ve learned is that as a leader you have to set the tone on how you want things done, not in a rude way but be direct. Never the bare minimum, set a standard.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm ok a week long trip here in Columbus. I would definitely go to COSI, there’s always some cool events going on in there from fashions shows, exhibits to art shows! I would take them The Thurman Cafe to see if the conquer the “Thurmanator” and of course gotta go out the Short North & Arena District to hang out, the night life thrives there. Easton is pretty cool too. In my opinion I’d say the most fun, interesting, exciting people and places to check is High Street. I mean it’s all there, it’s like a mini vegas strip. Clubs, night life, restaurants, live music, lounges ect. High Street has a great lively atmosphere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s definitely people in my story whom have encouraging me, pointed me in the right direction and provided resources. The first shout out goes to mom, Nadine. Always supporting me in the things i was interested in as a kid from letting me play sports to buying me first piece of recording equipment or simply telling me she’s proud of me. Shout out to Whitney L Barkley for showing me the blueprint on the importance being visible, networking and not being limited to one area of interest. Shout out to Awia Manns for seeing the vision to start a video production company and including me in that. And shout out to my group of guys back home in Philly who motivate me!

Website: https://columbuspodcastawards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbuspodawards614/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromebarkleyjr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/columbuspodcastawards

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bbbbbzzzzbb?app=desktop

Other: linktr.ee/Jbrodie

Image Credits
Awia Manns, DJ Durl

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.