I recently went one on one with Jake Warner, co-founder and CEO of the content creation platform Magma.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. ​How did you get here? ​What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Jake: Thanks for having me. As cliché as this may sound, I got here by continuously pursuing what I felt needed to be explored. From the educational path I chose to the many different careers and industry’s I was involved in, they all ended up forming into a singular path. I attest most of the opportunities I have experienced while building Magma to seeing through every opportunity that showed itself. While many of those opportunities ended up being dead ends, I learned something every time.

Adam: How did you come up with your business idea? What advice do you have for others on how to come up with great ideas? 

Jake: While working as a professional photographer and media manager, I was looking for a tool that could make the story telling aspect of my work flow easier and a tool that would allow inter-team media sharing to be done from a mobile first perspective. I quickly realized these issues, along with a few others, would be solvable by one solution. After searching with no results, I knew I needed to make it myself. The concept was simple, if anyone could create their own digital magazine, directly from their phone, it would be a magic tool for a lot of professionals from many industries as well as an easy, cost efficient entry into the publishing world for amateurs. 

Adam: How did you know your business idea was worth pursuing? What advice do you have on how to best test a business idea?
Jake: I knew it was at least worth pursing since I needed the tool myself. I figured if I would greatly benefit from it, that there would have to be many others who would as well.

Adam: What are your best sales and marketing tips?

Jake: Although the landscape of the marketing industry we are in right now is as attainable and accessible as ever before, it has grown a whole new slew of issues. From what I have experienced on the creator and consumer sides is that showcasing the aspect of your brand that people can relate to or resonate with will never fail. It may not bring viral worthy engagement right away, but it will start alluring individuals who are your “lifers” and core users right away. Always choose quality over quantity.

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? 

Jake: A leader currently needs to be relatable to their team. The story of the “big boss” is long gone. Power and stature do not drive performance. I have always done my greatest work when I was under a team leader who I felt a connection to. The more I wanted to communicate with my higher ups, the more I felt comfortable reaching to provide my best work. As the CEO of a startup, I try and instill that into my daily operations.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?

Jake: If you see potential in someone who may be under experienced but sees the vision of your product, hire them. Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. The tech industry is sometimes clouded with talented individuals who do not have the attachment to the products they are building.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?

Jake: Trust but verify. Your gut is never wrong. Do not take your eyes of the prize, even if it seems far-fetched. The whole reason we start companies is to make dreams a reality, so that should be the guideline to your work.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Jake: At some point, you are going to be your own roadblock. Acknowledging that moment, and overcoming it is key to unlocking your success.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Jake: If you have a story to tell, a moment to let others experience or advice to share, publish it yourself.