Good companies recognize people with passion and support their growth. As you pursue your career, it’s important learn as much as you can from mentors who are invested in your success.

Today’s guest, Niels Schuurmans, is one of those great mentors. John met Niels over twenty years ago through a mentorship program at MTV. He later became John’s boss at both Nickelodeon and Spike TV, and during that time, Niels taught him the wisdom of humbly going back to the drawing board when a project isn’t going as planned.

Niels has taken a pretty unusual road to his success and there are lessons for everyone about how to explore your potential and find your way to a fulfilling career. He was part of the early team that built Nickelodeon, shaping millions of childhoods for decades. Niels is currently the Chief Marketing and Creative Officer at 101 Studios, the production company responsible for hit shows like Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, 1923, and many more.