E015: Jon Mason | Founder / MD, Jollywise

In this episode of the Creative Leaders Podcast, host Stephen Scott interviews Jon Mason, a former Navy member turned kids' entertainment industry professional. Jon is an award winning creative digital producer and founder of Jollywise. He is passionate about the intersection of digital and entertainment and its ability to constantly reinvent the way we tell stories to each other. Following a career spanning start-ups and the Walt Disney Company, Jon has spent the last 16 years steering Jollywise into the kids’ digital entertainment space. His team’s expertise has successfully delivered award winning creative digital projects for the BBC, Disney, NickJR, eOne.Jon is also the creator of Stan & Gran an animated children's show currently in development.Jon runs a not for Profit campaign called the Secret Story Draw, designed to open up real career opportunities in the children's media sector for creative talent from underrepresented ethnicities. Timestamps: [00:01:55] Navy career and graphic design. [00:05:33] Kids as early adopters. [00:08:35] Interactive storytelling and gaming. [00:13:32] Entertainment and education for kids. [00:16:25] Representation in children's media. [00:19:13] Diversity and inclusion. [00:24:09] Importance of diversity in society. [00:28:23] Autism and neurodiversity. [00:35:23] A love letter to my grandma. [00:39:37] Self-publishing and pitching. [00:42:36] The complicated business. [00:45:09] People in the industry. [00:51:10] TV shows as part of IP strategy. [00:54:18] My show on milkshake. [00:58:05] Finding the finance. [01:00:16] Kids pitching at Kids Green. [01:04:37] Company's future plans. [01:08:48] Maintaining passion in business. [01:11:29] Recognizing our creative achievements.