Strands of Genius: Matt Haze + Global Culture Report 2023
featuring: an interview with our guest editor and a research report
Welcome to the Bonus edition of Strands of Genius! On Fridays, we’ll be publishing interviews from our guest editors, and sharing a research report. Thanks for being along for the ride. Oh and by the way, you look great today :)
:: STEAL THIS THINKING | RESEARCH REPORT ::
In many ways and for many reasons, people are more separated now than they have been in the past. Philosophically, politically, financially, physically, there is no shortage of divisions and space. However, at least at work, research finds employees would prefer the opposite. Regardless of their place on the org chart, people have begun to seek more opportunities to connect with each other, and they are looking to their employers for help. Among the most common sentiments is a longing for community— the feeling of belonging to a group with a purpose that invites and inspires the person to contribute meaningful work. And when they feel this, it satisfies another deep need: fulfillment.
:: DIVE IN | THE INTERVIEW ::
MATT HAZE, COMEDIAN, FOUNDER AND CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER OF HAZE CREATIVE
>> Matt Haze guest curated Strands on July 6th, 2023. Read it here.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what keeps you busy. How did you end up doing what you’re doing today?
I'm a comedian and media personality turned entrepreneur that is developing a new type of media production company. Currently, Haze Creative, focuses on podcast production, development and consulting services for everyone from Emmy award winning hosts to entrepreneurs and everyone in-between. As the world craves authenticity in what they consume, I'm redeveloping my company to focus on brand development with a comedic kick to it and unique ways to monetize content.
I started in the entertainment world as a radio DJ when I was 16 years old. I started in radio right when the shift to digital began, so I was trained in the old world while being on the ground floor in the new world. Over the years, I've shifted what I do to match my own desires and interests along with the changing trends in media.
What excites you most about what you do?
Knowing I can make someone on the other side of the world laugh and think from a media product I helped to develop or even host myself makes me want to create more. I love that thrill of making millions laugh and think around the world.
When other media companies and brands want to play it safe with their messaging, I see so much opportunity in real authenticity and voices. There's something exciting about looking at a niche, seeing how it is presented and finding the underlying voices or thoughts that people think but don't necessarily say out loud. In there is magic and a way to connect with an audience that will thank you later.
What beliefs define your approach to work? How would you define your leadership style?
I don't know everything and I'm the first to admit I'm an idiot in many situations. But allowing my curiosity to lead a conversation can help me learn and grow and hopefully gain some insight.
When I was a wedding DJ years ago, my job was to take the spotlight and not put it on me, but on the couple and the guests at the event. My job was to make everyone in that room feel welcomed, comfortable to party, excited and look damn good! I try to use that mentality in the work that I do today.
What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on and why?
Years ago I created a silly twitter account called 30RockTree, which is a character parody account in the first person as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It's a counter to the brand that Rockefeller Center puts out for the tree every year and really says and thinks more as what real New Yorkers think and feel. It gets a ton of press every year and gets in a twitter feud with Al Roker from NBC's Today Show.
But what I really love is how people really use it for a much needed laugh during the holidays. We put so much pressure on ourselves and from family during that time of year. Creating a silly account that can make people laugh during the holidays? That's the best part. It means the world to me when I get messages from strangers saying "I needed this laugh, thank you." I try to do the same with every other project I'm involved in.
We are big believers in diversity -- Not only because we believe in equality, but because we also think it’s better for business. The Black Lives Matter movement has shaped industry conversations around both global injustice, and also lack of representation in our industry. How do you frame these kinds of conversations, both internally and with clients? Is there an emphasis on action, or are the conversations really more about communication?
Being a white, cis American male that grew up in the suburban midwest, I recognize that I come from a place of privilege and continue to have so much to learn. Approaching client conversations from a place of curiosity and learning has been an eye opening experience for me over the years. As the media landscape has changed, making a point to listen more and talk less so others can have their voice be heard is such an important skill to learn and something I remind those around me.
Switching gears a bit, how do you find time to balance personal interests with your career? Do you believe work/life balance is possible? Anything you’ve implemented that you recommend that others try?
What are personal interests? LOL! I have to remind myself at 10pm when I'm laying on the couch that it's okay to not be working! Often though, those random times are when my ideas come to me, so I will jot them down and come back to them later. Lately I've seen people talk about the importance of having a hobby just to have a hobby. For years I've wanted to learn to play chess, so I've made it a mission to learn this summer. Plus, it's a great way to meet new people!
What’s your media diet? Where do you find inspiration?
One of the biggest ah-ha moments in my creative endeavors was watching television content produced in other countries that you don't see in America. The British export so much great content, but there's so much they produce that don't leave the country! When I discovered this, I made an effort to look for shows, brands and comedy projects that might not be popular in my home country but loved elsewhere. I do the same with my news as well.
What’s the best piece of advice/knowledge you’ve stolen, and who/where’d you steal it from?
Years ago, I was standing next to my first radio boss in an arena in Cleveland, Ohio, listening to a soundcheck with the Barenaked Ladies. It was just us, the band, the tech people and a few others roaming around in this 20,000 seat arena. My boss looked at me and said "Matt, enjoy the ride. We're always focused on where we want to end up and the ultimate goals. But life is about the little moments along the journey, like this moment right here, right now. Enjoy the ride." I think of that quote often and will stop and enjoy moments in life when I know something special is going on.
What's my favorite Nando's PERi-PERi sauce you ask?
Mild, but Lemon & Herb is such a nice change of pace when I want to freshen up the flavors!
You can keep in touch with Matt on Instagram and Twitter
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rockON,
faris & rosie & ashley | your friends over at geniussteals.co
@faris is always tweeting
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@ashley also writes for deaf, tattooed & employed