Jamar Jones

Introduction and Welcome

Taryell Simmons: Good morning and welcome to Rise Urban Nation. I have a special guest in the building today—the one and only Jamar Jones. We both love coffee early in the morning. Top of the morning to you, sir, and cheers. How are you doing today?

Jamar Jones: Cheers! I am doing great because I woke up this morning. That is the first thing I always do—just thank God that I woke up.

Taryell Simmons: My granddad used to say any day above ground is a good day. For people who may not know who Jamar Jones is, tell us who you are.

Jamar Jones: I am Jamar Jones, owner of branding and media company Foureva Media. We connect businesses to diverse communities with branded entertainment. I lead a team of about ten people. Our mission is to bridge the economic empowerment gap, provide opportunities, and help people unlock their superpowers. I am also a speaker and author of the book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life, and creator of the Lead the Movement Business Conference.

The Power of Changing Your Circle

Taryell Simmons: You have consistently grown through the power of changing your circle. What makes personal growth exciting for you?

Jamar Jones: I am always trying to push the bar for my own growth. I love gaining knowledge and applying it. My media diet is full of professional and personal development resources. I look forward to collaborating with and challenging others. Having a mentor is essential to guide your compass in life.

Taryell Simmons: What catapulted writing your book?

Jamar Jones: Years ago, as a hip-hop artist, I only focused on music. But the phrase "change your circle, change your life" kept recurring in my mind. In 2021, I wrote the book in six months. I did not want to wait for more accolades; I wanted people to watch me apply the principles in real time as I organized our arena conference.

Unlocking Self-Awareness

Taryell Simmons: If someone does not know their strengths, what steps should they take?

Jamar Jones: The first step is unlocking self-awareness. You cannot understand or change your circle until you understand yourself. I break self-awareness into three core ingredients: understanding your fear, expanding your perspective, and growing your confidence. The fourth vital ingredient is self-love.

Taryell Simmons: Why is self-love so critical?

Jamar Jones: Without self-love, you constantly blame others and internalize outside negativity. Fear paralyzes you, a narrow perspective limits your vision, and low confidence creates excuses. Self-awareness allows you to walk the walk.

Taryell Simmons: Can you develop these areas simultaneously, and can someone have too much confidence?

Jamar Jones: Everyone is wired differently, so you can work on multiple areas at once. Excessive confidence or ego can make you unapproachable, but most people struggle with fear, narrow perspectives, and insufficient confidence.

Overcoming Environmental Traps and Negative Influences

Taryell Simmons: What makes personal growth so challenging?

Jamar Jones: Environment and upbringing play major roles. People around you can act like crabs in a barrel. Humans download information like computers; if you download outdated or inaccurate data, it limits your growth.

Taryell Simmons: Even loved ones can project their own fears onto us out of protection.

Jamar Jones: Exactly. It comes down to perspective. Jay-Z thought bigger than his uncle's doubts. When you change your circle, new opportunities and ideas emerge that help you course-correct.

Taryell Simmons: Representation matters. When young people see successful Black business leaders, it expands their horizons.

Jamar Jones: At our conference, a nineteen-year-old attendee was moved to tears because he had never seen someone who looked like him running an event of that magnitude. Accessible role models show what is possible beyond extreme anomalies.

Setting Boundaries: Vampires and Shepherds

Taryell Simmons: How do you handle people who resent your growth?

Jamar Jones: In my book, I talk about avoiding bums and distinguishing between vampires and shepherds. Energy vampires drain you and pull you backward. You must set boundaries and limit interactions. Instead, seek shepherds who guide and uplift you.

Taryell Simmons: If you look around your circle and you are not inspired, you have a cage, not a circle.

Jamar Jones: That is completely true. If you evaluate your circle and realize you are in a cage, you have to break out.

Taryell Simmons: Bob Marley spoke about emancipating yourself from mental slavery. People often remain stuck in survival mode.

Jamar Jones: When you are accustomed to surviving in difficult environments, your brain remains on high alert. You have to consciously unlearn defensiveness, pause, and realize you are safe to grow.

Handling Criticism and Career Entitlement

Taryell Simmons: How do you handle criticism?

Jamar Jones: I dismiss unconstructive negativity, but if someone who has earned trust offers constructive feedback, I humble myself, listen, and adapt.

Taryell Simmons: What was your first job, and what do you say to young people with unrealistic expectations?

Jamar Jones: My first job was at McDonald's at age fourteen. Today, some graduates expect high salaries immediately without proven results. You must earn your stripes through internships, mentorship, and building tangible skills.

Discovering Your Superpower and Future Trends

Taryell Simmons: What steps helped you pivot from music to entrepreneurship?

Jamar Jones: Identify your superpower—the unique gift God gave you that you do effortlessly. For me, that is charisma, high energy, and drive. I channeled that same energy into business, writing, and speaking.

Taryell Simmons: What is a major life lesson you have learned?

Jamar Jones: Life is not fair. Accepting that truth shifts your mindset from complaining to problem-solving. When one door closes, find a window.

Taryell Simmons: Where is the media industry headed?

Jamar Jones: The future centers on digital content, community building, and branded entertainment. Pure promotional sales pitches are fading; audiences want connection and engaging storytelling.

Current Projects and Final Advice

Taryell Simmons: What projects are you working on, and where can listeners connect with you?

Jamar Jones: Foureva Media is helping companies execute DEI strategies through branded entertainment. We produce the Foureva Podcast and are preparing for our next major business conference. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @jamarjonesfm, or visit Foureva Media.

Taryell Simmons: Any final words of wisdom?

Jamar Jones: Take action. Stop just talking and listening without execution. Apply the lessons, grab the book, and do something today to move the needle.