In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and dynamic EJ Jamele — CEO of crowdMGMT, producer, brand architect, and talent manager to some of the most sought-after artists in the beauty and entertainment industries. Our conversation goes far beyond brand strategy and success stories. EJ and I explore how discomfort can be one of our greatest teachers — especially when it comes to learning how to learn, growing our social awareness, and navigating a diverse world in values-based ways. EJ's insight into leadership, collaboration, and creative excellence is both inspiring and grounding. He reminds us that growth doesn't come from staying comfortable — it comes from being curious, humble, and willing to stretch beyond what we know. If you've ever wondered how to align ambition with authenticity, or how to lead with both courage and compassion, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in to hear how EJ uses discomfort as a tool for doing better, being better and building communities that thrive on awareness, integrity and creative freedom. MORE ABOUT EJ: EJ Jamele is the CEO and founder of crowdMGMT, a brand & talent management and full-service productions firm representing an exclusive roster of multi-faceted artists in the beauty and lifestyle industries. As a dynamic production house, crowdMGMT creates compelling content across all media - from targeted social campaigns to major advertising spots, television shows, streaming content, and film projects. The company's prestigious client list includes leading publications, global brands, TV networks, fashion houses and celebrities such as VOGUE, Vanity Fair, Essence, L'Officiel, #LEGEND, ABC, VH1, FX, The Kardashians, Ciara, Mary J. Blige, Jeep, Balmain, Versace, L'Oreal, PUMA, Jennifer Hudson, V Magazine and countless others. EJ's dedication to the industry extends beyond production and management - he served as a board member and annual state scholarship pageant producer for the Miss America Connecticut chapter, and co-produced the EFFIE Award-winning "Know Your Status" LIFE BEAT org stage concert series, where all attendees took confidential HIV tests as entry to the venue. He serves as an executive contributor to The Makeup Show and regularly speaks and advises for a network of over sixty thousand pro and aspiring beauty industry artists globally. His commercial and entertainment work has garnered billions of impressions, featured on Good Morning America, VH1, MTV, BET, Billboard Magazine, V Magazine, Essence Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Complex Media and many more. As a talent manager to some of the industry's most sought-after artists, EJ brings his keen eye for talent development and media projects to every endeavor. He fosters a culture of high-level collaboration among clients and colleagues, facilitating inclusive projects within the crowdMGMT artist roster and network. EJ states, "I believe that by elevating one another, my clients will maintain both longevity and creative advantage in their respective industries and it's my job to curate a roster of like-minded elite talent to maintain and elevate that advantage for us all." Television audiences may recognize him from appearances on VH1's "Lala Anthony's Full Court Life" and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," highlighting his expertise and clients. He continues to forge forward in all aspects of his career, as he would say, "AVANTI!" IG: instagram.com/EJ_Jamele MORE ABOUT ME: I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces. I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution , where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding. MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: * Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox * Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at
[email protected] * Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships * Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social pla
