Justin Taylor

📍Los Angeles, CA | Marketing Consultant & Advisor

📝 Editor’s Note

I think it is clear that I am Type-A. There are many manifestations, including a recent ‘Decision Making Matrix’ I made.

My matrix has enough detail to bleed onto a second page. There are sections to analyze how decisions align with my specific values, talents, and passions.

I’m not using this daily or even weekly. I’m crazy but not that crazy. I am using it for making major professional and personal decisions — searching for a business and where to send our kids to school.

But for all my Type-A musings about how a decision will impact my family or its alignment with my passion for bringing people together — there is really only one question that matters: “what is my gut telling me.” When going through the full list, I can instinctively start to tell which way my gut wants me to answer.

The faster (and more sane) approach is what Alexa McKnight recommended - shake a magic 8 ball and see if you like the answer. Signs point to yes.

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Without further ado….

Why Justin?

Justin and I worked together at Call of Duty. He’s a skilled marketer with impressive stops at Nike, Twitter, Activision, and WWE. I also really appreciate a passion project he’s been building for some time — he curates a list of interesting marketing jobs and shares them weekly on both his LinkedIn and his recently launched Substack. If you or someone in your network is hunting to find cool job postings, make sure to subscribe.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn.

Self-Description

Dad, Gamer, and Lakers fan who is obsessive about learning new things and helping businesses be successful

Justin’s 6 Recommendations

Written in his own words…

1. LEGO

Giving myself the time and space to sit down, and build something really fun makes me so so happy. I built the R2-D2 recently with my daughter, so that set has to be my favorite. We're all so often stuck on our digital devices, swiping through videos and social media posts, that focusing yourself for a few hours and following directions to create something can be cathartic.

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2. Prof G Markets Podcast

I love Scott Galloway and value his opinions on business, the market, and how cultural and social issues impact companies. It is an easy way for me to keep up to date on the latest developments in big tech, but also spend time thinking about the trajectory of where innovation is headed.

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3. Taking Walks During Calls

Does your call need to be a Zoom? I love going for a walk around the neighborhood. I actually think I'm a better listener when I'm walking on the phone than in front of the computer on a Zoom. Whenever I'm really trying to think of a solution for a client, a good walk and think always helps.

My Vice? Marvel Rivals. I've been playing it obsessively. A few nights ago, I didn’t get to bed till 2 AM. I felt like a college student again.

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4. Anime on Netflix | Demon Slayer; Hunter x Hunter

I'm a nerd and I have been watching a ton of anime recently. If you've ever thought about it, I highly suggest Demon Slayer or Hunter x Hunter, which are both available on Netflix. I know, you were expecting some profound documentary, but I'm telling you, give them a shot!

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5.Batanga

I'm obsessed with Batanga's. It's a cocktail with Mexican Coke, lime, and a great tequila. I've been using Cazcanes, which is an incredible brand. It has to be *Mexican Coca-Cola* so you get that real sugar. It is the perfect drink for a hot day.

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6. Keep Experiencing New Things

BY FAR my biggest piece of advice is to keep experiencing new things. With so much remote and hybrid work, we're stuck at home more than ever before.

I saw an interview with Trevor Noah where he talked about having to stop doing stand-up because he was working at The Daily Show so much, he no longer was just out living life, and therefore had no new experiences that were relatable to make jokes about. The best marketers and business people never lose sight of their consumers and are always experiencing and learning new things that always somehow end up bleeding into the workplace in what I believe is a positive way.

Want to get in touch with Justin? Reach out to him via LinkedIn

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Plug | The Landing Pad

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P.S. from Rambull — Our friends from Norway are visiting us this week. They deserve credit. They gave us an awesome gift, Roros Tweed Seating Pads. Popular in Norway, they use the pads during hiking breaks, on outdoor furniture, and when picnicking outside with kids. The wool is high quality and has an interesting mix of thickness to insulate but also, softness for comfort.

Bonus: Our friends also have these cool pieces of luggage from a Norweigan brand called D_B_. Expect to see them in the next gift guide...