Joshua Mead and The Meadia Agency are Connecting the Dots for Creatives and Brands

Creativity That Never Sleeps: Joshua Mead and The Meadia Agency are Connecting the Dots for Creatives and Brands

This rising creative agency develops digital marketing strategies and buzzy experiences that authentically connect with consumers.

Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to
know about you?

I am a 24-year-old entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and overall relentless creative. My name is Joshua Mead. Since before I can remember I have always had a compelling interest in probing the unknown. That constant inquisitiveness and desire to understand the how and why has driven me to my current success.

I was the kid who couldn’t care less about the movie, but was more interested in…Who designed the set? How was it created? How was that stunt done? Why these actors?

After graduating from Temple University in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I knew I had to push the gas pedal on my goal of becoming successful in the marketing and communications space.

Having graduated two months into the pandemic, I recognized how important it would be for me to enhance my work experience, relationships, and networking while the world, and I, waited for some semblance of normalcy to return.

So, I founded The Meadia Agency (TMA). TMA is a culture-driven marketing and communications agency. Growing up in a space where culture is underrepresented, presented a unique opportunity for the TMA team and me to bridge the gap between marginalized creatives and major brand opportunities.

Through brand partnerships, event curation, media relations, and marketing strategy, TMA has quickly gained traction, working with the likes of Paige Hurd, Sean “Diddy” Combs, King Combs, Complexcon, DeLeon Tequila, and Viola, just to name a few.

What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?

Since I was a child, I have always imagined myself in the space I am in today. With that said, the journey here was nothing that I could have ever imagined. While a student at Temple University, I was hyper-focused on building my network, getting my name known, and my hands involved in real work experiences.

From interning with mega-brands like NBC Universal to signing personal retainer clients, I worked nonstop to secure a full-time position post-college. As graduation approached, I began to apply to many positions. I was very diligent about this process, customizing every resume and cover letter to the role I was applying for. In the span of six months, I had submitted over 250 applications and heard from none.

Simultaneously, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world…in my case, graduation was canceled, and job opportunities were scarce, especially in the creative industries.

At this point, in March 2020 – I chose not to let the lack of response from employers, along with unexpected times, derail me from my goals. I approached two college friends to pool our skills and abilities to start a creative agency. We blended our networks, creative concepts, and opportunities to elevate the culture through our own work.

There are three qualities I possess that I feel have been most significant to my success. I have the ability to recognize a problematic situation, thoroughly analyze it, and strategize a way to work my way out of it, as exemplified in the above situation. Scary as it was, I had the persistence to do what had to be done to make order and success out of the chaos of life/work.

In addition, the ability to continuously self-reflect, be it while walking the dog (shoutout to my boy Bash) or washing the dishes, I consider to be one of the qualities that has added to my growth. Being able to reflect is a powerful tool that has made me a more effective leader and learner.

It is important to be able to seek and retain feedback—both validation of the wins and understanding of where I’ve faltered. The entertainment space is driven by turn-key deadlines, short-notice meetings, and last-minute activations. The luxury of time is not always available. Being able to handle the pressures that the lack of time can ignite has been a major factor on my road to success.

Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.

The business was booming, we were developing campaigns and activations for clients such as NFL player Jason Pinnock, NYC’s favorite chicken joint, Sticky’s, PUMA, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others. About a year in, my colleagues had secured full-time jobs and I had only secured my second interview. Due to availability, the business was dissolved.

I began to refocus on my personal growth and goals. I rebranded and launched The Meadia Agency. A few months after TMA was established, I had a Los Angeles based business reach out to me regarding a full-time position, Marketing Manager. This was the moment I was waiting for; this opportunity checked all my boxes! My bags were packed, and within a few weeks, I was moving to Los Angeles.

Days after touching down in California, I was informed that the position was no longer on the table. The reason behind the decision was due to conflicts of interest with TMA. The business team was afraid I would pull their contacts with networks and celebrities such as Diddy and HBO, ultimately surpassing the business.

Now, this is where the story comes full circle. Six months after I was not hired due to my potential access to certain top-tier contacts, TMA was contracted by Combs Enterprises to work directly with the digital team focused on the Diddy and DeLeon Tequila brands.

It was at this exact moment I knew I was doing what I was born to do. Yes, we going there!!

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?

Starting a business in the entertainment industry is not for the weak.

Before becoming immersed in the industry, I always knew I was going to have to fight for my spot. Having said that, the obstacles and challenges that resulted during my journey were far from expected.

From rejection, to lack of mentorship, and constant comparison to others, the feeling of defeat felt too close to home. The validation I desired from others started to hinder my creativity and motivation…two characteristics I never lacked. It became a huge challenge to find my niche, my space within the already oversaturated entertainment industry.

Without full-time experience and professional mentorship, I had to learn through trial and error. I took the initiative and developed my processes for success. It took 6 internships, 3 jobs, 250+ rejections, and 3 LLCs to finally grow through dismissal, lack of mentorship, and constant comparison to others.

Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “It’s who you know, not what you know.” In the entertainment industry, this concept is multiplied exponentially. Your network and relationships are key to your success. Three people I would like to meet are Rich Paul, Kris Jenner, and Oprah Winfrey.

Rich Paul is living proof that being in the right place at the right time can determine your destiny. Through hard work and dedication, Rich Paul has become almost as successful as his most famous clients. Paul’s tireless commitment to his players has resulted in millions of dollars in salaries, endorsement deals, and sponsorships.

Going from Lebron James’s best friend, to a threat to the big agencies of basketball, Rich Paul has mastered turning top athletes into superstars.

The Kardashian-Jenner name needs no introduction. With a family net worth of over $2 billion, a combined Instagram following of over 680 million, and more than 950,000 Americans tuning in for an average episode, the family has more clout and exposure than even some of the world’s most influential politicians.

Thanks to the genius of Kris Jenner, the Kardashian brand has successfully executed one of the most difficult brand jumps there is – from low to high status. It would be extremely interesting to pick Kris Jenner’s brain about how she has built a family empire.

Oprah Winfrey didn’t get her career break until she was 32 when her talk show became nationally syndicated. The persistence and patience that Oprah had to endure to not lose sight of her dreams is remarkable! After so much trauma and rejection, how does one remain so driven? Although there are a slew of people within the industry who I would love to connect with. Rich Paul, Kris Jenner, and Oprah Winfrey currently hold the TOP 3 spots on my list.

Their insights on the industry, alone, would be extremely beneficial to my longevity and success.

Drop your social media links:

● Personal Instagram: @_joshuameadia
● Business Instagram: @meadiaagency