Episode #15 - Jason Feifer 

#15MinuteFounder

Jason Feifer is the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, a bestselling author, and a podcast host who helps people navigate change and build future-proof careers.

In this episode, we dive into the key motivators behind success, how to embrace career shifts, and why thinking like an entrepreneur, whether you start a business or not, is essential for long-term growth. Plus, Jason shares a powerful framework for staying adaptable in any industry.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at his work in media, his productivity habits, and even his unexpected approach to food (hint: he has no sense of taste or smell!).

Highlights

What motivates you, and how does that explain your diverse career journey?

When asked whether money, power, pleasure, or fame is the key driver, I say it’s pleasure. I’ve always been motivated by what brings me genuine gratification. I’ve shifted careers not to chase money or power, but to pursue what truly sparks joy.

For instance, while I love growing and advising startups, I never lost sight of the importance of doing what feels inherently rewarding, even if that means playing an instrument I’m not great at.

It’s all about finding the intersection between what you excel at and what makes you happy.

What does it mean to “future proof” your career, and how can we achieve it?

Future proofing isn’t about a single move that guards against every possible change; it’s about setting yourself up today for tomorrow’s opportunities.

For me, it starts with understanding your unchanging core, the thing about you that remains constant regardless of external changes. I encourage everyone to write a personal mission statement, a single, carefully crafted sentence beginning with “I”, that encapsulates what you do best and what never changes, even when your role or industry does. By focusing on building on your inherent strengths and transferable skills, you can navigate change with confidence.

Should everyone be an entrepreneur, or is there another way to satisfy that inner drive?

Not necessarily. While I believe everyone has an entrepreneurial itch, starting a company isn’t the only way to satisfy it. It’s important to consider a concept from self-determination theory: humans need autonomy, relatedness, and competency.

For some, entrepreneurship is a way to gain full control and creativity in their careers, but you can also cultivate that mindset within a larger organization or through different creative pursuits. The key is to explore what truly motivates you and to seek opportunities, what I call “opportunity set B”, that aren’t confined to the role you’re already in.

How do you apply your ARC framework (Autonomy, Relatedness, Competency) in your role at Entrepreneur and in media today?

In media, especially as content becomes harder to monetize directly, the focus shifts to relationships. Content isn’t just about generating revenue; it’s about building trust and connection. At Entrepreneur, we’re evolving our strategy by asking, “What is this for?” rather than focusing solely on monetization.

This means creating content that builds relationships first and foremost, whether that’s through storytelling, community building, or engaging directly with our audience. For me, staying true to what I do best, telling stories in my own voice, ensures that no matter what changes in the industry, my core value remains intact.

What is your morning routine, and how do you set yourself up for the day?

My mornings are far from the idealized “zen” routines you often read about. My alarm goes off at 6:40 AM, and sometimes my wife and I hit snooze for a few extra minutes before heading downstairs to make breakfast for the kids.

Once that’s done, I immediately check my phone, emails, social media, LinkedIn messages, to see if there’s anything urgent waiting for me. I believe in customizing your routine to match your outcomes. For me, knowing that nothing pressing is waiting allows me to shift my focus to my family and creative work with a clear head.

How does your unique relationship with food, given your inability to taste or smell, shape your daily habits?

Since I have no sense of smell or taste, I tend to become a very habitual eater. For breakfast, I stick with a reliable combination, a toaster waffle with peanut butter and sliced banana, because texture and consistency are what matter to me, not flavor.

Lunch is usually a quick, practical option like Greek yogurt with a bit of honey, and dinner is lovingly prepared by my wife. I find that while others might enjoy experimenting with different tastes, I thrive on the simplicity and reliability of my routine.

What’s your favorite productivity hack, and how do you manage work-life balance?

My simplest productivity hack is avoiding morning meetings. I reserve my peak creative time for high-quality work, which for me means no meetings before noon. I see my work life as a series of “sprints”, intense bursts of productivity to build opportunities for the future.

While I’m often labeled a workaholic, I believe that it’s all about aligning your daily tasks with your long-term goals. For me, front-loading my effort now means I can later enjoy the benefits of the work I’ve put in. It’s not about achieving a perfect balance but rather making deliberate choices based on what matters most to you.

What’s next for you, and how do you envision the future of your career and community?

I’m constantly exploring what lies beyond my current role. Although I’ve spent a significant part of my career in content, I’m now focused on building communities and deepening relationships.

For example, I recently co-launched a program called CPG Fast Track, a coaching and networking initiative for early-stage consumer packaged goods founders. I see this as a natural evolution of my work: transforming content from a one-way broadcast into an interactive, community-driven experience.

Over the next decade, I aim to use my storytelling skills not just to inform but to create lasting, transformative relationships that extend well beyond traditional media.

For those who want to connect with you, where can they find you online?

I’m very active on LinkedIn, and I invite everyone to join the conversation there. Additionally, I publish a weekly newsletter called One Thing Better, a digest of insights on achieving success and building a fulfilling career or business. You can subscribe at One Thing Better, and when you do, I personally read and often reply to your emails.

Time stamps

Intro – 00:39–2:08

Future-Proofing Your Career – 2:09–6:19

Adopting the Entrepreneurial Mindset – 6:20–9:30

The Future Landscape of Media – 9:31–14:45

The Power of Content – 14:46–16:30

Hot Take: 16:31–21:21

Use Now to Build For Tomorrow – 21:21–24:30

Being a Nonstop Optimism Machine – 24:31–26:21

A Glimpse into Jason’s Day – 26:21–31:31

Thinking Vertically – 31:32–34:05

Productivity Hack – 34:05–35:15

What’s Next for Jason Feifer – 35:16–41:52