Just Keep Learning Podcast

Write. Tinker. Win.From Hip Hop to EntrepreneurshipRoss Simmonds grew up learning lessons from hip hop that would later shape his entire career. From Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco to Kendrick Lamar, the messages of hunger, excellence, and humility built the foundation for how he approaches business. In this episode of Just Keep Learning, Ross explains how those same principles helped him turn curiosity and writing into a multi-business empire. Building Businesses From CuriosityRoss didn’t start with a blueprint,he started with experiments. From selling jerseys and durags out of his locker to creating blogs and digital guides, he learned that curiosity compounds into skills. Each project taught him something new about sales, storytelling, and community,skills he now uses to run his B2B marketing agency and e-commerce brand. Personal Branding and the “CEO of You”Ross breaks down his framework for personal branding: think of yourself as a company. Be your own CEO, marketing director, finance officer, and HR department. Decide what you want to be known for, and act accordingly. A personal brand isn’t about pretending; it’s about doing real things, then sharing them. Hip Hop, Hustle, and Staying HumbleHip hop taught Ross that ambition and gratitude can coexist. At his agency, Foundation, the mantra “Stand up. Be humble.” serves as a daily reminder to celebrate wins without getting complacent. Like a great verse, every project deserves your best performance,treat your first like your last and your last like your first. B2B vs. B2C and Making Money OnlineRoss demystifies the world of business models. Whether it’s selling to consumers or companies, he says the key is finding what excites you. For some, that’s making merch or art; for others, it’s helping organizations grow. Both can work if you stay focused and learn to sell. He explains how digital skills,writing, design, communication,can turn into income fast through freelancing, affiliate marketing, or online products. Lessons For Aspiring CreatorsTreat every project like your firstLearn from hip hop: stay hungry, stay humbleThink like a CEO,build your personal brand with intentionUse the internet as your equalizer; the opportunities are endlessBuild skills before income; curiosity compounds into cash flowExperiment. Tinker. Keep learning.Memorable Quotes“Treat your first like your last, and your last like your first.” “The internet is the greatest equalizer.” “Be the CEO of you.” “There’s no one too unskilled to make money online.” “Find joy in tinkering,the play is the path.” Final Advice For CreatorsBe willing to experiment. Don’t chase perfection,chase curiosity. Build something, learn from it, and keep evolving. That’s how you win in business and in life. Guest BioRoss Simmonds is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Foundation, a B2B content marketing agency helping global brands scale through strategy and storytelling. He’s also behind Hustle & Grind, a lifestyle brand for creators. Known for blending hip hop culture with business insight, Ross teaches creators and marketers how to turn ideas into impact. CHECK OUT THE JKL STORE FOR HELP MAKING YOUR BOOK, PODCAST AND BUSINESS DREAMS COME TRUE! FOLLOW Justin Instagram – @JustKeepLearning.Ca YouTube –@justkeeplearningpodcast Twitter – @JustinNolan_JKL Tiktok – @justkeeplearning.ca Pinterest – JustKeepLearningca Facebook – JustKeepLearning LinkedIn – Justin I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on building your publishing business. Write a book, create a podcast, share content, and build a business, design the life of your dreams.Let's make it happen. You got this! See how we can work together. https://stan.store/justkeeplearning