Ad land’s young guns: Saksham Jadon, Founder and CEO, Youngun

Saksham Jadon is the Founder and CEO of Youngun, a platform dedicated to empowering and engaging today’s youth. With a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of young minds, Jadon has built Youngun into a thriving community hub. Under his leadership, the platform offers a range of services and resources tailored to the needs and interests of the youth, from educational content to career guidance and beyond. Jadon's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment has earned Youngun widespread acclaim and positioned it as a leading force in youth empowerment. With his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a positive impact, Saksham Jadon continues to inspire and uplift the next generation.

In conversation with Adgully, Saksham Jadon, Founder and CEO, Youngun, speaks about the importance of nurturing young talent, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions to address the diverse needs and aspirations of today’s youth. Jadon's speeches often touch on topics such as educational innovation, career development, the power of community engagement in shaping the future generation, and more.

Could you share the key milestones that led you to where you are today in the industry?

There have been several milestones that shaped my journey in the industry but one significant milestone that set the course for where I am today occurred when I transitioned from my previous job and found myself in a period of about 6-7 months of inactivity. During this time, I focused solely on meme marketing, consistently sharing content related to memes as an attention space for brands on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. This singular focus eventually caught the attention of Netflix. Despite not having a specific portfolio or campaign ready at the time, Netflix approached me, recognizing potential in my meme-centric approach. This opportunity pushed me to assemble my resources and ideas quickly to create and implement a successful campaign. This marked the beginning of my journey with Netflix, a moment that has significantly influenced my trajectory in the industry.

Another significant milestone in my journey unfolded when I began work with CRED. While some clients appreciate ideas, CRED consistently challenged me to delve deeper and think outside the box to tailor campaigns specifically to their brand. This experience was crucial as it led me to elevate the standard of my work. Working with CRED marked a turning point, pushing me to expand my creative boundaries and refine my approach, ultimately contributing to my growth within the industry.

In your experience, what are some common challenges that young professionals face when starting their careers and how can they overcome them?

One of the primary challenges that young professionals often encounter as they embark on their careers is grappling with self-doubt and the constant need for validation. In today's interconnected world, where social media plays a significant role, these challenges can feel amplified. Regardless of the effort they put into their work, there's a sense of self-doubt. They may find themselves seeking validation, whether it's through positive feedback from superiors or the success of a project going viral on social platforms.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial for young professionals to cultivate self-confidence and resilience. Instead of letting self-doubt hinder progress, they should view setbacks as opportunities for growth. For example, if a proposed idea doesn't succeed, they can analyze what went wrong and learn from it. Every mistake is a chance to refine their skills and improve themselves. Because the moment you get into the zone of action and problem-solving, self-doubt is automatically eliminated.

By cultivating a mindset of continuous learning from both successes and failures, young professionals can navigate these challenges easily.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments, and what resources or strategies would you recommend to young professionals seeking to for the same?

Our team excels at our work because we are active users of social media. When we browse these platforms, we pay close attention to emerging trends and ideas that could be valuable. I encourage team members to share noteworthy trends or developments in our team groups. This ensures we stay up-to-date and can leverage these insights for our work.

What led you to pursue a leadership role at a young age, and what are your long-term leadership goals?

During my time as an intern at Zomato, I was drawn to their trusting and non-micromanaging culture. It made me feel safe and at ease. I remember thinking that if I ever had my own company, I'd want to cultivate the same kind of environment - where everyone feels comfortable and trusted. Fast forward to today, at Youngun, I've made that vision a reality. Our team enjoys a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Looking ahead, as Youngun will grow from a team of 50 currently to like 100-150 members in the future, maintaining this environment will be a challenge. But it's a challenge I'm committed to tackling. I want to ensure that our company culture remains inclusive and welcoming, even as we expand.

Currently, people are drawn to Youngun because of me, but my goal is for them to trust the entire team. That’s why I’m focused on building a strong, cohesive team that people can rely on.

What strategies do you use to motivate and inspire your team members or peers?

To motivate and inspire team members or peers, I employ several strategies focused on fostering a fearless environment. Firstly, I emphasize the acceptance of mistakes, reassuring team members that errors are natural and correctable. This eliminates the fear of failure, encouraging them to take risks and learn from experiences.

Additionally, I cultivate an open culture where team members feel confident in sharing ideas with superiors. By removing the fear associated with voicing opinions, individuals are empowered to freely contribute and provide valuable feedback. This inclusive approach stimulates creativity and collaboration within the team.

In practice, instead of simply pointing out someone's mistake, it's more effective to explain why something may not be the best approach and suggest alternative thinking patterns. This approach helps individuals see things from different perspectives and encourages continuous improvement.

What initiatives have you taken to develop your leadership skills and knowledge?

In my pursuit of leadership development, I prioritize fostering a welcoming environment open to collaboration. I am committed to cultivating a cohesive team that members can readily depend on. Moreover, I actively seek to broaden my knowledge by staying updated on the current trends and topics, approaching them as opportunities for learning and growth.

What advice would you offer to aspiring young professionals aspiring to leadership positions?

For young professionals aiming for leadership roles, consistency is key. In today's world full of distractions, staying focused on your goals is crucial. Whether it's your main career path or a side project, dedicating consistent effort pays off.

This steadfast commitment ensures that eventual success becomes not just a possibility, but an inevitable outcome. Avoiding distractions and keeping your eye on the prize will lead to success. Therefore, aspiring leaders should prioritize consistency in their actions, remaining unwavering in their pursuit of excellence.