What if the kid making Super 8 movies in his backyard grew up to shape some of the world’s most iconic brands?

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Lawson, Head of Brand Licensing at Calm, whose career spans The Simpsons, Stranger Things, Angry Birds, Shrek, Netflix—and now wellness.

Joe knew at age five he wanted to make films. While chasing that dream, he took the scenic route—turning a temp job at Fox into 12 years leading licensing for The Simpsons, building unforgettable brand experiences, and producing his own feature film along the way.

His journey is filled with missed jobs, failed projects, and big “no’s”—but every rejection redirected him to something bigger.

Now at Calm, Joe is using everything he’s learned to build products that truly touch people’s lives—while keeping his filmmaker dream alive.

🎙️ Key takeaways:

• Rejection is redirection

• Your network is everything

• Side passions can become your next chapter

• Reinvention happens moment by moment

A masterclass in patience, persistence, and purposeful reinvention.

Connect with Joe

Joe’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lawson-679630/

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