John Bartleson

What happens when you build your career at the intersection of culture and technology — then walk away to start over? John Bartleson’s journey from MTV and Roc-A-Fella Records to Wall Street and New York’s DJ scene is a story of reinvention, risk, and staying true to yourself.

John Bartleson stumbled into an internship at MTV during its cultural peak, bringing early knowledge of the internet to an industry that barely knew it existed. That insight launched him into a career at the crossroads of music, pop culture, and digital innovation—from Paper Magazine to Island Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella Records, where he worked alongside Jay-Z and Kanye West as hip-hop reshaped the world.

As music and media evolved, John helped Nokia and Telefónica bridge culture and technology on a global scale. Eventually, he made a radical pivot—leaving corporate life to trade the markets by day and spin tracks by night at some of New York City’s most vibrant clubs.

In this episode, we explore:
• The courage to reinvent yourself when the world (and your identity) are shifting
• The tension between traditional success and creative fulfillment
• How humility, agility, and curiosity can sustain a career across decades and disciplines

John’s story is a masterclass in following the beat of your own life—proof that the steeper path often leads to the most meaningful destinations.

Listen now and subscribe to The Steeper Path Podcast for more stories of people who’ve chosen the steeper path to greater goals.

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Produced by Lagom LLC | Hosted by Lenn