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    How I got my job as… Artist Director at Ethara

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    This week, Emirates Man speaks to Ethara’s Artist Director, Jason Johnson.
    Welcome to the Emirates Man weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businessmen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    As the Artist and Content Director in Abu Dhabi, Jason orchestrates unforgettable live entertainment experiences by curating diverse lineups of international and local artists. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Jason brings a wealth of expertise to his role, ensuring the seamless execution of each event through meticulously navigating contract negotiations and promoting teamwork across departments.
    Jason has built a diverse portfolio during his seven years at Ethara, spotlighting acts from Dua Lipa to Eminem, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, and Guns N’ Roses, alongside stars like Pink, Post Malone, Andrea Bocelli, and comedians Dave Chappelle and Russell Peters. Jason also plays a crucial role in the Yasalam F1 After-Race concerts, blending top international artists with up-and-coming talents to create a vibrant atmosphere at the events.
    An influential player in the industry, Jason extends his influence beyond concerts to foster the local music scene, evidenced by the Regional Artist Spotlight programme. This initiative has elevated the profiles of over 25 local and regional acts through strategic partnerships.
    Emirates Man spoke to Jason to see how it all began. Here, Jason shares his career journey and insider insights that comes with the job of putting together a show like no other.

    What was your favourite subject at school?
    I enjoyed a few of them but Entrepreneurial Studies stands out the most to me. There was a programme back home in Canada for entrepreneurial studies in high school and I opted for it, not thinking much, and it left a much bigger impact on my life because of the lessons I’ve learned from it. It taught me a lot of skills that I find myself using to this day in my role that constantly has me negotiating with artist management, resolving issues, and strategically allocating our resources at Ethara.
    What was your first job?
    I worked as a cashier at a fast-food chain in Toronto. I believe it gave me a good understanding of working with a large number of people. One of the main aspects of my job was conversing with people, and working in the service industry definitely helped me build a strong foundation for dealing with different personalities. Since then, I’ve worked in the live entertainment industry for over 15 years, from owning an entertainment agency to now being the Artist Director at Ethara – it’s been a long journey to get where I am.
    What eventually brought you to the Abu Dhabi?
    I initially came here to visit a friend who had just relocated to the country. So when I came, checked it out, and thought, “I’m gonna live here.” And that was it. It was an immediate decision, but it took me six years to make it happen. During those six years, I would come back every year. The growth was exponential in the city and you could feel the energy throughout. And it felt like no idea was too big.
    What inspired you to enter the entertainment space?
    I believe I was always in the entertainment space. I think it comes from my Jamaican culture. Our culture is all about bringing families together on the weekends and organising parties and events. So it felt like a natural extension of things that I did with my family to my friends and then expanded it to everyone else.
    What are the key elements of your role as Artist Director at Ethara?
    The exciting part about my job at Ethara is that I wear many hats. It’s always interesting and challenging. Sometimes I act as a lawyer finalising contracts and then strategising e with the marketing team; no two days are ever the same and that’s what I love.
    In a nutshell, my main focus areas are artist procurement, IP development, and event programming. I can go from negotiating commercial points and also working with a team to delivering the events. Research and development is a big part of what we do. Trends have shifted, especially around F1 and subsequently with the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. The audience has gotten younger and more diverse We look at diversifying the lineup over the week. We try to adapt by looking at the trends, making sure that we are ahead of it. Our team works year-round to ensure we deliver the best event we can to support one of the biggest sporting events in the Middle East.

    Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    I usually wake up around 7:00 AM every day and start my day with a matcha. I play some piano right after since I’m currently learning it. It helps me clear my mind and sets me up to start on the right note.
    I’ll start by checking my emails and liaising with artist agencies to plan any potential performances in the UAE. I’ll move on to researching artist touring data if we’re currently actively in a cycle of procuring artists and announcing artists. Then it’s my responsibility to coordinate with all of our other departments to ensure that whatever is contractually agreed upon is acceptable for everyone involved. After that, I facilitate the approvals for the announcement and serve as a point of contact to verify everything adheres to our contractual terms.
    In the background, a lot is happening, and we simultaneously plan for the coming years and look at what commercial shows might make sense for this year and years to come. Thankfully, we have such a great team that is well-oiled that has done this year after year. And I don’t think any of us individually could say it’s because of us. It really is a hive mind and a collective movement, especially when we are in sync leading up to an event.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    What I always tell people is that the fastest and easiest way to achieve success is to be consistent. It’s the only way to do or become anything you want. If you get up tomorrow, and you’re like, “I’m going to take 1 step towards this thing”, you might miss a day. But what is important, is that the next day, you come back. You need to be determined to take another step that eventually compounds over time. These small steps move you yards. You may not see your progress right now, but the only thing that actually genuinely works is to be consistent. And the sooner you become more consistent, the easier it is for everything else to happen and fall into place.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    One of the best pieces of advice I’ve actually ever gotten was, “If you think the price of winning is too high, wait until you get the bill for regret.” And it speaks volumes to me because if you take a shot at what you want, you will always be content that you tried even if it didn’t work out. But to think, “What could have happened if I tried?” is a mindset you should try to stray away from. And I apply this advice daily in my professional and personal life.
    Tell us what guests can expect at the upcoming Yasalam After-Race Concerts?
    This year we have an incredible lineup of artists delivering an unparalleled 4 nights of entertainment at Etihad Park, headlining the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Featuring world-class artists, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s 16th edition will feature multi-platinum artist Teddy Swims and electronic music royalty Peggy Gou on the first night of the event. Friday and Saturday will feature Grammy award-winning artists and American icons Maroon 5 and Eminem, respectively. Wrapping up a four-day thriller is British rock legends Muse, closing the region’s biggest sporting and entertainment event on a high. You don’t want to miss these performances.

    Teddy Swims and Peggy Gou
    What has been the biggest challenge in your role at Ethara?
    When it comes to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, we have to constantly think outside the box. We had to look at what made the most sense for the lineup. In recent years, we have definitely wanted to have an even balance of star power across the four days of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is something that we have been mindful of this year.
    But that decision alone involves 10,000 things that you have to consider. There are things like budgets, artist availability, artist calibre, touring dates, and all these elements that we look at solely for artist selection. It requires a lot of effort, and it took a lot to finalise the lineup this year. We are incredibly excited for our audience to finally see Muse, Maroon 5, Eminem, and our latest additions—Teddy Swims and Peggy Gou perform at Etihad Park.
    What are your goals for the future?
    My hope for Ethara is that we continue being what we currently are: the premier, one-stop destination for entertainment. Whether it’s small or large-scale productions of any kind, I want us to become a key player in the regional market, able to rival international businesses. I hope the team keeps refining and creating experiences that turn into core memories for people—moments they carry with them for life.
    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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      Yes, Happiness Can Boost Productivity – Here’s How

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      As humans, we’re constantly in the pursuit of happiness. And that pursuit grows, the more we learn about its benefits. Martin Seligman, considered the ‘Father of Positive Psychology’, said “…the happiest people tend to be those who pursue the full life– they infuse their life with pleasure, engagement and meaning”. With that in mind, could it be that happiness can boost productivity? Experts say yes. Here’s what you need to know.

      Meet The Expert: Nisha Rodgerson is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in neurodiversity and neuropsychology and works at The Couch.

      Why Happy People Are More Productive

      When it comes to boosting productivity in the workplace, there’s a lot of emphasis on processes and tools, but what many fail to recognise is the significant impact that a person’s mood and emotional well-being can have on productivity levels. “When we’re happy, we’re more likely to approach tasks with enthusiasm and energy, leading to greater focus, efficiency and effectiveness,” explains Nisha Rodgerson. “Also, a positive mindset enables individuals to adapt more readily to challenges and setbacks, maintaining momentum and productivity even in the face of adversity.”

      Your Brain Under Stress

      It all has to do with brain chemistry. “The brain undergoes remarkable changes depending on our emotional state,” says Rodgerson.

      “When we experience happiness, the brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and contentment. Conversely, during periods of sadness or stress, the brain may produce higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities.”‌

      While some people may work well under pressure – and may even claim to work better under pressure – there’s a difference between the thrill of an imminent deadline and the chronic stress that comes with feeling like you’re constantly behind or working in an environment that makes you unhappy.

      “During periods of stress, the brain’s stress response system, primarily involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, becomes activated. This leads to the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can have profound effects on brain function,” says Rodgerson. “Chronic stress has been associated with structural and functional changes in brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex, which are involved in memory, emotion regulation and decision-making.” What this means? Missed deadlines, difficulty focusing, indecision and work that’s not up to scratch. Yikes. It gets worse. Unhappy workers are also more likely to have higher rates of absenteeism, as well as presenteeism (where you’re physically present but not doing anything constructive), says Rodgerson. “One’s attitude towards work plays a pivotal role in determining productivity levels”. 

      Building A Happier Workplace

      Fostering a workplace culture where people have a positive attitude towards work can go a long way towards improving the productivity of the business. “By prioritising happiness and well-being in the workplace, employers can unlock the full potential of their workforce, leading to increased productivity, creativity and overall organisational success.”

      Image by Freepik

      This goes beyond having a pool table, fancy coffee machine or pizza party. While these are nice to have, what goes further is demonstrating a deeper understanding of people’s needs and giving them the tools to solve the problems that are causing their stress. According to Rodgerson, this may look like:

      Encouraging work-life balance. Offering flexible work arrangements, paid time off and wellness programmes can help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

      Providing opportunities for growth and development. Investing in employee training and development demonstrates a commitment to professional growth and fosters a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

      Cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Promoting open communication, recognition of achievements, and collaboration can enhance morale and create a sense of belonging.

      Offering perks and benefits. Providing benefits like health insurance, retirement plans and employee assistance programmes demonstrates care for employees’ overall well-being and can improve job satisfaction and retention rates.

      ‌“Being in a positive mood not only enhances cognitive function but also fosters creativity, problem-solving skills and resilience.”

      Taking Charge Of Your Destiny

      Here are Rodgerson-recommended well-being strategies you can use to boost your mood and productivity. 

      Move more. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-lifters and reduce stress.

      Practise mindfulness and meditation. These techniques can help alleviate stress, promote relaxation and cultivate a positive outlook.

      Seek support. Spending time with friends, family or colleagues can provide emotional support and enhance feelings of connection and belonging. Seeking out therapy is also a form of support.

      Set realistic goals. Breaking tasks into manageable chunks and celebrating small victories can boost confidence and motivation.

      Prioritise self-care. Getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy can significantly impact mood and overall well-being.

      Use technology to your advantage. There are apps and websites available that can assist in goal setting, progress tracking, mindfulness and increasing holistic well-being. 

      Happiness-boosting Websites At Your Disposal

      WHOLE introduces one to healthy habits and allows you to maintain them. It keeps you accountable for your healthy daily routine.

      October Health keeps you in the loop with health professionals and allows you to receive accurate medical information. Your goal to being happy is assured with October Health.

      SoSerene is an amazing system which helps integrate holistic healthy living into busy lives, with a focus on supporting mental health. Check this app out for any tools to improve your well-being. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      How To Handle Your Crush On A Colleague In A Professional Manner

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      If only life was like the set of the Netflix series The Bold Type. A magazine fashion assistant falls in love with the company’s in-house attorney. After fooling around for months, anxious that they’d get caught, the pair decide to go public with their relationship. Except, Sutton the assistant is worried that she’ll be branded ‘The girl who slept her way to the top’. Both move on, but still wondering what would’ve been had they given their office romance a shot in a normal setting.
      Unfortunately, life is no reenaction of a TV story line. When it comes to shooting your shot in a real-life office setting, telling your colleague you’re ‘feeling them’ and then promptly diving into their mouth tongue-first isn’t the best idea… especially since you’re going to see them every day, whether or not things work out the way you fantasized at your desk.
      Playing it subtly is key when water cooler conversations turn flirtatious, says Dr Jane Greer, a relationship expert and author of What About Me?.
      Here’s how to handle crushing on a colleague:
      1. Check in on company policy.
      Dust off that employee handbook and learn whether or not relationships between employees are even allowed, Greer says.
      “It’s totally fine to have a crush on a coworker, but it’s all about how you handle it,” she explains. Before you offer up your heart and soul, know whether doing so could put your career in jeopardy. If it can, you might want to try some dating apps instead.
      READ MORE: Curving Is The Newest Dating Trend, And It Might Be Even Worse Than Ghosting
      2. If you choose to proceed in secrecy, know the risks.
      “Sometimes you can’t help if you fall in love with somebody,” says Greer. “The problem with that is everybody feels the energy, and people will know.” Resentful colleagues might threaten to expose you, the stress of keeping your relationship under wraps might cause strain, and if a superior finds out, you might get knocked off the promotion track, or worse, get fired.
      So, instead of violating company policy, take stock of your options. If you want to act on your feelings that badly, consider moving to a different department, or switching to another company entirely before betting your job stability on a crush.
      But hey, if love conquers job, Greer says, do you. Just remember, you’ve been warned.
      3. If coworker relationships are allowed, turn up the flirtation—but keep it cool.
      “Show them behaviorally that they’re on your mind,” says Greer. You might ask them what kind of coffee they enjoy and later bring them a cup, strike up brief conversations about upcoming local events, or ask them about their latest work project, so you can establish a rapport.
      Basically, you want to be thoughtful, but super subtle in your flirting—call it micro-flirting, if you will. “You don’t want to engage in anything that is overt or seductive or that can be misinterpreted as sexual harassment,” says Greer. Whatever you say needs to be suitable for the workplace.
      And once your coworker feels comfortable around you, and maybe even initiates conversation, you can move on to the next step.
      READ MORE: 14 Emotional Affair Signs You Need To Be Aware Of
      4. Take it outside.
      While you can (internally) thank your boss for inadvertently playing matchmaker, limit the budding romance to outside office doors. Hopefully, through the thoughtful gestures, Greer says, your crush might warm up to the idea of getting to know you after hours.
      To keep the pressure off, invite them to something casual. Greer suggests asking them to join you for a post-work cup of coffee or drink. “Depending on their response, that gives you an idea of whether they’re even remotely interested in getting to know you better, or not,” she explains.
      5. If they’re into it, go for it.
      While a date with your office crush is super exciting, remember you’re going to be face-to-face with them—at work—in a less than 24 hours. You’ve established your workplace camaraderie, sure, but your romantic chemistry is still up in the air.
      Greer wants you to “let your hair down,” but keep in mind that, unlike a blind date or casual hookup, the two of you are now straddling two environments—work and personal life—that you’ll need to engage in. If things work out according to your fantasies, eventually navigating between the two will feel like second nature since you’ll have established ground rules on how to engage in the office. But for now, tread lightly.
      6. If they’re not, bow out.
      As it turns out, not all crushes are reciprocated (who knew? Jk, I did).
      If your crush doesn’t want to go out for drinks, or if they agree and after aren’t interested in doing it again, don’t push it, says Greer. Doing so would “put you in a potentially vulnerable position and put the other person in an extremely uncomfortable one.” What you might see as trying to “talk it out” might make your crush uneasy and could even motivate them to alert a supervisor about your behaviour.
      Instead, “continue being friendly and demonstrating thoughtfulness, but tone it [waaayy] down,” says Greer. She also recommends giving your crush some space.
      And in that time apart, take care of yourself. “Limit your encounters so that you’re not putting yourself in a position of feeling rejected or disappointed by their lack of interest,” says Greer. Soon enough, your crush will go back to being just another person at your office.
      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com  More