From Startup to Billion-Dollar Vision: Life and Leadership Principles You Need to Know with Jonathan Poma

In this episode of UNLOCKED, we’re joined by Jonathan Poma, Founder and Executive Director at Loop, a company recognized as one of Forbes’ Next Billion-Dollar Startups. Formerly the CEO, Jonathan has led Loop through extraordinary growth and transformation. Now, he’s sharing the lessons he learned and how those insights translate into living a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Jonathan dives deep into the principles of intentional leadership, the value of self-awareness, and how to achieve alignment between professional success and personal well-being. Key topics include:

• Building a Strong Foundation: Why leading yourself is the first step to leading others effectively.
• Time Mastery: How to design your life and schedule around what matters most.
• Overcoming Challenges: Using failures and hardships as catalysts for growth.
• Family and Business Balance: Creating intentional systems to thrive in both areas without compromise.
• Practical Tools for Reflection: Leveraging rituals, feedback loops, and mindful practices to grow as a leader and individual.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to design a life and career with purpose. If you’re ready to reimagine how you lead and live, don’t miss this episode!



Key Moments

• 00:02:01 – Jonathan's Journey: From entrepreneurship to redefining success and balance.
• 00:05:15 – Intentional Leadership: Leading a business starts with leading yourself.
• 00:16:08 – Breakthrough Moments: The lessons from failed partnerships and big transitions.
• 00:23:43 – The Operating System Metaphor: Upgrading your mental and emotional frameworks.
• 00:33:31 – Building a Life Organization: Aligning personal and professional values for harmony.
• 00:38:28 – Feedback Loops and Growth: Using rituals to strengthen relationships and leadership.
• 00:52:52 – The Value of Time: How Jonathan redefined his relationship with time post-CEO role.
• 01:01:26 – Quiet and Clarity: Cultivating stillness as a leader, parent, and individual.

About Jonathan:
With over 13 years of experience in ecommerce and startups, Jonathan is Founder and Executive Director on the board at Loop, a leading e-commerce returns platform that helps brands create loyal customers and increase retention. Also a member of YPO, a global network of chief executives who share insights and learn from each other. Jonathan is always eager to learn from others, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to the community.


Connect With Jonathan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pomajp/
X: https://x.com/pomajp


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