Inspiring Conversations with Ryan Brenner of Activated Mindstate

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Brenner.

Hi Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from the Bay Area, and I got my start professionally in Silicon Valley, working around the venture capital and startup ecosystem. Being exposed early on to entrepreneurs, investors and people with big ideas had a major influence on how I think about business and relationships. I became fascinated by the people behind companies and by the connections that can help turn an idea into something much bigger.

As my career evolved, I found myself increasingly drawn to the intersection of culture and business. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside major brands, executives, athletes, artists and cultural tastemakers, and I realized that one of my strengths was connecting people that might not otherwise find each other.

A big chapter of my career was with PTTOW!, where I led membership and helped build and grow a private community of senior leaders from some of the world’s most influential companies across sixty industries. That experience gave me a unique perspective on how meaningful relationships can lead to unexpected collaborations, partnerships and opportunities.

Over time, I started thinking more seriously about building something of my own that reflects my personal passions. That ultimately led me to launch Activated Mindstate, a strategic advisory focused on sports, entertainment, art and culture. The name reflects how I like to work within the areas I’m most passionate about and staying curious, seeing possibilities, connecting dots and activating relationships into something tangible.

A major part of this new chapter has been my work with Jeff Hamilton, one of the most iconic celebrity designers. I work closely with Jeff to develop strategic partnerships, collaborations and special projects. In many ways, that relationship embodies what I want Activated Mindstate to be about which is bringing together great people and ideas in ways that create real value.

What excites me most about this chapter is that it feels like a culmination of everything I’ve done throughout my career, but also the beginning of something new. I’m taking the relationships, experiences and instincts I’ve developed over the years and building a business around what I genuinely love doing:

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges for me has been making the transition from working within established organizations to building something of my own. When you’re part of a larger company, there’s an infrastructure, resources, a recognizable platform and a certain amount of predictability. Starting on my own meant stepping away from some of that security and and becoming much more comfortable with uncertainty and stress. Its a work in progress.

I’m still early in the journey, and I don’t have everything figured out and have made some mistakes but that’s also what I’m enjoying about it. I’m learning constantly, becoming more intentional about the kind of work and people I want to surround myself with, and building in a way that feels authentic to who I am.

As you know, we’re big fans of Activated Mindstate. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Activated Mindstate is a strategic advisory focused on the intersection of sports, entertainment, art and culture. I work with brands, companies and artists to identify opportunities, build meaningful partnerships and create connections that can unlock new business.

A major part of my work is with iconic designer Jeff Hamilton, developing strategic partnerships and collaborations across sports, fashion, entertainment and culture. I also continue to work with PTTOW! and advise startups and emerging growth companies, helping leaders navigate growth, positioning and access to the right relationships.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Curiosity is one of the most important qualities. I’m genuinely interested in people and where they come from and different cultures. That curiosity has been a constant throughout my life and has led to some of my most meaningful relationships and unexpected opportunities.

I also believe strongly in being your true self. My most valuable relationships aren’t transactional. I try to connect with the people. I genuinely find interesting and positive, and I want to understand what they’re doing, without knowing where that relationship might lead.

Another quality I value is being able to connect the dots. I’m always thinking about how a person, brand, idea or opportunity might fit with something bigger. I find the most interesting opportunities come from bringing together people from completely different worlds.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanblakebrenner/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbrenner/