As a Content Creator, I feel that Context is way more important than Content, regardless of the form of expression. Context frames and holds Content. Without Context, Content is just a “story.” A Bio can serve as important Context. Personally, I’m generally way more interested in someone’s Context – their Why (they do what they do/see what they see/feel what they feel) – than their What (they “do” or have done). Here’s my first-person Why and a third-person What.
Growing up in NYC, I took in life through the unparalleled lens of the world’s truly Global City of Diversity. Everything and anything goes, right before our eyes, every day. As a redheaded “New York Jew” in a matriarchal house, I understood early on the power of the feminine, becoming a male who has always embraced my yin at least as much as my yang.
As an only child with parents who didn’t know how to communicate with, or understand, each other, I learned how to “translate,” to negotiate. To build bridges, to (try and) make peace and find common ground. Without knowing what to call it, I saw Paradox and Duality as elemental parts of life. It’s what set the stage for seeking and seeking the Power of “Both/And.”
I grew up understanding the notion of feeling alone. I lost my primary parent at an early age, and I learned by experience how lives are often trajectorized by circumstances outside our control. And, how essential it is to turn lemons into lemonade. And why empathy and compassion are essential ingredients in a meaningful life.
As a father who was a primary parent of Millennial children, I have deeply embraced the elemental importance of intergenerational connectivity, and the absolute importance of being able to share perspectives and experiences in ways that open our minds and hearts. Hindsight is huge, and the opportunity to share wisdom and experience to provide roots + wings to others. To know that someone sees you, gets you, and has your back.
I’ve often labeled myself as a “Seeker.” As with most things, the label comes with Duality. 1. “I know there’s more, and I want to experience as much as possible, and expand as much as I can in this life.” 2. “Is there a time to ‘stop seeking’ when what is, in the moment, is magnificent enough?”
I feel strongly that we learn so much more about what we love and want, from what we DON’T like…from having life experiences (people/places/things) that we did NOT like. The ones that we might call “mistakes.” They hone our ability to discern and distill, as well as clarity and intentionality about what it takes to craft a joyful, integrated life for ourselves.”
It’s all about “The Match,” in pretty much everything (love/life/work/play). How people/situations/ environments fit together. I believe in imploding outmoded cultural paradigms and constructs that no longer work. Who fully embraces Steve Jobs’ notion that “the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
I stand by the ethos that “being social is as important as social media” and that through human engagement IRL, we can build Community in Communities.
At this point in my life, being seen/liked/understood/gotten is WAY more important than being loved (and I am blessed with much love). It’s an honor and privilege to Bear Witness for another, to create safe spaces for people to bear their heart + soul. Their personal truths.
Although Jonathan Pillot is more about the Why, than the What, he surely has a lot of What’s in his career, having worn more professional and creative hats than most – lawyer/consiglieri/connector/ film+ theater producer/idea incubator/writer/director/storyteller/radio host/talent manager/brand strategist. Some have called him a “Renaissance Man,” others, “all over the place.” No matter the Label, he truly feels called to connect, ignite and inspire. Jonathan relishes taking deep dives with anyone he meets (and who is up for it). Every aspect of each part of his journey, is infused into his work and lens on the world.
Jonathan is the Founder of the creative[re]directors, an integrated media and entertainment studio of artistic and business innovators who identify, design and initiate distinctive communications strategies for visionaries/companies/brands to tell their stories, in any medium.
Jonathan is committed to using personal storytelling to integrate media with social movements that are aligned with his philosophy to bring together community through content that entertains + elevates, and that touches people in ways that transcend age, race, ethnicity, gender+sexual identity, and geography.
The primary focus of Jonathan’s work from 2017-2020 was 18 (#WeAreAll18), an intergenerational Movement to empower Youth, using popular culture and storytelling as a bedrock to get Youth engaged in all aspects of their lives. Including civics.
In 2022, Jonathan launched UnLabelMe (UnLabel-Me.com), a social impact media company and pop culture brand based in New York City. ULM brings together the best of Old + New School with a youth-inspired, inter-generational, Grassroots Movement that integrates its multimedia Channel/Platform platform for self-expression to promote perspective and greater compassion and empathy among people. The tagline says everything about UnLabelMe’s message: “Label Me to See Me. UnLabel Me to Know Me.”
Jonathan’s feature film credits include, Producer of The Naked Brothers Band, a feature film that spawned Nickelodeon’s hit television series. He was the Executive Producer of Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan, Omar Epps and Tony Shalhoub and Alan and Naomi, starring Lukas Haas. His first screenplay, UNPLUGGED, co-written with Colin Bannon based on Jonathan’s original story, is currently being shopped in Hollywood by a major agency. He is the Founder of UnLabelMe.
Jonathan has successfully produced and directed the filmed production of live events with Deepak Chopra from ABC Home in New York, including conversations with Mark Ruffalo, Fran Drescher and 50 Cent. Among the book projects that Jonathan developed and packaged are I Wuz There, by Walter Yetnikoff, Essentially Lilly, by Lilly Pulitzer, Tha’ Doggfather, the autobiography of Snoop Dogg, My Name is Love, by Darlene Love with Rob Hoerburger, Blue Road One, by Emilio Scotto, Looking Great and Living Great, both by Linda Dano, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, by Jackie Kallen, and Bodyguard, by Frank Alexander.
Jonathan practiced entertainment law for more than 20 years, and was a member of the Bar in New York and California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A in Political Science and English from Case Western Reserve University, and received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
“There has never been a time where the combination of head and heart is more needed than now to meet these transitional times, and this is JP’s wheel-house. To be a man of a certain age does not necessarily predispose you to this cosmic blend of human expression, but he was way ahead of the curve when it comes to being a man that can mine this territory with clarity, compassion and humanity. He is out there, “a man in the streets” spreading light and focusing on issues that we have no more time to waste with. Like a town crier, or a troubadour of old, he stands firm in bringing the news to the people, always holding firm to the unwavering objective truth.”
– Karen Bellone
“You are the type of person that, every time I have spoken to, have left changed. Even when I think I know something, your words completely change my perspective. You are filled with SO much to say, SO much wisdom, yet I get the sense you don’t need the spotlight to be on you. As a storyteller, you take the dialogue away from your words and towards those of others—calculating what they are saying through their stories, and using them to inform your own. You are just as much a teller as you are a listener—even from me, with significantly less wisdom and growth.”
– Brian Thompson (21)
“You offer a true appreciation of the other – their experiences, their gifts and the magic of who they are. To be in presence with you is to feel seen, cared for, and loved. Because of this, you make people feel like they are not alone but rather – a human among humans.”
– Sherri Brown
“You create without judgment, communicate with New York humor and a brilliant, decisive mind, your eye cuts through the artifice and sees in beauty, and your life is lived directly from your heart.”
– Beatrice Georgalidis
“What draws me to you is everything that comes out of your mouth. You never fail to inspire me or make me laugh. I have never spent a second with you in 25 yearsish where I wasn’t completely engaged. I fucking love you.”
– Bernadette O’Reilly
“Jonathan Pillot is a connector, orator, conduit, creator, a voice of logic and reason perfectly blended with a passion for bringing people together. A torchbearer, he lights the way and makes space for others to connect, create and co-create. He reminds us of how unique and yet similar we are as we co-exist in this unified field. He creates a space for us to share our pain, sadness, triumph, joy and happiness while demonstrating how the human experience ultimately binds us.”
– Shari Harbinger
“What is most unique about you and what distinguishes you is your humanity, your purity, your integrity, your “intentionality.” You choose every day to find and live your true essence. In so doing, you invite others in your presence to do the same. From the moment I met you, I exhaled. I felt safe, seen, heard. You encourage me to be me. You provide roots and wings. It’s a beautiful way of being with another. If we could do this for another human, whether we are a parent, friend, lover, life partner, colleague/peer, leader, what greater gift can we give another? Thank you for showing up and for teaching me how to show up for myself, you, and everyone in my life, present and future.”
– Ann Tedesco
“What makes you uniquely you? Your apparently boundless quest, as you move through this life, for hope and growth and positivity in all its forms. Emphasis on the quest.”
– Sheila Bayne
“You are a deeply intuitive, intelligent observer of humanity with an insatiable appreciation for connection and a desire to be a part of a solution, to leave the world a better place. Deeply compassionate and committed to your mankind.”
– Lael DeWahl
“You are a Seeker. You are constantly evolving, pushing past internal and external boundaries — opening doors into the unknown. You are an explorer, inside and out, a loyal and non-judgmental friend, as giving as you can be demanding. You are a supportive and positive micro/macro force in this world. Your understanding of the bigger picture does not overlook the personal. You are uncompromising and adventurous. You cannot settle. You have a strong desire to communicate, to be seen and heard, and you should be. You are a very modern man when it comes to relationships. You want to see things to fruition. You are deeply devoted to the causes that are at your core: nurturing our young, pushing past the conventional, conditioned responses in ‘romantic,’ relationships and intimacy. You need to feel free. You cannot be caged or boxed in. You create a stimulating and vibrant world for those around you. You have a love of people. You are generous.”
– Abi Maryan
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