From Busking to Big Stages: The journey behind the lens with Jarrad Seng

Success is rarely an overnight phenomenon. It’s built on years of hard work, adaptability, and learning from failure. In a recent podcast episode, I had the chance to sit down with Jarrad Seng, a globally recognised photographer and creative storyteller, who shared invaluable lessons from his journey. From photographing world tours with artists like Passenger and Angus & Julia Stone to spearheading meaningful projects like The Story of Scars, Jarrad’s career is a testament to the power of resilience and reinvention.

For emerging leaders and professionals, his insights offer a roadmap for navigating challenges, staying relevant, and pursuing success on your own terms.

1. Start Small, Stay Persistent

Jarrad didn’t start as a world-renowned photographer. His journey began in Perth, shooting nightclub photos and hustling for music journalism gigs. What seemed like grunt work at the time turned out to be foundational for his career.

The takeaway? Every professional journey starts somewhere. Embrace the early stages, even if they feel insignificant. These experiences build the skills, resilience, and relationships you’ll rely on later.

Actionable Tip:

View every task as an opportunity to build your reputation and learn something new. As Jarrad said, “The grind is where you make your leaps.”

2. Adaptability Is Key to Growth

Jarrad’s career spans music photography, tourism campaigns, and personal storytelling projects. By embracing diverse experiences, he’s cultivated a unique perspective and skill set that allows him to stand out.

For leaders, this underscores the importance of adaptability. The world is changing rapidly, and those who can pivot and apply their skills in new contexts will thrive.

Actionable Tip:

Step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s tackling a project in a new industry or taking on a leadership role, growth comes from doing things that feel unfamiliar.

3. Vulnerability Is a Strength

One of Jarrad’s most meaningful projects, The Story of Scars, documents personal stories of resilience through photography. By capturing people’s vulnerabilities, he’s created a space for connection and empathy.

This lesson applies to leadership too. Being open about your own struggles and failures builds trust and relatability. People are more likely to connect with a leader who shows they’re human.

Actionable Tip:

Don’t shy away from sharing your challenges. Whether it’s with your team, peers, or audience, your authenticity will foster stronger relationships and inspire others to persevere.

4. Relationships Matter More Than Talent

While skill and talent are essential, Jarrad emphasised the importance of being professional, reliable, and kind. In his words: “Work hard and be nice to people.” It’s these traits, not just technical ability, that make someone a sought-after collaborator.

As leaders, building meaningful relationships is just as important as achieving goals. People remember how you made them feel, and that reputation can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Actionable Tip:

Invest in relationships by actively listening, showing gratitude, and supporting others. Your network is one of your most valuable leadership assets.

5. Document the Journey

One of the standout moments in Jarrad’s story was his decision to photograph Passenger’s early gigs—even when there were fewer than 10 people in the room. Today, those photos tell a powerful story of perseverance and growth, providing context for Passenger’s success.

As professionals, it’s easy to focus only on milestones. But documenting the journey—failures included—provides valuable lessons and serves as a reminder of how far you’ve come.

Actionable Tip:

Take time to reflect on your journey. Write down key lessons, document your wins and losses, and share your story with others—it might inspire someone else to keep going.

6. The Grind Never Stops

Despite his success, Jarrad continues to push himself. His willingness to “start fresh” highlights the mindset that leaders need to stay relevant in a competitive world.

For emerging leaders, this is a reminder that growth requires continuous effort. There’s always room to learn, adapt, and strive for the next level.

Actionable Tip:

Treat every phase of your career as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Stay curious, set ambitious goals, and never stop striving for growth.

Jarrad Seng’s journey is more than a story of creative success—it’s a blueprint for resilience, adaptability, and authentic leadership. Whether you’re climbing the ranks in your field or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, the lessons shared in this conversation can help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.

As leaders, professionals, and creatives, we’re all on a journey. The key is to embrace the grind, celebrate the small wins, and always be open to reinvention.

Want more insights on leadership and resilience?

Stay tuned for future blog posts and podcasts where I’ll continue to explore the stories and strategies that help leaders thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

Explore More:

• Follow Jarrad Seng on Instagram: @jarradseng
• Check out The Story of Scars: @thestoryofscars
• Listen to the Episode here
• Watch the Interview here