Founder, CEO and LGBT activist, Jamie Love wears many hats, and all before the age of 30! So, how did he get there?
In our interview with Jamie, we talk about his inspiring journey, learn more about his hopes for the future, as well as what we can do as a society to better support the LGBT community.
What was your first job?
I worked in a toy factory in Italy. I would work as a translator during the day, and make toys in the evenings.
What initially inspired you to pursue your career?
I was having a bad time at work being out and gay so that inspired me to create a workplace that cherished and celebrated each person’s uniqueness. That’s what Monumental is all about.
Talk me through the day you decided to start Monumental
I was kind of broke, having worked at an espresso kiosk in John Lewis to make enough money. I sat on my bed and had to really contemplate the £15 to register the company.
Has there ever been an experience when you failed? What did you learn from it?
100%, I’ve failed loads. I started my business at 21, so I had no clue what I was doing a lot of the time. My biggest learning has been to trust my gut.
What is the one piece of advice you wish someone gave you when you were starting out in your career?
Ask for help, I was really bad at that. Looking back now, it definitely made my life more difficult.
How important is it to have an inclusive workplace?
So important! That’s what Monumental is all about. I truly believe that feeling a sense of true belonging is what inspires creativity, innovation, motivation and purpose. I could go on…
How do you think society can continue to evolve in its understanding and acceptance of diverse identities?
Society can just keep learning. I hate seeing when friend groups are completely the same. Go out there and make a friend that’s from a different community, background and/or identity.
What can employers do to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces for LGBT individuals?
Employers have to be open to learning and educating themselves, but also not expecting their LGBT employees to be the ones doing that. It’s also important for the employer to provide the resources for the education to happen.
Who or what have been the most significant influences in your life as you navigated your identity?
Being involved in Pride has been hugely beneficial to learning more about myself and the rich LGBT history - which many people are unaware of!
How have you dealt with any discrimination or prejudice you’ve encountered?
I was Mr Gay Scotland in 2016 and I got trolled really bad; especially as it was all over the news. I just started resharing all the mean comments and letting others jump in to tear those comments apart. I took it lightly and made a joke out of them. It’s really about owning your identity and being unapologetically yourself.
What hopes do you have for the future of the LGBT community?
My hope is for an easy world where you can just be yourself, you don’t have to come out, you can hold hands with whoever you want and it’s just chill. That’s why I’m involved in Pride - to better the lives of younger people.
What message would you like to share with others who are on their own journey of self-discovery and acceptance?
There is a pressure to put a label on everything. I would recommend that you take your time to figure out who you are and not let the pressure get to you.
What impact do you think positive representation has on society and individuals within the community?
I think it’s so important. With the community we often talk a lot about when we were growing up not having those role models, so representation creates role models, it creates opportunities and it creates dreams for people.
What changes would you like to see in society to better support the LGBTQIA+ community?
More representation because representation creates role models, and everybody needs role models.
Monumental is a multi-award winning growth marketing agency based in London, powered by diversity.
People with Pride is a brand new series by Mattr, featuring inspiring LGBT figures.