In the premiere of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, Season 3, we meet Jeremy Jenson.
If life were a chessboard, Jeremy plays it like a grandmaster—strategizing his moves, learning from setbacks, and always keeping his eye on the endgame.
Jeremy is the founder and CEO of a 43-person executive search firm in Houston, Texas, specializing in connecting top-tier talent with opportunities across industries like wealth management, law, investment banking, and beyond. But beneath his business acumen lies a layered story of relentless ambition—a journey shaped by both triumphs and trials that brought him where he is today.
Jeremy’s journey began in Alief, a humble neighborhood in Houston where opportunities were scarce and resilience was a necessity.
“I was raised in a very underprivileged community, my mom had me at 16, was a high school dropout, and my dad left when I was nine.”
Despite these early challenges, his mom’s determination—getting her family out of the ghetto and into a better neighborhood—instilled in Jeremy an unshakable drive to succeed.
It’s true what they say: behind every great man is an equally remarkable woman.
By 15, Jeremy was already envisioning big things:
“I wanted to be the CEO of Coca-Cola,” he recalls.
Though he didn’t know it then, this dream was less about carbonated beverages and more about a desire to lead, “I wanted to show others I belonged,” he says, reflecting on his adolescent years driving a beat-up Chevy S10 in a sea of BMWs and new F-150s.
That hunger to prove himself led Jeremy to entrepreneurship at just 25.
Armed with little more than ambition and a supportive fiancé who provided financial stability, he launched his first business. It wasn’t easy, but Jeremy’s ability to reverse-engineer success set him apart.
“I’ve always been a problem solver. I’d think about what I wanted, then break it down into steps to get there.”
This strategic approach fueled his company’s growth from $99,000 in revenue in its first year to over $12.5 million just a few years later.
But Jeremy’s story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about transformation and acceptance. He openly discusses his struggles with workaholism, the fallout of a divorce, and his evolution from a high-turnover boss to a leader who values mentorship and collaboration.
Joining the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) became a turning point.
“Being part of a community of leaders changed everything. I learned from their failures, their successes, their logic. It’s invaluable to see behind the veil of how others operate.”
Mentorship is a recurring theme in Jeremy’s journey. Early in his career, he aligned with a mentor who provided direction, albeit with complications that eventually required boundaries. Later, he found guidance in a mentor who had navigated similar personal and professional challenges.
“Mentors serve different purposes in different seasons of life”.
Now, Jeremy pays it forward, serving as a mentor himself, embodying the belief that leadership isn’t about hierarchy but about lifting others.
The conversation also touches on generational differences, particularly with Gen Z. While some view this cohort as pleasure-seeking, Jeremy offers a nuanced perspective. “Gen Z needs to step outside their comfort zones and develop intentional skills,” Jeremy says, encouraging us to reflect on what being intentional truly means.
Let's take a moment to explore this idea. Intentionality isn’t solely about striving for material success or career milestones. It can be about personal growth, nurturing relationships, or making a meaningful impact in your community.
Success, after all, is deeply personal and varies for each individual.
This ties seamlessly into Jeremy’s final takeaway from the episode: the importance of purpose.
“A lot of people chase what feels good. But if you don’t align your actions with your long-term vision, you’ll always be chasing.”
Now, What do you think? How are you navigating the balance between purpose and action in your life? What steps are you taking to align your daily actions with your long-term vision? How do you ensure that your pursuits are meaningful and purpose-driven?
Listen to Jeremy Jenson on Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life – Episode 1, Season 3.
Jeremy Jenson: Jeremy Jenson is the founder and CEO of a leading executive search firm in Houston, Texas, Encore Search Partners LLC specializing in connecting top-tier talent across diverse industries. A self-made entrepreneur, Jeremy turned early challenges into a springboard for success, growing his company from the ground up. With a passion for mentorship and a knack for storytelling, he inspires others to align their actions with purpose and long-term vision.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program. If you would like to listen to her work, here it is: Snoriezzz
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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