Today more than ever, businesses are discovering that a purpose-driven philosophy not only shapes their corporate culture, but benefits their profit margin. People rally behind brands built with a positive message and a desire to do good. Whether it be through philanthropic work, cause marketing, or an inspirational business model, companies that do good, do well.
If you want to bring meaningful values to your work, take a cue from a super hero in this realm. Davien Watkins is the Founder and General Manager of Superpower Enterprises, a company that creates powerful stories with purpose. I talked to him about building a company with a positive message, as well as about the convergence in the media with comics, music, art, TV, film, which are all coming together in dynamic ways.
Duffy: Superpower Enterprises creates stories with a purpose. Tell me about this mission and what it means to you.
Watkins: Stories and characters with purpose enable people to thrive. When we realize our purpose, we realize what’s fun about life. That’s what’s so genuine about Superpower Enterprises mission; bona fide authenticity is a key ingredient to our strong and influential culture. Bringing together the people and resources that contribute to that goal is all-important.
Our sense of purpose is an ever-present element that is paramount to achieving great results. From the start, our vision for Superpower Enterprises has been to start a movement that brings change to an industry and to consistently contribute diverse and inclusive stories with a purpose.
Duffy: Do you think it is important for companies to have a greater mission, something that goes beyond the bottom line?
Watkins: Absolutely. Putting social responsibility to work in a business world is very realistic today. While every business must make money to survive, a company model that inspires people to go out and do good strengthens the communities which surround them. Return on investment is very important to a business, however the most successful businesses look beyond their bottom line.
It’s an ethical decision that a business makes when obligating itself to benefit society at large. Contributions to solving society’s challenges improves communities over time and leads to more happiness.
Duffy: You have worn many hats in the corporate world, marketing at Disney, operations at Warner Brothers, global marketing at Priority Records—what inspired you to make the jump to Superpower Enterprises?
Watkins: Yes that’s correct. Still entrepreneurship was apparently the one hat I had not yet worn. In the beginning the challenge of managing an eBusiness and building a creative team around this library of exclusive character content was particularly inspired by the long-term vision we had for our flagship character “Notes.” Speaking out about the global harm caused by piracy to the groups of millennials and a Generation Z was certainly a huge inspiration.
The overall timing felt good to start-up a publishing business that created and designed a variety of extraordinary products just as the entertainment industry began making a rapid upgrade towards more advanced digital technology. Streaming of comic-book inspired content is at it’s all time high right now; and forecast for an increased slate of original digital content all-inspired by music comic-books, and storytelling is what’s defining today’s pop culture.
Duffy: There is a lot going on within the comic industry as far as convergences—mashups with music, AR/VR, gaming, film, TV, and more. Can you discuss some of the exciting things that are happening right now?
Watkins: Absolutely. Several of the revolutionary initiatives occurring right now include the integration of original digital music into the experience of reading comic-books. New interactive technology makes lots of these options possible.
Creative mergers between many publishers and music streaming outlets have continued to trend throughout the entertainment world. Gaming, film, television, comic-books, digital music augmented and virtual reality applications (apps) are bringing the most recent content to life through new product exposure and robust digital tools that companies are using to improve the customer experience.
Superpower Enterprises recently hosted a panel on the topic during Stan Lee’s 2017 Los Angeles Comic Con. The ideas that came out of the discussion have also continued beyond the Con; as we are certainly just in the beginning stages of this creative convergence.
Duffy: Tell us about your creative projects—what are you working on now at Superpower Enterprises?
Watkins: As steward of Superpower Enterprises’ creative properties, I am producing and overseeing the production of the imprints various projects whose creative plots are currently being kept under wraps. However, our goal as of late has focused specifically on broadening our audience of followers, organizing informative and creative panels during Comic Con, and bringing greater awareness to the available content and products accessible via our website(s) and social media accounts, digital art galleries, etc.
Duffy: Do you have tips or advice for business leaders and executives who want to create a mission or purpose within their business that has a philanthropic or advocacy component?
Watkins: I’d advise industry leaders to educate themselves about the issues affecting their business’ community. The first step in any community advocacy is being aware of the community’s needs. Start having open dialogue with the key authorities in the field; with a focus on philanthropy. Connect to local business organizations and become more involved with advocacy within these communities. There are always ways to get more engaged in creating a purposeful mission.
Duffy: Any words of wisdom for entrepreneurs or creative individuals who are starting out?
Watkins: Never give up!
If you don’t want to give up, and want to learn more about Super Power Enterprises, visit their website, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
