From Boardrooms to Bestsellers - Emma Jane Leeson, founder Johnny Magory World

“I am a businesswoman with a talent for writing"

In this episode of Corporate to Calm we speak with Emma Jane Leeson from @johnnymagoryworld. Emma Jane is a Mum of 3, holder of numerous degrees, an all-rounder when it came to business. Her energy is contagious and she is so passionate about the amazing world she has created.

Emma Jane wrote her first book at least ten years before she took the leap to solely focus on Johnny Magory. The funny thing is that it may not have happened had she realised Johnny was a well-known name in many Irish households and not just the figment of her dad’s imagination. There was no fear when releasing them, no expectation, just a passion to put on paper the stories from her childhood.

"Bord na Mona was the best learning ground, 7 of us looking after 2.5k people. You learned to do everything”

Emma Jane gained her business acumen from a variety of sources, starting in what became Top Gifts and then progressing to Bord na Mona. A huge opportunity arose when she started in the Central Bank but she quickly realised it was not for her and after only a couple of months took the risk of leaving this most sought position. Then came Kerry Foods, this is our common ground. Our paths didn’t cross but we both knew you earned your stripes at Kerry.

 

"My advice, Write the Book!!"

Emma Jane’s advice to budding authors is plain & simple – write the bloody book. She is frequently asked for advice and then quickly learns that most are seeking information without having put pen to paper.

From the start Emma Jane treated her endeavours like a business with divisions, she may have been the head of all divisions but having different units made it easier to keep track of what there was to do.

Sustainability and the outdoors are a huge part of the business. The Johnny Magory World of books are the first to be biodegradable. It’s hard to have a lot of merch without plastic but they find a way through.

 

“This is Nickelodeon, not diddle-e-ey”

Emma Jane’s vision from the start was global, changing the spelling of the name to fit with an American audience. Although printing in Ireland was always a priority and she makes sure this is the case at all costs. Her PR are always delighted when a book comes out as she has a wish list as long as your arm and a determined, clear vision.

Emma Jane’s advice to any new business is clear, go to your local LEO and tell them you are a business not an author & invest in a virtual assistant.

So, grab a cuppa, sit back, relax, walk, go on the treadmill, drive to your meeting, and hopefully enjoy Emma Jane’s journey from Corporate to Calm x