Joshua Henderson

Advertising Consultant for Cumulus Media, 29

Connection and quantifiable growth are the secrets to Joshua Henderson’s success. The advertising consultant for Cumulus Media—an audio-forward media company that delivers content to 250 million people monthly. Henderson also believes in giving back to his community and supporting local aspiring entrepreneurs.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of? 

I am particularly proud of my involvement with two nonprofit boards in 2024—the Ocean Strike Team, where I contribute to ocean conservation efforts, citizen science research, lionfish removal, and maintaining the cleanliness of our local beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, and the American Advertising Federation of Pensacola, where I support the professional development of students and working professionals.

What motivates you? 

Witnessing the tangible growth and success of my clients’ businesses directly resulting from their advertising efforts provides a distinct satisfaction in seeing a business expand and thrive through the implementation of effective and proven strategies.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you? 

Key advice would center on the importance of patience and perseverance. Trust the process and understand that meaningful achievements often unfold gradually and in their own time. Do your best consistently, as incremental effort builds towards significant outcomes.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success?

The person who comes to mind with this question is my older brother, Luis. His life has been a powerful example of unwavering grit in the face of adversity. Beyond his resilience, Luis cultivated a remarkably strong professional network and a close circle of friends, highlighting the importance of genuine connections. He has always been able to connect people with a need to someone with a solution. Furthermore, his determined spirit and refusal to accept the status quo have consistently inspired me to persevere and creatively solve problems in my own endeavors. His impact on my approach to both challenges and relationships has been profound.

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?  

I’d strongly emphasize the importance of actively networking to build connections and potential mentorships. You never know who you are going to meet and how they may help in your career trajectory. It’s also crucial to practice self-compassion when facing setbacks, recognizing them as learning opportunities, not career-ending mistakes. Always reflect on your mistakes and how you can learn from them to grow professionally. Finally, embracing collaboration within your industry, rather than viewing others as competition, viewing them as partners can lead to significant growth and shared knowledge.