An Interview with former soldier now extreme adventurer Jordan Wylie

I recently caught up with the inspiring Jordan Wylie, who has had a life packed full of adventure, travel, set backs, personal challenges, excitement and has diced with death on many occasions, whilst continually climbing the personal and professional career ladder to the top of his game. As a former soldier, now extreme adventurer it was a big shock for Jordan, at the age of 34 to be diagnosed with Epilepsy but that has only made him stronger. I wanted to find out more about Jordan and what its really like to be a sporting influencer.

Do consider yourself an influencer? Is that a term you agree with?

I wouldn’t say I consider myself an influencer but I certainly respect that people are interested in what I get up to and seem to value my opinion, my approach to life and my passions. As some one who does a lot of work for charity, being able to influence people is very important and the only way to do that is by consistently engaging and collaborating with others and building quality content. I feel very lucky as most of my content is actually completely genuine and is my day to day life so it comes naturally without me having to go and fabricate it.

Being an influencer, what is it really like? It all glamour and freebies?

To be able to influence and build an audience, is no different than a relationship with your partner. First you have to build trust, when you have their trust you then need to keep them interested. Of course you get offered lots of freebies, invites to events and product launches but if your only in it for a freebie then your lifespan as an influencer is going to be pretty short lived. For me its about doing the things I love such as adventure, travel, expeditions and finding like minded organisations and brands who have the same values and ethics who also want to make a difference in the world.

What advice would you give those that want to be a sports influencer/blogger?

I think you first have to realise and understand your WHY? Why are you doing this? What are you trying to achieve from it? Is it to help people? Is it to drive new sales? Is it a hobby? Only you can answer that question and until you know your WHY then it isn’t worth wasting your time. I say wasting, because that is exactly what I believe you will be doing. One of the great things about online influencing is that in its purest form, its completely free to build and utilise but from experience I can tell you it does take time and lots of it. Time will be your greatest resource as an influencer because it takes time to build and audience, to build quality content and to find a strategy that works for you and your followers.

What do they think is the future for the influencer role? with ASA cracking down ad disclosure and sheer volume of influencers out their now how do they keep relevant and trusted?

I believe the influencer role in marketing will continue to grow although I do believe over the next 12-24 months there will be a much bigger focus on quality and relevant influence as opposed to quantity of influence. We are started to see more powerful ‘micro influencers’ focussed on specific niches in different market places which are perceived as more genuine content developers than perhaps the A list celebrity who may be a household name but has no genuine desire to utilise the brand they are endorsing beyond the terms of a commercial agreement. We must remember that content marketing originally evolved from a consumer demand for authenticity which has somehow been lost in action over recent years. People were and still are tired of seeing traditional tv and online adverts, meant only to sell, and instead moved toward authorities who presented them with trustworthy information. Unfortunately content marketers have lost their way, which is why I believe the more niche micro influencers are becoming more appealing to brands because they offer transparency and are authentic, perhaps also not commercially driven!

You are your product, and do you find it difficult to market yourself to brands?

I have been very fortunate to work with some leading international brands and charities too such as Bremont, Frontline Children and ROAD iD to name just a few, but it is no coincidence that I work with these brands. These are brands that carry similar if not the same values and standards as my own. They have integrity at the core of everything they do and are striving to not only do good business but also make the world a better place too. As an extreme adventurer who is also diagnosed with epilepsy, that focusses on pushing the boundaries by heading to places most people will never encounter, my expeditions often come with significant risk and danger. However this makes an attractive proposition to brands that are at the forefront of innovation, brands that want to break through barriers and pioneer into new territories. To date I have had no problems marketing myself and have never used an agent, this means a few extra hours hard work here and there but it also means I am completely in control of my own destiny and who I work with and for.

How did you start generating commercial opportunities at the beginning?

To be honest, I have found life quite reciprocal. You go out and do your best and give your all and good things happen. I have always believed in the value of long lasting mutually beneficial relationships. I am a passionate networker and my radar is always up for opportunities, not just for me but for everyone in my network including the brands I work with. I also always believe in providing great value, if a brand is getting behind you and helping you (not just throwing money at you) then we have a duty and a responsibility both morally and ethically to do our best to help them too. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a sponsor of my expeditions winning new business from exposure I have provided them whether that be through the main stream media or indeed personal introductions. The great things is, if you show your value to a brand or sponsor they always come back for more!

If you could back to 18-year-old Jordan and could share one piece of advice what would it be?

Only worry and concern yourself with the things in life that you can control. Everything else will cause you stress, anxiety, drama and most of it will be out of your hands. Relax, don’t take life too seriously and remember that you only get once chance to make a good first impression!

Last year you were diagnosed as having Epilepsy – how has it changed your approach to your extreme challenges?

To be diagnosed with Epilepsy at 34 years old was bit of a shock and I certainly didn’t see it coming (literally). Having been a former soldier and certainly no stranger to danger, I have always been aware that situations and life can change in a moments notice and that was certainly the case here. In terms of what do I do differently, to be very honest not that much. Having epilepsy is just another risk to manage and I do that by making sure I am carrying medication everywhere I go, I wear a ROAD iD medical band with emergency details and important information on it, I tell people about my condition and make sure they know what to do in the event of a seizure. Life throws new challenges at us every day and if we stop and dwell on them for too long, it can become very depressing. We must always continue to keep moving forward and staying positive, attitude is everything and is always in the eye of the beholder!

And now just a few of the light-hearted bits to get to Know Jordan a bit better:

• What did you want to be when you were a 10-year-old?

I wanted to be a footballer like most 10 year old boys I guess!

• What is top of your bucket list and why?

At present the top of my bucket list is to be the first person on earth to row the gateway to the Gulf Of Aden completely solo and unsupported. Finding a world first is becoming more difficult every year and to complete one in such a complex and dangerous part of the world makes this challenge even more appealing. The fact no one has ever successfully completed it really motivates me to show the world if you train hard enough, manage the risks and have the right team around you, anything is possible!

• What other influencers (any industry) inspire you and why?

Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE is one of the most inspiring influencers for me. Once described by Guinness World Records as the greatest living explorer he is a man that rarely uses social media but his achievements are so incredible that he continues to influence the masses through his adventures, publications and short media interviews. He always leaves you wanting to learn and listen to more which is a testament to this inspiring man. 

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