John Hancock shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning John, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Of the three, integrity is definitely the most important. You can be the smartest person in the world, but without integrity, what are you going to do with that intelligence. Will you use it for good, probably not. If I had to rate the three from most to least important integrity would be first by a long shot, then intelligence followed by energy in a distant third.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I come from a military background, my father was career army, and I spent 20 years as a linguist in Military Intelligence in the army as well. Despite what people think about being a “military” person, I think the experience has opened my eyes to cultures and people that are different than I am and had made me a more tolerant person. I spent much of my youth in Germany and once I joined the military, I spent my career all over the US from California to Texas to Massachusetts and Hawaii. I was lucky enough to spend a month in Beijing, China as well. After I retired from the army I settled in California. I currently live in a small town in the hills north of San Diego, called Ramona. Ramona has a thriving music scene which I love documenting through my photography. I photograph both live shows and musician’s portraits. There is also a large ranching and horse community here. Barrel racing is another event I really enjoy photographing. It’s fast and exciting to watch. My wife and I have a couple horses, a few goats as well as dogs and cats which keep us busy and broke. haha When we aren’t taking care of our critters, we love to travel. As you can tell, I have a wide variety of interest and will photograph just about anyone or anything that gets in front of my camera.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think a lot of things can break bonds between people. Right now, for instance, politics is unfortunately breaking a lot of bonds. But I think the biggest thing that can break bonds between people is distance. At least through my own personal experience. Moving around a lot you tend to make friends and then lose contact when you leave. Believe it or not I think those friendships can be and are restored through social media like Facebook and Instagram. I have reconnected with so many of my friends not only from my childhood and high school days but especially from my time in the army. Used properly, social media can be a very powerful tool and a great way to stay in touch with friends and family from all over!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I know this is a cliche, but I would say “You’re going to be just fine!”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My wife. She is thoughtful and very giving. She is loyal to her family, friends and co-workers. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. If someone needs something, even someone she doesn’t know, she will give what she can.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I am most at peace when I am taking care of our animals. Feeding them and talking to them is just a nice peaceful way to start the day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnhancockphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhancockphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjhancock
Image Credits
Photo of me – Tim Connelly
All other photos -me
