Jacob O’Connor inspires others through his podcast on success and mindset

Jacob O’Connor of Columbia, Illinois, is a high school senior whose voice is already making an impact far beyond his classroom. As the creator and host of Venture Mentality, Jacob produces a podcast that explores mental health, entrepreneurship, and personal development through conversations with business leaders, artists, and other high achievers. His goal is to help listeners overcome challenges, learn from the experiences of others, and find the motivation to pursue their own dreams.

Jacob’s mission is rooted in inspiration—he wants people to see that success is built on resilience, mindset, and self-belief. His thoughtful interviews highlight both the triumphs and struggles of those who have forged unique paths.

In addition to running his podcast, Jacob excels academically as a National Honor Society member, student council representative, and varsity basketball player. With support from his Hunter Watson Memorial Fund grant, he will upgrade his recording equipment and podcast hosting, expanding Venture Mentality’s reach and continuing to encourage others to achieve their goals.