Meet Stephen “Steph” Rawlins | Entreprenuer, Marketing Specialist , Creator & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen “Steph” Rawlins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steph, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking a risk or risks, has played a huge part in what I accredit to my ability to be where I am today. It’s how my business partner and I have been able to connect to create our company CrossOVR Collective, and how I have been able to learn many key lesson’s, forge relationships and create many of my most memorable experiences.

Strategic, calculated risks I feel like are an essential part of your personal growth and developmental business journey. So I will always put thought into things that carry some level of risk, because sometimes you have to bet on yourself when no one else will. I approach things with the mentality that if I don’t bet on myself, why should anyone else. That’s not saying you should always take a risk or do something you are not quipped for, but if you want change and you are looking to grow beyond what you are currently doing, you have to take a chance. There is no change without action.

Stepping out of your comfort zone to make an opportunity or take an opportunity is where the magic can happen. You learn a lot about yourself when you get out of your comfort zone, your capabilities, your weaknesses, your strengths and even if you don’t get the result you were looking for, you may get the lesson you need.

The biggest thing that stood out to me about the ability to take a risk, is the fact that most people don’t fail because they’ve attempted something they weren’t good at, but merely because they’ve never attempted it all. A majority of the people who have achieved certain levels of success have taken a risk at some point, and that is the differentiating factor between those who typically go on to make things happen versus those who experience things happening.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CrossOVR Collective, is a company my partner Walt and I created just before covid and had to pivot and reimagine what we now have atleast (2) times over the last three years. I’m most proud of our resilience and ability to be nimble, shift course and identify opportunities and underserved market segments.

We have a bit of a unique story even prior to starting our business, as Walt and I initially connected on LinkedIn and long story short quit our jobs to move on the ideas and vision we had fairly quickly.

CrossoOVR is a company that we wanted to have meaning and disrupt the traditional model of business currently taking place, specifically around sports & entertainment. We are a marketing and branding agency that that takes a cultral approach to every project, making sure there is a 360 touchpoint to ensure elements of each of our projects does not fall into to the traditional siloed approach typically taken.

In addition to marketing & branding our company creates branded content, original series, we negotiate partnerships, and we also consult for conferences, develop various aspects of programming and execute experiential events with multiple client / partnership verticals that range from lifestyle, CPG, & luxury brands.

What we look to specialize in with how we work with our clients is finding opportunities for them to connect with audiences and fans in unique ways, but also help them find and engage with audiences they didn’t know they had or were over indexing with.
Many markets are becoming oversaturated and we like to work to find and build new opportunities for our clients, as well as help them stand out amongst the clutter.

Every project has been drastically different from one to the next, but I’d say Walt and I really are excited to see our shows we created make it to network and also continue to grow our international touchpoints & clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m originally from NY, and what drew me to LA was the ability to do so much outdoors along with the amazing weather and scenic views.

That being said, I also travel a lot for work so when I am home, I tend to treat this more like a vacation and time to relax, but I think taking that into consideration, I’d do a combination of a few things.

First, I’d get a hike in, somewhere in the Palisades and then head over to some beach side restaurants off PCH. I’d probabaly add into the trip a couple rooftop restaurants and lounges, and then depending on time of year hit a Lakers game, maybe a quick trip up to Santa Barbara or Ojai.

I think outside of that maybe find some places on the West Side. I like being by the beach

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a few people I want to recognize.

My Mom – because what good “Shoutout” or acknowledgement doesn’t come with a great Mom recognition. Haha, But seriously, the sacrifices and dedication she had rasing my brother and I, I really came to understand more as I hit certain ages and look back on what she was accomlishing or doing at that same age with the parental responsiblities she had. My Dad, who is my Step Dad, but has raised me as his own son. There is a certain level of humility I feel that comes with raising and getting to know a child that is not your own and continuing to show up as a consistent support system. Thank you both for all the encouragement.

I want to also Shoutout My business partner Walt Brock, for going on this crazy journey with me and trusting in the vision we have.

And I also want to Shoutout the following list of people who have all aided in being a great support and inspiration to me, all while all being on their own incredible entrpreneurial journeys.

Tengku Chanela Jamidah of Halal Hemp
Anita Bhatia of RK Bhatia Foundation,
Chaniel Smiley of The Drew League
Itika Oldwine & Brian Grimble of Old Vine Floral,

Website: www.crossovr.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrstephraw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanr/