ft. Nait Jones
Hustle & Leisure Feature: Nait Jones
Nait Jones is an executive, serial entrepreneur, and investor who has dedicated his career to building innovative products that bridge technology, culture, and creativity. Currently, he is the CEO and Founder of Oyi Labs, where he is spearheading the development of AdTwin.ai—a generative AI tool designed specifically for marketers.
With a remarkable background, Nait previously served as the Head of Growth and now sits on the Board of Directors at Royal, a web3 platform reshaping music ownership. Earlier in his career, Nait made waves as an investor at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), where he worked at the forefront of cultural and technological innovation. From music to AI, Nait’s journey is a testament to his ability to drive change and inspire progress in diverse industries.
In this feature, Nait shares insights on his career journey, the importance of adaptability and curiosity, and his vision for leveraging technology to drive innovation and impact.
Where do you work, and what’s your title? What do you do?
I work at Oyi Labs, a venture-backed startup focused on generative AI. We build vertically integrated products, and our first product, Ad Twin, is designed specifically for marketers to harness the power of generative AI in their advertising stack. I’m currently in my third startup and am excited about the potential for AI to drive innovation in the industry.
What are the top three to five things that got you to where you are today?
I would say adaptability is the biggest factor. You have to be resilient, resourceful, and able to adjust to circumstances. Ingenuity is key—the ability to reimagine yourself and what you’re capable of, and to keep seeking out what you don’t know. The only constant in life is change, and if you’re not adaptable, it can really knock you off balance when it comes. A personal experience that taught me adaptability was moving to Germany as a kid without knowing the language. I had to learn how to throw myself into a new culture and figure it out as I went. You have to be willing to look stupid to build competence, and that’s something many people avoid in today’s social media-driven world.
What makes the work you do worth it? What brings you the most joy?
Creating things—seeing ideas come to life. The act of creation is one of the most meaningful experiences we have as humans. Whether it’s building a product, contributing to the community, or even personal achievements, creating something that didn’t exist before is deeply fulfilling. The feedback loop—seeing people use what you’ve made, whether they love it or have criticism—creates a shared experience that’s incredibly rewarding.
What’s a recent project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I’m involved in multiple projects I’m proud of. I’ve helped build a community of men who support each other in a unique way, and I work with a group in Austin called We Can Now, which provides food and medical care to homeless individuals. I’m also proud of the model of masculinity I’m creating for my son, and the product we’re developing at Oye Labs. Creating myself every day is another accomplishment—it’s all about continuous growth.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning not to fall victim to my own success or let setbacks embitter me. It’s easy to get wrapped up in frustration when things don’t go as planned. In my career, I’ve had moments where people took credit for my work or when things didn’t seem fair. But you have to avoid becoming cynical, stay focused on the future, and keep your energy positive. It’s a daily battle with your own psychology, a constant need to keep your mind sharp and resilient.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received, and who gave it to you?
The best advice I received was from Ben Horowitz: ‘Stay in the game.’ Longevity beats talent. Consistency and resilience matter because most of your competition will eliminate themselves over time. If you’re in it for the long haul and stick to your vision, eventually the world will shift in your favor.
What skill do you believe everyone should develop to succeed in today’s world?
Extreme curiosity. People today are too quick to reach conclusions, turning them into rigid beliefs without exploring further. I always tell people that curiosity—especially about things that don’t directly align with their immediate interests—is what makes them truly powerful. The world has more opportunities than we can perceive, and if you’re curious, you unlock the ability to see a few of these hidden doors.
How has networking impacted your career?
I think of networking as being personable and genuinely interested in people. If you’re truly curious about others and open to learning from their experiences, you’ll naturally build a network. It’s about building trust, understanding who people are, and connecting on a human level. Most of my business relationships started as personal interactions. Real networking isn’t about ‘working the room’; it’s about creating authentic connections.
How do you handle stress and prevent burnout? What does self-care look like for you?
Self-care for me is about maintaining balance across mind, body, and spirit. I get out into nature, exercise, and spend time in prayer and meditation. When I realize I’m off balance, I take action, like booking a solo trip to a cabin in Montana to recharge. Serving others is also a part of my self-care; it reminds me of the bigger picture. Community is essential, and I keep a close circle of people who support me.
What advice would you give to someone starting in your career path?
Focus on knowledge and relationships. Be hyper-curious and start experimenting with the tools that interest you, even if you feel a bit lost at first. Find communities around those interests, whether on Discord, Twitter, or other platforms, and build connections. Tech is constantly evolving, and today’s niches can become tomorrow’s big opportunities if you stick with them.
What are some things you can’t leave home without?
I like to dress fresh, so a clean outfit is a must. A good pair of shades—I recently got a pair from Strata that I love. Of course, the essentials like my phone, laptop, and ID.
How would you spend 24 hours in your city?
On a workday, I’d be working all day. But when I have time off, I enjoy high-end culinary experiences. I love finding elevated dining spots with white tablecloth service and sophisticated cocktails. If I’m not at a nice restaurant, I’m spending time with my son at his flag football game or with my wife. Occasionally, I’ll go to a concert if it’s an artist I love, but I keep it VIP—close to the stage, out of the way.
What does the word ‘hustle’ mean to you in the context of your career?
Hustle is a combination of street smarts, EQ, and work ethic. It’s about having a bit of savvy and mental game but also backing it up with hard work. It’s knowing when to sell the vision and then putting in the grind to make it happen.
In your opinion, what makes for a toasted life?
To me, a toasted life is celebrating success with the people who truly wish you well and sharing in their successes, too. It’s staying true to your values, putting in the work, and reaching that winner’s circle where you get to celebrate in a luxurious way—with the people who’ve been there all along. It’s earning the right to shine and toast to life together.
