Famously dubbed as “The King of LinkedIn,” Lewis Howes is no stranger to titles. In college, the Capital graduate set the NCAA all-divisions record for the most receiving yards in a single game and was an All-American wide receiver. He has graced lists such as Incomediary.com’s “50 Most Influential People in Blogging” and Details Magazine’s “5 Internet Gurus Who Can Make You Rich.” Most recently, Howes has been ranked as one of Genjuice.com’s top “100 Most Desirable Mentors” along with the likes of Barack Obama, Russell Simmons and the Queen of Jordan, to name a few.

Co-author of the book Linked Working, Howes has also been featured in Business Week, TIME, CBS Radio, Fast Company, and The Washington Post, as well as some of the most popular blogs in the world.

However, as the founder of Sports Executives Association and Inspired Marketing, Howes may have assumed his most important role yet. His company Inspired Marketing creates information products based on social media and webinar marketing, which boasts a reach of about 50,000 people worldwide. Sports Executives Association is a monthly membership website for sports executives looking to continue their sports business education and network with some of the top executives in the world.

When Lewis isn’t occupied running his businesses or training some of the biggest New York Times best-selling authors, he enjoys frequenting Nida’s Thai on High, Impero coffee shop and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. In terms of Columbus fashion, Lewis is a huge fan of Milk Bar and Homage.

How does your career influence the way you dress?

I feel blessed to be in business for myself and I always dress the “Internet Lifestyle” way. Basically that means a comfortable pair of jeans, sandals and a v-neck shirt. Even when I speak on stage, I get rid of the suit and instead wear nicer jeans, black shoes and a classic button up (with my sleeves rolled up of course).

What advice would you give to people who want to break free from the nine-to-five and pursue something on their own?

Giving up the guaranteed paycheck may be the hardest thing to do, but if you aren’t loving what you do 100 percent of the time, then you are passing up a huge opportunity to enjoy your life to the fullest. You can start by building something on the side so that you have some extra income, but at some point you will have to take a leap of faith and go all in!

When dressing for a speaking engagement or other work related event, what one rule do you stick to?

I like to keep it simple. The cleaner, and more classic the look – the better. I like to let my presentation do the talking, not my clothes.

Can you offer any advice to those with a fear of public speaking?

Join Toastmasters! The Toastmasters that is held at Franklin University is one of the best in Columbus and by attending frequently you will start to see yourself rocking stages in no time.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and what three clothing items would you pack?

I’ve traveled a lot of places, but I still haven’t been to Brazil. I’d go to Brazil and take lots of v-necks, board shorts and a good pair of jeans to go salsa dancing in.

Lewis is pictured wearing a 1901 dress shirt, 7 For All Mankind jeans and UGG canvas shoes. Shot on location at Impero Coffee Roasters, 849 N High St.