Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheval John.
Hi Cheval, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I founded Vallano Media in 2012 because I wanted to cover sports at a time when many organizations did not view independent bloggers as legitimate media. Creating the company allowed me to establish a professional organization that could apply for media credentials and tell the stories I believed deserved to be covered.
Over the years, that mission has evolved. While sports journalism remains part of our foundation, Vallano Media is now expanding into helping businesses understand how artificial intelligence, digital media, and quality journalism can work together. What started as a way to cover sports has grown into a company focused on helping people and organizations communicate more effectively in a changing media landscape.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road. In the early years, I lost sight of my original vision by trying to cover almost every event I could. Over time, I realized that wasn’t why I founded Vallano Media.
Looking back, I understood that the company’s purpose was never just to report on sports. It was to tell meaningful stories and help people learn from them. Today, my focus is on using sports as a way to teach broader lessons about business, leadership, innovation, and now artificial intelligence. That renewed sense of purpose has given the company a clear direction for the future.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work has always centered on storytelling, journalism, and helping people communicate more effectively. Over the years, I have worked in sports journalism, social media, and digital media while continually adapting to changes in the industry.
From 2013 to 2017, I hosted the podcast What’s The Word?, where I interviewed professionals from different industries about their careers and what inspired their success. I also had the opportunity to speak at Social Media Day Houston in 2017 and was recognized as one of Houston’s Top 25 Social Media Power Influencers in 2016 and 2017.
Today, my work focuses on combining journalism with artificial intelligence in a responsible way. I enjoy showing how sports stories can teach valuable lessons about business, leadership, and innovation.
What I’m most proud of is that I never stopped learning. The media industry has changed dramatically since I founded Vallano Media, and instead of resisting those changes, I’ve embraced them while staying committed to accuracy, thoughtful reporting, and creating value for readers.
I believe what sets me apart is my willingness to blend traditional journalism with new technology without sacrificing credibility. AI is a powerful tool, but I believe the human element—curiosity, verification, and good judgment—will always be essential.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Recently, I have been learning about artificial intelligence and how it is transforming journalism, business, and everyday work. The more I learn, the more I realize we are still in the early stages of this technology.
I believe AI will change many jobs, but the people who learn to use it effectively will have an advantage over those who choose not to. Rather than fearing AI, I encourage people to understand it, experiment with it, and learn how it can help them become more productive and creative.
My advice is simple: never stop learning. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, journalism, business, or any other field, staying curious and continuing to grow is one of the best investments you can make. I believe we’re only beginning to see what’s possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vallanomedia.com/2026/07/21/how-regional-broadcasters-told-the-stories-behind-the-games-of-the-world-cup/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chevaljohn/
- Twitter: https://x.com/VallanoMedia
Image Credits
Image created by Cheval John with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI).
