Meet Mike Jackson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mike, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose by looking back at what made my journey unique and realizing that it wasn’t just about what I accomplished, but how I did it.
As one of the first African American executives in corporate marketing at companies like General Motors, Coors, and Coca-Cola, I didn’t fit the mold. But that became my strength. I blended deep personal cultural insight, street smarts from growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, and academic excellence from institutions like The Kent State School of Media and Journalism, The University Southern California, Annenberg School of Communications and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
That combination made me a force ahead of my time, someone who could see around corners, understand the nuance of diverse audiences, and lead with authenticity in boardrooms that often lacked it.
My purpose became clear when I saw the impact of bringing my full self to the table, not code-switching, not compromising, but leading with cultural intelligence and strategic clarity. Today, I channel that purpose into teaching and mentoring the next generation. At Kent State, I help students, many of whom may feel like outsiders recognize that their lived experiences are not a weakness but a superpower.
Purpose, for me, is about legacy. It’s about opening doors, lifting others as I climb, and proving that excellence looks like us, too.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a brand strategist, educator, and founder of 2050 Marketing, www.2050Mktg.com where I assist clients, from emerging brands to Fortune 500 companies, develop bold brand strategies and navigate digital transformation. I’ve led major campaigns for brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Coors, and I now bring that real-world experience into the classroom as a Professional-in-Residence at Kent State University, my alma mater.
What excites me most is shaping the future of advertising whether through consulting, teaching, or mentoring. My approach is rooted in the 4 C’s: Communication, Confidence, Collaboration, and Creativity, which I believe are essential in today’s fast-changing industry.
On the horizon, I’m leading a research project on how legacy computing brands are evolving to reach Gen Z, and I’m expanding my startup, BevGater, through the acquisition of Taiga Coolers. Across everything I do, my goal is to inspire bold thinking and help the next generation of marketers thrive

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have defined my journey are confidence, adaptability, and strategic thinking, but if I could add a fourth, it would be the power of listening.
Early in my career at General Motors, I walked into a high-stakes executive meeting as the only African American in the room. That could’ve been overwhelming, but I relied on confidence built from preparation, not ego. I knew I belonged, and I stayed grounded in that belief.
Adaptability became essential as I moved between industries, automotive, beverages, tech, and media. Every environment had a different rhythm, culture, and learning curve. Success came from staying curious, embracing change, and adjusting my style while keeping my core values intact.
Strategic thinking allowed me to connect creativity to outcomes from launching the Cadillac Escalade to building real-world advertising case studies at Kent State. Strategy is the bridge between vision and results.
But what truly elevates all these skills is the ability to listen deeply. I often share with my students the concept of “Golden Silence”—the intentional pause that allows you to fully hear, absorb, and reflect before reacting. In business and in life, listening is a superpower. It builds trust, reveals insights, and helps you lead with empathy and intention.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful lessons in my life came from my mother, who raised me as a single parent in Youngstown, Ohio. She didn’t have a lot, but what she gave me was far more valuable than anything material, she gave me principles to live by.
The first thing she always said was, “Treat everyone you come in contact with, with respect.” Whether it was a CEO or the custodian, she believed everyone deserved dignity. That mindset shaped how I lead, how I teach, and how I build relationships to this day.
Second, she made it clear: “You can do or be whatever you aspire to, don’t let anyone tell you different.” That unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to step into rooms where I was often the only one who looked like me and still know I belonged.
And finally, she would always say, “Never compromise your personal values.” In a world full of pressure to conform, she reminded me that integrity matters more than status. That advice has been my compass, through every tough decision, every high-stakes negotiation, and every leadership challenge.
Her words continue to guide me. They’ve shaped my career, my character, and how I show up for others.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: michaelajaxson
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/michaelajackson2050mktg