We recently connected with John Bradley Jackson and have shared our conversation below.
John Bradley , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It begs the question what is purpose? I’ve come to believe it’s not a single, fixed destination but something that evolves over time. Purpose is the sense of direction and meaning that guides our actions and gives significance to our lives. It’s the “why” behind what we do. It is an evolving motivation that connects our values, passions, and contributions to something larger than ourselves. Early in life, holding my newborn child gave me an undeniable sense of purpose. Later, at midlife, I pivoted from the corporate world to education. For me it was a move that became more than a job; it was a calling. Purpose, I’ve learned, changes as we do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
While my full name is John Bradley Jackson, most people just call me “JJ.” For more than 20 years I served as the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fullerton, where I’m also a Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurship. I’ve taught courses like New Venture Creation and New Venture Launch — helping students turn great ideas into thriving startups.
Before academia, I lived the startup life myself, gaining hands-on experience in both Silicon Valley and on Wall Street. That mix of real-world hustle and teaching is what I bring to every classroom and mentoring session. Along the way, I’ve written several books on marketing and entrepreneurship and launched a few ventures of my own.
I founded the CSUF Startup Incubator to help early-stage founders get the guidance and support they need to grow. I’m also the founder of Titan Angels I and II, which invest in promising, scalable startups, as well as the Youth Development Fund, LLC.
Outside of work, I live in Olalla, Washington, with my wife, our three kids, a few horses, a couple of dogs, and a very opinionated parrot. I’m a lifelong horseman, animal lover, and always curious about what’s next in the world of entrepreneurship.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For me, the three most impactful qualities have been listening, open-mindedness, and persistence. I try to listen deeply before reacting, stay open to perspectives that challenge my own, and never give up easily when things get tough.
My advice: don’t rush to judgment. Try to separate personal feelings or early conclusions until you’ve truly assessed a situation. Take time to verify the facts and understand the problem before jumping to a solution. Real insight often comes from patience and curiosity.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I’m a voracious reader with a large library—both fiction and nonfiction. Some of my favorites include Lonesome Dove, Band of Brothers, and biographies of Teddy Roosevelt and Bobby Kennedy. Each offers lessons in courage, leadership, and character.
From Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose, the most powerful takeaway is that ordinary people, when tested by extraordinary circumstances, can rise to greatness through shared purpose, loyalty, and resilience. It’s a reminder that real strength often comes from teamwork, trust, and doing your duty even when it’s hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnbradleyjackson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbradleyjackson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnbradleyjackson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbradleyjackson/
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