We were lucky to catch up with Jason Tolbert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For me, finding my purpose wasn’t a single, life-changing moment—it was a journey shaped by challenges, self-discovery, and unwavering faith. Coming from a family with no real money or influential connections, I had to rely on what God placed inside me to create opportunities. There was no blueprint or safety net—just a vision that seemed impossible on paper.
One defining moment came during an event I curated. A lady in attendance looked me in the eye and said, “You’re the architect.” She saw something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized yet—my ability to take any vision, no matter how abstract or far-fetched, and turn it into something tangible and impactful. From that day forward, the name stuck. Suddenly, everyone wanted to book “The Architect” for hosting, speaking engagements, panel discussions, event management—you name it.
Soon, people started approaching me out of the blue, asking me to manage them. Comedians, singers, models, spoken word artists, and speakers all sought my help. The demand became so overwhelming that I had to create a business just to keep up. It even led to me becoming the campaign manager for someone running for sheriff in Jacksonville, FL.
As I helped more and more people, I began to realize this journey was much bigger than me. Beneath everything I was doing—whether hosting events, crafting PR strategies, or coaching clients—was one core mission: getting people to their “next.” I started building stages and creating platforms for individuals who would otherwise be overlooked, helping them get seen and heard through TV, radio, magazines, events, or connections with high-powered clients.
Here’s the truth I’ve learned: I couldn’t have made it to this point if God hadn’t already provided the provision for this vision. Without money, credit, status, or even formal education in certain areas, someone had to say yes to me when I didn’t have the means to do it on my own. When you’re walking in your purpose, the world opens up in extraordinary ways—bending and breaking rules to perpetuate the exact purpose you’re meant to fulfill. Everything I needed, and everything I will ever need, was already provided.
I’ve come to understand that someone, somewhere, is waiting on me to show up—whether they know it or not. My purpose is to meet them, to unlock doors for them, and to ensure they reach the next level they were destined for. Realizing this has shaped everything I do.
To date, I’ve helped hundreds of individuals and businesses, and I’m still counting. My journey taught me that purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you step into as you align with what God placed in you. Today, I wake up every day excited to serve, knowing I’m building something far greater than myself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Jason “The Architect” Tolbert, a Public Relations and Branding Maven, Networking Mogul, Event Curator, and Certified Business Coach based in Atlanta. My mission is simple yet profound: to help individuals and businesses tell their stories, build their brands, and expand their audiences. Whether through hosting, consulting, or crafting unforgettable experiences, everything I do is driven by purpose and service.
One of the mantras I live by and teach every single day is: “If serving is beneath you, then leading is beyond you.” This philosophy is at the heart of everything I do. True leadership begins with service—serving clients, communities, and causes with humility and intention. This mindset is what drives my passion and shapes my approach to every project.
What excites me most about my work is its ability to transform lives. I specialize in taking visions—no matter how abstract or challenging—and turning them into lucrative, impactful realities. I’ve been blessed to help clients find their voices, elevate their platforms, and seize opportunities they once thought were out of reach. Whether it’s red-carpet hosting, keynote speaking, event management, or branding consultations, my focus is on empowering others to step into their greatness.
Right now, I’m expanding my presence in Atlanta and beyond. One of my signature programs, “Networking Your Way to Profit,” helps business leaders build meaningful, multi-million-dollar networks. The accompanying book, which is in its final stages, will delve even deeper into the principles of purposeful networking and how it can change lives.
I’m also curating several signature events, including “Authors & Art,” “The Architect’s Networking on a Boat Party,” “International Networking,” “Network & Chill,” and “So You Think You Can Brand.” Each event is designed to create spaces where people can connect, grow, and learn in unforgettable ways. For my nonprofit efforts, I proudly serve as the Director of Public Relations at a 250-student HBCU for k-12. I help build partnerships, create visibility through news, TV, radio, find donor and sponsors, and create initiatives to inspire the next generation of leaders. To date, I’ve raised millions of dollars for clients.
Every day, I’m reminded that my purpose is to serve others and help them achieve their “next.” From working with artists and entrepreneurs to even managing a political campaign, I’ve witnessed how one opportunity can completely change a life. It’s not just about what I do—it’s about why I do it: to leave a legacy of empowerment and impact for those I serve.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, vision, and service. Each of these has played a critical role in shaping who I am and the work I do today.
1. Resilience
Life didn’t hand me money, influence, or a roadmap to success. I faced setbacks, challenges, and moments of uncertainty, but resilience allowed me to keep moving forward. Along the way, I created the motto “Celebrate Yourself, even if it’s by Yourself,” which has been a cornerstone of my journey. There will be times when you have to walk alone, but celebrating even your smallest wins will remind you of your greatness. It becomes the fuel to keep going, affirming that you possess every quality, attribute, and characteristic needed for the road ahead. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remember to celebrate yourself—it’s how you’ll sustain your spirit in tough times.
2. Vision
I’ve always been a dreamer, but what set me apart was learning how to turn those dreams into tangible goals. Vision is not just about seeing where you want to go; it’s about mapping out the steps to get there and staying focused, even when the path is unclear. For those starting out, take time to define your “why.” What drives you? What impact do you want to make? Write it down, revisit it often, and let it guide your decisions.
3. Service
One of my core beliefs is that “If serving is beneath you, then leading is beyond you.” This mindset has been instrumental in building trust, relationships, and opportunities. When I focused on serving others—clients, partners, and even competitors—doors opened in ways I never imagined. My advice? Lead with service. Whether you’re networking, pitching, or building a business, ask yourself, “How can I help?” The more you pour into others, the more the world will pour back into you.
Practical Advice for Growth
• Resilience: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and remember that you are equipped for this journey. When things get tough, lean on your faith, mentors, or support system to keep moving forward.
• Vision: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to think bigger. Iron sharpens iron.
• Service: Never underestimate the power of showing up for others. Volunteer, collaborate, and build authentic relationships.
Your journey may not look like anyone else’s—and that’s the beauty of it. Lean into these qualities, and I promise the path forward will become clearer with every step.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to enforce boundaries while honoring my deep empathy. For so long, my empathy was at the forefront of my approach to work, pushing me to go above and beyond for others—often to my own detriment. I would overcommit, give too much of my time and energy, and, as a result, face burnout and frustration. I realized that while empathy is a core part of who I am, it’s essential to pair it with boundaries to ensure I can continue serving effectively without losing myself in the process.
Empathy is still on the menu, but now it’s served with a side of boundaries. 🍽️✨ Because protecting my peace is the main course. 🌿 I’m training my boundaries to be stronger than my empathy. This means saying “no” when I know I don’t have the time or capacity to produce at the level required or when the client isn’t ready to receive the transformation they desire. I’ve learned that I can’t want it more than they do, and sometimes stepping back is the most powerful way to help them grow.
The shift from constantly saying “yes” to setting clear boundaries has been transformative. It’s not easy, especially when my desire to help is so strong, but I’ve realized that by honoring my own limits, I’m actually able to show up more powerfully for the work that matters. When I have the time, energy, and space to invest in the right opportunities, I can deliver the highest level of service. It’s no longer about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things, with the right people, and at the right time.
I’ve learned that saying “no” doesn’t diminish my compassion—it enhances it. By protecting my peace and ensuring that my efforts are aligned with my purpose, I can serve with clarity, focus, and intention. This growth has not only allowed me to take better care of myself, but it’s also allowed me to be a more effective and impactful leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: JasonTheArchitect.com
- Instagram: Jason_TheArchitect_Tolbert
- Facebook: Jason Tolbert & Jason “The Architect” Tolbert
Image Credits
Adrian & Shakisha Bracy with Bracy Photos
