We recently connected with John Bradley (JJ) Jackson and have shared our conversation below.
JJ, 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.
Through my journey in Silicon Valley and Wall Street, I discovered an opportunity to shape the future through teaching at CSUF. Guiding underrepresented college students through entrepreneurship, like a recent startup boot camp for “justice involved” individuals, has bestowed upon me a profound purpose. Witnessing their potential, resilience, and transformative ideas fuels my dedication. As the founder of Titan Angels, I bridge financial expertise with mentorship while fostering innovation in unconventional spaces. This path aligns my experiences, passions, and values, igniting a sense of empowerment and change. Guiding these aspiring entrepreneurs defines not just a career, but a calling—a true honor that embodies purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fullerton. At CSUF I am a full-time professor with expertise in New Venture Creation and New Venture Launch. I bring startup experience along with practical marketing and sales knowledge to the classroom from both Silicon Valley and Wall Street. I am the founder of the CSUF Startup Incubator which has helped launch over 100 startups. I also created Titan Angels LLC which is a seed investment fund.
Most recently, my work at CSUF has focused on social enterprise which includes businesses with specific social objectives that serve its primary purpose. Social enterprises seek to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to society and the environment, and the profits are principally used to fund social programs. For example, outdoor products firm “Patagonia” makes money, ethically makes its products, and donates money to save habitat.
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?
Three things that have helped me in work and professional life include:
1. Agility and adaptability – Plans change. Letting go of them can open the door to new adventures.
2. Listening and not speaking – The more I listen and not speak, the more I learn,
3. Critical Thinking – While I pride myself in making quick decisions, I try to be open-minded and fair-minded, I try to look at different points of view, and will change positions when reason leads them to do so.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I think one of the most important things I learned from my parents is the importance of service to others. I do my best to help others unconditionally knowing that I may not rewarded. OK, maybe the reward comes in the afterlife.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johnbradleyjackson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbradleyjackson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnbradleyjackson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbradleyjackson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=csuf+entrepreneur
