We were lucky to catch up with John Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

John, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Yes, the CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship is deeply committed to serving under-served communities—particularly first-generation college students, underrepresented entrepreneurs, and local small business owners who often lack access to the resources, mentorship, and capital they need to thrive.
One example is Tanya Whiteside , a community advocate and social entrepreneur who works closely with students and local leaders to bridge opportunity gaps. Through her work and partnership with the CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship, she helps empower individuals who are often left out of traditional entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Tanya has mentored students who are the first in their families to attend college, including those with big ideas but little support. One such student came to the Center with a plan to launch a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness in BIPOC communities. With Tanya’s guidance—combined with the Center’s incubator resources and CSUF’s faculty expertise—the student developed a viable business model, learned how to pitch to funders, and built a small advisory board made up of fellow Titans.
Why does this matter? Because systemic barriers still keep too many bright minds from bringing their ideas to life. The CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship, alongside leaders like Tanya, is changing that—by offering not just mentorship and resources, but a deep belief in the potential of every student and community entrepreneur. Together, we’re building a more inclusive future—one startup, one story, and one dream at a time.

John, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In the 1980s and early 1990s, I was in Silicon Valley which was a booming hub of innovation, fueled by the rise of personal computers, semiconductors, and startups. Apple, Intel, and HP thrived, while garage entrepreneurs chased tech dreams. Venture capital flowed, offices had cubicles, and engineers worked long hours, shaping the digital revolution still unfolding today. I was a young street fighting MBA who could collaborate with electrical engineers. My career took off like a rocket. I was in the right place at the right time.
In the mid-1990s to early 2000s, I did a ten-year tour of Wall Street helping companies go public including Pixar with Steve Jobs as CEO. The “street” was all about greed with a capital “G.” I felt like a boy scout amongst gangsters.
The dotcom boom crashed in the early 2000s. I reinvented myself as a startup founder, professor at CSUF (I was the first marketing part-time professor in the new Entrepreneurship concentration in 2002), public speaker, and author. I became director of Center for Entrepreneurship in 2009 and was soon named a full-time professor (I am now told that this was an exceptional event and would not happen today).
The students of the early 2000s were capitalists who wanted fame and money; they wanted to change the world. By comparison the students of today also want to make an economic impact but they now embrace social enterprise. They want to make the planet better along with profits.
20-plus years later, I enjoy reconnecting with my former students who are now in charge. It pleases me greatly to see them mature into good citizens, successful business owners and proud parents.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Lesson Unlearned: I had to unlearn the belief that success is only measured by personal gain—by accumulating money, power, and recognition at any cost, even if it meant stepping over others.
The backstory is in my early days as a young business executive, I was fiercely driven by ambition. I believed that being aggressive, self-motivated, and even a bit ruthless was the only path to success. If anyone got in my way, I didn’t hesitate to knock them down, convinced that the end justified the means. That approach, however, came at a significant personal cost. Despite reaching impressive milestones, I felt increasingly isolated and unfulfilled. The victories were hollow because they were built on a foundation of self-interest rather than meaningful relationships.
It wasn’t until midlife that I began to see the true value of giving without expectation. I started to shift my focus from self-promotion to supporting others unconditionally. I learned that when you invest in people, the rewards are not immediate cash or titles, but something more enduring—gratitude, trust, and referrals that not only bolster your professional network but also enrich your personal life. This transformation taught me that a legacy built on generosity and genuine connection is far more fulfilling than one built solely on personal gain.
Maybe in the afterlife, I’ll see the full impact of this lesson—but even now, the change is clear in the relationships I nurture and the community I help build.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Over time, I’ve learned that building a solid reputation isn’t about flashy tactics or self-promotion—it’s about genuine human connection. I built my reputation by simply being present and authentic in every interaction. I listen carefully, help whenever I can, and serve as a connector between people who could benefit from each other. I always follow up on conversations, return messages promptly, and approach every situation without judgment. I’m patient, and I ask for nothing in return—my aim is always to give back, even in small ways. This consistent commitment to empathy and reliability has earned the trust and respect of my peers and clients, ultimately defining who I am in the market.

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/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9KEn-wLIc-Zm0v9CTfnFQ