We recently connected with Tom Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tom thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I think there have been countless risks taken along the way.
Some businesses have started and failed, while others have kept going.
Either way, it’s all a game of risk.

Somewhere in the beginning, I realized it was my responsibility to build something – probably because of how I was raised and the responsibility that was placed on me (which I embraced).

I always sensed that the way institutions around us were set up didn’t exactly cater to someone like me. I was very curious and outgoing. Eventually, I found a system that worked for me and allowed me to explore different areas of knowledge to develop myself as a person and refine my skills. Now there’s so much information everywhere—it’s crazy to think about how much has changed. There’s a lot of noise, too.

Having owned a business my entire adult life, I’ve had to face a lot of risk. It’s not always obvious – like handling taxes, administrative tasks, or managing different seasons of cash flow.

The benefit of taking the risk and running your own business is that you get to design a certain level of freedom in how you operate (even if it is seven days a week, lol).

Sometimes, the risk involves standing up for yourself when you’re a young professional negotiating with a seasoned veteran. It’s easy for people to take advantage of you when you’re younger – which can be understandable since you’re eager to gain experience. But as you build that experience, you learn to spot when “doing the right thing” shifts into scope creep, and you realize you need to define boundaries.

I remember working for a software company, developing their marketing programs, and it reached a point where they wanted me to drop everything else and join full-time. It was a great company with awesome people, and maybe in another reality, I did that. In this life, though, I still felt compelled to design my own path. So I declined, and eventually they hired a full-time director to build on the platform I had established.

One way I’ve learned to manage risk is by recognizing that sometimes a working relationship will last only a few years, and then we have to move on. There are a few things worth building and owning, and those will take time to establish.

Since then, I’ve made an impact with many other companies and gone on adventures around the world -opportunities that might not have been possible if I had stayed.

As someone companies hire to guide them through different transformations, I’ve learned it’s always about managing risk along the way. The risk is always there, and there’s plenty of risk in being stagnant, too. The key is having a good system – and good people to manage it.

In 2025, with AI taking over and the world at odds on Twitter, it’s hard to say where we’ll end up. But we’re still going to keep waking up every day, trying to do something meaningful, and pushing ideas forward.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Tom Jackson, Corporate Director at JaxonLabs. I’ve always been someone who loves to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo. Early in my career, I was drawn to opportunities where I could blend creativity and strategy, whether in marketing, brand building, or technology. Over time, that fascination evolved into a passion for transforming businesses through branding, strategic consulting, and innovative technology solutions.

At JaxonLabs, we focus on creating and executing brand and technology strategies that help organizations stand out. Our team delivers a range of services – from brand identity development and marketing strategy to implementing digital solutions and software platforms. We believe in a holistic approach, where business, brand, and technology are all interwoven. By helping clients clarify their vision, refine their messaging, and streamline their processes, we enable them to connect more deeply with their audiences and operate more efficiently.

One of the problems we solve for our clients is navigating change in a world filled with noise and rapid innovation. Whether they’re launching a new product, rebranding an existing company, or adopting emerging technologies, we guide them through the process step-by-step. Our goal is to reduce the chaos and uncertainty often associated with transformation while seizing opportunities for growth and differentiation.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalizing each engagement. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we collaborate closely with each client to understand their unique culture, vision, and values. From there, we tailor our strategies to meet their specific challenges, whether that’s refining a brand narrative or designing a new digital platform. We also take pride in our emphasis on knowledge-sharing: we don’t just deliver a final product, but empower our clients with the understanding and tools they need to keep growing independently.

I’m personally most proud of the relationships we’ve built over the years. Our partnerships with clients often evolve into long-term collaborations, where we continue to support them through different phases of growth. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing someone you’ve worked with achieve success – and knowing you played a part in helping them get there.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that JaxonLabs is about more than just delivering a service – it’s about co-creating something meaningful. We understand that every organization and every leader has a distinct story to tell. By harnessing brand strategy, technology, and a deep dedication to innovation, we strive to help you tell that story in a way that resonates and drives real results.

Ultimately, our mission is to be a catalyst for positive change. We thrive on pushing boundaries, taking calculated risks, and helping our clients become more adaptive and future-ready. So, whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or an established enterprise looking to level up, we’re here to guide you on your journey – supporting you at every step as you transform, grow, and differentiate in an ever-evolving world.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

This is an interesting one. Of course, I’ve had good clients come through my website and platforms like LinkedIn -especially through recruiters who scout for specialized talent. But surprisingly, golf has sneakily become one of the most effective channels for attracting new clients.

I’ve been fortunate to play at a few different courses and collaborate with certain clubs, and these experiences have opened the door to a steady stream of opportunities in my professional life. There’s something about connecting on the golf course – away from the typical boardroom setting – that makes it easier to get to know someone beyond job titles and business objectives. You share stories, experiences, and sometimes even a few laughs (or frustrations) over a round of golf, and those personal moments can turn into lasting relationships.

That sense of camaraderie often leads to deeper conversations about what I do and how I help businesses with their brand strategies and technology solutions. And because you’ve already established a baseline of trust on the golf course, those people are more inclined to reach out when they have a project that fits my expertise.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Early in my career, I was primarily focused on delivering the design elements of branding. Over time, though, the marketplace became increasingly competitive, and I realized that offering just design services wasn’t enough to stand out or truly support my clients’ long-term goals. That’s when I began shifting my approach toward a more holistic view of branding – one that integrates strategy, systems, and even staff training into the process.

It wasn’t just about creating a logo or color palette anymore; it was about understanding how a brand should be infused throughout an organization, from its internal culture to its customer experience. By helping companies see the bigger picture and implement the right processes, I was able to provide far more value than I could by focusing on design alone. Looking back, I’m grateful I recognized the need for that pivot, as it allowed me to better serve my clients and build deeper, more strategic partnerships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jaxonlabs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxonlabs
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaxonlabs