MANN-O-LOGUES with Dr. Sundra Mann S1E10: DIVINE DETOURS: LEADING WITH CHARACTER, SERVICE, AND AUTHENTICITY This episode explores the intersection of life and leadership through Jackson's unique lens as a Black male educator who has navigated spaces where he was often "the only one." With vulnerability and wisdom, he shares pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy—from being hospitalized by stress during a job search, only to wake up to an unexpected assistant principal offer, to standing firm on difficult decisions that tested his integrity and courage. Jackson pulls back the curtain on the realities of educational leadership, discussing the challenges of work-life balance, the weight of equity work, and the critical importance of authentic relationships with students, staff, and families.

Throughout the conversation, Jackson weaves together themes of faith, family, and professional excellence. He introduces his personal leadership framework—the Three Cs and a P (Character, Competency, Consistency, and Passion)—while offering practical, actionable advice for leaders at every stage of their journey. Whether discussing how to navigate parent meetings where his authority was questioned based on race, sharing strategies for building genuine student relationships, or reflecting on the mentorship that shaped him and the mentorship he now provides, Jackson's insights are both deeply personal and universally applicable.