By Staff
Tell us about your new book.
“For Whom The Virus Tolls” endeavors to examine the COVID-19’s impact from various vantage points, encompassing historical context and the diverse perspectives that collectively define humanity’s experience. Through its pages, individual stories of facing the challenges of today and enduring their long-lasting consequences are woven together to create a tapestry of shared human experiences.
In essence, this work seeks to tease out the intricate interplay of personal narratives and broader societal implications, shedding light on the ways in which COVID-19 has shaped and reshaped lives across the globe. By capturing these voices and insights, my aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic’s far-reaching consequences and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
“For Whom The Virus Tolls” illuminates for all readers a stark truth: our fates are intertwined inextricably, demanding a paradigm shift towards collaborative efforts for a better world. The ripples of one person’s experience resonate across continents and cultures, underscoring our shared humanity. Against the backdrop of historical facts and social dynamics surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, this book delves into the lives of individuals through intimate interviews. These personal narratives unveil not only how they navigated and endured the crisis, but also how they emerged resilient.
What is your motivation to empower people?
I am deeply motivated by the conviction that our collective strength and collaboration contribute to a more harmonious society and a world that upholds human dignity and respect for all. Even in the face of daunting challenges, the resilience of the human spirit perseveres. My vision revolves around fostering encouragement and inspiration through compelling storytelling, utilizing a blend of history, facts, data, and vivid imagery.
I believe that by empowering individuals with information and encouraging critical thinking, we can illuminate the shared humanity that binds us and inspire more thoughtful actions and outcomes. Creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, grounded in facts rather than rhetoric, holds the potential for genuine progress. My objective is to leverage various platforms and media to promote introspective thinking, transformative ideas, and innovation, resonating with the hearts, minds, and souls of individuals to foster greater understanding and acceptance.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
For me, the path to becoming an entrepreneur is driven by the passions I’ve developed over time combined with the knowledge and expertise I’ve gained through education and professional experience. By bringing these aspects together I have the opportunity to make an impact, on society and transform my dreams into tangible achievements through proactive decision making and effective execution. The desire to make a difference and give back is a driving force, and the entrepreneurial framework provides the structure through which I can seize this opportunity.
What has been the most important lesson learned during your tenure in corporate America that you utilize as an entrepreneur?
First and foremost, it is crucial to have an understanding and mastery of your craft. Always be eager to learn things and embrace innovation and technology wholeheartedly.A key factor in success is cultivating exceptional leadership and unwavering competence at every level. Equally crucial is fostering a profound appreciation and respect for each team member, creating an authentic and positive work environment. You have to serve as the genuine example, inspiring greater engagement and discretionary efforts. Trust, truth, honesty, and respect form the bedrock of these principles and there’s no room for disingenuousness or contrived cultures. Upholding these values is essential, and by prioritizing the well-being of your team, a reciprocal commitment to excellence naturally emerges. The leadership principles below have been my guiding ethos in leading all of my teams and businesses.
DJJ Principles of Inclusive Leadership
• Surround yourself with people who are different from yourself and encourage them to achieve a lofty, common goal; Be genuinely inclusive
• Inspire others with your vision, gain buy-in, and unleash the full potential of your team’s talents and skills
• Be genuine and authentic at all times
• Engage and empower team members – Create a thriving environment
• Generate excitement by effectively communicating a sense of purpose and producing tangible outcomes
• Put points on the board
• Celebrate all wins small and large
• Have fun
• Treat everyone as an individual with fairness, dignity and respect.
• Reach back and help someone
• Treat people the way they want to be treated, not necessarily the way you want to be treated. (The Platinum Rule)
What does success look like for you?
When establishing 5J Entertainment, my enduring objective has been and remains a dedicated commitment to educate, inform, entertain, and foster positive imagery through diverse media platforms. We are driven by a belief in uncovering the lesser-known stories and misunderstood narratives—those unheard, unknown, or occasionally distorted. Our mission is to offer a deeper comprehension of various issues and the contributing factors that shape these narratives.
Ultimately, we aspire to be a guiding North Star, illuminating the path forward through our creative endeavors. If our efforts can serve as a catalyst, unlocking the talents and ideas necessary to address contemporary challenges and leave a better world for future generations, then we have truly succeeded.
About the Author
D. John Jackson emerges as a distinguished global leader and accomplished Fortune 50 Executive, possessing an extensive background in strategic planning, engineering management, artificial intelligence, data science, and design thinking. Beyond these achievements, he holds the mantle of a best-selling author with his renowned book “What About Me,” alongside his pivotal role as co-creator and executive producer of the captivating documentary film “What About Me,” now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. He’s both the creator and executive producer of a new documentary film titled “For Whom The Virus Tolls,” aligning with his recently published book of the same name, and they are set to be released in tandem.
With an innate flair for creativity and visionary insight, D. John Jackson occupies the role of a film executive producer, strategist, futurist thinker, and a globally sought-after speaker. His expertise spans an eclectic array of subjects ranging from leadership and world history to STEM education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, economics, and the dynamics of global competition.
At the helm of his brainchild, 5J Entertainment, he stands as the driving force and CEO. This enterprise is unequivocally committed to the empowerment and enlightenment of audiences through diverse media forms. 5J Entertainment serves as a profound storytelling conduit, unearthing the latent and riveting human interest narratives, while shedding light on the unexplored and crucial stories that resonate with our world’s fabric. In an era where such stories might remain untold, D. John Jackson’s commitment to education, information dissemination, and the proliferation of positive imagery stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.
Social Media
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/djohnjackson
Facebook: @D John Jackson
Instagram: @d.john_jackson
Twitter (X): @DJohnjackson
