We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I used to believe firmly in managing a work-life balance. I’ve felt the sting of burnout, how it can set you back after relentless effort. But my perspective shifted.

Nowadays, I’m more inclined to tilt the scales towards work. It’s a strategic choice, however. I’m a particularly family-oriented person, so I’m doing this with a clear vision in mind: future freedom and time with my family. I picture the next 7-10 years, envisioning a life where I can be deeply present for them. That’s a powerful motivator. It gets me out of bed early to get to it, working with a purpose.

That seems like a fair trade to me. Sacrificing a balanced work-life now for a future where life outweighs work. With the work that I’m doing now, it’s not just about clocking hours; it’s about building something lasting, something that will allow me to be there for my family in ways that truly matter.

That being said, it’s crucial to acknowledge the other side of this commitment. Working crazy hours is a high-stakes game. Burnout is a very serious issue. Even if you don’t realize you’re burnout, the 65th–70th hours of your week are nowhere near as mindful as your 5th–10th. It’s only sustainable if you hone the art of “disconnecting.”

I’m chronically bad it, though, over the past year, I’ve improved a lot. Finding time for digging the crates for new music finds, workouts, basketball, etc. – these aren’t just hobbies; they’re vital for my mental reset.

They allow me to return to work with a clear mind, rejuvenated. It’s a delicate dance, this balance of pushing forward while also stepping back to recharge. But it’s a dance I’m learning to navigate with more grace each day.

What should our readers know about your business?
At the core of my work lies a singular goal: to enhance efficiency in everything I tackle. This principle drives my businesses, Mula and Edapt, each addressing unique challenges in their respective fields.

Mula is my answer to the film and media industry’s longstanding issue of scheduling and budgeting inefficiencies. We’re building a platform to significantly reduce workflow handoff headaches that plague media production today, streamlining processes that were traditionally cumbersome and time-consuming. Similarly, Edapt transforms the educational reporting process. What used to take months, we’ve condensed into days. This efficiency is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a meaningful change in how these sectors operate. The less migraines, the better.

The only way I’m able to figure out how to provide value is by being a sponge. I firmly believe in the power of listening and learning. With two ears and one mouth, my focus is always on absorbing more than I express. This learning approach has allowed me to understand the intricate challenges of these industries and address them effectively. Absorb knowledge. Understand the nuances of different industries. Identify opportunities for impactful innovation.

Impact is the heart of my endeavors. Both Mula and Edapt started as “just software” businesses, and we now have initiatives growing parallel with the companies. At Mula, we’ve initiated a program aimed at empowering the youth in Los Angeles’ internet deserts. We educate them about new media technologies, turning them into informed consumers and connecting them to opportunities in the industry. With Edapt, my focus is on equipping educational administrators and instructors with the knowledge to navigate the artificial intelligence wave. This is especially crucial for small to medium-sized school districts that lack significant IT departments.

My journey hasn’t been easy, and it is very early. The challenges I face day-In and day-out are stepping stones. I’ll never just be about creating efficient software solutions. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive impact, educating and empowering communities, and paving the way for a more informed – and less redlined – future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You have to hit a sporting event of some kind, whichever you can fit into your schedule. I’m a die hard Laker fan. Add a concert to one of your night plans since there’s always something happening. Now you can fill the day time in with a morning hike at Los Liones (not the Hollywood sign), then go grab lunch at Teddy’s Red Tacos or Papi Tacos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, there’s my mother, the epitome of conscientiousness. Growing up, observing her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to handle people tasks with such care and precision was a masterclass in itself. Her approach to life’s challenges, big and small, taught me the value of patience and the importance of being thorough in everything I do. Her influence is a constant reminder to approach my work and personal life with thoughtfulness and integrity. Strangely enough, she’s the reason I try to be as cognizant as possible of how my software interfaces are affecting users.

Of course there’s my father, whose entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering ‘stick-to-it-iveness’ attitude have been a guiding force in my life. Watching him navigate the highs and lows of business instilled in me not just the skills but the mindset essential for an entrepreneur. His resilience and creativity are qualities I cherish and strive to embody in my own journey.

During my undergraduate years, Dr. David Choi played a pivotal role. He opened doors to numerous opportunities that were crucial for my early development. His mentorship and belief in my potential allowed me to explore and excel in ways I hadn’t imagined. His guidance during those formative years laid a solid foundation for my professional growth, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

Directly out of university, Paul Orfalea, the founder of Kinko’s, took me under his wing. Paul taught me invaluable lessons in practical business sense, moving beyond theories and into the real-world application of business strategies. This transition from theoretical knowledge to practical execution was a game-changer for me.

And I absolutely have to give an enormous “thank you” to Dr. Amy Alzina, for seeing potential in a babyfaced 20-something and giving me a platform in the education space. Her faith in me opened doors to speaking and teaching engagements, allowing me to share and grow with seasoned professionals. Her support was a key factor in shaping my early career trajectory.

Website: https://christianjackson.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.jacksonn

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjackson00/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bycjacksonn

Other: Mula: https://www.mula.me/ Edapt: https://www.edaptschools.com/

Image Credits
Odduachi Sondjata, Carlton Dossou

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