Meet RJ Jackson, The Courage Giver

We had the good fortune of connecting with RJ Jackson, The Courage Giver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RJ, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in upstate New York in a home filled with love, faith, and purpose.

My parents were a beautiful example of what it means to live with integrity. They loved God, they loved each other, and they loved people intentionally. They didn’t just raise us—they led us, by example.

Both hardworking and community-minded, they ran their own business and worked full time jobs while being fully invested in church and community service.

Watching them give, build, and serve without seeking recognition taught me that success is about impact, not applause.

We traveled often and embraced diversity as a natural part of life, which helped me see the world through a lens of compassion and possibility. Serving together as a family was just what we did.

Whether it was volunteering at church or helping neighbors, my parents made it clear that we weren’t just here to exist, we were here to make a difference.

When I was too afraid to believe in myself, they believed for me. They saw a spark of success in me long before I knew how to name it. They spoke life into my gifts, gave me opportunities to grow, and they refused to let my fear have the final say.

Because of them, I stand today as a resilient, innovative, faith-filled, and purpose-driven community leader.

As an Impact Speaker and Executive Coach, I carry their legacy to every stage I step on and I am extremely grateful for every life I get to influence.

Whether I’m serving through my business or volunteering with my local police department, airport, or church, I show up with the same values they instilled in me—excellence, empathy, and a heart to serve.

My parents belief in who I was born to be is the foundation of everything I do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As the CEO of JT SAANS & Associates Consulting Firm, a company built on legacy, leadership, and generational wealth, I get to live out my calling every single day.

Is it easy? Absolutely not. I’ve had to rebuild more times than I can count. From surviving a life-altering car accident that tried to silence my voice to navigating seasons of imposter syndrome and self-doubt, I’ve learned to get back up even when the ground felt shaky.

Every ‘no’ shaped my next move. Every delay refined my destiny. And every scar became a part of my service.

I am known worldwide as The Courage Giver. I’m an international speaker, executive mindset coach, author, and podcaster—but more importantly, I am a Child of God on assignment to be a breath of fresh air in a polluted world, walking out Kingdom business with grace and grit.

My business isn’t built on branding—it’s built on breakthroughs. I serve organizations and purpose-driven, growth-minded women—who are exhausted from being stuck. Women who are strong, driven, and successful on the outside but quietly running on empty. Women who give their all to everyone else but feel like they’ve lost themselves in the process.

I provide ‘The CURE’ (Courage, Understanding, Restoration, and Empowerment) —a transformational roadmap for women who are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and ready to move from stuck to unstoppable, from silenced to seen, from uncertain to unapologetically sure.

The CURE is more than a framework. It’s a lifeline for people who are dying from the inside out.

What sets me apart is simple: I don’t just speak life, I live it. Just like my parents taught me, I lead by example. Every keynote, every coaching session, every podcast episode is laced with authenticity and anchored in my own journey of pain, perseverance, and purpose.

I don’t promise perfection. I offer presence, power, and a path forward.

I don’t just coach or speak—I walk with women. I see them. Because I am them.

I also co-host the LUV Her Podcast with my 25 year-old granddaughter—two generations, one LUV. We love, understand, and value our sisters.

Every episode is a sacred space where women are encouraged to bloom and prosper.

There’s been recognition along the way— honors and features—but the one that touches my heart the most is June 24 being officially proclaimed RJ Jackson Day in Buffalo, NY.

That recognition reminded me that legacy isn’t built in the spotlight. It’s built in the quiet, faithful moments when no one’s clapping, but you show up anyway.

Actually, every accolades mean very little compared to the joy I experience when I see a woman come alive again. When she straightens her crown, takes a deep breath, and remembers who she is. When her voice steadies, her smile returns, and her soul whispers, “I am enough.”

What do I want the world to know about me? I want the world to know this: I’m not here to impress, I’m here to impact. My story isn’t just mine; it’s a mirror. A mirror for every woman who knows deep down that she was created for more, but maybe just needs someone to walk alongside her until she can see it too.

I’m here to remind her:

She doesn’t have to live where she’s dying, and she doesn’t have to die where she’s living.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, the first thing I’d do is honor her by asking her what she’s in the mood for, what her vibe is, and what kind of energy she wants to bring into the week. I believe the best experiences come when we meet people where they are.

Since I’m vegan and she’s not, I’d invite her to stretch her adventurous spirit by trying one of my favorite vegan spots, Cafe Gratitude. Cafe Gratitude is more than just food, it’s a celebration of health, gratitude, and mindful living.

To help her unwind after travel, I’d take her to Burke Williams Day Spa for a day of relaxation and renewal which is essential after the hustle of the journey. Because there’s nothing like the quiet luxury of a massage or soaking in a warm bath to reset your spirit.

Since she loves to shop, I’d recommend exploring The Garment District, a treasure trove of fashion finds where style meets creativity. It’s perfect for the adventurous shopper like her. For a more expansive shopping experience we’d visit The Grove, Victoria Gardens, and Ontario Mills in the Inland Empire which offer everything from boutique charm to major brands, a little retail therapy for every mood.

I’d do my best to give her the best shopping experience ever, without complaining. You see, shopping is not my cup of tea. But showing my friend the best time of her life definitely is!

Of course, no trip would be complete without soaking up the iconic California coast. We’d take in the vibrant energy of Santa Monica, stroll along Venice Beach with its eclectic spirit and street artists, and breathe in the beauty of Newport Beach. To add a touch of magic, I’d plan a night cruise on Dave’s Cruises, watching the city lights shimmer on the water is the perfect way to connect and create lasting memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Whew—this question gets me emotional. There is no way I am where I am today on my own. Honestly, there are actually too many people to name; and you know what happens when we start naming people—we inevitably miss someone important. But, I’ll give it a shot!

In addition to my incredible parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, my shoutout goes to the quiet heroes in my life. My children and grandchildren, who give me purpose and joy. My sisters, who are my built-in best friends and encouragers. My pastor and his wife, who pour into me with wisdom and love. My accountability partners, mentors, and prayer warriors, who cover me, challenge me, and remind me who I am when I forget.

I also honor the women who held me up when I was barely standing—those who spoke life into me, reminded me to rest, and refused to let me shrink. They saw something in me even when all I could see was brokenness.

I hold a special place in my heart for my 9th-grade teacher, Sister Marg, who saw something in a young girl that no one else seemed to notice. She nurtured my God-given gifts with patience, intention, and belief, and I carry her influence with me to this day. And in memory of Paul Jeter, who gave me my first job at 15—he didn’t just teach me how to work, he taught me how to lead with integrity, how to show up with excellence, and how to operate a successful business.

These people deserve more than a little credit. They deserve deep recognition, because their fingerprints are all over the woman I’ve become. Every word I speak, every woman I serve, every door I walk through—it’s because someone else helped hold it open.

Website: https://thecouragegiver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheCourageGiver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCourageGiver

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RJJackson

Other: The LUV Her Summit – https://theluvhersummit.com/

Image Credits
The first picture only – Allen Wayne Photography