In the realm of personal development, few voices are as compelling and transformative as that of Dr. Veirdre Jackson. With over two decades of dedicated service, Dr. Jackson stands at the forefront of educational training, specializing in trauma-informed practices and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Her journey from a seasoned educator to an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and revered coach in the personal development industry encapsulates her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of youth, families, and professionals across the educational spectrum.
Driven by a purposeful passion to advocate for the highest standards of education for all children, Dr. Jackson leverages her extensive experience with systems-based approaches—such as Trauma Awareness, Equity Literacy, the Resiliency Approach, and Positive Behavior and Intervention Strategies—to build organizational resilience and personal strength. Her innovative Relational Coaching model, rooted in the fundamental need for human connection—feeling safe, valued, and heard—sets her apart in a crowded field. By focusing on creating environments where everyone can thrive, Dr. Jackson not only navigates the challenges of her coaching business with grace and adaptability but also imparts vital lessons on growth, resilience, and the power of a supportive community.
Dr. Veirdre Jackson’s story is not just one of personal success but a testament to the transformative power of dedicated educational leadership and the relentless pursuit of impact.
Can you introduce yourself and share your journey as an author and coach in the personal development industry?
Dr. Veirdre Jackson embodies her deep-seated conviction that every child is entitled to unparalleled educational opportunities. As a distinguished author, educator, and businesswoman, she stands out in her field for her contributions to trauma-informed education and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategies. With more than two decades of experience in education, she offers invaluable guidance to leaders of nonprofits and corporate entities alike.
Her expertise in adopting systemic approaches for enhancing trauma awareness, promoting equity literacy, implementing resilience-building practices, and encouraging positive behavioral interventions has fueled her drive to foster organizational and individual resilience among children, families, and educational professionals. Dr. Jackson is dedicated to empowering teachers, school leaders, therapists, and personnel involved in youth development with the tools and insights needed to transform the lives of young learners from the core.
In your experience, how do you handle setbacks or difficult moments in your coaching business, and what lessons have you learned from them?
In navigating the intricate landscape of the coaching business, one learns that the path to growth seldom aligns with our initial expectations. It is a journey marked not by ease and predictability but by the necessity for adaptability, continuous learning, and innovation. As professionals, we must cultivate a mindset that welcomes change, embracing flexibility as a core strength rather than a concession.
The pursuit of innovation should be relentless, urging us to remain open to new ideas and approaches that can enhance our impact. This journey is also deeply personal and spiritual, inviting us to engage in reflection and to seek guidance beyond our own understanding. Being attuned to and guided by one’s faith and intuition can serve as a powerful navigational tool in making decisions that align with our deepest values and missions.
Obstacles, though often perceived as barriers to success, are integral to our professional and personal growth. They challenge us to rise, to leverage our skills and resilience, and to demonstrate our commitment to our goals. Facing these challenges head-on is not just about overcoming them but about learning from them, growing stronger, and continuing to move forward with grace and determination.
Therefore, in addressing setbacks or difficult moments, the lessons are manifold. We learn the importance of adaptability, the value of continuous learning and innovation, the strength found in faith and intuition, and the transformative power of perseverance. These challenges are not merely obstacles but opportunities to refine our approach, to strengthen our resolve, and to deepen our impact. As we navigate these moments, we do so not alone but as part of a community of women who share a commitment to excellence, resilience, and mutual support
Besides your professional achievements, are there any personal values or philosophies that have significantly influenced the way you run your coaching business?
So, here’s the scoop: At the heart of it all, we’re all looking for a spot where we feel like we fit in. It’s like we’re all walking around with a sign that says, “Wanna feel safe, appreciated, and listened to.” With that in mind, I cooked up this cool approach called Relational Coaching.
This isn’t just about hitting targets or smashing goals. It’s about making sure everyone feels like they’re part of the team, that they matter, and that someone’s actually tuning in when they speak. It’s kinda like making sure everyone’s on the same wavelength, creating a space where everyone feels snug as a bug and ready to rock their goals. That’s the vibe we’re going for, and it’s what makes this whole coaching gig more than just a job—it’s about building a community where everyone gets to shine.
How do you differentiate your coaching approach from others in the industry, and what unique value do you bring to your clients?
In the bustling world of coaching, where strategies and models abound, our Relational Coaching team stands apart by embedding the essence of human connection into the framework of our engagements. Recognizing the universal yearning for belonging and understanding, we dive deep with our clients, guiding them in the strategic crafting and implementation of SMART Goals. These goals are not just about ticking boxes; they are designed to foster systemic stability, sensitivity, and a pervasive sense of safety within professional teams.
At the heart of our Relational Coaching Model lies a commitment to creating environments where every individual feels Safe, Valued, and Heard. This isn’t merely a feel-good factor; it’s a strategic tool. By nurturing such an environment, we unlock the potential for exponential growth, both for the individual and the organization. Our model emphasizes the development of a shared language around these core needs, granting team members the freedom and the framework to express their perspectives openly. This approach is instrumental in dismantling the barriers—often invisible—that deplete resources, erect walls, and sow seeds of misunderstanding within an organization.
Our unique value lies in this deeply relational approach, where the focus extends beyond mere professional development to encompass the holistic well-being of every team member. By doing so, we not only achieve the immediate objectives laid out by our SMART Goals but also cultivate a culture of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration that propels the entire organization forward.
What are some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your coaching business, and how did you overcome them?
Kicking off a coaching business threw a big curveball my way: the fear of waving goodbye to a stable paycheck. It’s like standing at the edge of a diving board for the first time, wondering if you should jump. The game-changer for me was a deep dive into self-awareness, recognizing the unique value I bring into every room I step into. This wasn’t just a pep talk in the mirror; it was about truly understanding my worth and the difference I could make.
With this newfound clarity, my mindset did a 180. I started to put pen to paper, not with tiny, timid dreams, but with goals that were as bold and broad as a billboard. It was about visualizing not just what I wanted to achieve, but the impact I wanted to have. This vision didn’t just give me a roadmap; it was the fuel for my launch into the business. By framing my journey not as leaving behind security, but as stepping towards making a significant difference, the path forward suddenly seemed not just possible, but inevitable.
Contact Dr. Veirdre Jackson Today:
Email: info@livingstrongllc.com
Phone +16105067056
Website: https://www.livingstrongllc.com
Instagram – https://www.Instagram.com/iamdrveirdrejackson
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/veirdre.jackson
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/veirdre-jackson-ed-d-463236a7/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@dr.veirdrejackson5474
