From Grief to Growth: Brigitte Brown Jackson's Journey of Faith and Impact

Brigitte Brown Jackson, affectionately known as 'Bri Jack,' is a force of nature. A retired educator with over 30 years in leadership, she now helms Exponential EduVentures, a firm dedicated to coaching and leadership development. But beyond the impressive resume, Brigitte's story is a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and the transformative power of turning personal pain into profound purpose.

Her journey into full-time entrepreneurship wasn't a gentle nudge, but a divine push. "God made it uncomfortable for me to go ahead and launch out," she shares, likening it to an eagle making its nest uninviting for its eaglets to encourage them to fly. This discomfort, however, propelled her into a space where her passion for inspiring others could truly take flight.

Faith as the Foundation of Business

For Brigitte, faith isn't just a part of her life; it is her life, permeating every aspect of her business. As an ordained minister for over three decades, her priority is clear: "My first priority is making sure that I live up to my God-given ability." This means putting ministry first, viewing profitability as a secondary outcome of her divine calling. Her approach challenges conventional business wisdom, especially as she transitions from a business-to-consumer (B2C) to a business-to-business (B2B) model, seeking corporate partnerships. "I will never, ever stop God first," she asserts, drawing inspiration from figures like John Maxwell, who remained Christ-centered despite his widespread influence. For Brigitte, if a partnership cannot align with her faith-first stance, it was never meant to be.

The Soul's Realm: Imagination and Intellect

Brigitte’s insights into the soul are particularly compelling. Expanding on traditional understandings of the soul (will, emotions, memory), she emphasizes the critical roles of intellect and imagination. "We have this incredible imagination," she explains, "God can show us stuff that we can really do because that is a part of our soul realm, our imagination that he gave us to be able to see it before we say it." This holistic view of the soul, which she encapsulates in the acronym 'WIMIE' (Will, Imagination, Memory, Intelligence, Emotions), underscores the importance of nurturing all aspects of our inner being for true alignment and purpose.

Transforming Grief into a Global Message

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Brigitte's journey is how she transformed immense personal grief into a powerful professional mission. Two years ago, the tragic loss of her son, following the death of her father and other family members, plunged her into a period of profound crisis. "My whole life changed," she recounts. Instead of succumbing to the weight of her sorrow, she became her own coach, applying the principles of emotional intelligence she taught others to her own healing process. This experience birthed a new focus in her business: helping individuals and organizations navigate grief and loss, not just as an emotional event, but as a critical aspect of human experience that impacts the workplace and beyond.

"The thing that tried to take my breath is the thing that I'm breathing into other people," she states powerfully. Brigitte is pioneering conversations around grief in professional settings, challenging the societal discomfort with discussing loss. She advocates for normalizing these conversations, recognizing that grief isn't limited to death but encompasses any form of loss – divorce, job loss, or other significant life changes. Her faith provides the unwavering foundation for this sensitive work, allowing her to create environments where people feel seen, valued, and equipped to process their emotions.

Authenticity and Impact: A Call to Christian Leaders

Brigitte's message to other Christian business leaders is clear: live authentically and share your full story. She encourages leaders to embrace their unique passions, even if it means going against the grain or enduring periods of isolation. "Somebody needs that story," she insists. She challenges the tendency to only highlight the 'pretty' aspects of business, urging leaders to share their struggles and challenges, as these are often the most inspiring and relatable parts of their journey.

Her personal quest to research and draw strength from the stories of struggling entrepreneurs over 50, who overcame significant odds, exemplifies her belief in the power of shared vulnerability. "If they overcame, then we can," she affirms. Brigitte emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace and recognizing that the path of a Christian business owner will inevitably be met with challenges. "The enemy does not want us to succeed," she reminds, highlighting the spiritual warfare inherent in building a Kingdom-focused enterprise.

Brigitte Brown Jackson's life and work are a vibrant illustration of how faith, when deeply integrated into one's purpose, can transform personal adversity into a powerful platform for influence and healing. Her commitment to authentic conversation, emotional intelligence, and unwavering faith serves as a beacon for leaders seeking to make a lasting impact in their businesses and beyond.