Never Far from Home

1. From Projects to Corporate America: A Journey of Resilience and Determination

"I belonged nowhere. And everywhere."

Humble beginnings. Bruce Jackson's journey from the Amsterdam Houses projects in New York to becoming a successful attorney at Microsoft is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up in poverty, he faced numerous challenges, including crime, violence, and limited opportunities.

Perseverance pays off. Despite these obstacles, Jackson pursued education relentlessly, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. He went on to earn a law degree from Georgetown University and eventually landed a position at Microsoft, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, it's possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

• Key milestones in Jackson's journey:
  • Grew up in Amsterdam Houses projects
  • First in family to graduate college (Hofstra University)
  • Earned law degree from Georgetown University
  • Became an entertainment lawyer
  • Joined Microsoft as in-house counsel

2. Overcoming Racial Barriers: Navigating Prejudice in Education and Career

"I realized that it would never stop, that some people would forever judge me based on the color of my skin and the fact that I was a poor city kid."

Persistent prejudice. Throughout his life, Jackson encountered racial prejudice in various forms, from being wrongly accused of theft as a child to facing skepticism about his abilities in academic and professional settings.

Breaking stereotypes. Despite these challenges, Jackson consistently proved his worth through hard work and excellence. He excelled in his studies, becoming a top student at Hofstra and Georgetown, and later established himself as a respected attorney in both the entertainment industry and corporate America.

• Examples of racial barriers faced:
  • Wrongly accused of theft as a child
  • Teachers doubting his academic abilities
  • Prejudice in the legal profession
  • Being one of few Black employees at Microsoft

3. The Power of Mentorship and Support in Personal Growth

"I had support and guidance (just not the academic kind). I had love."

Community support. Jackson's success was not achieved in isolation. Throughout his life, he benefited from the support and guidance of family members, teachers, and mentors who believed in his potential and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

Paying it forward. Recognizing the impact of mentorship on his own life, Jackson became committed to mentoring others, particularly young people from underserved communities. He used his position at Microsoft to create opportunities for diversity and inclusion, helping to open doors for others as they had been opened for him.

• Key supportive figures in Jackson's life:
  • His mother, Flora Mae Jackson
  • His grandmother, Mamie Jackson
  • His aunt, Viola Jackson
  • Frank Smith, director of the NOAH program at Hofstra
  • Clarence Avant, "the Black Godfather"

4. Balancing Ambition with Family and Personal Life

"I was in survival mode, and so, as I had so many times throughout my life, I put my head down and focused on the task at hand, on putting one foot in front of the other and trying to get through each day."

Career vs. family. Jackson's intense focus on his career often came at the expense of his personal relationships. His marriages suffered as he prioritized work over family time, leading to divorce and periods of separation from his children.

Learning balance. Over time, Jackson came to recognize the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal relationships. He made efforts to reconnect with his children and maintain a presence in their lives, even while pursuing a demanding career.

• Challenges in personal life:
  • Two failed marriages
  • Periods of separation from children
  • Returning to live in the projects as a successful attorney

5. Embracing Identity: Maintaining Roots While Achieving Success

"I'm not special. I haven't changed. I'm the same old Bruce. I just got lucky."

Staying grounded. Despite his professional success, Jackson remained connected to his roots. He often returned to the Amsterdam Houses, maintaining relationships with old friends and family members, and never forgetting where he came from.

Bridging worlds. Jackson's ability to navigate both the corporate world and his home community allowed him to serve as a bridge between these often disparate realms. This dual identity informed his efforts to promote diversity and create opportunities for others from similar backgrounds.

• Ways Jackson maintained his roots:
  • Returning to live in the Amsterdam Houses
  • Participating in community events
  • Mentoring youth from underserved communities

6. The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate America

"Diversity happens mostly at the recruitment and hiring stage, and it is crucial; but it is, in many ways, merely a prerequisite for the intensely hard work of inclusion."

Beyond tokenism. Jackson recognized that true diversity and inclusion in corporate America require more than just hiring people from diverse backgrounds. It involves creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Driving change. At Microsoft, Jackson worked to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, pushing for increased representation of people of color and women in leadership positions. He organized events to connect diverse law students with potential employers and advocated for meaningful inclusion practices.

• Jackson's diversity initiatives at Microsoft:
  • Organized CELA Women and Minority Law Student IP Summit
  • Pushed for diverse candidate slates for job openings
  • Advocated for hiring multiple diverse candidates when qualified
  • Built a diverse team within his own department

7. Giving Back: Using Success to Create Opportunities for Others

"I enjoy little more than speaking to elementary and high school students, spreading the gospel of hope and optimism in the face of challenges."

Paying it forward. Jackson used his success and position at Microsoft to create opportunities for others, particularly young people from underserved communities. He actively participated in mentorship programs and community outreach initiatives.

Inspiring the next generation. Through speaking engagements and mentorship, Jackson aimed to inspire young people to pursue education and career opportunities they might not have considered possible. He emphasized the importance of hard work and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

• Ways Jackson gave back:
  • Mentoring young professionals
  • Speaking at schools in underserved communities
  • Supporting diversity initiatives in legal profession
  • Advocating for community outreach programs at Microsoft

8. The Evolution of the Music Industry and Adapting to Change

"Free music for everyone! won the day."

Industry disruption. Jackson witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes in the music industry brought about by digital technology and file-sharing platforms like Napster. As an entertainment lawyer, he had to help clients navigate this rapidly changing landscape.

Adapting to change. Recognizing that the old business model was no longer viable, Jackson advised clients to adapt to new realities rather than fight against them. This experience in dealing with industry-wide disruption later proved valuable in his work at Microsoft.

• Key changes in the music industry:
  • Shift from physical albums to digital downloads and streaming
  • Decline in revenue from recorded music
  • Increased importance of touring and merchandise sales
  • Rise of independent artists and new distribution models

9. Facing Adversity: Lessons from Setbacks and Failures

"Sometimes you learn the hard way."

Embracing failure. Throughout his life, Jackson faced numerous setbacks and failures, from academic struggles to professional missteps. However, he learned to view these experiences as opportunities for growth and learning.

Resilience in action. Jackson's ability to bounce back from setbacks, whether personal or professional, was a key factor in his ultimate success. He consistently used adversity as motivation to work harder and prove his worth.

• Examples of setbacks and lessons learned:
  • Being held back in 4th grade led to increased academic focus
  • Failed school board campaign taught lessons about local politics
  • Struggles in Seattle prompted reassessment of career and personal priorities
  • Divorce and financial challenges reinforced importance of work-life balance

Last updated: August 23, 2024