The Beacon Show with Tamara Jackson

By: Tamara M. Jackson
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Beacon Show, where visionary host Tamara "Tam" Jackson empowers Christian leaders to ignite their God-given potential and illuminate the world with their unique purpose. With over two decades of experience, Tam is a leading light in Christian leadership. Through powerful conversations with True Beacons—leaders who are shining brightly through their faith and influence—you'll gain biblical wisdom and practical strategies to shatter glass ceilings, tap into divine power, and authentically live out your calling. Grounded in Tam's core values of faith, significance, excellence, and classiness, every episode is designed to help you redefine success, prosperity, and godliness in a way that aligns with your Christian values. As you tune in, you'll find yourself inspired, equipped, and energized to fully integrate your faith and leadership like never before. You'll gain the clarity and confidence to walk in your God-given purpose, knowing that your divinely-inspired dreams aren't just possible but inevitable. Get ready to see your impact and influence soar to new heights! Join The Beacon Show community every week and start your journey to ignite your inner beacon. Subscribe now and become part of a growing movement of Christian leaders committed to illuminating the world in a way that only they can!
    2024 The Beacon Show
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Economics Leadership Ministry & Evangelism Personal Success Spirituality
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Episodes
  • From Nigeria to The White House - A Leadership Journey of Faith and Service

    From Nigeria to The White House - A Leadership Journey of Faith and Service
    Nov 21 2024
    Today's episode of The Beacon Show with hosts Chike Aguh. He shares his extraordinary journey with Tamara Jackson. He was the first American-born member of his Nigerian family to serve as a CIO in President Biden's Department of Labor. His story is not just about personal achievement. It is a testament to the power of faith, service, and purposeful leadership. It helps in creating meaningful impact at scale.Chike grew up in a parochial school environment. Aguh studied theology daily from first to twelfth grade. This shaped his belief that faith is best expressed through service. He believed that the truest expression of faith is through serving others. This foundation shaped his perspective on privilege and purpose. At age six, during his first visit to his family's village in Nigeria, he had an epiphany that would define his life's mission.Aguh's early understanding of privilege and purpose has shaped his career. It has guided him through education, technology, and public service. His journey exemplifies faith as a catalyst for meaningful leadership and social impact. Aguh overcame a major speech impediment to become a powerful voice in public service. His journey shows how challenges can be transformed into strengths. He compares his journey to biblical figures like Moses. They were chosen for important tasks despite their challenges. Aguh believes that "God will choose unlikely people to do things" throughout time.Aguh now leads at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact. He believes true leadership is about empowering others and serving a greater purpose. His story shows that leadership isn't just about personal success. It's about creating opportunities for others. Aguh uses his position to drive positive change on a larger scale.Leadership Through ServiceAguh's leadership philosophy is influenced by General Stanley McChrystal's "Team of Teams" approach. He emphasizes the importance of leading like a gardener. "Your job is to pull up the weeds, pull out the rocks so the flowers can grow," he explains. This servant-leadership style has guided his work across various sectors. It has helped him with education as well as government service. Aguh draws on his faith background to connect servant leadership with Christian principles. He believes both emphasize serving others and leading with purpose. He notes how Christ chose to work through others rather than alone.At McChrystal Group, Aguh worked with military veterans from elite units. He learned that effective leadership is not about commanding from above. Instead, it's about enabling others to succeed. His approach focuses on pushing decision-making to the lowest level. It fosters trust among team members and ensures clear communication of goals. This helps everyone align on the mission. "Most leaders think my job is to come in and tell everyone what to do," he reflects. "That's not your job. Your job is to help them do the job.Navigating the Pandemic ResponseDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Aguh and the Biden administration faced many challenges. His role was critical in navigating these unprecedented times. "That's when great things happen," he reflects. "Because that's the time when people are like, you know what, all that stuff we said we weren't going to do before, let's do it now." His role involved managing a crisis where 20 million American jobs were lost in one month. This was far worse than the 900,000 jobs lost during the 2008 recession. Aguh played a key part in addressing this unprecedented job loss.The administration's response focused on keeping Americans employed through innovative programs like PPP. These incentivized businesses to keep workers. "We paid every business in America to not fire people," Aguh explains. He notes that this approach helped prevent long-term unemployment seen in past recessions. The Child Tax Credit initiative reduced child poverty by almost 40 percent. The American Rescue Plan helped local governments stay afloat. These strategic decisions were shaped by lessons from the Great Recession. They helped speed up America's economic recovery. As a result, the U.S. outpaced other G20 nations in its recovery.The Future of Work and AIAguh shares critical insights about the impact of AI on the workforce. He draws from his experience as Chief Innovation Officer at the Department of Labor. "Don't use AI everywhere," he advises. Aguh suggests businesses focus on areas where "95 percent accuracy is good enough." His vision for AI enablement emphasizes human-machine collaboration rather than replacement. He notes that the costs of achieving perfect accuracy often outweigh the benefits. This practical approach encourages businesses, particularly small enterprises. It guides them to start experimenting with AI tools in specific areas. Especially the ones where they can create immediate value.Aguh points out that AI's impact on the workforce has defied early predictions. It was believed that routine and ...
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Building Community w/ Faith & Fundraising ft. Timothy Dockery

    Building Community w/ Faith & Fundraising ft. Timothy Dockery
    Nov 14 2024
    In today's inspiring episode of The Beacon Show, host Tamara Jackson has a profound conversation with Timothy Dockery. He shares insights on giving back to the community. He has had a remarkable journey in Catholic fundraising. He has a career that spans decades of transformative work. He was born into a family where fundraising and faith naturally intertwined. He was the son of a pioneering fundraising professional who helped codify the profession. "I grew up watching my father help turn fundraising into something people study and learn," Dockery reflects. His journey from humble beginnings to a leader in faith-based fundraising shows how personal calling and skills can align. This alignment has allowed him to make a significant impact in the community.Ministry of FundraisingDockery challenges the traditional view of fundraising as a business function. "Throughout scripture, Jesus teaches the importance of giving," he emphasizes. He positions fundraising as a crucial ministry. It aims to help people fulfil their spiritual calling to give and serve others. He highlights that generosity is a fundamental aspect of faith. Dockery transforms giving from a transaction into a meaningful expression of faith and community. He believes that people give not just to support a project, but to improve lives, stating, "People give to help improve people's lives." This philosophy views fundraising as a ministry. It nurtures the spiritual growth of both donors and the communities they support.The Abundance Mindset in GivingTimothy emphasizes the importance of adopting an abundance mindset when it comes to giving. This transforms the way individuals and communities approach philanthropy. He shares a powerful lesson from Father Larry Richards. He asks, "How much of your income belongs to the Lord? It's 100 percent. He lets you keep 90 percent." This perspective sees resources as gifts from God to share and support others. Dockery believes that understanding this principle helps people to give more freely and joyfully. It helps them to recognize that generosity is not just a duty. It is an opportunity to take part in God's work. Dockery hopes to inspire a culture where giving is seen as a privilege and key to one's faith journey.Building Lasting Donor RelationshipsTimothy believes building relationships starts with understanding donors' passions. Aligning with their priorities is key. "You listen your way to the gift," he advises. He highlights that the initial decision to give is often an emotional one, driven by a heartfelt desire to make a difference. This approach focuses on understanding donors' passions and priorities before making any asks. "People don't give to buildings; people give to help improve people's lives," he explains. This donor-centric approach has helped him raise millions for various causes. Dockery believes fundraisers can foster a deeper connection with donors. It helps to transform them from mere contributors into active participants in a shared mission. This approach ensures that the support aligns with causes that resonate deeply with their values.Success Stories in Faith-Based FundraisingDockery shares inspiring examples of successful campaigns. For example Rotary International's PolioPlus campaign. It has helped save an estimated 50 million children from polio. This monumental campaign aimed to immunize children worldwide against polio. It demonstrates the extraordinary outcomes that can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause. He also discusses the Lions Clubs International's sight programs. He demonstrates how faith-based fundraising can create a global impact. He reflects, "It was really powerful to see what we can do when we come together as a society." These stories show Dockery's belief that faith-driven fundraising can meet needs. It can inspire lasting hope worldwide.Overcoming Modern Fundraising ChallengesDockery stresses the importance of setting realistic, faith-based goals to tackle fundraising challenges. "While with God, all things are possible. Let's not put God to the test too hard," he advises. Dockery emphasizes the need to identify donors who align with the mission. These donors should also have the capacity to give significantly. He stresses the importance of understanding the community's financial landscape. His approach highlights the importance of thoughtful preparation. This includes creating an "elevator pitch" that conveys the initiative's impact and importance. Such a pitch helps engage and motivate potential supporters effectively.ConclusionTimothy Dockery's insights reveal that successful fundraising isn't just about raising money. It's about inspiring people to take part in something greater than themselves. Dockery emphasizes building relationships and understanding donors’ passions. This approach shows how philanthropy can become a shared journey toward common goals. His journey demonstrates how faith and finances can work together to strengthen...
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Julius Tennon’s Leadership Mantra - Keep Moving, Keep Giving

    Julius Tennon’s Leadership Mantra - Keep Moving, Keep Giving
    Nov 7 2024
    On today’s episode of The Beacon Show, we have Julius Tennon. He is a renowned Hollywood actor, producer, and husband to Viola Davis. Today he brings a wealth of wisdom on leadership, faith, and family. He has a Hollywood career spanning over three decades. He does notable work as a champion for diversity and African American representation. Tennon speaks with Tamara Jackson on finding purpose and making a difference. Reflecting on the role of faith in his career, he shares, “Faith keeps me grounded… I know that when I ask God, that request is fulfilled.”Tennon offers a unique perspective on the entertainment industry. His experiences shed light on the challenges and nuances of their shared world. He emphasizes the importance of elevating diverse narratives, especially for Black artists. He notes, “We’re trying to level the playing field… to show people of color respected and seen as human.” Tennon shares his personal and professional strategies for leading with integrity. He discusses how he provides mentorship while staying true to his values.Leadership Through Faith and CareerTennon’s Hollywood journey is built on a foundation of faith, which he credits as his guiding force. His story includes not only the success he’s achieved in his career but also the challenges he’s faced and overcome. Leadership, he believes, starts with conviction and faith. “God’s not complicated,” he says, “we are. And that’s why I keep it simple.” He sees his career as a partnership with God, allowing him to navigate a high-stakes industry while staying grounded in his beliefs. For those balancing career and faith, Tennon’s advice is to 'keep moving'. He says, “Put one foot in front of the other… know what it is that you want to do, and how you want to do it.”Advocating for Diversity and Representation in the Entertainment IndustryAs the co-founder of JuVee Productions, Tennon is committed to using his platform to bring diverse stories to the screen. JuVee Productions seeks to highlight the richness of Black culture and experiences. Their core mission is African American representation in Hollywood. “It’s time out for the stereotypes,” he remarks. Julius aims to elevate and humanize roles for Black artists in a way that accurately reflects their lives and dreams. JuVee’s projects are born out of Tennon and Davis’s vision to shift Hollywood norms, offering films that inspire and uplift. The company’s commitment to diversity is both personal and strategic. It focuses on nurturing future leaders in the entertainment industry. Their upcoming project, “G20,” features Davis as the President of the United States. This film is designed to reflect their mission by showcasing strong, inspiring narratives. They aim to highlight meaningful stories through their work.Balancing Hollywood and Family LifeTennon speaks candidly about his marriage partnership with Viola Davis. For him, true leadership is supporting Davis while fostering a relationship rooted in respect and love. Together for over two decades, Tennon shares that one of their relationship’s foundations is mutual support. “Marriages aren’t perfect… but respect is key,” he explains. This support extends beyond the home. Both partners take pride in each other’s accomplishments and contributions to the industry. Tennon and Davis prove that family life can thrive amid a busy Hollywood career. There must be shared understanding, faith, and a commitment to open communication.Their partnership also plays a crucial role in their work with JuVee Productions. Working closely together, they ensure their projects and initiatives reflect their joint vision. Tennon’s advice to couples balancing similar commitments is clear: “It’s better to move together if you’re together.”Inspiring Future Generations Through Theater and FilmThe theatre has been at the heart of Tennon’s journey since his early years when he discovered a love for storytelling and the power of performance. He believes in the value of theatre as a tool for growth and understanding, and as a mentor, he encourages the next generation to embrace it. “Theater provides a sense of escape… it’s a way for people to feel less alone,” he shares. Tennon is passionate about creating content that serves as a bridge between cultures. He aims to offer relatable, uplifting stories that challenge stereotypes.Tennon sees his work not only as entertainment but as a way to bring people together, inspire young Black artists, and promote inclusivity. His parting advice to aspiring entertainers is timeless: “Persist until you succeed. Keep moving and stay true to your convictions.”ConclusionThrough this interview, Julius Tennon sheds light on the importance of leadership, faith, and purpose. He is a true advocate for change. He believes in the potential of film and theatre to unite communities. And provide a platform for stories that resonate across ...
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    59 mins

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