Vernon Jackson, the viral sensation out of Cincinnati, OH, has gained a tremendous following with views at 30 million worldwide because of the public and financial sponsorship for The Gifted Event. Vernon is a two-time published author, with his book, “The Looking Glass,” as a bestseller on Amazon. He is the owner of Noble Barbershop and Salon out of Coryville where he hosts The Gifted Event, where children with special needs can get the patience, empathy, accommodation, and understanding needed to receive the experience of an upstanding haircut. Appearing on the Jennifer Hudson show is one of the many avenues that has opened due to The Gifted Event, as well as a multitude of other opportunities and a substantial following. Vernon is a man of many hats, be it relationship advice, special needs accommodations, or peer relationships. Vernon is an owner, author, influencer, but most of all a significant staple in the special needs community.

In 30 seconds or less, tell us who YOU are. This is not your professional bio, but rather, your response should reflect how you are uniquely you.
I am a servant leader who takes ownership in the development of his person and how he interacts with the world. A person who receives accountability and gives it from a place of love.

What is the primary motivation of your leadership?
Getting the most out of my life.

What has been the cornerstone of your life journey that influenced your personal mission and purpose?
Being vulnerable and doing what fulfills me.

Who has had an immense impact on you as a leader? How did this person (or people) impact your life?
My core community and influence indirectly holding me accountable just by being great.

What piece of advice have you received along the way in your career or life journey that has stuck with you?
That I matter.

What one thing makes you most proud?
How God is using The Gifted Event and being successful by being who I am and not a character that I was told to become.

What’s one thing you do every day (or with consistency) to be a better person?
Being present with my human and asking myself the hard questions.

What are a few resources or behaviors you would recommend to someone looking to grow into a better leader?
Look within and be dead honest. Respect your boundaries and they’ll protect you. Always serve in the direction of your heart, not your ego.

How do you define success?
Doing it your way, having your time, and making money without selling out.

Why do you choose to make the Cincinnati region home?
I believe in it and wanted to be the person I look for in other cities.

What do you imagine for the future of the Cincinnati region?
More inclusion.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
That beyond all that I had and did, that I was a real one.