Gavin Jackson Unveils New Book, ‘Mind + Grind: Blending Practical and Spiritual Strategies for Success’

Leader. Entrepreneur. Investor. Preacher. There are many ways to describe Gavin Jackson, and now a new title has been added to the list of professional accouterments—author.

Born out of the stillness of the pandemic, Mind + Grind is the product of Jackson’s reflective season. He used that time to take inventory of life—the lessons he learned, the losses he endured, and the wins he achieved. The book captures the wisdom that success is not only about the grind, but about minding how you grind: embracing God-centered peacefulness, pursuing balance, and creating your personal definition of success.

In a culture where “grind” is glorified and the mantra “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” dominates, Jackson offers a different perspective. His philosophy proves that achieving goals doesn’t have to come at the expense of peace, health, or faith. Instead, success can be sustainable, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling.

Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Christ Universal Temple—one of the first Black megachurches founded by a Black woman more than 70 years ago—Jackson’s career journey is both inspiring and impactful. A graduate of Hampton University, with a law degree from Northwestern University, he has built an impressive career path that spans banking, investing, law, and corporate leadership. His experiences even include working with globally respected institutions on Wall Street.

But Jackson’s path was not without challenges. His foundation, however—built by his parents and rooted in faith—gave him the resilience to stay the course. It is this discipline, combined with vision and unwavering belief, that empowered him to accomplish his goals and continue reaching higher.

In conversation, Jackson reveals that Mind + Grind began simply as notes—reflections on scripture and Bible stories that spoke to him. Over time, these notes blossomed into a manuscript, and eventually into the book he now shares with the world. The lessons he first received from his father, he now passes down to his own sons—and through his writing, to readers everywhere.

Below is a short Q&A that highlights why readers should read Jackson’s new book!

Joseph: You dedicate part of this book to your father. What was the significance of sharing his words?

Jackson: My father was everything—he introduced me to both spirituality and business. He was an entrepreneur, a former Chicago police officer, and even served as bodyguard for Christ Universal Temple’s founder, Rev. Johnny Coleman. He passed when I was in law school, but his last instructions to me were to “keep my mind right and know who I am.” Those words still guide me.

Joseph: You wrote this during the pandemic. Was it a time of self-reflection with you and God?

Jackson: Honestly, it started with stillness, and when I say stillness, I mean mental and physical. Everybody was sitting at home, and I was forced to stop. That quiet space—reading scripture, revisiting old spiritual texts—allowed ideas to rise up. From there, the book was born.

Joseph: This is a “thinker’s guide.” How does this guide teach others to balance spirituality with business as they “mind + grind?

Jackson: People think there’s a conflict between being spiritual and being intellectually inquisitive – it’s not. You can be deeply spiritual and a thinker who questions and analyzes. In fact, it’s better to be both.

Joseph: What was one of your biggest challenges when translating the spiritual principles into something that people can use in their daily grind?

Jackson: My mother would say, if somebody asks you one question, you ask two before you say anything. So, opening up about myself was a challenge. I was raised to be private, but I realized sharing my journey would help others.

Joseph: I understand – privacy can be a form of protection, but I’m glad you’re sharing more. In your book, you mention, “transforming your mind gives you discernment to know the highest and best will for your life. But the way you discern that will is through the transformation of your own thinking, and in that moment. You changed from fear to meditation, and from meditation to believing in God.”  How can people transform their minds while remaining ambitious in pursuit of maintaining their peace as they strive for success?

Jackson: It starts with being centered, calm, and confident. Every miracle begins with an idea from God—but you only recognize it when you’re at peace. Every miracle that God performs through you first starts with an idea. Still, you have to be at a state of peace so that you can hear God’s idea for you, to not only pay that bill, but to get the money you need, or get the job you need, or to meet the person who’s going to introduce you to the person who will help you. That’s how you balance grind with grace.

Joseph: Thank you for sharing the importance of being centered, calm, and confident! Your book also talks about the importance of protecting your thoughts. You said, “If your life isn’t working for you, then examine the patterns of thinking of those around you, the world around you,” even reminding readers that this thought applies to family. Can you provide tips on how to do this?

Jackson: Exactly. You can’t let other people’s chaos drown you. There is a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual way to ensure that when you are helping people, you don’t let their struggles also overwhelm you. As a lifeguard, we were taught how to save without being pulled under. Spiritually, it’s the same—you must recharge, rest, and guard your mind.

Joseph: And what do you hope readers take away?

Jackson: That faith belongs everywhere—at work, in school, at home, even on vacation. Don’t set it aside. Carry it with you in all things.

Jackson’s book is more than just a “thinker’s guide.” It challenges readers to reflect deeply on what success truly means and to embrace the drive required to achieve it. It asks: Are we willing to trust the process while remaining at peace, knowing that God will provide? By blending theory with practical steps proven to yield results, Mind + Grind reminds us that ambition and peace can coexist.

Beyond his book, Jackson remains a multi-faceted entrepreneur. With his sister, he co-owns Jackson Knuckles Properties & Development, investing in real estate, restaurants, and hotels. He carries his spirituality into every venture, ensuring his business pursuits align with his values. And this is just the beginning—the Mind + Grind brand will continue to grow, with more books and projects already “ruminating in his soul.” Gavin Jackson is not just grinding—he’s redefining it.