We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason “the Architect” Tolbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jason “The Architect”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
“Risk-taking, to me, is about trusting in the purpose that God placed within me. Growing up as one of 10 children in a family where resources were often limited, I learned early on that sometimes you have to step out in faith, even when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor. In many ways, I feel like I’ve been taking risks my entire life. I became comfortable with not always having everything lined up perfectly, knowing that if I took a step forward, things would fall into place somehow.
Operating from a place of purpose means that everything I do is intentional. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about fulfilling something bigger than myself. I believe that if God created me for a purpose, then for as long as I’m in alignment with that purpose, the path has to open up. There are times when I don’t have sufficient funds, when my credit isn’t where I’d like it to be, or when the circumstances suggest that the answer should be ‘no.’ But I step forward anyway, expecting that someone, somewhere, is going to say ‘yes’—even if they don’t know they’re supposed to. God’s got people, money, and resources in place just waiting on me because God wouldn’t have made me with this purpose and not have made a way for His purpose to be fulfilled.
I’ve had countless moments where people say things like, ‘I don’t usually do this, but here, take it,’ or, ‘I don’t know why, but I feel compelled to help you out.’ Those moments aren’t coincidences; they’re part of my purpose unfolding. I show up every day expecting that the right resources, the right connections, and the right opportunities will reveal themselves, because I believe that if God gave me a vision, He’s already written the provision and it’s just waiting on me to catch up with it. God doesn’t give a vision without also preparing the provision. For me, risk isn’t a blind leap—it’s an intentional act of faith that everything I need to fulfill my purpose is already waiting on the other side of that step.
Taking risks in this way has been transformative in my life and career. It’s given me the courage to pursue opportunities, build my business, and serve others in ways I never could have imagined. It’s the foundation of my work in public relations, branding, and networking because I know that, just as I’m showing up to fulfill my purpose, there are people out there waiting for me to help them fulfill theirs. I believe we’re all connected in this way, and I approach each new challenge with the mindset that nothing is impossible when purpose is leading the way.”
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“My career has been a journey shaped by experiences, lessons, and a vision to help others succeed. Early on, I had the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies, serving as a Store Manager. Those roles taught me the importance of rigorous training, discipline, and how to effectively brand and operate a business. Through mandatory conference calls and continual development (which I could stand stand at the time), I was essentially being paid to learn how to run a successful business—skills that would eventually shape my entire career. I led teams that helped bring in millions for those companies, and through those experiences, I learned how to deliver results and build a brand.
At one point, someone referred to me as ‘The Architect.’ When I asked why, she explained that no matter the vision—whether it’s an event, a business, or a product—I could make it make sense (even when it didn’t at first) and build it, seeing it through and make it a reality. From that day on, I started getting booked to speak, join panels, host events, emcee, and facilitate corporate trainings. ‘The Architect’ quickly became more than just a nickname; it became a business, as people began seeking me out for my ability to bring their visions to life.
As my career grew, so did my reach. People in all industries—singers, spoken word artists, comedians, dancers, models, and business owners—began coming to me for guidance. My consistent involvement in events earned me another title: the ‘King of Events.’ I was always in the mix, whether it was hosting, planning, or curating events. This led to opportunities at high-profile events like Mayor’s Balls, the Florida Black Expo, high-dollar galas, fundraisers, silent auctions, and more. By constantly networking and building relationships with power players in the city, I became known as a ‘Networking Specialist.’
This led me to launch ‘Intentional Networking Conferences’ nationwide and to create a 12-week program called “Networking Your Way to Profit” that teaches new and seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and community leaders how to build confidence, connections, and wealth. My program is designed to help people establish million-dollar networks by understanding the power of intentional connections. Teaching others to create opportunities and elevate their own brands has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that everything I do is driven by purpose. I help others realize their potential and bring their ideas to life because I truly believe in the value of creating meaningful, lasting connections. Being ‘The Architect’ is about more than just building; it’s about serving. One of my taglines “I Do Not Sell, I Serve!” I’m here to help others see their own vision clearly and guide them to build something impactful. Purpose has brought me to this place in my career, and I’m excited to keep expanding, connecting, and serving others along the way.”
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“When friends come to visit, I like to keep it simple and focus on experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and fun. I enjoy ‘regular’ things, so I’d design the trip to be relaxed yet full of purpose—exploring places that teach us something new, connect us with the community, and bring a few laughs along the way. Here’s what a week together would look like:
Day 1 would kick off with brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club—a staple for classic Southern cooking with a lively vibe. Afterward, we’d walk or bike through Piedmont Park to take in some nature in the middle of the city, then cap off the day with dinner at Busy Bee Café for authentic soul food.
Day 2 is about history and culture. We’d visit The King Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to honor civil rights history. For lunch, we’d go to Paschal’s, a historic restaurant rooted in that same era. In the evening, I’d take them to Skyline Park at Ponce City Market for games, food, and the best view of the city skyline.
Day 3 would dive into art and Atlanta’s creative scene. Starting with the High Museum of Art, we’d explore a mix of modern and classic works. Lunch would be casual at Krog Street Market, then we’d stroll along the Atlanta BeltLine to see the murals and street art. Dinner would be at The Optimist, one of my favorite spots for seafood.
Day 4 is for adventure. We’d take a scenic drive to Stone Mountain Park to hike and take in the beautiful views. I like activities that teach and connect, and being out in nature is the perfect setting for good conversation and reflection.
Day 5 is all about luxury and networking. We’d start with a tour of Atlantic Station for shopping and maybe some unique finds, then lunch at South City Kitchen for an elevated Southern dining experience. For the evening, The Sun Dial Restaurant gives panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline, which would be a great way to wind down.
Day 6 would focus on community connections, starting with coffee shops and co-working spaces, perfect for meeting interesting locals. We’d have dinner at Bones steakhouse, then head to The Battery Atlanta for live music, bar-hopping, and a lively atmosphere by the Braves stadium.
Finally, Day 7 is a laid-back farewell brunch at Two Urban Licks, with good music and even better vibes to wrap up the week.
The most fun, interesting experiences to me are the ones that bring people together, inspire, and make us laugh. I’d make sure every day is packed with moments that stimulate the mind, feed the soul, and connect us to the community and world around us.”
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“My journey is woven with the incredible support, trust, and opportunities that so many people have extended to me over the years. If I’m going to give a shoutout, it’s to every client, organization, and individual who allowed me to play a part in their success. It’s through each person that I came to fully recognize the innate gifts and talents I bring to the table. With every project, I discovered more about my own strengths, my potential, and the value I could deliver. Their trust gave me the space to see the impact I was having—helping me not only develop my skills but also understand my worth.
Because of these connections, I’ve had the chance to achieve some amazing things: getting clients featured on news channels and radio, securing hundreds of thousands in funding and sponsorships, booking clients on major stages across the United States, and arranging meetings with top-tier talk shows. I even had the privilege of managing a sheriff’s campaign in Jacksonville, FL, and serving as a radio personality (Minds Your Business w/ The Architect Show) on the biggest gospel station in the city, Praise 107.9. Each of these experiences has been a stepping stone, showing me the way forward and pushing me closer to my purpose.
So, I owe my growth to everyone who believed in me enough to let me help them. They allowed me to see the value I bring and gave me the confidence to operate from a place of purpose. I’m in a place now where my purpose has met my destiny, and it feels like a match made in heaven. For that, I’m beyond grateful, and I dedicate this shoutout to everyone who’s been a part of my journey—whether they know it or not, they helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Website: https://JasonTheArchitect.com
Instagram: Jason_TheArchitect_Tolbert
Facebook: Jason Tolbert and Jason “The Architect” Tolbert
Image Credits
Adrian and Shakisha Bracy with Bracy Photos