We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jon Wilson. Check out our conversation below.
Jon, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up before 3:30 every day so I can spend time reading for personal and professional growth. I like to switch between different genres of books every morning. So I will read a chapter in each of the following genres: leadership, team building, education, and at least one fiction book. After I finish my reading, I spend 30-45 minutes working out. Starting my day by reading and working out prepares me mentally and physically for what I will face at work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Dr. Jonathan D. Wilson is an educational visionary who has spent over 15 years transforming academic institutions into spaces where both students and staff can truly thrive. With a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University , Jon’s career has been defined by his ability to step into declining or stagnant programs and breathe new life into them through strategic leadership and a focus on community.
Before taking the helm at The Edison School, Jon served as the Elementary Principal for Evangelical Christian School, where he managed a $1.5 million budget and saw a 117% increase in student enrollment. Today, he also shares his expertise with the next generation of educators as an Adjunct Instructor at Welch College.
Since 2018, Jon has served as the Head of School at The Edison School in Madison. The Edison School is a private K-12 institution dedicated to serving students with learning challenges. Under Jon’s leadership, the school has experienced a monumental era of growth:
Explosive Enrollment: Jon turned a period of decline into a 400% increase in enrollment, reaching near maximum capacity for the current school year.
Grade Expansion: He successfully expanded the school from a K-8 program to include a full High School, celebrating the school’s first-ever high school graduation in May 2024.
Financial Sustainability: He has increased the operating budget by 540% and is currently preparing to launch a multi-million capital campaign to ensure the school’s long-term impact on the region.
Jon’s work extends far beyond the classroom walls. A resident of Gallatin, he is deeply embedded in the local community through various leadership and volunteer roles. He has served on the TN State IEA Advisory Council and as a board member for The Papillion Center and PEER Place.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me more about work than anyone else in my life. As a Naval officer and entrepreneur he had a strong work ethic and taught me the importance of my actions matching my words. He was a firm believer in hard work, and that whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. Before I stepped into my first leadership position, he spent time teaching me what it means to be a leader. He was intentional with his lessons both around work and leadership. I am the man and leader I am today because of how much my father poured into me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
From 2010-2017 I owned a soccer store, something I dreamed of since I was a junior in high school. The dream of owning a soccer store was thrilling, and when I was able to make that dream a reality I thought every day going to work was going to be fun. After the first few weeks, it wasn’t fun. The struggle of attracting and keeping customers was exhausting. Attempting to please people I barely knew wore me out, and made me resent the store. During the seven years I had the store, it made very little money and because of this I lost confidence in myself. I still remember the day I closed the doors for good. It was early November of 2017 and I spent a couple hours with a customer looking for cleats. After trying on several pair, he finally picked one. I had his size in the color he wanted, but instead of buying it from me he ordered them online, for a few dollars less than I had them listed at, using the store’s wifi. I even told him that I would match the price online, but he didn’t take my offer. Once he left, I turned off the lights and closed the store for good.
This moment helped me realize there was no way I would be able to make everyone happy no matter what I did/offered them.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe it is more important for me to try to understand other people, than it is for them to understand me. My life’s purpose is to serve others. In order to do this well, I need to understand what other people want/need.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
A life well-lived is not about oneself and concerning himself about his legacy. It is about serving others, impacting others, and helping others reach their potential in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theedisonschool.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edisonschooltn/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonathanwilson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TNEdisonSchool
