Jack Parsons is a changemaker with a big mission: to help 100 million people improve their work, money, and health. As the ambassador behind the viral phrase “What’s your duvet flip?”, Jack’s impact is being felt across generations. We caught up with him to talk about confidence, kindness, and the power of leading with purpose…
Jack Parsons Interview | Lifestyle Pocket Guide
How are you feeling right now – mentally and emotionally?
I feel calm. Not the kind of calm that means everything’s perfect, but the kind of calm that comes from doing the inner work. Life throws curveballs, but over time I’ve realised that peace is something you create, not something you find. I take time to pause, to reflect, and to ask myself a simple but powerful question: “Is this feeding me or is it draining me?” That check-in has saved me many times.
I’ve learned that stability doesn’t always come from slowing down — sometimes it comes from moving forward with purpose. I don’t chase balance, I build rhythm. Some days that rhythm is fast-paced and full of energy. Others, it’s slow and soft — and both are valid.
We admire your positive mindset and drive. What is your biggest motivator? What gets you out of bed in the morning (or flips your duvet)?
What flips my duvet is knowing that there’s someone out there who just needs one good moment to believe in themselves again. I picture that person — sitting on the edge of their bed, not sure where to start — and I get up for them.
That’s where the power of purpose kicks in. It’s not about me. It’s about the ripple effect. When you lead with purpose, you create your own fuel. Your mission becomes your momentum. And let’s be honest, not every morning is easy. But even on the hard days, I remind myself: if I can flip just one duvet today, I’ve made a difference.
You’ve mentioned growing up without much love. Are you happy to share how adversity shaped you – and how you turned it into positive energy?
Yes, because that part of my story shaped who I am. I didn’t grow up with a lot of love or stability. That lack could have left me cold or closed off. But instead, I turned it into fuel — not to prove anyone wrong, but to prove to myself that I could build something different.
I became the person I needed when I was younger. I gave the love I wished I’d received. And in that process, I found strength in empathy. I realised that your scars can become your strategy — if you don’t let them become your identity.
So, I didn’t just survive — I created. Created space, created platforms, created opportunities — not just for me, but for others who felt unseen.
What helps you protect your mental health? Any advice for those feeling stuck or low?
Protecting my mental health is a daily practice. I say no more than I used to. I don’t scroll aimlessly. I surround myself with people who feel like sunlight. And I take regular tech-free walks — nature heals more than we realise.
When I’m low or feeling stuck, I go back to basics: water, rest, movement, and connection. And to anyone out there who’s struggling, my advice is this: don’t try to leap — just reach for the next brick. You don’t need a breakthrough, you just need a breadcrumb.
Start where you are. And if today the win is brushing your teeth or sending one email, that’s enough. Progress is quiet — let it be.
How did your career journey begin, and what was the turning point that set you on your mission?
It began from a place of frustration. I saw talented young people with dreams but no direction. No clear steps. No relatable role models. Just recycled advice and closed doors.
The turning point was when I realised I didn’t need to wait for the system to fix itself — I could build something from scratch. That’s when “My Duvet Flip” came to life, not just as a phrase, but as a movement.
If the system’s broken, become the blueprint. That’s what I did. And that’s what I encourage others to do. Don’t wait for permission to change the world around you.
You’ve interviewed top business leaders – was there anyone who particularly inspired you? Are there traits or mindsets they often have in common?
I’ve been inspired by many — but the ones who left a real imprint are the ones who lead with calm clarity. They listen deeply. They don’t need to be the loudest. They ask more questions than they give answers. There’s a confidence in humility that’s often underrated.
Great leaders are students first, storytellers second, and servants always. They care more about impact than applause. And they never stop learning — that’s what makes them magnetic.
What are your top three ingredients for building a successful brand or company?
Purpose that punches through the noise – People buy into why you do it, not just what you do.
Consistency of tone and heart – Show up, especially when it’s hard.
Community, not just an audience – Invite people in, let them co-create.
I always say: a brand isn’t what you say — it’s what people say when you’re not in the room. If you lead with heart and deliver with clarity, people feel it. And they remember how you made them feel.
As a “Top Voice” on LinkedIn, your posts clearly resonate. Has anyone reached out with a story of how you’ve impacted them?
Yes, and those messages truly stay with me. One that really hit me came from a young person who’d been silently struggling with their self-worth. They told me that one of my posts about resilience gave them the courage to finally apply for a job they’d been doubting themselves about for months. They got the job — but more than that, they said it helped them see themselves differently for the first time in a long while.
That moment reminded me of something I hold close: we often don’t know who’s watching, but when we show up with honesty and heart, we create ripples that can quietly change someone’s direction. Words matter. And when we use them to uplift, encourage, and connect, we become part of someone else’s breakthrough — even if we never meet them.
I really enjoy your posts – they’re short, punchy, and packed with meaning. One that stood out to me recently was: “We need more people whose empathy is second nature, not a calculated move.” Can we talk about empathy? Do you believe empathy is becoming more important in business, and how can leaders lead with it genuinely rather than performatively?
Absolutely and thank you for your kind words. Empathy is no longer a “nice-to-have” in business — it’s a must. People want to work for, buy from, and partner with organisations that understand them, not just sell to them. But the key is that empathy can’t be performative. It has to be felt, not just framed.
Genuine empathy shows up in the quieter moments — when a leader checks in without an agenda, when they create space for people to speak up without fear, when they truly listen instead of waiting for their turn to talk. It’s not loud. It’s consistent. It’s how people feel after being in the room with you.
I always say that the best leaders don’t just manage performance — they manage emotional safety. And when empathy becomes second nature rather than a calculated move, cultures transform. People thrive when they feel understood, not just evaluated.
Do you think kindness and positivity help drive real success – in life and in business? Does the energy we give out come back?
I honestly believe kindness is one of the most underrated business strategies out there. Not because it’s transactional, but because it’s transformational. In a world that can often feel cynical and transactional, kindness cuts through like a breath of fresh air. People remember how you made them feel — far more than what you said or sold.
Positivity isn’t about ignoring life’s difficulties. It’s about choosing to see possibility when things feel uncertain. It’s believing things can get better — and being the type of person who helps others believe it too. That kind of energy attracts the right opportunities, the right people, and the right momentum.
Every time I’ve led with kindness — in a boardroom, in a message, in a moment of conflict — it’s come back to me tenfold. Not always instantly, but always impactfully.
How has collaboration played a role in your journey? Can you share an example that made a real impact?
Collaboration has been the foundation of everything meaningful I’ve built. I’ve never believed in going it alone. Some of the best things in my journey have happened when egos were put aside and missions aligned.
A great example is my work with the Co-op. We joined forces to help thousands of young people across the UK access real career opportunities and mental health support. But it wasn’t just about launching a campaign — we brought together real people, real stories, and co-created something that spoke to actual needs. That’s where collaboration becomes powerful — when it’s built with people, not just around them.
True collaboration isn’t about sharing credit — it’s about sharing care. It’s about asking, “How can we do something better together than we ever could apart?” And when that’s the approach, the impact speaks for itself.
You’ve achieved so much already – what’s the big vision for the next few years?
The next few years are about taking everything we’ve built and scaling it in a way that still feels human. I want “My Duvet Flip” to go global — not just as a brand, but as a movement. I want to see it in classrooms, workplaces, youth centres, even in places where people feel forgotten or stuck.
But even more than reach, I’m focused on depth. I want to build tools that help people not only find clarity in their careers but feel confident in themselves again — tools that flip mindsets, unlock potential, and make hope mainstream.
For me, success has never been about fame. It’s about significance. If we can help millions of people flip their duvet — emotionally, mentally, and practically — then we’ve created something that lasts far beyond trends.
Confidence is a barrier for many. What advice would you give someone with a dream but little belief in themselves?
I’d say this: start anyway. You don’t need to feel 100% ready — you just need to be willing to take one step. Confidence doesn’t usually show up first. Action does. And through that action, your belief in yourself starts to grow.
Borrow belief if you need to — from a friend, a mentor, or even someone you follow online who inspires you. Remind yourself that every person you admire once doubted themselves too. The difference is, they didn’t let the doubt win.
Your dream chose you for a reason. Don’t talk yourself out of it before you’ve even begun. Even if it’s messy, even if it’s small — beginning is the boldest move you’ll ever make.
At Lifestyle Pocket Guide, we focus on sharing good news and positive stories – something you do so well. What’s one message you’d love our readers to take away today? (And who knows, maybe we can spread some more good news together in future!)
Here’s what I’d love your readers to take away: you don’t need to wait for permission to be the good in someone else’s day. Whether it’s a smile, an idea, a message of encouragement — those small moments add up.
The world doesn’t just need more noise. It needs more nudges — gentle reminders that hope is still alive and kindness still matters.
You never know when your story, your words, or your kindness will be the thing that flips someone else’s day around. Or their whole life. So keep showing up. Keep sharing good news. Because we’re all craving it — more than we realise.
Follow Jack Parsons on LinkedIn here.
At Lifestyle Pocket Guide, we believe in the ripple effect of positivity — and Jack Parsons is proof that one person’s mission can ignite hope for millions. His message is clear: small acts of kindness, resilience, and purpose can transform lives. We’re proud to share his journey and look forward to seeing the incredible impact “My Duvet Flip” will continue to make around the world.