Meet Jackie Edmundson | Jackie Edmundson | Leadership Executive, Consultant & Experience Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Edmundson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve come to see risk as a realignment tool. It’s less about fear of the unknown and more about honoring what feels true, even if it means walking away from something that looks great on paper. That was the case when I made the decision to step away from a C-suite role. It wasn’t because I didn’t value the work or that I wasn’t good at it. It was because I just knew, deep down, that it no longer aligned with who I was or the kind of impact I wanted to have. It was time for a change.

There is so much power in being able to realize this. The risk is a bet on possibility, one that requires both clarity and courage. I thrive when I’m around good, like-minded people, doing work that helps others succeed and grow. That’s what lights me up. So I made the leap, not knowing exactly what was next, but trusting that something better would emerge if I stayed true to myself.

And it did. That decision opened not just one door, but two. The Aviary was born from that space of possibility. It brought me back to my entrepreneurial roots and reminded me how powerful it is to create something that slows down time, sparks joy, and invites people into something intentional. But it’s not just a passion project, it’s become a value-add in my work as a businesswoman and consultant.

The Aviary is a living example of what I help other leaders and brands do: build experiences rooted in authenticity, elevate their presence, and create connection that lasts. I use it to foster community, grow partnerships, test concepts, and even support my clients. It’s a space where storytelling, brand experience, and relationship-building all come together and that has opened doors I never could have predicted.

At the same time, consulting has allowed me to show up every day with purpose and impact. Whether I’m helping a founder clarify their vision, supporting a leadership team through a transformation, or getting in the trenches to fix what’s broken and unlock what’s possible.

Risk has played a powerful role in my life and career. It’s been the catalyst for some of the most fulfilling, aligned work I’ve ever done. When you bet on yourself with intention, when you lead with values and trust that something better is ahead… that’s when the magic happens. 

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.
What sets me apart is that I am an activator and builder who leads with intention, centers people, and drives meaningful, measurable progress. I do not just lead for outcomes, I lead for impact, helping others find their rhythm and creating environments where people and businesses can thrive together.

I have been a CEO, a COO, and a right hand to other executives, so I get it. I know how to anticipate needs, how to cater to different audiences, and how to move seamlessly between the 30,000 foot vision and the 15,000 foot execution. What makes me special is my ability to connect the dots across functions, people, and goals, and bring clarity where others see chaos.

I have strong organizational EQ. It allows me to navigate complexity, unlock team potential, and build trust quickly. I lead with a values first mindset—loyalty, accountability, relationships, results, and joy—and I manage the whole person. When you do right by people, when you teach them, support them, and inspire them, they do right by the business.

I have worked across government, PE-backed companies, and fast-growth startups, and I have seen the power of that approach in action. At a digital marketing agency, I restructured compensation and org design for the IT team to retain and attract stronger talent, aligning it with business needs and culture. At another agency, I helped lead a turnaround that brought the company out of the red and into positive cash flow while keeping the culture strong and intact.

The Aviary is an extension of that mindset. Launching it required me to learn on the ground, make fast decisions, and adapt in real time. That kind of resilience translates directly into business, no matter the size or stage. Whether you are running a startup or leading a large organization, you have to know how to pivot, how to listen, and how to create experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.

I also believe in balance. White space matters. Creativity, connection, and innovation require room to breathe. I lead with intention and help others do the same. Whether I am guiding a founder, supporting a transformation, or curating experiences like The Aviary, I bring clarity, energy, and a human first lens.

That is what leadership is to me: seeing the full picture, honoring the people who make it possible, and building something that lasts in a multifaceted way (team, culture, profit, and value add)

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.
I’d make sure it was the perfect mix of connection, great food, and spaces that feel intentional and elevated. We’d start with dinner at Arnette’s Chophouse. It’s effortlessly stylish, the food is flawless, and the service is consistently exceptional. Whether you’re seated in the main dining room or lucky enough to experience The Associate – their tucked-away private dining experience – you’re in for something truly special. From the moody, intimate setting to the off-menu pours and caviar, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like an insider and leaves you talking about it long after the last sip.

Next, we’d swing by Local Three for cocktails and shared plates. The energy is warm and welcoming, and their bourbon book is legendary. The truffle parmesan popcorn is a non-negotiable, I always order extra to take home.

But the experience I’d be most excited to share is The Aviary. I created The Aviary to bring something to Atlanta that didn’t exist—an immersive, elevated wine pop-up that feels like a tasting in Napa. At our most recent event, the crowd was incredible. We sold out every seat and welcomed guests from across the city and even out of state. What started as a vision became an atmosphere full of laughter, conversation, and genuine connection. We pair beautiful, limited-production wines from family-owned Napa wineries with chef-curated bites and surround it all with thoughtfully designed ambiance and featured local art. It’s personal, luxurious without being pretentious, and truly one of a kind. Unless you’re hopping a flight to California, this is the closest you’ll get to that kind of experience—and we’re just getting started.

To stay in the loop on upcoming Aviary experiences, visit www.theaviaryhaus.com. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the next flight.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s no way I could tell my story without giving a huge shoutout to Linda Pozzobon. Linda has believed in me from day one…before there was a name, a logo, or a single wine poured at The Aviary. She didn’t just encourage me, she showed up. She gave me direct business advice when I needed clarity, pulled artwork off her own walls to help bring the space to life, and reminded me how powerful it is to have someone in your corner who sees you, believes in you, and wants you to win.

Linda is not only an incredible artist, but a true creative force and community builder. You can find her work at OHBoN Studios, and I encourage everyone to check it out. She’s someone who leads with both heart and honesty, and I’m incredibly grateful to have her in my corner to make this dream a reality.

Website: www.theaviaryhaus.com

Instagram: @thatgrapegal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieedmundson

Image Credits
Chloe Ravina Photography (for all wine/pink photos)