Jax Tobias of Sherman Oaks on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jax Tobias . Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jax, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe many people, especially millennials, quietly struggle with the habit of comparing themselves to others. Social media intensifies this by flooding our feeds with curated, exaggerated and sometimes fabricated snapshots of people’s lives. We’re constantly shown highlight reels and over time the algorithm subtly convinces us that what we have or who we are isn’t enough; that we should always be striving for more. Personally, I’ve experienced dips in confidence when I measured my own progress against what others appear to have achieved online. Because of that, I’ve made a conscious effort to step back from social media and limit doom scrolling so I can stay present, grounded and focused on my own goals rather than someone else’s.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an Emmy® Award-Winning Producer originally from New York. I specialize in unscripted programming, particularly shows that cover current events and sit down celebrity interviews. Throughout my 15 years in the industry, I have produced content for major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney. I have also had the pleasure of collaborating with high profile figures such as Oprah, Will Smith and First Lady Michelle Obama.

A career milestone that I am extremely proud of is producing the groundbreaking talk show Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett-Smith; where I earned an Emmy® win for Outstanding Talk Show, 3 Emmy® nominations and 2 NAACP Image Award wins. Additionally, my work at Red Table Talk helped garner over 1 billion views and became the highest-rated talk series of all time.

I am currently Executive Producing and Directing an exciting new lifestyle talk series on The Design Network and 15 other streaming platforms. Design Buzz, is your go-to monthly guide, front row seat and inside scoop to all things design, beauty and wellness. This series is the first of its kind for the network and I am honored to be Showrunning this project.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most influenced my sense of self is the one I share with my sister. We were raised by a single mother and my sister has always been my best friend. From childhood to now, she has been a steady presence; keeping me grounded while continuously encouraging me to push forward. I’m the only one in my family who pursued a career in the entertainment industry, a path that has come with plenty of highs and lows. Along the way, I’ve encountered doubt and critics, but my sister has remained my strongest supporter. She is the voice that believes in me even when I struggle to believe in myself, constantly reminding me of my worth and my ability to accomplish great things. She is the most amazing mother of two and she inspires me every day.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be don’t give up. I’ve always dreamed of working in television and when I began that journey, I faced some harsh criticism.

A professor in college told me that I didn’t have what it takes to make it big in the industry and that I should stick to working in smaller markets. This professor told me my dreams were too big. She also told me that my thick New York accent and outgoing personality were negative attributes and that I needed to adjust to become more digestible to the masses. Furthermore, my first job in New York City told me that I was too emotionally invested in the stories I was producing and that I needed to not put my emotions into my work and that I needed a thicker skin. For years, I struggled internally with this so-called advice, feeling pressure to mute, soften and minimize my authentic self in order to fit others expectations.

As I matured, I came to understand that my empathy and ability to connect with people from all walks of life are not weaknesses, but my greatest strengths. These qualities allow me to approach my work with depth and authenticity, ultimately making me a stronger storyteller. There were many moments in my career, especially when I faced harsh criticism of who I was, that made me consider walking away. Still, I pushed forward, determined to prove that those doubts were misplaced and that I had something meaningful to contribute to both this industry and the world. Today, I honor the younger version of myself who chose resilience and perseverance, even when the odds were stacked against me.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells itself is that we need to “grind” and take no days off. One of the most damaging myths in my industry is the belief that success requires constant grinding and never taking time to rest. The culture of nonstop work, often at the expense of mental and physical health, is deeply ingrained in the entertainment world. For a long time, I bought into that mindset, consistently placing my career above my own needs, my family and my overall well-being. Although I reached significant professional milestones during that period, it came at a personal cost and I was struggling beneath the surface.

With the support of therapy, mentorship, and deep inner work, the past few years have been truly transformative. I’ve learned to center my well-being, set healthy boundaries and create a sustainable work–life balance; while continuing to grow and succeed as a producer in Hollywood.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I genuinely wake up excited to do this work every day. The energy and fulfillment I feel in my career is immeasurable. I’ve always been deeply passionate about pop culture and have spent years studying the paths of those who paved the way; journalists, executive producers and television personalities who inspired me long before I entered the industry. There have been countless surreal, “pinch-me” moments when I’ve found myself sharing space with people I once admired from afar, now standing alongside them as peers. Collaborating with heavy hitters such as Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Oprah and the Obamas are milestones I will always cherish. I’m incredibly grateful for where I am today and hope my journey can serve as inspiration for anyone dreaming of building a career in the entertainment industry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/badillacjac
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasjax