A Manchester tech entrepreneur has shared how a teenage battle with cancer shaped his business outlook.
Jack Mason, 28, CEO of a tech company, recently launched an initiative called Pledge 10%, allowing employees to dedicate ten percent of their working time to both professional development and charity projects. This scheme has seen team members training the homeless to code, working with local animal sanctuaries, and contributing to community cleanliness efforts.
The motivating force behind Mason’s appointment as a trustee of Kidscan and his passion for aiding young cancer patients is his own challenging cancer journey as a teenager. Mason was diagnosed with cancer at 16 after discovering a lump in his chest. He underwent two operations within a year before being declared cancer-free. However, the cancer returned during his first year at university, necessitating another operation. Fortunately, Mason has been cancer-free for eight years. He emphasised the importance of supporting charities like Kidscan to fund research for treatments and cures for this devastating disease.
Mason’s childhood battle with cancer has profoundly influenced his perspective and approach as CEO. Strengthening the Pledge 10% initiative was among his first actions upon assuming leadership. This initiative not only aids local charities and projects but also enables employees to engage in personally meaningful activities. Mason believes that helping others is integral to overall well-being and aims to create an environment where employees feel happy and fulfilled, aligning personal fulfilment with professional responsibilities.
Mason does not believe in micro-managing. Instead, he prefers to instil company goals and objectives in his team, supporting and mentoring them to make autonomous decisions aligned with the company’s mission. His company develops apps focused on future technologies such as machine learning and augmented reality for various sectors, including health and fitness, fashion, and education. Additionally, the company invests in tech start-ups, offering support and infrastructure services through its ventures arm. It has also partnered with a local coding school to support newly trained coders in their career journeys.
Jack Mason’s personal battle with cancer has undeniably influenced his leadership style and charitable initiatives. His commitment to employee well-being and community support remains at the forefront of his company’s mission.