In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Duane Jackson, whose story proves that it’s never too late to completely change the direction of your life.
After serving time in prison for drug smuggling, he made a conscious decision to rebuild from the ground up. What followed was an extraordinary transformation: from a difficult and troubled past to becoming a successful software entrepreneur. He went on to develop and sell accountancy and payroll software for millions of pounds, demonstrating not only technical skill but also pure resilience.
Far from slowing down, he’s still driven by the same creative energy that fuelled his comeback. Today, he continues to build new solutions, including practice management and construction industry scheme (CIS) software, with no sign of stopping.
We explore the early challenges which shaped his journey, the pivotal role played by the King’s Trust in helping him turn his life around and how that support became a catalyst for lasting change. He also shares insights for anyone who feels stuck or unsure how to move forward, offering practical encouragement for stepping outside your comfort zone and building something meaningful.
This is a powerful conversation about second chances, entrepreneurship and the impact of choosing a different path.
A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, software builders and anyone looking for inspiration to reinvent their life and career.
Glossary
AI = artificial intelligence, API = application programming interface, CIS = construction industry scheme, HMRC = HM Revenue and Customs, SMP = statutory maternity pay
Links
Follow Duane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanejackson/
The King's Trust: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/
Duane's practice management software, Sodium: https://sodiumhq.com/
Duane's construction industry scheme (CIS) software, CIS Manager: https://cismanager.com/
