Jason Collington: On Fatherhood, Raising Thoughtful Thinkers and Writing His Next Chapter

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s the perfect time to highlight the impact of intentional fathers and the powerful role they play in shaping the next generation.

This visit features Tulsan Jason Collington, former executive editor of Tulsa World Media Company, a position he quietly stepped away from after almost three decades to pursue a career that leverages his expertise to help leaders, businesses and organizations navigate some of their biggest decisions through Collington Consulting.

His perspective on storytelling, leadership and parenting offers meaningful insight for families navigating today’s fast-moving world.

TK: After almost 30 years at the Tulsa World, you’ve stepped into a new chapter as a consultant. What inspired that transition?

Jason: A lot of things came together at once. I had spent decades at the Tulsa World, working my way up, and the company was going through some changes. I made the decision to step away, and that created an opportunity to start what I call my “second mountain.” It wasn’t a long, strategic plan. It was a decision made in a short window of time. I had to ask myself, “What can I do now that makes the most impact?” I realized I could build something using my experience, my relationships and my reputation. Now I’m working with leaders, nonprofits and businesses—helping them with strategy, storytelling and creating something meaningful.

TK: Let’s talk about storytelling. What makes a story truly connect with people today?

Jason: We’re living in what I call the attention economy. Getting attention is actually easier than ever, but keeping it is the challenge. A great story connects when it makes someone stop. I call it the “thumb test.” You have less than a second before someone scrolls. If your message doesn’t stop them, it’s gone. But when a story is real, emotional and relevant, it moves people. It can inspire action. It can change behavior. That’s the power of storytelling.

TK: What are some of the biggest challenges you see leaders and organizations facing right now?

Jason: A lot of people are busy running their business, but they don’t have time to grow it. They know where they want to go, but they don’t know how to get there. Or they’re struggling to communicate clearly in a world that’s constantly changing. That’s where I come in. I help them step back, clarify their strategy and then connect that to the story they’re telling and the impact they want to create.

TK: As a father, what do you believe is most important in raising thoughtful children today?

Jason: Children model what they see. If they see you reading, they’ll read. If they see you learning, they’ll learn. If they see curiosity, they’ll become curious. We can’t just tell them what to do — we have to show them. I was fortunate to grow up in a home where reading was constant. But I struggled at first. What helped me was starting with something visual, like comic books, and that led me into reading everything else. So I think it’s about meeting kids where they are and helping them grow from there.

Jason and Monica Collington (center) with family members (from left) Elizabeth and Jack Roberts, Oscar Roberts, Lucy Roberts and Kellon Collington.

TK: How can parents help children become thoughtful thinkers in such a fast-moving, distracted world?

Jason: We have to help them develop the ability to focus and think deeply. That starts with encouraging reading, creating space without constant distraction and having real conversations. I also think debate is incredibly valuable—not arguing, but learning to see both sides, to think critically and to communicate clearly. And again, it comes back to modeling. Kids are watching how we think, how we respond and how we engage with the world.

TK: What role does technology and artificial intelligence (AI) play in all of this? Should families be concerned?

Jason: I’m actually very optimistic. AI is a tool. It can help us do things faster and more efficiently, but it doesn’t replace human intelligence. In fact, I think it’s going to make human intelligence—H.I.—even more important. Things like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, real conversations and authentic storytelling—those are human skills, and they’re not going away. If anything, they’re becoming more valuable.

TK: What advice would you give to kids or young people considering a future in journalism or storytelling?

Jason: I believe the golden age of journalism is ahead of us. The tools are better than ever. You can gather information faster, access more data and tell stories in new ways. But the core of journalism hasn’t changed—it’s still about getting it right and telling the truth. That requires human effort. Human curiosity. Human integrity. So if you’re drawn to it, lean in. There’s a real opportunity there.

TK: What is one habit or value you believe every father should prioritize?

Jason: Be present, be intentional and understand that your kids are always watching. It’s not just about what you say—it’s how you live. That’s what shapes them.

TK: What excites you most about this next chapter of your life?

Jason: The opportunity to help people. Whether it’s a business trying to grow, a nonprofit trying to make an impact or someone navigating a career transition, I love being able to help them figure out what’s next. And I truly believe we’re entering a time where people are going to become more connected, more human and more intentional in how they live and work.

To listen to the full interview, including more about The Collington Index and how it is starting a movement in journalism, check out the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast with Nancy Moore on your favorite podcast platform or directly at NancyMoore.co/podcast.

You can connect with Jason online at JasonCollington.com and CollingtonIndex.com.

Nancy A. Moore is an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College and has been a writer for TulsaKids for more than 20 years. Her podcast, Sharing Passion and Purpose, can be found on most podcasting platforms or on NancyMoore.co.