The Story of JJ Powell
Discover the journey of JJ Powell, from his multicultural upbringing and personal challenges to building an international career, supporting charitable causes, and returning home to serve London.
London is my home, my stomping ground, and my heart. I am ready to dedicate my experience, energy, and commitment to helping our city thrive once again.
— JJ Powell
1988
Task Cycles & Smart Automation
JJ Powell was born in 1988 to parents whose backgrounds could hardly have been more different.
His father, Jeff Powell, was born in London’s East End during the Blitz and went on to build a remarkable journalism career spanning more than six decades.
His mother, Maria Powell, was born in Mexico and comes from a family deeply involved in public service and government.
Their worlds collided during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, creating a story that would eventually lead to JJ’s birth.
Born in Mexico and raised in the United Kingdom, JJ grew up between two cultures, developing a unique perspective that would later shape both his personal and professional life.
His father, Jeff Powell, was born in London’s East End during the Blitz and went on to build a remarkable journalism career spanning more than six decades.
His mother, Maria Powell, was born in Mexico and comes from a family deeply involved in public service and government.
Their worlds collided during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, creating a story that would eventually lead to JJ’s birth.
Born in Mexico and raised in the United Kingdom, JJ grew up between two cultures, developing a unique perspective that would later shape both his personal and professional life.
2000
Growing Up
From an early age, JJ was known for his energetic personality, curiosity, and flair for the dramatic.
He attended Sussex House School in London, where he enjoyed both academic and creative pursuits.
At the age of thirteen, he earned a place at Eton College, one of Britain’s most prestigious schools.
While these years brought many happy memories and lifelong friendships, they also marked the beginning of a personal challenge that would accompany him for years to come.
JJ began experiencing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), not the commonly understood cleanliness-related type, but a more complex and intrusive form driven by rituals and irrational fears.
Despite these challenges, he found joy in music, singing, and academic achievement, while forming friendships that remain important to him today.
He attended Sussex House School in London, where he enjoyed both academic and creative pursuits.
At the age of thirteen, he earned a place at Eton College, one of Britain’s most prestigious schools.
While these years brought many happy memories and lifelong friendships, they also marked the beginning of a personal challenge that would accompany him for years to come.
JJ began experiencing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), not the commonly understood cleanliness-related type, but a more complex and intrusive form driven by rituals and irrational fears.
Despite these challenges, he found joy in music, singing, and academic achievement, while forming friendships that remain important to him today.
2005
Oxford and Mental Health Challenges
His academic success earned him a place at the University of Oxford, where he studied Modern Languages.
Becoming the first member of his family to attend university was a source of immense pride for both JJ and his parents.
However, beneath the excitement of university life, the pressure to succeed and fear of failure intensified his OCD.
Following a year abroad in Paris and Buenos Aires, his condition deteriorated significantly.
Simple daily tasks became overwhelming, and his mental health reached a critical point.
Recognising the need for help, JJ made the difficult decision to step away from his studies and focus entirely on recovery.
What began as a planned one-year break became two years of therapy, rehabilitation, and personal rebuilding.
Through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and professional support, he regained his footing and ultimately returned to Oxford to complete his degree.
Although he graduated with a result below his own expectations, he considers crossing that finish line one of the greatest achievements of his life.
It taught him resilience, humility, and the importance of perseverance.
Becoming the first member of his family to attend university was a source of immense pride for both JJ and his parents.
However, beneath the excitement of university life, the pressure to succeed and fear of failure intensified his OCD.
Following a year abroad in Paris and Buenos Aires, his condition deteriorated significantly.
Simple daily tasks became overwhelming, and his mental health reached a critical point.
Recognising the need for help, JJ made the difficult decision to step away from his studies and focus entirely on recovery.
What began as a planned one-year break became two years of therapy, rehabilitation, and personal rebuilding.
Through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and professional support, he regained his footing and ultimately returned to Oxford to complete his degree.
Although he graduated with a result below his own expectations, he considers crossing that finish line one of the greatest achievements of his life.
It taught him resilience, humility, and the importance of perseverance.
2010
A Career in Law
From the age of fourteen, JJ had spent summers interning at law firms and shadowing barristers.
Law had always been a natural path.
After Oxford, he continued his legal education at the University of Law in Bloomsbury, earning a Commendation in his Graduate Diploma in Law and a Distinction in his Legal Practice Course.
These experiences strengthened his commitment to the legal profession while also giving him first-hand insight into the pressures faced by young people entering the workforce.
Law had always been a natural path.
After Oxford, he continued his legal education at the University of Law in Bloomsbury, earning a Commendation in his Graduate Diploma in Law and a Distinction in his Legal Practice Course.
These experiences strengthened his commitment to the legal profession while also giving him first-hand insight into the pressures faced by young people entering the workforce.
2015
Building a Global Career
Seeking new opportunities, JJ moved to Mexico City, the city of his birth.
There, he revalidated his legal qualifications and joined one of Mexico’s leading law firms specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
Within just two years, he was leading major international transactions and managing complex cross-border operations.
What initially appeared to be a professional adventure became a transformative decade.
Mexico allowed him to reconnect with his roots, deepen his understanding of his mother’s heritage, and build a career that exceeded every expectation.
There, he revalidated his legal qualifications and joined one of Mexico’s leading law firms specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
Within just two years, he was leading major international transactions and managing complex cross-border operations.
What initially appeared to be a professional adventure became a transformative decade.
Mexico allowed him to reconnect with his roots, deepen his understanding of his mother’s heritage, and build a career that exceeded every expectation.
2020
Entrepreneur, Producer and Philanthropist
In 2020, JJ founded his own international legal practice, culminating in The Powell Continental Group.
Since then, the firm, under his leadership, has grown into a global operation servicing clients and major worldwide corporations across 42 countries.
JJ has been a cover story for Fast Company, and featured in other publications such as The Daily Mail, Rolling Stone, Harpers Bazaar and Elle.
JJ Powell has been named as a Leading Lawyer in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners in the field of Mergers & Acquisitions.
His professional success also opened doors to other passions.
JJ has produced notable theatre and screen hits such as Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Blvd, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Here There Are Blueberries and Damn Yankees. JJ is a multiple Tony and Olivier Award Winner and two-time Grammy nominated producer.
Alongside his business ventures, he has devoted significant time to charitable work, community projects, and initiatives through his foundation and the World Boxing Council.
JJ also speaks openly about his journey in recovery and proudly describes himself as a recovering addict.
His experiences have inspired him to mentor and support others on their own path toward recovery, wellbeing, and personal growth.
Since then, the firm, under his leadership, has grown into a global operation servicing clients and major worldwide corporations across 42 countries.
JJ has been a cover story for Fast Company, and featured in other publications such as The Daily Mail, Rolling Stone, Harpers Bazaar and Elle.
JJ Powell has been named as a Leading Lawyer in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners in the field of Mergers & Acquisitions.
His professional success also opened doors to other passions.
JJ has produced notable theatre and screen hits such as Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Blvd, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Here There Are Blueberries and Damn Yankees. JJ is a multiple Tony and Olivier Award Winner and two-time Grammy nominated producer.
Alongside his business ventures, he has devoted significant time to charitable work, community projects, and initiatives through his foundation and the World Boxing Council.
JJ also speaks openly about his journey in recovery and proudly describes himself as a recovering addict.
His experiences have inspired him to mentor and support others on their own path toward recovery, wellbeing, and personal growth.
2025
Returning Home
After more than a decade abroad, JJ feels the time has come to return home.
To be closer to his parents.
To reconnect with lifelong friends.
And to serve the city that has always held a special place in his heart.
London is more than where he grew up.
It is the city that shaped his character, inspired his ambitions, and gave him the opportunities that helped define his life.
Watching London’s challenges from afar strengthened his determination to contribute to its future.
With experience gained across four countries, fluency in multiple languages, and a truly international perspective, JJ believes he can help bring fresh ideas and practical solutions to the capital.
For him, this campaign is not simply about politics.
It is about service.
It is about giving back.
And it is about helping London write its next chapter.
To be closer to his parents.
To reconnect with lifelong friends.
And to serve the city that has always held a special place in his heart.
London is more than where he grew up.
It is the city that shaped his character, inspired his ambitions, and gave him the opportunities that helped define his life.
Watching London’s challenges from afar strengthened his determination to contribute to its future.
With experience gained across four countries, fluency in multiple languages, and a truly international perspective, JJ believes he can help bring fresh ideas and practical solutions to the capital.
For him, this campaign is not simply about politics.
It is about service.
It is about giving back.
And it is about helping London write its next chapter.
Professional References & Endorsements
A collection of testimonials and letters of support from individuals across different sectors, highlighting a proven track record, strong values, leadership, and a longstanding commitment to serving others.
Independent Candidate for Mayor of London
Dedicated leadership, proven experience, and a strong commitment to the community.
Looking Ahead
JJ Powell’s journey has never been straightforward.
It has been defined by challenges, growth, setbacks, achievements, and reinvention.
From overcoming personal struggles to building an international legal practice, from reconnecting with his heritage to supporting charitable causes, every chapter has prepared him for this moment.
Now, he is ready for a new challenge.
A new purpose.
And a renewed commitment to the city he loves.
London.
It has been defined by challenges, growth, setbacks, achievements, and reinvention.
From overcoming personal struggles to building an international legal practice, from reconnecting with his heritage to supporting charitable causes, every chapter has prepared him for this moment.
Now, he is ready for a new challenge.
A new purpose.
And a renewed commitment to the city he loves.
London.
