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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
7 Questions with LIsa A Jones
helps you in your leadership.
Cheers,
Jonno White
7 Questions with LIsa A Jones
Name: LIsa A. Jones
Current title: COO/President and CE0
Current organisation: Global Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation and Specialized Resume Services
LISA JONES is also the President and COO of the Global Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation. This is a humanitarian non-profit 501(c)(3) where Lisa lends her skills in marketing, strategic direction, and day-to-day activities. In this position, Lisa reaches out to 215 nations and territories with over 18,000 GGAs. Lisa is also Dean of the GGAF Learning Institute.
Lisa is a resume and academic CV writer, LinkedIn writer, career strategist, and founder of Specialized Resume Services. Through her prior work experience and academic background, Lisa has the ability to write for all levels of job seekers worldwide. On a personal level, Lisa has a passion for helping job seekers and not only provides a resume or CV, but also teaches her clients why she writes documents as she does and helps them find the resources they need to become successful. Lisa’s strength is breaking down complex career-related information in a way that all job seekers can understand.
She also has a strong academic background with a Master of Business Administration and serves as an alumni mentor for the University of Phoenix. Lisa holds an Executive Certificate in Human Resources from Cornell, and Executive Certificate from Notre Dame, and online teaching and instructional design classes with UW-Stout.
Lisa started her career with one of the largest printing ink manufacturers in the world. During this time, Lisa held many positions including purchasing, inventory control, logistics, human resources, and technical sales. During her corporate career, Lisa hired and trained many personnel and also worked with engineers, marketing, scientists, C-Level, and owners of companies. This experience has given me hands-on knowledge of many types of jobs and the ability to work with a wide-range of clients.
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1. What have you found most challenging as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise?
This past year and a half has brought many challenges to executives. During this time, I've had to find creative ways to keep business going. It's learning to "pivot" when consumers change their spending. Introducing new services such as virtual classes has helped due to COVID and lockdowns around the world.
2. How did you become a CEO or executive of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?
I started my own company when I finished my Master's degree as I wanted to be able to drive the direction without the red tape many are faced with within large corporations. I needed a resume and I thought to myself, "Why not start writing for others?" Hence my for profit business was born.
I'm also an executive for Global Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation. I was chosen due to my humanitarian work and I kept asking "How can I help?" As the years went by, I was named President and then we decided to make it a nonprofit and I registered GGAF becoming the co-founder of our foundation and COO/President. I have met so many wonderful people around the world and helping those in need is where my heart is. Running a large nonprofit of 18,000 plus members can be challenging at times due to time zones, etc., but we always find a way to come together for common causes such as helping those in need.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
My days start very early and end very late. I start by grouping the things I do on a daily basis such as emails, paperwork, new ideas, team meetings, etc. Once this is done, I'm able to decide how much time is needed in each category I created. Early morning and late-night, I'm at my sharpest moments and can concentrate on solitary tasks.
Around 8 pm to 11 pm, I have "Lisa time" where I get things done for myself which could be reading, talking with friends, spending time with my family and then around 11 pm when everyone is going to sleep, I get my second wind and pick up where I left off during the day. I go to sleep very late but I sleep with the feeling that I accomplished what needed to be done that day.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
A true leader helps those around them and understands the beauty of diversity. Teamwork is beautiful and understanding that involving others who may have better skills in certain areas will get better results. Always be humble and remember to show appreciation.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
There are so many wonderful books but I believe that "Who Moved My Cheese" made me realize that change is constant and one must adapt. It's a short book but the lesson is profound. Not only did I start a path with new eyes, but I was also more understanding of my colleagues and how important it is to share information and change as needed.
6. How do you build leadership capacity in a large enterprise?
Mentoring and getting others excited about their work. Good Leaders are confident in their positions and help others rise. Including others in decision making brings fresh perspectives. Mentoring is very important in creating new leaders and helping others understand this builds a workplace culture of pride and teamwork. I definitely believe that anyone can be a good leader with help from others. It's an innate trait that everyone has, but one has to help them realize this and offer the training needed.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise so far?
Our nonprofit has amazing people in every country. I received a surprise call on my birthday from our team in Nigeria who were visiting an orphanage and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. It was a very beautiful moment that made me feel I had "family" around the world. Treat others kindly and they will reciprocate with kindness and the world becomes a better place.