The Leadership Story Podcast

Tara Jones and Lisa Jones explore how soft skills, mentorship, and professional instincts can turn unexpected luck into a sustainable leadership strategy.

Tara emphasizes the value of authenticity in leadership and the necessity of trusting one’s instincts when considering career changes. Her insights provide a roadmap for those looking to pivot in their careers, highlighting the interplay between preparation, opportunity, and the support of others.

Key Topics We Explore:

Tara’s journey illustrates the importance of mentorship in career development.

Soft skills are crucial for success in any field, especially consulting.

Trusting your instincts can lead to significant career changes.

Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and productivity among team members.

Career pivots can be driven by personal circumstances and opportunities.

Networking and community support are vital for professional growth.

Preparation and opportunity are key to achieving success.

Leadership is about supporting and trusting your team, not micromanaging.

Embracing change can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara Jones and Her Journey

04:28 From Pre-Med to PhD: A Shift in Career Path

08:53 Transitioning to Business Continuity

14:58 Navigating the Early Days in Consulting

18:58 The Importance of Mentorship and Soft Skills

19:47 The Journey of Mentorship and Learning

21:04 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

23:35 Exploring Different Sectors

25:45 Building a Consulting Business

27:30 The Importance of Trust in Leadership

30:05 Authenticity in Leadership

34:05 Navigating Career Changes

36:47 Defining Leadership Through Luck

Join the Community!

Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content

leadershipstory.substack.com

Connect with Tara Jones:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tara-jones-329b138

QS Consulting: QS Consulting | Quodammodo Solutions, LLC

ACP Hampton Roads Association of Continuity Professionals - VA: Hampton Roads (Virginia)

Connect with Lisa Jones

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-jones

April Renner and Lisa Jones discuss the shift from the “work-life balance” myth to sustainable, authentic work-life integration for high-performing women.

April gets real about navigating the shift from financial services to construction, finding her voice in rooms where she’s often the only woman, and leading through personal challenges including divorce and single parenthood. Through candid conversation, she shares how those difficult seasons didn’t derail her career - they shaped her into a more authentic, empathetic, and effective leader.

Key topics We Explore:

Finding your authentic voice across different industries and cultures

Working your way up without a traditional path (and going back to school as an adult)

Navigating personal challenges while advancing your career

The resilience required to keep moving forward when everything feels overwhelming

How personal struggles become leadership strengths

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Authenticity in Career Transitions

02:37 Mentorship and Leadership in Male-Dominated Fields

05:16 Embracing Change: From Finance to Construction

07:59 Curiosity and Compassion in Leadership

11:01 Work-Life Integration in the Resilience Industry

13:56 Balancing Education and Career

17:07 Finding Your Voice Through Education

24:30 Navigating Leadership and Education

28:04 Personal Challenges and Professional Growth

37:21 Vulnerability in Leadership

39:43 The Essence of Resilience

Join the Community!

Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content:

leadershipstory.substack.com

Connect with April Renner:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aprilrenner

Connect with Lisa:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-jones

Lisa Jones explores the defining moments of a leadership journey, focusing on how to reclaim your personal narrative and find your authentic voice.

She reflects on her own journey from being an administrative assistant to a leader in the resilience industry, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on themes of imposter syndrome, the value of personal experiences, and the need for women to recognize their leadership potential. Lisa encourages listeners to embrace their unique stories and prepare for future episodes featuring diverse voices in leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Stories

02:48 The Journey to Leadership

05:25 Overcoming Adversity in Leadership

08:06 Building Resilience in Leadership

11:13 Imposter Syndrome and Leadership

13:52 Embracing Your Leadership Potential

16:42 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on Leadership

Join the Community

Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content: leadershipstory.substack.com

Connect: linkedin.com/in/lisa-jones

resource for women’s career advancement, focusing on authentic leadership and real resilience.

Episode Length: 90 seconds

Host: Lisa Jones, MBCP, MBCI

Key Pillars:

Personal story meets professional leadership

Resilience as a measurable capability

Connect with Lisa:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-jones-cbcp-mbci-57872823

Website: leadershipstory.substack.com