Jones led Viamedia to one of its most productive years yet by prioritizing people. She created initiatives like One Team, One Mission—now a company mantra, especially for training and HR purposes—and the Management Engagement Training Program, boosting productivity by 15%. During the 2022 midterm elections, she spearheaded Viamedia’s Political Ad Spending Research Initiative.
“Mentoring has taught me the power of words. It’s crucial to speak with care to avoid embarrassing or belittling someone. I’ve also learned the importance of celebrating every achievement, no matter how minor.”
A McKinsey report on women in the workplace found women are leaving their companies at the highest rate in years, with the gap between women and men leaders the largest ever seen. What is one way the industry could help reverse this trend? Addressing compensation and offering flexible working arrangements are crucial, but we also need a shift in mindset. There’s often a misunderstanding, even an intentional oversight, of the caregiving roles many women uphold in their families. It’s essential for companies to recognize and value these responsibilities, rather than seeing them as hindrances. Every woman should feel empowered and supported in both her professional and personal roles without feeling the pressure to be a ‘superwoman.’
What biases do you believe have an impact on women’s advancement in the workplace? Some folks believe that leaders can’t be mothers. Clearly, they’ve never heard of Golda Meir or Angela Merkel. Mothers, with their unique skill sets from punctuality to efficiency, bring an unparalleled drive to their roles. We need a mindset shift to champion all women, especially mothers, in their fields. Let’s focus on their strengths and successes. The COVID era underscored the importance of resilience and community—values we should uplift in our workplaces.
How do you know when it is time to take a risk at your job or in your career? Starting something new is always a risk because it’s scary. But taking risks can be rewarding. Ask yourself, is what’s holding you back based on fear or is it based on facts? If it’s just fear, then it might be time to take that leap. If it’s fact-based, then give it some more thought.
How do you de-stress? My de-stressor is what I call the ‘Sit ‘n Soak.’ I take a moment to enjoy the sunshine and sip on a glass of wine. Another way I unwind is through sports photography. I love being right in the action as a volunteer. In fact, in just the past year, I’ve snapped over 50,000 photos, helping to capture some truly precious memories.
Who is a good example of a powerful woman in entertainment and why? While my 15-year-old son, Silas, sweetly points to his mom as a prime example, I admire Taylor Swift. She’s a true powerhouse, making waves in music and recently even football. Taylor impacts everyone – from little girls to older women, and all genders and ages in between.
