The role of women in society has altered greatly over the past century. In the early 1900s, women were expected to do three things: Get married, become a homemaker and bare children. Today, although we are wives and/or mothers, we are also independent women who are entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, CEOs and more.

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While we have made great progress, women remain marginalized, assaulted, insulted and unequal. Recent events have emphasized that men and women are not equal. We still are paid less for the same work. We do not have the right to make choices regarding our own uterus or prenatal care. We are still objectified and sexualized.

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But in light of all this oppression, there are women who are fighting for their safety, health and/or families. I call these people “Wonder-Woman” because they are the real warriors of our society.

Dorothy Jones is a Wonder-Women because she is a CMO and a parent. Check out my Interview with her down below:

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What is your full name and occupation?

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 Dorothy Jones – Chief Marketing Officer / Chief Strategy Officer

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Where were you born?

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Memphis, TN

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Where do you live now?

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Plano, Tx  - Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

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Describe yourself.

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Loyal, Compassionate, Detailed-oriented, Friendly, Hard-working, Particular, God-Loving & God-Fearing and Fun!

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How do you handle being single mother?

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As parents, we sometimes feel we must do it all when it comes to our children. For me, I had an epiphany when Loren was 3 years old.  I took Loren to daycare at 7am, picked her up at 6pm and then took her to my office so that I could work.  At midnight, I turned around and did not see Loren where I had left her.  She had crawled up under my desk, propped herself up against my desk and the wall and fell asleep.  It was that guilt-ridden night that I realized that I could not do it all as a single parent.  I hired a nanny! My sister came to live with me!  I took my friends up on their offers to help. Essentially, I created the Jones Family Village that still exist to this day for raising Loren.  I became ok with not giving Loren her bath every night, washing her hair, picking her up from school, or having weekday dinners with her.  I was a better mother to Loren and cherished the time we did have together like getting ready in the mornings and driving her to school.  This became our special time where we bonded, connected and got caught up.

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What are the challenges, rewards and etc.?

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Challenges: The guilt of missing events in Loren’s life that are important to her (sports games, 1st dance, etc.).  One year ago, I missed Loren’s 1st dance because of a work commitment.  I was so consumed with performing well at my new job and being available to everyone at work that I prioritized attending NASCAR’s annual Gala where my company’s driver #18 Kyle Busch was being recognized for winning the 2016 Sprint Cup championship.  This was a mistake.  Luckily for me, my sweet daughter said “Mom it is ok. There will be other events that you will be there for me like my first concerts, first kiss, graduation, etc.”  Although she let me off the hook with her mature response, at 13 years old she should not have to make this type of trade off.

 Rewards: The rewards are bountiful and I try to appreciate them daily.  I feel privileged to be Loren’s mother, my parents’ daughter, and my siblings’ sister.  Being grateful for the smallest of things are my most valued rewards.  Hearing my mom or dad’s happy voice, seeing Loren give me the side-eye when I sing in front of her friends, or just spending a Sunday afternoon at home cooking while watching football with Loren.  So, I intentionally work on being present and in the moment when interacting with Loren, my family and friends.

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What is the best and worst decision you ever made?

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Best: Quitting my job to be a stay at home for almost 2 years in 2014.  I was working in a demanding executive-level job that required me to travel 40 weeks a year.  In October of 2012, I realized that I did not know Loren’s best friend’s names. When I could attend band concerts, sports games, etc. no one at Loren school knew I was her mother.  I had relied so heavily on my resources (aka The Jones Family Village) that I had unintentionally became the absentee parent. I immediately volunteered for Loren’s school school Gala, I made every game and band concert, I attended mom’s coffees and we had playdates.  I said “YES!” to almost any request dealing with Loren.  One day she came home from school and said, “I like this mommy. I get to see you when it is daylight” Her comment stung me even though I was reassured that I had done the right thing by leaving my job. 

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Worst: Being too transparent, trusting and available.  As I have ascended into executive positions of power and influence, I have had to adjust my work style, listen more and talk less, and play fair regardless!  These are just a few lessons I have learned while engaging with subordinates, peers, and associates. In the business world, boundaries are necessary, important, and career-progressing.

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What was your dream job as a kid and why?

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Unfortunately, I did not have time to dream about a job when I was a kid because I was too busy working in my family’s grocery business.  From the age of 7 to 21, I worked 20 hours a week during school months and 40 hours in the summer. Additionally, I had piano lessons, ballet and church that kept me busy.  I did not really start dreaming until about 10 years ago when my daughter was 4. My dreams / aspirations are centered on how I build wealth so that I can travel, maintain my standard of living, and be available for Loren as she hits life milestones.  I now have a short & long term work plan inclusive of Directorships on Boards, investment goals, estate planning, and health regime, just to name a few.

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What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

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We don’t’ ask for “IT”! IT could be a higher salary, promotion, larger office, strategic assignments, sabbaticals, time off for family, and so on.  As women, we second guess or low-ball ourselves all the time.  I hate when people say women lack “confidence” when, in essence, we lack supporters/champions/mentors. As we rise in power and influence, we must bring other women with us and share our “highs and lows”…always!  There is a female executive playbook which is different from the male executive playbook. The key is to understand how to convert your feminine assets (leadership style, demeanor, wit, intellect, etc.) into value for your company. 

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How do you keep evolving as a leader?

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 I have invested in coach / advisor who holds me an accountable.  And she tells me the good, the bad and the ugly. We have been working together consistently for 6 years and I am a better leader because of this trusted relationship. 

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What accomplishments are you proud of the most?

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Being Loren’s mother for all the reasons above.   She is why I work hard, play harder, and love the hardest!

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What women inspire you and why?

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• Ruby Dee – She loved working and she had a loving partnership with Ossie Davies. I hope to find that kind of love with a soulmate in my lifetime

• Ida Mae Crawford Jones – She was my grandmother who recently passed away at 102 years of wisdom.She was the epitome of grace and Christian faithfulness

• MS & LJ are my two ride or die girlfriends who are battling triple negative breast cancer.They are warrior women who are fighting to live and beat this dreadful disease. Yet, they are always smiling and not complaining about their circumstance. I admire their strength, courage and positive outlook on life.

 

What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?

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Gaining true gender equality… Competing and winning in a male dominated work environment.

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Are there any other comments you would like to make at this time? Advice?

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My advice is to put yourself first and love yourself hard! If you do this, you will be the best mother, sister, daughter and friend you can possibly be!

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Question to the reader: Who do you consider a "Wonder-Woman?'"

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Until Next Time,

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Tay