Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Jones.
Hi Phil, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a very humble and close-knit family, the youngest of my siblings. I have an amazing sister, a beautiful niece and a nephew right after my heart. My father and mother early on instilled some very honorable values in me starting from a younger man. Being able to experience firsthand hard work ethic in my immediate household definitely transpired in both my personal and professional life. When I entered college, my freshman year at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I began to promote and host campus parties. It was at that point when I understood enterprising. I technically had become an influencer and connector bringing people together and fulfilling a niche’ (well before social media). That instance initiated a lot of my work ethic I’ve carried through until now and understanding of the value in building relationships while introducing others to something new.
From there, it led me to intern at some pretty dope agencies like Bad Boy Records and still be able to develop community events in my hometown–Memphis. Fortunately, I have had the opportunities to lead very transformative organizations in a capacity that has allotted me the chance to again bring people together and fulfill a special niche’. My former role with as a Senior District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America and my most recent position as the Senior Director of Fundraising with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. At my highest in my current position. My ultimate role is to build relationships and partnerships to further a mission and vision. I have always been a mission/vision-driven person — so as a professional I value attaching my skills in areas I can develop and see sustainable growth. I am a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a brotherhood that is a definite part of my life where I uphold a lot of the purposes into my life and others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think my biggest obstacle to date has been the pivot in my career, Year prior to my current position, I’d contemplated relocating from TN to GA and once I finally did, like most ambitious professionals will tell you– the road is not easy. However, I always appreciated the gift I am blessed with and that is the gift of connecting. If everything fails, I have been so diligent in my intentions to ensure when I meet others, I am sure to bring service to them. That is what has helped to bring a trajectory to me during times of uncertainty when I wasn’t sure if I would excel in my industry and times of feeling burnt out and stagnant. Which is a real sentiment in the professional/corporate world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently focused on encouraging and teaching people more about entrepreneurship. Taking that leap of faith!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Ever heard of “If you can see it, you can believe it? ” That is what I think of when it comes to finding a mentor. As a black male professional, most times our position in professional settings have been stigmatized to believe upward mobility is only achievable if we maintain the “crabs in the bucket” mentality. That in order to grow we can only exceed if we competitively eliminate other brothers. That is the most ineffective and unfulling manner to have longevity and a fulfilling and purposeful career. I have always sought a mentor at every professional level of my life. I was very intentional to ensure my mentors were men who could offer me their honest expertise in either career, finances, and also personal aspects as well. I always look at my mentors as thought partners. No, they aren’t building a relationship with me as their mentee to tell me what to do but otherwise give me advice on the decisions I am considering or already have made. Find you a mentor and build your network that’s so vital.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: therealphiljones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lil.phil
- Twitter: philjones1911
