“I like to find in them what they’ve not yet found in themselves and help them realize their personal strengths and help them build confidence and to have a framework for bringing their ideas forth.” Taylor herself needed some help along the way during college. She said she changed majors eight times before settling on one. “I had a difficult time figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she laughingly said. Finally, her love of reading, writing and analyzing led her to an English major. After graduating summa cum laude from Tougaloo College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English came the choice of graduate school or law school. She chose the law. “I was very fortunate,” she said. “I had a college professor who really encouraged me to apply to schools I wanted to go to.” She put forth her best effort and applied to some top schools: New York University, Harvard, Duke, Georgetown, Yale and Emory. She was accepted by all the schools except Yale. Applying was the first step, she said. “I think many students, particularly from Mississippi, become intimidated by Harvard Law School and don’t apply. The only thing I would be out of would be my application fee and the effort of applying so I went forward with it and was fortunate enough to be selected.” When it came time to choose what type of law she was going to practice, Taylor stayed with what she loves. “I do a lot of contracts and don’t litigate at all. I stuck with those things I really enjoy, which
Mississippi Business Journal
are reading, writing, analytical skills and creating.” In her career working with others in their development, Taylor said two lessons stand out: continuous learning and finding a purpose. “There are so many things in the world to learn and to help make yourself better,” she said. “Not getting out of your comfort zone to learn new skills is a mistake and a disservice. It’s really important to not settle for being good, but to be your personal best and to strive to be great at what you do.” Taylor said she believes everyone has a purpose and something we are passionate about. “When we tap into that, it helps us to be our personal best but it also contributes to others around us and makes them better.” Taylor said encouraging others to succeed has helped her as well. “It’s all about giving to others.” she said. “I really believe we should live our lives with an abundance mentality, focusing on the fact that we don’t have to keep knowledge to ourselves and we become so much better when we help others.” In addition to her job and her company, Taylor is devoted to her family. Her husband, Dr. Jerrod Taylor, is a physician on staff at Singing River Health System. The couple has two sons, Nicolas, 13, and Marcus, 10. They live in Ocean Springs. Between family, work and community involvement, finding time to do leadership development can be a challenge. “I find ways to give meaningful time to it but I’m always wishing that I had more,” said Taylor. “It’s a matter of planning. I love strategic planning so my life is a constant strategic planning exercise.”
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Come to work every day — on time. Make smart decisions. Follow directions. Concentrate on my work and care about the quality of my work. Read, write and calculate well. Recognize problems and find solutions. Finish a job when I’m supposed to without sacrificing quality. Be honest and dependable. Work hard and take the lead. Communicate well and get along with others — especially customers. Dress properly and practice good grooming. Be cooperative and have a positive attitude. Be drug free.
601-948-1222; P.O. Box 22607, Jackson, MS 39225-2607 www.mma-web.org
For information about careers in advanced manufacturing, visit www.DreamItDoItMS.org.