Seasons Greetings 2019 eYs Magazine

Inspiring World Women Leaders - Entrepreneur and President and COO, Lisa Jones Global Goodwill Ambassadors

INSPIRING GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS LISA JONES Entrepreneur, President and COO, Global Goodwill Ambassadors GGA Article Written by JASMINA SIDEROVSKI

“There is nothing like family and the laughter from the smallest things and smiles that touch our hearts.”

Richard Di Pilla Founder Global Goodwill Ambassadors, GGA

Founder, Richard Di Pilla, Global Goodwill Ambassadors

www.globalgoodwillambassadors.org

Global leadership is a tenure for accountability and interaction by the people who head an organisation, have a vision and a life passion. A definition of global leadership is developed intended to guide, mentor and plant a seed for upcoming leaders who strive and create an impact in their chosen fields. Women’s empowerment – a key topic of this century – looks at the global role women represent as authoritative leaders, including : Presidents, Prime Ministers, CEO’s and Senior Leaders of companies.

The ability for success creates a pathway, and a barrier for entry to a paradox of life, work and play. Is it the assertion of one’s competence, and admitting one’s vulnerability allowing room for a network and collaboration? Or, is it the level of authority associated with credibility and risk, especially, as a leader brought in to drive the brand and success of an organisation. Either way, there is no question whatever the magnitude of purpose women face they have one thing in common – the need to toughen up, speak louder and act decisively. Driven by goals, strategy and work ethic to get the job done, global women create a balance by appreciating the human side of themselves, warmth, passion, personable and accessible for an open relationship within their career, social and family life.

Success is never guaranteed, many will fail in their mission to climb the corporate ladder lost in the power of a man’s world. Different countries and cultures attract investment and association, growth and prosperity in any firm through their by-laws and code of practice that sets up the foundations for future innovations and sustainability. One must be smart and be aware of these challenges by teasing out tensions and repertoire for strategies to manage their surroundings, effectiveness and resilience for leadership style. By adapting to the company demographics and core vision one needs to demonstrate toughness and niceness in different scenarios and a diverse scope of personalities. Sure enough, these qualities are a challenge to any person regardless of gender,

however, it can be safe to say that sometimes women’s empowerment requires an extra kick-start on the road for success.

Influential global woman, leader, wife, entrepreneur, mentor, and inspiration to thousands around the world is Lisa Jones. The President and Chief Operations Officer for Global Goodwill Ambassadors, GGA. Born in Elkton, Virginia and currently residing in the Greater St. Paul Area, Minnesota (MN), Lisa Jones is happily married to her life-time partner, Dave and mum to their beloved feline Piper. A resume and academic curriculum vitae writer, LinkedIn writer, career strategist, and the founder of ‘Specialized Resume Services’. Lisa writes for all levels of job seekers worldwide. Her driving passion to help job seekers and educate her clients about the resources they need to become successful breaking down complex career-related information in a way that all job seekers can understand.

With a strong academic background, and a Master of Business Administration, Lisa serves as an Alumni Mentor for the University of Phoenix. She holds an Executive Certificate in Human Resources from Cornell, and an Executive Certificate in Applied Business Strategies from Notre Dame. A career in one of the largest printing ink manufacturers in the world, Lisa held many positions including purchasing, inventory control, logistics, human resources, and technical sales. During her corporate career, Lisa hired and trained many

Lisa Jones

Lisa Jones and her inspiration, her grandmother!

personnel and worked with engineers, marketers, scientists, C-Level executives, and owners of companies. She has a hands-on knowledge of many jobs and the ability to work with a wide range of clients.

Lisa and David, happily married - forever friends

Lisa is a member of the United Nations, USA (MN), and UN Women (St. Paul, MN), NRWA (National Resume Writers Association), CTL (Career Thought Leaders). Her awards and achievements are many and not limited to:

Honored by Hope Ambassadors and Childcare Organization (2019), in recognition of outstanding achievement and excellence in global philanthropy and humanitarian work.

• Designated as a “Ambassador of Excellence” for My Body Is My Body (2019) In recognition of support given to a worldwide child abuse prevention program. • Global Goodwill Ambassadors Founder’s award recognized for volunteerism, leadership, and humanitarian work.

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The joy of Love

Published as a contributor to YouMap (2018) by Kristin A. Sherry, a #1 category bestseller in five countries, top 10 category bestseller every month sense release, top 50 bestselling business book on Amazon, #1 bestseller on Amazon, Rated a Best Reviewed Book by IndieRader.com I January 2019.

Lisa Jones, has the most important qualities of leadership including integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence, and positivity. What sets Lisa’s style apart from other leaders is her ability to inspire people to do things they never thought they could. Her warmth, and love for people to succeed is witnessed on a day to day basis via the global LinkedIn network, Global Goodwill Ambassadors, GGA.

Global Goodwill Ambassadors, GGA are people from all walks of life who dedicate in full or part of their lives doing good works for the betterment of their community or ultimately, the world. Founded by Richard Di Pilla, who believes:

“A civilized world living in peace can only be attained through an understanding and acceptance of a diversified world. With this in mind, I founded an initiative using the LinkedIn social media forum called Global Goodwill Ambassadors. This initiative is simple; we recognize people from every nation, race, colour, and socio-economic caste who do goodwill toward others. The only thing Global Goodwill Ambassadors look at is charitable or humanitarian works of any individual. We exercise no bias. We also have only one commodity, that of Goodwill. We are not commercialized in any way. We are apolitical and free of hatred.

My mission was to give anyone the opportunity to receive this designation. My secondary mission was to break down misconceptions that people had based on the limits of media reports or inter-country propaganda, that there is goodness through the people of the world. From an initiative, I founded seven years ago a large structured group of over 14,000 people has emerged. With volunteers from every country and all walks of life, we are learning about the loving, charitable, heart of the human spirit everywhere. The thousands of letters of support and nominations to be recognized as Global Goodwill Ambassadors is a testament to diversity in motion.

We can all learn to accept the good hearts of all people. As a society, we have a long way to go. As for what individuals can do to participate as a world that accepts all people as one united race. I know we can achieve this dream together. Any doubters only need to look at the outpouring of love and respect that people of goodwill are sharing as Global Goodwill Ambassadors.”

Building Bridges is the core belief for Global Goodwill Ambassadors, (GGA) who recognise good people performing humanitarian work while promoting initiatives to serve the people who need them most. GGA, believes in takingaction with urgency in order to raise public awareness about some of the most pressing issues facing today’s society. Their primary goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need through access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfil their potential. GGA is an unbiased group with over 14,000 humanitarians in 208 nations and territories.

initiative, Global Goodwill Ambassadors. Faced with such an enormous task, Lisa is a scant few people in the world with the natural skill-sets needed in order to transcend all of the potentially sensitive interactions in global team-building. Lisa navigates those challenges in continuing to grow an organisation of over 14,000 members in 208 countries.

Apart from Lisa’s un-wavering commitment to her work, she possesses a blend of intelligence, grace and gratitude towards people all over the world. I am a witness to her exceptional service to humankind through Global Goodwill Ambassadors. She is a gentle soul that is cloaked in humility, a cerebral and competent person in the work and business arenas and an incredibly talented, bright, hardworking, detail oriented who is passionate about all she is responsible for. Her firm and steadfast attitude never hesitate to render tough decisions for truth and justice.

Lisa is an amazing person, and a wonderful leader full of positive energy. A consummate professional responsible with a great spirit for solidarity and growth for a brighter world. A leader who empowers others by helping each person recognise their strengths skilled at Strategic planning, Education Administration, Institutional growth and Community outreach. Lisa’s guidance and motivation have helped

thousands to step forward in their life goals. Her broad vision and thoughts her main strength to motivate others as an inspiring mentor working for humanity.

A brilliant mind and a strategic thinker, Lisa is admired and respected for her sage like advice engaging with a mammoth network as a Global Goodwill Ambassador. Working alongside Lisa, as fellow humanitarians, under a global movement for inclusiveness and peace, I have watched her launch an organisation through her passion and commitment to bring sustainable strategy on board for an impact driven initiative. Her openness and readiness to collaborate for great results is exceptional. When you combine an exceptional intellect with a profound understanding of humanity, you can easily see that there is nothing that would impede Lisa, from excelling at anything she chooses to pursue. Overall, Lisa is passionate about achievement of her life goals. Her demeanour and dedication, humbleness and warm nature enable her to achieve everything well beyond merely acceptable. eYs Magazine was able to get an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur, President and COO Lisa Jones, and are grateful for the opportunity.

When and why did you become a Business Woman?

I became an entrepreneur in 2006 after leaving a successful career in the printing in industry. It was my desire at that point to complete my MBA and start a business where I would have an individual impact that wouldn’t be realized as an employee with a company focused on an employer’s strategic goal. I worked for a wonderful global company but I wanted to have more control over my own destiny and my goals. I saw many people struggling with careers and those who were jobless and it became a passion to find a way to help these individuals. Starting a resume/academic CV writer gave me the ability to focus on helping jobseekers in every field of the job market. This also gave me the ability to write pro bono for those in need and as part of this, I support our veterans by writing at no charge.

Can you walk us through the process of developing your own brand/reputation as an entrepreneur?

Starting a career as an entrepreneur is somewhat scary and a risk-taking journey but this was the perfect path to realize my goals of changing lives. I joined several organizations and LinkedIn in order to learn as much as possible about resume writing. I knew I would be holding the ability for a jobseeker to get an interview so it was very important to give these individuals the best and most effective documents possible. Early in my new career, I was fortunate to sub-contract for one of the top resume writers in the world. This wasn’t about pay as I made less than minimum wage relative the hours I was putting in as a new resume writer. It was actually the best education I could have received. I often look back on this and remind myself how fortunate I was and always try to find the way to help others learn how to write. Several years later, I was approached by a professor who had a very reputable and established CV writing business who gave me the opportunity to learn Academic CV writing. Again, these were long hours as I was learning but I poured myself into these two opportunities to learn from two

of the best in the business. During both of these sub-contracting positions, I was able to build my own brand and network with many others in related industries.

What are valuable lessons you have learned along the way in the business industry?

Some of the most valuable lessons have been the importance of networking and setting standards to withhold ethical values and practices. You are only as strong as your professional “brand” and being an entrepreneur has given me the ability to set my own practices and change these as needed. Referrals are key in my industry and I have built a strong network of whom I often refer business to and also receive referrals from.

Nothing beats hard work if you want to succeed and this means you also have to work hard when business may not be going well. If you want to be successful, you will need to take calculated risks and remain determined.

I’m a sports analogy person and think back to days of practicing, falling, learning from my mistakes, and picking myself up and continuing to do what I love. There are always life lessons that you can apply to your professional journey and I think this is such an important area that will help you learn your strengths and weaknesses and where to focus. I believe it’s also important to accept your faults and learn about self-acceptance as this is where confidence comes from.

I consider myself a life-long learner as a believe continuing your education is key as our world is constantly changing. It’s so vital to understand that education doesn’t end when the class does and there are many means to learning all you can about your passion to become successful. “Success” is by the way, different to each individual and not always based on a financial gain. Keep your mind open to opportunities to learn and to those who are willing to mentor you and try to pass this on when you can. This is one of the key reasons I became and alumni mentor at my alma mater.

Piper

How did you become the President of Global Goodwill Ambassador’s?

I was recognized as a GGA almost four years ago after writing to our founder, Richard DiPilla inquiring what the group was about. At that time, I was currently volunteering at domestic violence shelters and soup kitchens and he recognized my efforts in helping those in need. I was later named the first country director of the US and started volunteering my time to GGA by making recognition images and offering insight on helping to structure the group. I grew with GGA and consider myself to be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful humanitarians around the world. It’s truly a humbling experience to learn about so many different cultures and make friends that will last a life-time.

What is your five-year plan?

My five-year plan is to continue building my resume writing “business” as more of a company that focuses on more and more pro bono work. The ability to help more and more jobseekers is something that is truly needed due to automation and cutbacks. Continuing all humanitarian work be it one on one or as a group, is what our world needs and I will continue this path and hope that many others do the same.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My grandparents have always been my inspiration. I’m not sure they realized how much “humanitarian” work they were actually doing while I was growing up but they practiced this every day. Both were involved in the community and always had open doors to those in need. I remember on many occasions when my grandmother would take food to

In some society’s women are still discriminated against and are often not paid the same salaries as men or have the same rights. As women are important to all societies, empowerment is a key issue and as hearing their voices truly makes a difference. Empowering women is to give them the “right” to education, careers, voting, and overall decision making. Women’s empowerment also helps to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault by showing the value women have in our society.

those who didn’t have any. During my senior year in high school, she took the window AC out of my bedroom and gave it to someone during a very hot summer stating the other family needed it more. So, we didn’t always have the means to buy new items but we always understood the meaning of “sharing” and “paying it forward.”

What is your favorite pastime when you aren’t working?

I’m an avid reader and love to scrapbook. Anything to broaden my knowledge and feed my passion to learn something new every day and to “create” something, I find energizing. Continually learning more about my community and how to give back to help others is also a passion. As I’m a transplant to Minnesota, I have a lot of new areas to cover and look forward to meeting new people and experiencing more.

Helping other women realize their self-worth and increase their confidence and adapt to social and economic change is key and we can all help to foster this by offering education, the skills needed and ability to freely express themselves is key to truly making our world a better place and putting an end to gender bias.

Women’s empowerment is extremely important to me as I have known women to be afraid to leave a domestic violence situation due to lack of confidence and the worry of supporting herself and children. I see this while volunteering my time at domestic violence shelters and many will return to a volatile environment putting their lives in danger. My heart and soul is dedicated to ending bias toward women and will continue to do so through volunteering my time, uplifting other women, and mentoring as many as possible.

Do you support any charities or contribute to the community in any way?

I continue to volunteer at domestic violence shelters and soup kitchens. I also volunteer at Feed My Starving Children by packing food that is shipped around the world. Being an animal advocate, I give to my local Humane Society and attend charitable events in support. My time is also spent with volunteer time with GGA and mentoring students. Family Life

I love spending time with my husband and rescue kitty. There is nothing like family and the laughter from the smallest things and smiles that touch our hearts. My husband of 18 years is my best friend and my biggest supporter in the world.

A special thank you to Lisa Jones from all of us at eYs Magazine. We extend our congratulations and applaud your vision and passion uniting the world through goodness, peace, love and hope.