Adviser Winter 2019-20 LeadingAge New York Adviser LeadingAge NewYork Winter 2019-20 | Page 21

Spotlight
Meet Triciajean Jones
Director of Life Enrichment, St. Ann’s Community
Coach, LeadingAge New York IGNITE Leadership Academy
What strengths do you feel you bring to your new role as a
LeadingAge New York IGNITE Leadership Academy coach?
As a LeadingAge New York IGNITE Leadership Academy coach, I bring my
passion for elder care culture change, employee connectedness and servant
leadership style.
What made you want to pursue this role?
As leaders, I believe it is our duty to empower our colleagues to cultivate their
own leadership skills. I pursued a coaching role because I am thankful for the
lessons learned and skills gained while participating in the IGNITE Leadership
Academy, and I wanted to give back to a program that gave me so much. I would
not be the leader I am today if I had not been given this amazing opportunity.
How has your experience as an IGNITE Leadership Academy
Fellow influenced your leadership style?
My experience as a Fellow gave me not only an awareness, but also an opportunity
to expand my emotional intelligence and leadership legacy. The experience opened
my eyes to the aptitude needed to be an authentic and effective leader.
What would you say to others who are considering applying
for the IGNITE Leadership Academy?
Apply! This program will open your eyes and help shift your paradigm to a new
way of leading. The skills you will learn and friendships you will make will better
not only your professional life, but your personal life as well.
Who have been the influencers in your life, and why?
My grandparents have been great influencers in my life. Being first-generation
Americans and living through the Depression, war and so many life events,
they taught us the power of persistence and tenacity. My grandparents made
their dreams come true and set us up for a life that their parents could never
have imagined. I am forever grateful for the lessons each of them taught me.
I have also had some amazing mentors and friends who have influenced my
leadership journey. Bob Bourg and Sue Murty, senior leaders at St. Ann’s
Community, have taught me so much through humility, hard work and humor.
Both are able to lead with passion and transparency, which has inspired me to
begin and continue this leadership pathway.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Put some elbow grease in it.” My father taught me from a young age that if you’re
going to do something, give it your all, or it’s not worth doing. This lesson helped
shape my educational path, my career and my journey as a parent.
What would surprise readers about you?
In my free time, you’ll find me in my 97-year-old barn refinishing old furniture and
antiques. Give me a paint scraper and staple gun, and I’ll be lost for hours!
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