Meet Samantha Jones

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

I have always been a chameleon. I was born in the city and raised in the suburbs. I grew up within an hour from the beach, farms, mountains, and quaint towns. I am mixed race and first-generation American. My family is diverse as much as the foods I grew up eating. Growing up this way impacted how I see others and connect to them. My interests are diverse. I enjoy all types of music, hobbies, and traveling to various places. Most importantly, I have respect for people. Whenever faced with a difficult personality, I hold myself with grace and humility. Being open-minded and multi-faceted has kept me able to find common ground with anyone.

My approach to communication was shaped by my experience in a small, diverse school where I managed to build friendships with nearly everyone. The secret was simple: find one thing in common. By focusing on shared interests and maintaining a deep respect for differing perspectives, I learned how to navigate even the most complex social dynamics. Recently, my family and I put this into practice during a cross-country move. By leading with a smile and prioritizing common ground, we’ve been able to build meaningful connections in a brand-new environment. I’ve found that whether in the classroom or a new neighborhood, respect and curiosity are the keys to connection.

In the workplace, effective communication is essential. I work with virtual teams and active listening is paramount. We meet on a regular basis with the understanding that they can reach me and I can reach them outside that scheduled time, if necessary. To communicate effectively at work, you must transition from simply sharing information to ensuring mutual understanding. This begins with active listening. You must give your full attention to colleagues and clarify their points before formulating your response. Transparency and brevity are equally vital; in a fast-paced professional environment, getting to the point quickly while being clear about your expectations saves time and prevents costly errors. Furthermore, effective workplace communication requires high emotional intelligence. Being aware of your tone, choosing the right medium for the message (such as an email for data vs. a virtual meeting for feedback), and remaining open to diverse perspectives creates a culture of psychological safety. Ultimately, when you prioritize respect and clarity over being correct, you build the trust necessary for high-performing collaboration.

As a naturally quiet person, I have always leaned into the power of active listening. I find that my empathy often draws loquacious people to me, as I am able to absorb and adapt to their energy in real-time. This emotional intelligence, combined with my undergraduate degree in Communication, has been the cornerstone of my development as a communicator. Through my studies in rhetoric, interpersonal, and intercultural communication, I learned to look for deeper meanings, consider a speaker’s unique background, and respect diverse perspectives. To me, effective communication is more than just an exchange of words; it is a continuous opportunity to learn from others and build deeper understanding.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am currently a business consultant, Realtor®, director, and professor experienced in management, leadership, and digital transformation. I am a published author writing Telework in Times of Crisis in response to the pandemic. I earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, and Doctorate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, graduating cum laude.

I have been a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honors Society and the International Leadership Association. I have also been a civil servant since 2000. I worked for Somerset County Administration, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Office of Attorney General in New Jersey. Community is my passion.

I began my own art business catering to local artists then I tutored for The Princeton Review. I also designed and instructed a course on Women in Leadership. My interest in education aligned with my organizational improvement expertise which led me to establish the ideal educational experience, the STEM Academy of Innovation and Leadership. I have also served on two additional Boards of Directors for non-profit organizations. I have a love of home and have been a real estate agent in New Jersey and Florida.I am currently finalizing a book on how to effectively work remotely and how to manage remote workers. The book is set to be published this year.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Autonomy, situational awareness, and resilience have played a major role during my journey. I have surpassed my parents’ educational goals. I was raised being told I have to go to college. When I got there, I found little direction as to what to do next. Self-drive and self-reflection kinked into gear to create an autonomous mindset. I discovered I can motivate myself and I am the architect of my own reality. Not relying on others for direction is liberating.

Situational awareness is essential to being a chameleon. I have always believed that being able to blend into any situation requires the patience to observe before jumping in. By quickly assessing the environment and reading the subtle cues of the room, I can adapt my presence to match the moment. This helps me avoid misunderstandings and, more importantly, ensures that others feel at ease in my company. It is a method of navigation that prioritizes empathy and social awareness above all else.

I am where I am today because of resilience. My journey has been anything but smooth. I believe that navigating challenges is the primary catalyst for growth. When a project does not go as planned, I view the setback as a valuable lesson rather than a failure. By analyzing what did not work, I can pivot effectively and forge a more informed path toward my goals. For me, resilience is about using every obstacle as a stepping stone to a better result.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking for business opportunities. If you are passionate about STEM education, please visit TampaSTEMAcademy.com to invest. Anyone looking to develop, buy, or sell in Florida can contact me at [email protected].

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