Meet Tracey Jones

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracey Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tracey, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I am typically the only one on the room that looks like me as I spent 30 years in the high tech industry, typically a male dominated arena. As an African American female leader, I have experienced discrimination on all levels and although challenging at times, it has provided me with wonderful opportunities to let my work ethic and professionalism speak for me. I appreciate all of our differences and push myself to always pursue greatness even in the face of adversity.

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?
My story started at San Jose State University, where I studied Political Science with a focus on foreign politics and a bit of English Literature on the side. After graduation, I built a successful career in high-tech, engaging with silicon valley leaders like IBM, Cloudera and McAfee. But I always knew I had a different calling. In 2023, I took a bold step and left my very successful high-tech career to pursue my passion for writing and producing. The catalyst that pushed me to take this leap of faith was the publication of my first book, “I Didn’t Know I was Going to Die Today”. That one move, opened more doors than I could have ever imagined, leading to the establishment of TC Jones Marketing & Entertainment, LLC a growing consultancy with a TV & film screenplay side as well as production arm. Now as my own boss, I am leveraging all the wonderful talents acquired over the past 30 years and I am working with world renowned executive producers on exciting projects like Shaquille O’Neal All Star Comedy Jam and the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration that aired on CBS Super Bowl weekend 2024. Check out some of my upcoming projects at www.TCJones.info

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Identification of transferable skills are probably the most important thing to career advancements and career changes. For the past 30 years, I had worked in high tech as a Senior Marketing professional and I committed time to working with start-up companies as a Marketing and Business Development mentor at the Silicon Valley High Tech Incubator. I also served on the board of the Bay Area Black Women Entrepreneurs, and has graced has have stages of several women’s empowerment conferences as an industry leader and motivational speaker. So when I decided to make the long awaited move to starting my own writing and production agency, my transferable skills as an entrepreneur, a highly organized leader, a creative Marketeer and seasoned business development pro came into play.

For individuals early in career development, I would advise to never stop learning and growing. Take each day as an opportunity to learn and refine your craft. Observe and listen more than you speak. And do the right things and avoid taking short cuts, as life lessons can sometimes be missed if taking short cuts.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
When I was about 5 years old, I was playing with some toys and I kept repeating “I can’t” when referring to something I was trying to do with one of the toys. Hearing this, my father called me over to him and he said in a very stern manner “I don’t ever want to hear you say I can’t again”. I held onto that statement for 50 years and have applied it to every aspect of my life. I try to NEVER say those words, and have found that with hard work and determination, there really isn’t anything that is too hard if you put in the work. Now I may say I can’t watch your kids or I can’t loan you money, but besides that, there really isn’t anything I can’t do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jennifer Bagwell, Photographer

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