Tracy DeJarnett shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Tracy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
100% writing. There’s something about setting aside the noise and just writing the thoughts as they come.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a growth strategist, fractional CMO, agency owner, and producer/talent buyer who – as others often say – doesn’t just build teams, but builds momentum.
My work centers on helping leaders, artists, and brands unlock growth through courage, clarity, and community – a theme I also explore in my book, Dare. This passion shows up in my company, HoustonLive, where I produce shows, book talent, and champion artists’ careers. And now I’m bringing these worlds together in On the Rise: Behind the Hustle, a documentary that spotlights artists’ journeys and the courage it takes to grow.
I believe real growth happens when people feel trusted, energized, and supported – and when organizations are brave enough to step outside the box and try new things. I also believe there is always a way around, over, or through any challenge. Some of the toughest challenges actually show up right before a breakthrough, and I’m passionate about encouraging others to push through so they can realize their biggest visions and goals.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand this work by connecting with more leaders through speaking and workshops, scaling HoustonLive to give artists new platforms to rise, and exploring media projects like On the Rise that shine a light on the courage behind every breakthrough. My focus remains the same across all of it: building momentum that makes both people and organizations stronger, braver, and ready for their next chapter.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This is a big question and I hope that each of us have the opportunity to truly reflect on this – because this is our highest calling. It’s easy to be distracted in our noisy, always on world (if we let it – let’s agree to turn off phones, TVs, internet for juat a while!).
For me, the greatest joy comes from two things:
Setting bold visions – even seemingly impossible ones – and working to achieve beyond expectations, aligning them with our passions and dreams.
Connecting and amplifying others – through writing, speaking, and personal engagement, I love championing the strengths and passions of those around me. I imagine communities that truly support one another, where collaboration and respect drive what’s possible.
What I must release is fear, self-doubt, and hesitation – the limits that hold me back from fully sharing my voice, ideas, and energy. Letting go opens space to serve with clarity, purpose, and joy, using every word I write and speak to inspire and connect.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
This question really resonates with me because I try each day to help others be present. To truly listen – without searching for your response, crafting an answer, or injecting other thoughts – is a rare and precious gift. I’ve been fortunate to have a few exceptional coaches who mastered this, but one in particular stands out: a multi-retired and re-instated priest who brought presence and listening to an entirely new level.
Some of us spend our lives training to face life’s toughest challenges, to bring light, healing, and understanding to the hardest places. This coach did that for me. Many of our conversations were transformative – what we shared often felt nothing short of miraculous.
From this, I’ve learned that even when we feel disconnected or alone, we never truly are. We exist in a vast, interwoven network of connection. My prayers, intentions, and words can carry profound healing energy, while my anger or negativity can unintentionally sow discord. Truly listening is part of that power – it can transform, heal, and connect in ways that words alone cannot.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I once attended a women’s luncheon just two weeks into a new job, and I found much of the advice – lean in, speak louder, be heard by men – felt paradoxical. All I could hear was: to succeed here, you need to be a man. So when Madeline took the stage, I was relieved. She said something entirely different: to succeed, you need to be truly yourself.
When we later had lunch, I was struck by her ability to quickly identify my core beliefs and values. I think anyone who knows me well would see the same truths: what matters most to me is freedom, health, and creativity.
I’ve always known that situations that confine me – like a windowless office requiring eight hours of sitting – go against my very core. Earlier in my career, I even told my future CEO, “I’m not much of an office person,” fully expecting the opportunity to end there. To my surprise, he said, “Me too!”
That moment captured it: I thrive when I can create, plan, and lead – but I’m not meant to be tied to one desk, one place, or one routine for long. My friends would say I value autonomy, meaningful work, and the ability to live and create on my own terms.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I used to have a joyous “skip and snap” walk – the kind where you’re so in your element that your whole body moves in rhythm with your excitement. Maybe it was the music in me, but I can absolutely recall walking with a beat and a snap, a big smile on my face. It felt like whole-being joy.
In a not-too-distant past, I experienced that level of joy in a leadership role. I deeply admired my CEO, enjoyed sharing my expertise with my executive peers, and, most importantly, was able to tackle big, complex problems. I loved mulling over options, uncovering new pathways, and finding ways to create value that helped achieve the larger vision. I would often catch myself exclaiming, “I love this job!”
Those days reminded me what it feels like to truly live in your purpose – bringing your full self, your experience, your passion, and your talents to the table. I hope everyone has the chance to experience that kind of joy, where work feels like an extension of who you are and every challenge becomes an opportunity to create, contribute, and celebrate the journey along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tracydejarnett.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_dejarnettcmo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracydejarnett/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracydejarnettmarketing/
Image Credits
Tracy DeJarnett
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
