133: Grace Jones | Beyond the Basics: Transforming Challenges into Career Opportunities

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Grace Jones as they discuss her professional journey and the significance of internships and diverse work experiences in shaping her career. She reflects on how college internships, particularly those that allowed her to run her own business, provided her with the freedom and guidance to explore and succeed in the business world. Grace highlights how these opportunities equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in various industries, emphasizing that if the right opportunities aren't available, one should take initiative to create them.Grace's path took an interesting turn when she moved into a role in entertainment sales at Back Nine, a company distinct from her original career aspirations in the music industry. Her role involves crafting unique event experiences, requiring her to leverage high-level communication and problem-solving skills to meet diverse client needs. This role has not only allowed her to refine her sales and management skills but has also positioned her strategically for lateral moves within the entertainment and music industries. Grace underscores the importance of adapting and transferring skills across different fields to achieve one's career goals.The conversation also explores personal challenges Grace has faced, particularly her recovery from multiple hip surgeries during college, which forced her to pause her career pursuits temporarily. This period of forced inactivity provided her with valuable time for self-reflection and personal growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability. Grace discusses how surrounding herself with supportive people and engaging in activities that brought her joy helped her navigate these challenges effectively. She concludes with reflections on the sacrifices made during her college years, noting that while she may have missed out on typical college experiences, the choices she made were instrumental in setting her up for future success.Join Matt and Grace for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:How college internships provide the freedom and structure to create your own business, book clients, and shape your professional path under expert guidance.The importance of lateral movement in a career, how to combine passion with professional success, and the significance of taking on different roles to gain diverse experiences that prepare you for your ultimate career goals.How facing and overcoming personal challenges, like managing multiple surgeries, can contribute to personal growth, better self-awareness, and professional clarity.How selling techniques can vary significantly between industries like home services and entertainment, and why mastering these can be crucial to career advancement in sales.How critical listening, communication, and problem-solving skills are developed through real-world experience, not just classroom learning, and how these skills apply across various job roles and industries.The sacrifices made during formative years and how these choices, often in lieu of typical leisure activities, set the stage for future professional achievements and satisfaction.And so much more...