Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Renee Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Renee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The defining moment in my career came at 23, when I left Texas to work as the coordinator of a Christian Community Center in Wales—a place I knew only from “The Prince of” fame, where I wouldn’t know a single soul, and where my supervisors were based hours away in Scotland. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
What made it transformative wasn’t the location or the title, but what I discovered about myself. For the first time, I felt recognized for who I am rather than who my family was. I was welcomed, affirmed, and challenged in ways that helped me uncover skills I didn’t know I had—organization, leadership, empathy, and the ability to connect deeply with people from very different backgrounds.
That experience changed my trajectory. It taught me to trust my own abilities, step into the unknown, and embrace opportunities that stretch me. I learned that confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about surrendering by stepping forward and trusting for the outcome. It changed my life and focus.
Renee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Renée Jones—a coach, speaker, and former chaplain—helping busy professionals who can handle everything except their relationship with food finally find peace with it.
After years in counseling and chaplaincy, I saw the same story play out again and again: smart, capable people who could meet every deadline but felt powerless around the pantry. For most, the problem wasn’t food—it was how they used it for relief, comfort, or reward.
My work blends neuroscience, emotional awareness, and gentle accountability to help clients break free from emotional eating and the exhausting diet cycle. It’s not about more willpower—it’s about healing the patterns that drive it all.
What makes my approach unique is its compassion. I’ve lived it myself, lost the weight, and kept it off for more than a decade. I know what it takes to make peace with food—and with yourself.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My career path has been a series of pivots—some planned, some thrown at me by life. I started out as a teacher, then leapt at the chance to work in Wales coordinating a community center. After returning to pursue grad school, I headed back to Wales to open a counseling center and train others to take over. I returned to Texas to marry and settle down—only to discover that the marriage would be wonderful, but the original work plan didn’t quite work out.
That “failure” became a pivot point. I moved into chaplaincy, where I found a new way to teach, guide, and connect with people on a deeper level. Eventually, that experience evolved into coaching, where I help others navigate their challenges and breakthroughs.
The lesson? Sometimes the detours are the real destination. Flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected can turn what feels like a setback into the work you were meant to do.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, curiosity, empathy, and the willingness to keep learning are what truly make the difference.
Coaching and chaplaincy aren’t just about techniques—they’re about understanding people’s hearts, noticing what’s unspoken, what needs healing, and guiding them toward insight without judgment. Patience, self-awareness, and humility are just as important as credentials; you have to be willing to reflect on your own patterns while holding space for someone else’s growth.
Those who succeed most are those who combine skill with genuine care, and who are brave enough to step alongside others in their messy, real-life journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reneejonesinternational.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneejonesinternational
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/renee.jones.coach
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-jones-speaks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReneeJonesInternational
