We recently connected with Alison Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents lived a life of service, always looking for ways to brighten someone else’s day, no matter how small the gesture. This commitment to serving others became the foundation of my own life and career, profoundly shaping the way I view the world and my role in it.

For most of his life, my dad was devoted to visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes. He spent time with those who had undergone surgery or were facing health crises, elderly individuals who felt alone and perhaps forgotten, and families welcoming a new baby into the world. His presence was a consistent source of joy and comfort, so much so that the church eventually hired him as the Director of Visitation. Even now, 9 years after his death, people tell me how much it meant to them to have my dad by their side during difficult times.

My mom, who is now 87, has also lived a life of service. She has the gift of hospitality, and in her younger years, she regularly hosted dinner parties for those who might otherwise be alone or need company. Every meal was prepared with love and care. She has also made it her life’s mission to send beautiful notes and cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special milestones. Though her hands may be slowing down, she continues this practice to this day. And she remains the epitome of selfless service to her family.

Growing up in a home where service was at the forefront instilled in me a deep sense of compassion and generosity. It taught me that life is about leaving a legacy, not about seeking comfort or personal glory. These values have been the guiding principles in both my personal and professional life, and I am profoundly grateful to my parents for making service my lived experience.

Alison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Leadership is my passion, and helping leaders become healthy inside and out is my life’s mission. I’m a leadership and wellness strategist, bestselling author, and founder and CEO of Wellness Society LLC. With over three decades in corporate leadership, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside top-tier leaders, including presidential appointees, and guiding organizations through significant transformations. My work focuses on helping leaders break through toxic workplace patterns to nurture genuine connection, meaningful engagement, and maximum productivity.

My journey into this industry began with a passion for psychology, leading me to earn a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology. Over the years, I honed my skills in organizational development, change management, and wellness, blending these disciplines to create a unique approach that I now offer to my clients. I have witnessed leadership across the entire spectrum and believe that no one should endure a toxic culture that does not embed and embody principles of integrity, collaboration, and well-being.

Through Wellness Society LLC, I provide a range of services, including leadership development programs, executive and wellness coaching, and organizational consulting. My signature approach is the integration of well-being into leadership practices, cultivating what I call Smart + Healthy leaders, teams, cultures, and organizations. I specialize in working with justice, law enforcement, and government organizations, tailoring my services to meet the unique needs of each group.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to the principles of “Think Well, Live Well, and Lead Well.” I believe that true leadership starts from within, and my work is designed to help leaders transform from being merely adequate to truly exceptional. My clients trust me as a voice of reason and a catalyst for positive change.
I’m particularly proud of the impact my work has had on both individuals and organizations. One of my signature frameworks, the Vessel Model of Leadership, has been instrumental in guiding leaders toward a shared vision of being a vessel through which positive impact can flow. This model emphasizes the importance of being a conduit for positive energy, values, and actions that uplift and empower others.

The Vessel Model is anchored by my signature Five Essential States of Leadership:
• Awareness: Being fully present and conscious of oneself, others, and the environment. This state encourages leaders to stay mindful, perceptive, and in tune with the dynamics around them.
• Acceptance: Embracing the reality of situations and people, including oneself, without judgment. This state is about acknowledging what is, which allows leaders to approach challenges with clarity and compassion.
• Abundance: Operating from a mindset of plenty, rather than scarcity. This state encourages generosity, openness, and a focus on possibilities.
• Authenticity: Leading with genuine character and transparency. This state emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and others.
• Appreciation: Recognizing and valuing the contributions, efforts, and presence of others. This state is about cultivating gratitude and respect, which in turn motivates and energizes others.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s that my work is about more than just leadership—it’s about creating lasting impact from the inside out. The Vessel Model of Leadership and the Five Essential States of Leadership are designed to ensure that leaders not only succeed but thrive in a way that leaves a meaningful legacy for generations to come. Whether it’s helping a leader navigate a complex challenge or guiding an entire organization through a cultural transformation, the results are tangible and lasting.

I’m also proud of GLOW (Growing the Leadership of Women), a program designed under Wellness Society to empower women in authentic leadership. The program equips women with the tools, support, and community needed to cultivate their unique leadership styles and to lead with character and purpose.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Staying connected to inspirational and highly motivated individuals is vital for achieving success in my field.

Engaging with driven and passionate individuals provides ongoing motivation and fresh perspectives. This creates a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas, discussing challenges, and cheering each other on. This network of like-minded individuals serves as fuel for my personal and professional growth. It pushes me to stay at the forefront and to continuously innovate.

These relationships help me stay focused and disciplined, providing built-in accountability, especially when intentionally structured. I believe we are stronger together and that there are valuable lessons to learn from those who are walking a path similar to mine.

In essence, while expertise and knowledge are foundational, the relationships and connections I cultivate keep me energized and drive me towards achieving my goals. We inevitably become like those we surround ourselves with, and I choose to surround myself with doers and winners.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Two years ago, I made the decision to pivot from a successful 30-year corporate career to a path that was more deeply aligned with my soul and sense of purpose. I found myself increasingly disconnected from the work I was doing, and felt a growing divide between my personal values and aspirations and the professional life I was leading.

The sense of misalignment finally became impossible to ignore. I started receiving what I can only describe as “downloads of wisdom”—insights and realizations that landed on me with a clarity and urgency I couldn’t ignore. I felt called to step away from the familiar and embrace a path that resonated more deeply with my soul, one that would allow me to impact more lives.

This was a leap of faith filled with risk. It meant stepping away from secure and established relationships, work, and pay to venture into the complete unknown—without any safety net at all. But I felt a powerful nudge and a sense that it would be cowardly to cling to safety and security at the expense of this calling.

Taking this leap has been challenging. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart! But it has allowed me to channel my experiences, insights, and passion into Wellness Society LLC, and to grow leaps and bounds in my courage, confidence, and sense of purpose.

I believe pivots are necessary to keep us aligned with where we are meant to be on life’s journey. And the greatest risks often lead to the most profound and fulfilling rewards.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellnesssocietyus.com
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/alison-c-jones