It was at the first night of a conference in Las Vegas at a party on the rooftop of the Palms when I met Lindsey, today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman.
We chatted over canapés and Prosecco. I learned that she’s been married for 12 years to an active duty Marine, SSgt named Bryan, who is a GySgy select. (For you non-military friends, that is a BIG deal.) She and Bryan have traveled the country with the Marine Corps and kept adding to their family along the way. They are proud parents of four children, ages 11, 8, and twin 2-year-olds. While managing their active household, Lindsey also works as a contact center director for a healthcare company in Atlanta, GA.
As the sun started setting over the Vegas Strip, the music picked up and she jumped up. Folks, one of Lindsey’s not-so-secret superpowers is that this girl can dance. Seriously, she has moves. And I, well, I dance like Elaine from Seinfeld, so naturally I joined her and a group of real-life wonder women on the dance floor.
This group of women spent time together throughout the conference and I was so impressed by the camaraderie and support shared between us. It really is amazing to watch women empower one another and Lindsey is no exception. She’s all about lifting a sister up.
Please read on and get to know Lindsey Jones, today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman.
KR: What brings you joy and fulfillment?
LJ: Setting goals and working as hard as possible to achieve those goals brings me more satisfaction than anything. Nothing beats that feeling of contentment after a job-well-done. Of course, that feeling is fleeting, because I never sit still for long! I’m always on to the next project!
KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?
LJ: Self-deprecation. Never underestimate the power making fun of yourself can have on a tense situation.
KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
LJ: There are way too many powerful women in my life to pick just one! I have an amazing support system that I am so incredibly grateful for. Each of them inspire me and motivate me in different ways. Erin is my moral compass, Carrie shows me what fierce loyalty looks like, Brittany teaches me to always put my best foot forward, Rachel challenges me to expand my horizons and consider all points of view, Dayna pushes me to see the people behind the numbers, Kate teaches me that there is always a silver lining in everything, and my mom teaches me to never settle for anything less than what I deserve. These women have shaped the person that I am, and continue to support me, invest in me, and challenge me every day.
KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
LJ: To eat all the mint chocolate chip ice-cream in the world and not gain a pound.
KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
LJ: I’m a true extrovert at heart so any activity that allows me to interact and enjoy the company of great people is usually what I flock toward. Specifically, I play on a few softball teams in my community as well as spend time with my friends and family whenever I get the chance! I’m a huge Philadelphia sports fan, and I love watching football and hockey especially!
KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
LJ:
1. Stop trying to make it to the end result as fast as possible. Treat each step in the journey with the respect it’s owed.
2. Make mistakes. Make A LOT of mistakes. That’s where the fun is.
3. Remember that life is fleeting. Love your babies and be grateful for every moment that you have with them.
4. You are so much stronger than you realize. Work hard, but cut yourself some slack every once in a while.
5. For the love of God, stop wearing those .99 flip flops from Walmart. I don’t care how many cute colors they come in, your feet will thank-you later!