Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey
Al Torres
Oct. 3, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I’ve learned to honor the struggle and see challenges not as obstacles meant to stop me but as opportunities to grow stronger and wiser. Every setback, every difficulty, carries a lesson that can propel you forward if you choose to learn from it. Clarity about goals, who you are and where you want to go acts as a compass during times of chaos and confusion, helping to steer life back on course. Surrounding myself with people who uplift and inspire has dramatically enhanced my resilience and ability to bounce back from life’s challenges. The commitment to lifelong learning has also been a game-changer for me. Being a perpetual student of life keeps me humble and open to new possibilities. It builds confidence because I know I can adapt and handle whatever comes my way.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I’m thrilled to be launching a new 12-episode podcast series with LaGina Harris, the founder of LaRae Infinity LLC, where we’ll dive into the challenges and resilience of entrepreneurship. In addition, I’m working with a publisher on a book set to be released in 2025!
What gives you the leadership edge? What truly gives me the leadership edge is a deep commitment to personal growth, a focus on service, and a profound empathy for my clients and team. Leadership, at its core, is about constantly adapting and growing. It’s about stepping into challenges and using them as opportunities to gain confidence and develop skills. This mindset of embracing growth and being open to learning has been pivotal. Understanding the core concerns of those I work with is crucial, as it allows me to tailor the support and guidance to their specific needs and situations. It’s about meeting them where they are, recognizing the effort they’ve put in, and understanding the context of their challenges. Creating with them, not just for them, which is a cornerstone of effective leadership. These elements, combined with a consistent practice of self-reflection and a commitment to embodying the values I preach, provide the leadership edge.
“Leadership is about being a role model, not just in success but in resilience, integrity, and compassion.”
From Your Site Articles
Keep Reading
Show less
HANDSOME HOUSTON ARTIST Justin Garcia held a homecoming of sorts at Downtown’s Z on 23. He’s been on a world tour with Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the nonprofit that helps orphans, survivors of trafficking, and refugees break their cycles of abuse and poverty. Garcia is traveling to all 80 of the foundation’s programs around the world, creating unique art pieces that aim to capture each program's unique feel with color, shape and words.
The first part of the project was on display at a hip rooftop cocktail party that brought out art enthusiasts, creatives and culture lovers. Garcia’s evocative pieces were showcased against Houston’s skyline as guests sipped cocktails from Frio Vodka. And a giant shot wall — also created by Garcia — illuminated in the shape of the state of Texas. Cheers!
Z on 23 is located atop Le Méridien Houston Downtown. The hotel is covering its elevators and room keys with Garcia’s work. In a statement, the hotel said the initiative is part of its “mission to spark inspiration through artistic exploration.”
Garcia has a longstanding connection to the hotel, as Steven Visneau photographed Garcia for an eight-page fashion story in CityBook at Le Méridien when it opened in 2017!
Victoria Bhagat, Jourdan Lugo, Mindy Garza, Diana Yera
Justin Garcia, Kenny Owen, Brian Ching
Bruce Banta-Guevara & Oscar Banta-Guevara
Dimitri Bozonelos, Konstantina Lagou, Justin Garcia, Katie & Mark Canady
Keep Reading
Show less
EIGHT CHEFS, THIRTY years — and one big dinner! Urban Harvest rang in its fourth decade of community gardens, farmers markets and food access at their annual farm-to-table dinner cooked up by some of the most notable chefs in town.
More than 200 supporters gathered at St. John’s School, where they were greeted with a small feast before dinner even began! There were pumpkin tamales from Cuchara, and tasty apps by Chris Lott at A Bite of Hope; Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet; and Dominick Lee at Augustine’s. All were nicely washed down with two cocktails from newly Michelin-starred Musaafer, and a take on a non-alcoholic margarita sponsored by Cut Above Spirits.
Janna Roberson, Urban Harvest’s executive director, welcomed guests as the first course — which was Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club’s chicken-liver mousse — was served. The meal continued with soft shell crawfish from Joe Murphy of Nobu, and pork-and-roselle salad by Burmalicious’ Suu Khin. The Woodlands’ Amrina served up Truffle Raj Kachori by chef Jassi Bindra, followed by whole-fish Collard greens Rockefeller by Lucas McKinney from Josephine’s. Still hungry? You bet we were. Next up was Culinary Khancepts’ Emily Trusler, who served coffee-cured strip steak with Kobucha squash. For dessert, Jason Gould and Samara Peña of Common Bond made little to-go boxes full of sweet treats!
“We celebrated our 30th anniversary with an evening of community, local food and talented chefs,” said Roberson. “We are grateful for the support of an amazing Houston community and look forward to expanding our impact in the next 30 years!”
The event raised $150,000 that will be used to transform food accessibility in Greater Houston.
Charlie McDaniel, Steve Roberson, Ana Beaven, Karla Contreras, Mithu Malik
Alexander Bradley, Haley Kurisky, Kay and George Kurisky
Scott Howard, Bridget Jensen, Abdissa Gemechu, Jenny Clay Combe
Heather Simpson, Abigail Simpson, James Murphy
Elias Contreras, Jorge Sanchez
Rod Borges, Fadua Borges
Sammy Ford, Sarah Nielsen, Javier Garza
Keep Reading
Show less