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.”
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Vinophiles Pour It On for Periwinkle Foundation, Crown New 'Iron Sommelier'
Dave Rossman
Nov. 26, 2024
A WINE-TASTING rendezvous at the Post Oak Hotel benefited a heartwarming charity — to the tune of $410,000!
At the Periwinkle Foundation's Iron Sommelier competition, more than 600 well-heeled Houstonians gathered to enjoy curated wines and an evening program promoting Periwinkle's camps, arts and survivor programs that support pediatric cancer patients and their families. Fourteen of the city's top sommeliers vied for the title of Iron Sommelier, handpicking wines according to a region, grape or style. The judges, including Paul Hobbs of Paul Hobbs Wineries, a.k.a. the Steve Jobs of Wine, evaluated based on selection, presentation, originality and expertise.
In the end, Guard & Grace's Matthew McLaughlin was crowned the 2024 Iron Sommelier Champion; his clever chosen theme was “Rhône If You Want To: Rhône Around the World.”
An exciting auction touted unique items like a wine-centric vacation in Gigondas, France; a personalized wine cellar with 40-plus curated bottles; and several other to-dine-for restaurant experiences.
John Gill and Andrea Kulberg
Third-place winner Alvin Pham of Andiron
Sean Beck, Paul Hobbs, Iron Sommelier Winner Matthew McLaughlin, James Watkins
Robert and Courtney Adams
Bryan and Suzanne Monk
Chris and Judy Simon, Joe and Carol Birkhofer
Caroline Kenney, Sandra Crittenden, Pat Mitchell
Amy and Jason English
Christina and Mike Slabic
Emcee Kevin Quiin, Periwinkle Executive Director Doug Suggitt
Natalie and Justin Goodman, Lorrie Lee, Roger Bailey
Frederick Brown, Phaedra Buchanan
Natalie Vaclavik, Nick Nguyen
Jennifer Kanak, Jim Veal, Paige Morgan
Blake Wellborn, Sarah Kaplan
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Large Resto-Lounge The Kennedy, Touting a Piano Bar Vibe and Warm Socializing, Has Opened
Nov. 25, 2024
A RESTAURANT OFFERING “refined, classic cuisine in an elevated, cocktail-lounge experience to Montrose and River Oaks” has opened where Montrose meets River Oaks.
The Kennedy, a live-music-savvy new eatery and lounge, has taken up residence in the former Emmaline space on West Dallas near the intersection of Waugh Drive. Partnering with Prime Meat Markets, the kitchen serves up premium cuts as part of its menu of shareable plates. Expect also “a range of hand-crafted cocktails, an impressive international wine and Champagne list, creative mocktails, and more,” adds the rep.
“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Ninety3 Hospitality Group owner and native Houstonian Andres Castro, who conceptualized The Kennedy. “We are excited to highlight elevated, classic cuisine with an inventive menu of signature spirited and non-spirited cocktails, martinis, wine, entertainment, and more in our beautiful and artistic restaurant and piano bar.”
The name purposely invokes JFK, to call to mind a crisp, classic American energy — hip Americana in the form of meaty snacks and posh environs. Chef Adriana Maldonado’s offerings include a ribeye tartar, a mozzarella stick topped with caviar, truffled deviled eggs, and lobster bisque. “Entrees include a wagyu smash burger, gremolata lamb chops, a wagyu ribeye, lobster spaghetti, and more,” notes the Kennedy rep. “A mix of signature cocktails and martinis complement the mix of plates on the menu.”
In term of ambiance, the 7,000-square-foot space boasts a baby grand piano as its focal point. Other unique flourishes include and a dual-sided fireplace that transforms into a DJ boot. Cozy seating areas abound, with some 40 works of regionally sourced art on the walls. The outdoor space — it’s two stories and expansive, with its own bar — is sure to be a draw.
“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year,” Castro adds, “and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests. We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”
Cucumber Hibiscus Smash (photo by Rebecca Wright)
Wagyu smash burger (photo by Rebecca Wright)
Cozy banquettes for dining at the bar (photo by Tarick Foteh).
Mango Ember cocktail (photo by Rebecca Wright)
Mozzarella Stick with caviar (photo by Rebecca Wright)
The fireplace is also a hidden DJ booth (photo by Tarick Foteh).
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