“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.”
In 2020, many people throughout the United States chose to use the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to ease back on their goals. Milan Jones did the opposite. While health and safety were a top priority for her, she knew that her career would not progress how she wanted unless she sought out an opportunity that provided her with room to learn, lead, and prosper.
In August of 2020, Milan began her journey here at NX Direct. While she loves working within our industry and has plans to stick around for the long haul, growing up, her sights were set on a different path. As a child, she wanted to be a paleontologist. When it was time for her to initially kickstart her professional plan, she decided to attend cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell. She quickly realized that her passion wasn’t hair but “simply having an impact on people in a positive way.”
At 26 years old, Milan has developed numerous positive qualities and skill sets, many of which made her an admirable candidate while interviewing with our recruiting team. When asked about her greatest skill, she said, “My greatest skill is my ability to lead a group of individuals with so many different qualities and attributes and give each person coaching and development customized to their specific learning style.” This statement made us eager to welcome her to our team because we knew that she would be a leader amongst her colleagues, which was exactly what we were looking for! She has a lead from the front attitude and says being team-oriented is one of her core values.
“Without the team, there is no growth. Yet, I’m also motivated by my own personal development. I always strive to be an asset to anyone associated with me, especially the team.”
We are thrilled that she found her way through our doors. It has been a privilege to watch her hit a multitude of milestones and grow a team of like-minded and hardworking individuals. She is a leader who understands the impact her actions have on those around her and has taken the time to develop great relationships with her peers.
“As a High D, it is easy for me to fall into an authoritarian leadership style. However, leaders can be viewed negatively and as overbearing or controlling in that respect. I don’t want that type of reputation with the people on my team, so I always strive to lead in a more affiliative manner with clear standards, accountability, and respect.”
Milan has taught our team members so much that we thought it wise for her wisdom to reach more than those currently working in our office. We recently conducted a quick Q&A with Milan, where she dives deep into her thoughts on everything ranging from how she measures her own performance to lessons she’s learned throughout her career.
As a leader in our office Milan, you often get the opportunity to be a part of our interview process. Please share some of the values that are important to you and that you look for in a candidate.
Values are things we hold in high regard – our principles, our standards. Having these, I believe, helps create unity and pride in a group of individuals. When your values align with the people around you, you accomplish more goals, things are more organized, and you acquire a level of respect from your peers. More people will want to join your cause. The values that are important to me, in no particular order, are: being a student, being team-oriented, image, and results.
You have such a strong stand on who you want to surround yourself with, a quality that is both admirable and necessary for a successful career. Tying to this, another crucial part of growth is embracing constructive criticism. How well do you respond to criticism?
With an open palm, not a clenched fist.
Milan, you are a great example of someone who has achieved much success here at NX Direct. Many factors contribute to this; one is having a strong sense of self-accountability. As you tackle your day-to-day, how do you measure your performance?
By the success of my team, to an extent, but also by the effort I put into any particular task.
As of today, what would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
Overcoming the challenges that were placed before me as a result of this career choice. Being open to criticism and making mental shifts to help me on my overall path to abundance.
What drew you to apply to our open position?
The culture.
We love that!
What is your favorite thing about our company?
The opportunity to be your own boss and the ability to create more opportunities for others.
You are a testament to what can be achieved in a short amount of time at NX Direct. Please share a piece of advice to entry-level individuals about to kickstart their careers.
Be a sponge at every level, never be the smartest person in the room, and step out of your comfort zone every chance you get!
Lastly, Milan, we are very excited about your future. Can you give us a sneak peek at your goals?
My short-term goal is to get promoted to Assistant Manager. My mid-term goal is to open up my office. My long-term goal is to provide a better life for my family and give opportunities to people who truly want more for themselves.
Milan, you continue to impress us daily, and we are confident that you will be changing lives for years to come. It shocks us that you say you were naturally introverted because your leadership skills are out of this world. Thank you for all you do here at NX Direct and for sharing a bit of your mindset and winning attitude!
Someone close to Milan once taught her the following statement, and we thought it made the perfect summation to her employee spotlight.
“Allow, accept, and release.”