We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Leslie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting SpiralMethod was to help leaders create workplaces where people can own their power and be fulfilled without sacrificing organizational goals or vice versa. I’ve never had a J-O-B in Corporate America, so entrepreneurship is where I belong. Too many people want to give advice instead of holding space for others to find their own wisdom and power. So many coaches have gotten into this industry over the last 20 years for the wrong reasons.
During my 30 years of experience in the field refining SpiralMethod, I’ve worked with companies as well-known as Microsoft, Starbucks, and Wells Fargo. I want to be remembered for changing social norms, even at work, and am committed to helping leaders embrace “new facilitation in a new world.” My hope is that Spiraling will inspire people to tap into the final frontier of leadership, which is the untapped collective wisdom of our teams.
“Spiraling” is for leaders who want to build psychological safety quickly (way faster than any traditional facilitation method on the market), but they may not know how. The outcome is improved employee retention, innovation, efficiency and cohesion.
What should our readers know about your business?
I truly take an Integrated, wholistic approach to my business. I do not put myself on a pedestal as the focal point in our work. I share my self and my life freely, because all leaders have similar challenges and the name of the game is authenticity and connection. Doing so shows allows the people around me to do the same, which is key to Spiraling. Vulnerability begets vulnerability; Mask begets mask. We create sticky, efficient, innovative, cultures through authenticity.
I work with committed, heart-oriented leaders that are willing to do the work on themselves. To be witness to their hearts, their courage, their transformation, the impact they have on others’ lives – story after story – it’s a gift. It gives me energy. My heart pops open because of them every day.
My biggest mantra in life is “Breathe, Feel, Love.” This is it. Live for today. Stay off the hamster wheel. Supporting other leaders in this lifestyle shift is my main mission.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I usually head to the mountains first. Nederland and Fourth of July trailhead. I have access to an old mining cabin on sacred land walking distance to Hessie trailhead. The most beautiful hike in Colorado! Heading back down to Denver for a bite to Reivers Bar and Grill or margs and tacos on the patio of Agave Taco Bar in Wash Park!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Kanso Software CEO Doug Chapiewsky – He is so committed to his people and really does the hard internal work of leadership, to lead on behalf of his people. They have one of the most amazing cultures I’ve ever seen. Partnering with him to create a Spiral culture has been so fulfilling and inspiring.
Website: https://www.spiralmethod.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiralmethod
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliejonescoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiralmethod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8a0l_jJuvp01Jxpp-uIj1g
