Tell us your name and a little about yourself.
Jacqueline Jones- I am the author of Medical Parenting: How to Navigate Health, Wellness and and the Medical System with Your Child. I am one of America’s Top Doctors and have been a pediatric ear nose and throat doctor for the past 30 years on the upper east side of Manhattan. I wrote medical parenting to provide a guide for parents as they navigate the increasing complex medical system as guardians of their children’s care.
I am a Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medical School and have been voted one of the Top 100 Black Doctors in America.
Why did you become an entrepreneur, speaker, author, etc in the first place?
I love being a physician and being involved in my patient’s lives. I enjoy helping them on their path to recovery. I left the full time faculty of Weill Cornell in 2003 to open my own practice. I flourish in an environment where I can grow my business in my own vision. After 30 years in practice I wrote Medical Parenting to satisfy my creative urge and I greatly enjoyed the process of writing it and reaching so many more people with my message.
Tell us,how do you deal with fear?
Fear is present every day in what I do. Being a physician and a surgeon means taking another human beings life in your hands and trying to help them regain health. Fear helps to make me the best doctor I can be as I channel that fear into being prepared and through. Fear can be your friend just not your best friend!
Tell us, how do you deal with rejection?
Rejection is hard on the ego. To be a successful entrepreneur you need to have a strong ego- knowing that what you have to offer is valuable to others. Rejection needs to be a reality check for us all. What could have done better to make that interaction go better? If you can’t find a reason you need to remember that you can not be the be all and end all for everyone. Remind yourself in those moments of big rejection that as one door closes another opens. The universe is sending you a message and telling you to look around and find that next great opportunity. Defeat is not an option!
What’s the name of your company? What exactly does your company do, how do you help people?
The name of my company is Park Avenue ENT. As a physician, author and entrepreneur I am trying everyday to improve the health and well being of those around me.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
One of biggest challenges has been being “the only one”. The only women, the only black and as I have aged being the only person “of that age” in the room. It is difficult when you are the only one to make any mistakes. We all make mistakes but in medicine those mistakes can have dire consequences. I have walked the fine line between being over critical of myself and trying to live boldly in life and take risks which is what the entrepreneurial spirit is about. I have tried not to take criticism to heart but to use it in the spirit that I assume it was given , to help me to do better at all I do.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Try and find the balance in life. Work hard but also remember to enjoy your life and your family. Try and make it home for dinner at least 4 nights a week and never miss a school play, that important sports game or your child’s birthday party. You can always work but can never regain those special times in your child’s life.
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?
Oprah Winfrey inspires me. As a black women who has faced challenges in her life I model myself after her spirit to never limit yourself, to never give up and to never have people tell you, you can’t.
Name a person who helped you along the way?
Vijay Anand, MD
As you move along your path in life find someone you admire and respect and keep them in your life. Dr Anand is a world renowned ear, nose and throat surgeon who has always been there for me as a mentor and friend. I choose him as someone to emulate not just because of his excellent reputation and knowledge but also because of his attitude towards life. He refuses to let the challenges life puts in his path deter him.
What do you see as your greatest success in life, so far?
My greatest success is having raised two young men I am eminently proud of. They have grown into considerate, intelligent human beings who treat those around them with kindness and respect.
How can people contact you?
Please contact me through my website
medicalparenting.com
What book would you recommend and why?
Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich”. I have found this book to be one of the best books to help foster my entrepreneurial spirit. Napoleon Hill gives clear steps on how to convince your subconscious that you can achieve any goal you choose.
What’s a personal self-talk, mantra, affirmation or self-belief that contributes to your success?
“Begin Now – not tomorrow, not next week, but today – to seize the moment and make this day count. Remember, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.” – Ellen Kreidman
Render more service than that which you are paid and you will soon be paid for more than you render. The law of increasing returns takes care of this.” – Napoleon Hill
