Daphne E. Jones, an accomplished executive and digital transformation leader, has built a remarkable career spanning several major corporations such as IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer), and General Electric.
As a pioneer in using digital technologies to drive business transformation, she has also made significant strides in corporate governance and board service. In this interview, Daphne shares pivotal moments from her career, offers advice for aspiring leaders, and discusses the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being.
Q: Daphne, your career spans several major corporations like IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer), and General Electric. Could you share some pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your journey to becoming an accomplished executive and digital transformation leader?
A: One of the first pivotal moments in my career occurred early in my life. After excelling in school, I was told by my high school counselor that my future would be limited to the role of a secretary. He advised me not to pursue college, saying that as a Black girl, it would be impossible for me to get into college, graduate, or secure a job. I briefly took his advice and became a secretary, but I soon realized I wasn’t meant to be a secretary; I was meant to have a secretary. This realization led me to pursue higher education against his advice. I earned my bachelor’s degree in three years and my MBA in one, both from Illinois State University. Joining IBM as a systems engineer kickstarted my career, and it was there that I learned the power of not letting others’ limitations define you.
Another key moment came when I was laid off from IBM amid personal challenges, including a divorce and a custody battle. I realized the importance of focusing on all areas of life, not just career, which led me to develop what I call the “5 F’s”: Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness, and Furthering my career. Balancing these areas gave me greater control over my life and my decisions.
A third defining experience came when I faced rejection at a company where I was considered a ‘star.’ Despite being highly regarded, I was rejected from working in a new role because of my limited experience in supply chain. While male colleagues with potential were nurtured, I was pushed aside. Instead of quitting, I took this rejection as direction. I sought feedback, improved my skills, and ultimately succeeded, which led to a promotion at another company as Executive Director.
Q: Throughout your career, you’ve been a pioneer in using digital technologies to transform business models. Can you share a specific project where your leadership in digital transformation made a notable impact?
A: One project that stands out involved enabling real-time visibility into customer profitability on a global scale. Business leaders were frustrated by their inability to segment customers and understand profitability across regions. They said it was impossible to achieve, but I’d heard the word “impossible” before! I assembled a global team, negotiated with regional leaders, and leveraged a business analytics platform to pull data from servers worldwide. We began with Europe and created a system that provided visibility by region, country, and customer. The project was highly visible and deemed impossible, but my team succeeded, and I was promoted to VP of IT. This kind of challenge—what I call “scaling the glass cliff”—is often given to women, and I’m proud we prevailed.
Q: As an authority on preparing individuals for corporate board service, what advice do you give to aspiring directors looking to enter the boardroom?
A: I offer three key pieces of advice to aspiring directors:
- Learn what boards do and why they exist: Understand the role of a board, what responsibilities you will hold, and the different types of boards. Then, decide if you truly want to join a board.
- Identify your superpower: Know what makes you shine and how you can add unique value to the board. Be ready to articulate how your skills can help a company drive shareholder value.
- Become discoverable: Build the right network and make yourself known. Join relevant organizations, maintain a strong social media presence, and connect with current board members to increase your visibility.
Q: You’ve been named a 2024 ‘Director to Watch’ by Directors & Boards Magazine and recognized as a trailblazing Black executive by Fortune Magazine. How have these accolades impacted your career, and what do they mean to you personally?
A: Interestingly, I believe my career has catalyzed the accolades rather than the other way around. These recognitions are a result of my contributions to businesses, leadership development, and community service. When I receive an accolade, it serves as confirmation that I’m on the right path and motivates me to do more. I see these awards as opportunities to be a role model for others, showing them that whether I stumble or succeed, I’m committed to uplifting others.
Harriet Tubman is one of my role models. In my book, Win When They Say You Won’t, I write about her ‘push/pull’ approach. She pushed forward despite the dangers and pulled others toward freedom. Similarly, I aim to push myself forward while pulling those who are overlooked or undervalued along with me.
Q: Balancing a demanding career with personal interests and well-being is crucial. How do you maintain this balance, and what activities or practices help you rejuvenate outside of work?
A: I don’t believe in true balance across all aspects of life; rather, I believe in prioritizing focus and integrating only when appropriate. I use the 5 F’s—Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness, and Furthering Career—to guide my priorities. For example, when I was offered a VP of IT role at Johnson & Johnson, my son was in high school, and relocating would have disrupted his life. Family took precedence over career at that moment, and I declined the promotion.
For rejuvenation, I love reading, boxing, traveling with my husband, and spending time with my grandchildren. One of my superpowers is maximizing potential, and I enjoy designing programs that help others succeed.
Q: What are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally? Are there any specific projects you’re excited to pursue?
A: I’m excited about continuing my work as a motivational speaker and author. I’m particularly interested in exploring topics like cybersecurity, AI, leadership, and corporate governance. One goal is to deliver a TED talk, and I’m eager to find the right guidance to help me achieve that.
Visit Daphne E. Jones Website.
