An Interview With Jason Hood

Black Facts.com

By Staff

Tell us about your education.

I am product of both the public and private K-12 educational system in my hometown of Decatur, Illinois. From there, I attended Wabash College a small, private, liberal arts institution in Crawfordsville, IN., where I majored in English and minored in psychology. Directly after that, I attended the University of Illinois College of Law, where I received my juris doctorate. Almost 10 years later I went back to school to receive an MBA from Millikin University Tabor School of Business. Although I’m quite proud of my formal education, it’s the “education” and guidance that my parents provided during my youth which I’ve depended on the most throughout my adult career.

Share with us a high point of your professional career.
The high point of my career happened recently when I decided to step away from being an employee to start my own human resources consulting firm.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I’ve always had thoughts in the back of my mind about running my own business. I think I’m like many people who get up to go to work for someone else day after day after day and wonder, “Is this all there is?” For those of us who ask that question, it really doesn’t matter how well you’re doing or what accomplishments you achieve as an employee, you still long for something more. So, I’m also one of those people that loves Oprah. She’s a huge inspiration. I purchased her daily planner; The Life You Want – Make Living Well a Daily Practice. In it, she asks that you create a vision board of what you want your life to look like. I thought long and hard, created my vision board and when I sat back and looked at it, it did not include continuing to work for someone else. Being an employee was not on my vision board! That simple exercise jump-started my innate entrepreneurial spirit and led me to take the leap into establishing my consulting firm.

Tell us about your company’s focus/services.

This is an exciting time as I’m in the early stages of establishing Jason Hood HR Consulting, LLC. The purpose of the firm is three-fold. First, to help companies create and implement HR polices, procedures, and practices that are not only legal compliant but also foster an environment of inclusivity, dignity, and respect. Secondly, to facilitate meaningful dialogue between employees and employers about what their work environment is actually like and how it can be improved. Lastly, speaking at conferences and events, where I can talk about the challenges facing minorities and women in the workplace and provide the tools they need to successfully navigate through them.

What does success look like for you?

To be frank, I’ve already achieved what most people would consider “success” in my professional life and although I hope the consulting firm will gain clients who benefit from my services, success for me is a little more personal than professional. My focus is really on personal fulfillment. For me, that looks like volunteering in ways that are meaningful in the lives of others. It also includes taking the time to love and celebrate my extended family. Finally, I want to place more value on the little things that make me happy day to day.

Where would you like to see your company in the next five years?

Uh, honestly just still around…LOL. But beyond that, I really hope that five years from now the firm is thriving because of the constant referrals of satisfied clients and I’m also hoping to have a positive impact on people’s lives through various speaking engagements. I’m really excited about the future and it’s all on my vision board. So, I’m claiming it!

About

Jason is a dynamic speaker and a human resources and employee relations expert. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Jason went on to earn a JD from the University of Illinois College of Law and an MBA from Millikin University Tabor School of Business. Jason’s career in human resources exceeds over twenty years and includes high level positions in Fortune 50 companies, municipal government, non-profits, and institutions of higher education. However, he chose to put his life as an employee in the past and embark on a new adventure – establishing Jason Hood HR Consulting, LLC with the intent of helping organizations meet their HR goals while also creating work environments where all employees can be treated with dignity and respect.

Jason is an avid reader and writer of fiction. He is also a proud native of Decatur, Illinois where he serves on the board of directors for The Decatur Club and the Decatur Area Arts Council.

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