Candace Jones, MBA, Executive Director of Marketing, HealthFitness Corporation

What is your current role?

I’ve been with HealthFitness for 10 years in progressive roles. Currently, I lead the marketing function and team responsible for our brand, developing and executing the company’s go-to-market and engagement strategies. In my role, I get to collaborate with Sales, Product, Account Management, and Service Delivery to ensure our initiatives are aligned and impactful. I have a strong team of strategists, designers, writers and technical gurus who are dedicated, skilled and constantly evolving the strategy along with me.

Why did you join the TRUST?

I’ve been a part of the TRUST for a little over a year and have really enjoyed all that it has to offer. I joined after meeting Associate Board member Laura Weiglein. I was looking for an opportunity to build my network and connect with other women who were career-driven and shared similar professional goals. She assured me the TRUST was the right place to find what I was looking for, and she was right.

What has been your favorite part of being a TRUST member?

I am currently a mentee in the Mentorship Program and feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunity. I have an outstanding mentor who has been instrumental in helping me navigate tough challenges and, frankly, just helped me focus on myself. So often, in leadership roles, you get focused on your people and team and forget that you need mentorship and guidance, too. My mentor has been a listener, an advice giver, a safe place to get feedback, a great sounding board and a cheerleader. I’ve loved the experience.

I also attended the Wellbeing Retreat last year shortly after joining and really enjoyed meeting so many impressive and generous women.

What one word would you use to summarize what the TRUST means to you?

Growth.

What is the best career advice you’ve received or the best mentoring experience you’ve had?

Early in my career, I had a boss who consistently reminded me that there is more than one way to do something right. He would tell me not to waste time paralyzed and scared that I might fail because failure is part of the journey. I try to keep that in mind when I’m feeling stuck.

How do you support other women in their leadership journeys?

I really enjoy connecting with those who are looking for their next role and with those who are just starting out. Both are times when you are trying to figure out who you are and what you want and I really enjoy working through that with them.

What do you love the most about the health care industry?

I love the vast opportunity to drive new thinking and implement meaningful change. The field is broad and constantly evolving, offering endless possibilities for innovation and improvement.

What is something not many people know about you?

I love to work out! It keeps me happy, energized and challenged. I especially enjoy working out in a group setting and do CrossFit four to five times a week, along with running with friends whenever I can. CrossFit satisfies my competitive side while running serves as my therapy.

Words of wisdom to live by?

It’s simple, but “Choose Joy” is a phrase I’ve always loved because it reminds me it’s up to me to build a joy-filled life. When facing decisions, this motto helps to deflate the enormity of the situation and brings me back to focusing on what truly matters: finding happiness and fulfillment.