Episode 7 of "Business Misfits" features the remarkable Irum Jones, a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience and determination. Melody guides the conversation as Irum shares her experiences with abandonment, foster care, and the harsh realities of being a woman in the trades. Discover the strategies she used to overcome these challenges and build a successful career. Topics like the importance of feedback, managing imposter syndrome, and the role of authenticity in business are just a few of the highlights. Tune in to hear about the innovative concept of "dream management" and how vision boards can align your professional and personal life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing a boost of motivation and practical advice.
Irum Jones is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, STEAM educator, podcaster, philanthropist, and advocate. But she doesn't stop there—she even wears a hard hat as a licensed HVAC & Electrical contractor. Talk about a diverse skill set! Her passion lies in working hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and businesses to create sustainable programs for under-resourced communities. She's a catalyst for change, revitalizing neighborhoods and bringing hope to those in need. Not only does she bring operational effectiveness and excellence to her family's flagship business, Electrician On-Call, but she has also served as a trusted advisor to thousands of businesses nationwide. She also serves as the Chief Empowerment Officer for Dallas Professional Women - a referral network community that supports, consults and pairs women business owners with partnerships. Most recently she's helped launch over 60 branches of On Call Service Pros, a property maintenance company that connects homeowners to vetted 5 Star Businesses.
Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and extends far beyond her immediate sphere, reaching communities near and far. When she's not immersed in her professional endeavors, Irum finds joy in volunteering with her family. Whether it's lending a helping hand, speaking passionately to students, or simply being the enthusiastic taste-tester for her husband's mouthwatering BBQ!
Irum's heart-work focuses on improving the community and pours her energy toward initiatives that strengthen family values, create inclusive environments, empower families, supports workforce development in the trades and create safe spaces for women & children to thrive. In Irum's dynamic world, the sky is not the limit— it's a launching pad for extraordinary achievements. She fearlessly seizes every opportunity to uplift others and make a lasting, positive impact. Her infectious energy, unwavering determination, and compassionate spirit inspire everyone around her to dream big, reach for the stars, and create a better tomorrow.
Melody Edwards is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found HomeServiceVA.com with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.
Through her podcast, The Business Misfits, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.
Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun.
You can find all her things on www.melodythings.com
All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.
Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected
Facebook: @businessmisfits
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Connect on LinkedIn: @melodysedwards
Find all my things: www.melodythings.com
