There is time to impact your community with Opal Jones, St. Louis

August 19, 2021

Opal Jones is the CEO and President of Doorways, a non-profit that supports those living with HIV.  Leading Doorways was not a job Opal ever intended to have, but once she realized how much of an impact she could make in that role, she never looked back. 

Opal knows she can’t solve all the world’s problems, no one can, but she also believes her skills can help those in need. So, Opal makes zero excuses and focuses on moving the needle through her organization and community outreach. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Don’t focus on the negative, instead focus on the successes you achieve 
  • A leader’s job is to develop those around them and move a mission forward
  • Being a part of the solution is extremely difficult but also extremely fulfilling 

Things to Listen For:

  • [01:21] Giving back to your community
  • [03:53] Opal’s journey from stay-at-home mom to CEO
  • [08:26] Fighting the feeling of being underqualified
  • [10:13] Qualities that make Opal a good CEO
  • [12:35] Fake it till you make it
  • [16:17] Raising awareness around HIV during COVID 
  • [19:29] Myths about HIV
  • [22:32] Who’s influenced Opal along the way
  • [25:30] What the next year looks like for Doorways
  • [26:53] Maintaining optimism by focusing on successes 

After You Listen:

More from the Zero Excuses Podcast:

Episode 001: There is time to travel

Episode 002: There is time to not work

Episode 003: There is time to improve yourself

Episode 004: There is time to build the life you want

Episode 005: There is time for laughter

Episode 006: There is time for relationships

Episode 007: There is time for community

Episode 008: There is time for renewal

Episode 009: There is time for loving others

Episode 010: There is time for giving

Episode 011: There is time for the three B’s

Episode 012: There is time for learning

Episode 013: There is time for others

Episode 014: There is time for listening

Episode 015: There is time for action

Episode 016: There is time for reflection

Episode 017: There is time for Zero Excuses

Episode 018: There is time for change

Episode 019: There is time to plan

Episode 020: There is time to start difficult things

Episode 021: There is time to unplug

Episode 022: There is time to choose your perspective

Episode 023: There is time to reinvent yourself

Episode 024: There is time for everything important

Episode 025: There is time to excel

Episode 026: There is time to do the work

Episode 027: There is time for self-reflection

Episode 028: There is time for healthy living

Episode 029: There is time for whatever you want to do with it

Episode 030: There is time to create a listening culture

Episode 031: There is time to say yes

Episode 032: There is time to confront uncertainty

Episode 033: There is time for empathy

Episode 034: There is time to be bold

Episode 035: There is time for improv comedy 

Episode 036: There is time for investing in others

Episode 037: There is time to fit the puzzle pieces together