From classroom teacher to leadership architect, Nautrie Jones shares her journey of transforming educational systems and workplaces by helping people recognize their value, develop their potential, and create meaningful impact.
Nautrie Jones, co-founder of Empact Work, has spent over two decades shaping people-centered leadership across education and organizational consulting. Beginning her career in Atlanta Public Schools, Nautrie quickly distinguished herself as a thoughtful educator and mentor, known for her empathetic approach with middle school students and her ability to create structured, engaging classrooms. Her dedication extended beyond academics, providing students with basic needs and fostering a sense of belonging, which became a cornerstone of her professional philosophy.
Her path wasn’t without challenges. After over a decade of teaching, Nautrie recognized her contributions were undervalued when a modest raise was denied, prompting her to reassess her career trajectory. Mentorship, reflective practice, and a pivotal recommendation from a former colleague eventually led her to Teach For America, where she honed her skills in teacher coaching, leadership development, and team strategy. Each transition, from educator to instructional coach to organizational consultant, was marked by courage, curiosity, and a commitment to seeing potential in others.
Through Empact Work, Nautrie and co-founder Travonnie Mackey address systemic gaps in talent development and workplace alignment. They equip managers with the tools to support teams effectively, clarify value propositions so employees understand their path to success, and ensure strategic plans translate into measurable performance. Nautrie emphasizes that leadership is as much about understanding people’s motivations as it is about strategy, and she encourages reflection, curiosity, and deliberate practice as keys to lasting impact.
Nautrie discusses recognizing opportunity, cultivating empathy, and translating experience into scalable frameworks for growth. Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace persistent callings, build compassionate communities, and lead with clarity. Tune in to hear Nautrie’s insights and discover how cultivating human-centered leadership can transform both organizations and lives.
Chapters
00:38 👋 Meet Nautrie Jones, From Classroom to Co-Founder
02:20 🏫 Nautrie’s Early Career and Teaching Philosophy
24:24 💼 Transitioning to Talent Strategy and Empathy in Leadership
30:59 💖 Spiritual Currency and Abundance
31:59 🎓 Navigating Challenges in Education
35:38 🚀 Transition to Teach For America
48:07 🤝 Founding Empact Work
54:26 🔮 Final Reflections and Future Plans
Links
Website:
www.empact.work
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nautrie-jones
Connect with Nautrie Jones to explore her approach to leadership, discover Empact Work’s professional development offerings, and learn how to create workplaces where people feel valued, empowered, and clear about their contribution.
Episode 78
