Outstanding Young Alumna 2025 — Jessie Wilson (’09)

Jessie Wilson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in professional sales from Harding. She began her career with Dale Carnegie in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2010 as a business consultant and became a full partner in 2024. She now serves as business development and senior trainer in the Mid-South, leading a sales team, developing local and global business and facilitating learning experiences. She was named Dale Carnegie Rookie of the Year in sales collection in 2011 and 2012, was honored among the Arkansas Business 20 in their 20s in 2015, was a member of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXX, and was named to Dale Carnegie President's Club — the top 1% of global sales reps — in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She and her husband, Spencer (’10), have two children, Graham and Collins, and are members of Central Church of Christ.

Where is your current hometown?

 I live in Little Rock, Arkansas.

How have you been involved in your community?

I am involved at our home church, Central Church of Christ. When I can, I support the Spanish church and leadership support for our elders. I am a member of the Little Rock Rotary Club 99. I am on the board of Independent Case Management and the advisory board for the Women of Faith at Harding. I am also a member of the Central Arkansas Executive Association.

Who in the Harding community has influenced you?

Lori Sloan influenced me and truly introduced me to the Dale Carnegie team in Little Rock. She knew me beyond the classroom and knew my strengths. She immediately said, "Dale Carnegie fits you.” I am forever grateful for her leadership and intentionality. Greg Harris also believed in and gave me a chance to walk on in Harding's soccer program. Mike and Lisa Williams always made me feel so welcomed and truly like a VIP on campus. Logan Light recruited my husband, Spencer, and me to Harding. He officiated our wedding and holds a dear place in our hearts. Minnie Nowlin, my best friend, and I played soccer together. Let's be real .. she played, and I was lucky she wanted to be friends. For the past 15 years we have gotten together at least once a quarter to connect. Obviously, Spencer Wilson, my husband, had a big influence on me with Harding. He is the true MVP because he knew we needed to be at Harding. He is my biggest cheerleader and best friend.

How are you living your Inspired Purpose?

I knew I wanted to be in sales. When Lori Sloan introduced me to Dale Carnegie, I had no idea what it was. After I did research about the company and interviewed with Daren, I remember calling Spencer saying, "This is a job? They would pay me to do this?" Dale Carnegie aligns with my core values, and it is so fulfilling to be able to impact individuals and organizations to be kinder, more confident and overall better with people. Every time I am with a client, our team or a prospect, I utilize it as a time to show my heart and my faith through my actions and words. Each interaction we have inside and outside can be purposeful if we are present. I strive to "be where my feet are," and make the most of each situation.

What makes your field rewarding?

At Dale Carnegie we work with countless organizations big and small through world-class training experiences. We get to see first-hand when the light bulb comes on for leaders to communicate or lead in a better way. We have an opportunity to see organizations thrive by developing their people whether that is over time or a few short days.

How do you get to serve God and others through the work that you do?

Each day there are countless interactions through virtual meetings or facilitating a program. Some people I meet one time, and some I get to interact with multiple times a year. Before each facilitation, I have a moment of prayer to keep my heart centered on God and everyone else in the space I am in. God has given me the gift of influence and sales, and I am mindful to remember that it does not come from me. In sales many people will let you down or not be true to their word, and my reaction can be one that I can control and show others grace and understanding.