Owning Your Development by Building Networks, Finding Mentors, and Embracing Servant Leadership

 

At the heart of every career journey is the question of how we grow—not just in skills, but in purpose, relationships, and impact. That kind of growth takes shape through everyday choices, the mentors who guide us, and the communities that stretch us to become more. Each step forward becomes part of a larger story of leadership, professional development, and ultimately, servant leadership.

In this episode of Professional Quotient, Jason Winningham sits down with Tim Winningham, department leader at Edward Jones, for a powerful conversation about how to intentionally grow your career, build meaningful connections, and lead with purpose.

From answering phones to leading a department of over 100 associates, Tim shares how his journey was built on intentional development, courageous community-building, and a deep belief in servant leadership.

Together, they explore:
– How professional equity compounds through skill-building, networking, and service.
– Why culture isn’t top-down—it’s all around.
– How informal mentorship and community can accelerate your career.
– The role of sports, coaching, and family in shaping leadership.
–  What it really means to own your development.

Tim Winningham is a department leader at Edward Jones with over 12 years of experience driving operational excellence, leadership development, and large-scale team growth. He has led major transformations, including doubling the size of his department, onboarding over 80 associates and multiple team leaders, and creating structured learning journeys to advance talent development. With a background spanning service operations, training, and client-focused solutions, Tim is recognized for innovative problem-solving, mentorship, and building resilient, high-performing teams.

Whether you’re just starting your career or leading a large team, this episode will challenge you to take ownership of your growth, build authentic connections, and embrace servant leadership as the foundation for lasting impact.

Recent Episodes

Resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges — it’s about leading with compassion, patience, and faith, even when the path feels uncertain. It’s a quality embodied by every caregiver, whose daily acts of care and commitment reflect the essence of true leadership — helping others grow stronger through empathy, service, and understanding. In this episode…

Authenticity isn’t about perfection — it’s about having the courage to show up as your true self, even when self-doubt creeps in. Many of us wrestle with imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and the fear of being seen, but real growth happens when we embrace vulnerability and learn to trust our own voice. By letting go of…

Growth isn’t just about climbing the career ladder — it’s about becoming the kind of person who can lead with empathy, curiosity, and authenticity. In a world that often celebrates titles and achievements, the real work lies in learning to communicate clearly, connect genuinely, and turn moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. In this…