Episode 17 - From Classroom to CEO: How Dr. Sharon Jones Built a Million-Dollar Education Business Through Authenticity

In this episode of Growth Without Referrals, Mark Ferguson sits down with Dr. Sharon Torrence Jones — founder of the dot. Consulting and the Dottie Rose Foundation — to discuss how authenticity, education, and technology helped her build a thriving organization from the ground up.What started as a side hustle to help pay for daycare evolved into a million-dollar consulting business built largely through reputation and referrals. Sharon shares her journey from aspiring radio DJ to technology educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and national STEM advocate.The conversation explores:How Sharon accidentally built a business through trust and credibilityWhy authentic leadership creates long-term growthThe “Power of the Blend” — combining human ability with technologyLessons from scaling both a consulting company and nonprofit simultaneouslyWhy organizations fail when they expect instant expertiseHow AI and automation can support — not replace — human talentStrategic advice for leaders trying to grow beyond referralsThis episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, educators, consultants, and leaders navigating growth in a rapidly changing world.Learn more:the dot. Consulting: https://the.consulting.coDottie Rose Foundation: https://dottierosefoundation.org#GrowthWithoutReferrals #Leadership #AI #STEM #Education #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #WomenInTech