Jillian Miles Massey, a Talent Development Consultant at Horizon Point Consulting, works across higher education, industry, and nonprofit leadership. She previously served on the faculty at Auburn University and now teaches as an Adjunct Instructor at Athens State University. With expertise in management, human resources, entrepreneurship, and organizational development, she partners with organizations to strengthen talent and workplace effectiveness. Jillian began her career with internships at Sherwin-Williams and The Walt Disney Company and remains deeply engaged in community service while maintaining professional credentials in HR, career development, and instructional design.

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

Achievement isn’t everything. Have a little more fun, take yourself a little less seriously, and trust that the career will come. A great life is just as important as a great resume.

What motivates you on hard days?

On hard days, I remind myself that no season lasts forever. I try to embrace the challenge, keep my sense of humor intact, and trust that I’ll come out stronger on the other side.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

My husband and I love live music and will gladly plan a trip around a great concert, an interesting venue, or a city we’ve never explored. I also love to paint, and I’m currently learning to play the violin — which is humbling, but fun.

How do you like to give back to the community, and why is it important to you?

I enjoy serving on nonprofit boards and committees and using my strengths in organizational development to support causes that matter. One of my favorites is the Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation. I spent a big part of my childhood at the public library, so advocating for library services and support feels especially meaningful to me. Libraries open doors, spark imagination, and make communities stronger.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career, and what valuable lesson did they teach you?

It’s hard to name just one person, because I’ve been fortunate to learn from so many wonderful people. My parents taught me the value of hard work and doing what’s right. Professionally, the biggest influence on my career has been Horizon Point founder Mary Ila Ward. Seven years in, I’m still learning from her example of what it means to be truly People First: put people first, and remember that before anything else, we’re all human.