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At the Coalface
At the Coalface is a series of conversations hosted by Philippe Rose.
Philippe's guests share stories about their life beyond the headlines of international affairs. They look for lessons learned about making an impact in the world as practitioners in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism and the private sector.
Many of Philippe's guests are connected by their common experience of taking time away from work to attend graduate school at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University.
At the Coalface
Gian Jones - You Can’t Serve If You’re Bought
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In this episode, I sit down with Gian Jones, a real estate investor, community builder, and congressional candidate.
Gian reflects on growing up in the Rockaways in a single-parent household, taking on responsibility early as the oldest of three, and a childhood that was modest but grounded in strong family and community.
He shares how he found his way into real estate, first as a way to make money, and then as a career. He also speaks about early financial success, losing much of it, and what he learned from having to start again.
We talk about his early exposure to politics, and how it shaped his belief that public service requires financial independence.
Finally, Gian explains why he is running for Congress, what he believes government gets wrong about ordinary people, and what he hopes to change.
Recorded on 20 April 2026.
Connect with Gian on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/gian-a-jones-55713216.
Instagram: @at.the.coalface
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