Jessica's Friday Five

Hi Reader, I had a chance to get away this week for two nights to a city nearby - it was a time to reflect on 2025 and dream for 2026 (and I'm publicly sharing some of that data/reflection here!). I also got the lovely chance to see friends and sleep a bit later than my regular school drop-off routine allows. I like to set a theme for the year, and I think I've decided on it, but I'm letting it marinate for a bit longer before fully committing. Once I do, I'll look back on my own advice here...

I'm excited to share more with you about Joyfully Managed Worklife over the next week or two. If you know you're not interested in this program at this point, I get it! Click here to manage your preferences and unclick the button next to Joyfully Managed Worklife. That'll mean that I won't email you again about this topic, but you can stay on my list for Jessica's Friday Five and other topics you enjoy! Hi Reader, One thing that often goes unmentioned is how overwhelming modern work life can...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but goodness gracious, this week has been a struggle to stay motivated to get work done. It's become a predictable pattern for me: around this time of year, when the days are short and the holidays are approaching, I'd much rather be reading a good novel or watching a Hallmark movie than working through a to-do list. So if you're feeling that way, you're not alone, and it's natural for living things to slow down and rest during this season. Unrelatedly but...

Hi Reader, This week has been so, so interesting. I've been documenting what I'm up to from the time I wake up until the time I fall asleep, and sharing it with y'all in a Google Doc. I have really enjoyed connecting with you in the comments, and I think it's made a positive impact on my focus for the week. I'll keep it up throughout the rest of today - keep the questions and comments coming! Oh, and thank you to everyone who joined me for my live workshop yesterday (replay here for a few...

Hi Reader, It's hard to believe we're just weeks away from the end of the calendar year. Here are 4 practical tips from me to help you close the year strong. It's your Monthly Management Memo - as always with something bold, something new, something borrowed, and something to pursue. 🔥Something Bold - The More Power You Have, the More You Must Do This RegularlyIt's pretty clear to me that as your seniority (and power) increases in an organization, the less useful feedback you are likely to...

Hi Reader, Instead of creating a Black Friday deal for y'all this year, I thought I'd do two free things next week. Feel free to join either or both if you'd like! The first is a live Google Doc where I'm going to try what I'm up to next week, hour-by-hour - the good, the annoying, the productive, the mistakes, the lunch choices, all of it. I'm calling it "Jess's Journey". Sign up here, and I'll send you the Google Doc link on Monday morning when I start. The second is a free webinar - Why...

Hi Reader, I got to see Wicked For Good earlier this week, the sequel to Wicked with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. I loved it and definitely recommend checking it out in theatres. On a separate note, what's an article, video, or podcast episode you found helpful recently? I love getting these recommendations from you for myself and often end up sharing them back with this broader community, so hit reply and let me know! 😜 Also, psst, just decided to do something ridiculous the week after...

Hi Reader, One thing I rarely show is how much I really love replies from y'all to this newsletter. Let me know if a Friday Five tip has ever been helpful to you, or if you've got a question I might be able to help with, or a tip to pass along to the community - it totally makes my day, and it's really me on the other end of your emails. Consider it the best free gift you could give me as I celebrate my 4th anniversary as an entrepreneur next week (Nov 19). I became an entrepreneur in 2021,...

Hi Reader, This weekend, I'll get to see my daughter perform in her first middle school concert band performance before we get on the road and head to an annual camping trip we love to do with friends every fall. I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend, and if not, this video will probably bring a smile to your face. Let's get to your Friday Five! Appreciation activity: This simple activity can boost morale at your next team meeting—you can even do this at an upcoming gathering...