Jessica's Friday Five

Hi Reader, This week has felt nonstop over in my little world. The kind of week where it feels like nearly every minute is focused on a deadline that is coming up very soon, and there's no margin for anything that isn't urgent. Kids home sick from school. My husband is away on a trip. Multiple sessions with smart people I got to lead this week. An amazing Black History Month community event with 600+ neighbors that I'm helping lead this weekend. Amidst all the tugs for my time and energy, I...

Hi Reader, Let’s get to your Monthly Management Memo - as always with something bold, something new, something borrowed, and something to pursue. 🔥Something Bold - Making Policies More EquitableYears ago, I pulled together this public collection of employee policy language and practices that can help organizations be more equitable and family-friendly. I'd love to freshen it up and add new ideas for 2026. Got any great policies you've seen that you can suggest? Send my way! 🆕 Something New -...

Hi Reader, The horrors persist. But so do people doing good in coffee shops, in churches, in medicine, and beyond. If you want to help but are not sure how, try this tool my friend Alexis built for figuring out how to help with your specific passions, skills, and resources. New iPhone setting might be draining your battery: Found out about this new iPhone setting this week that was not at all on my radar and turning it off does seem to have made a meaningful impact on my battery life. Podcast...

Hi Reader, I want to say a big thanks to those of you who joined me on Zoom earlier this week to brainstorm about this idea. It was so fun to chat with you and get your reactions and feedback. If you're in the US and heading into a long weekend to celebrate Dr. King's legacy, here are some ideas for how to spend Monday that will be both helpful and a balm for your spirit during tough times. Let's get into your Friday Five! 5 mins of your time could save a life: Did you know that signing up to...

Hi Reader, This week was a rollercoaster. I celebrated my birthday on Monday (escape room, nap, dinner!), my son got la rosca baby on Día de Reyes, and my government here in the US lied about the sedition that happened five years ago at our Capitol, despite primary source evidence showing exactly the opposite. They also lied about the circumstances surrounding a woman who was murdered by ICE agents this week. Oh, and also this. Damn. I wish I had all the advice for us about how to somehow...

Hi Reader, Happy New Year, friends. Let's hope that, at all levels, this year is joyful, easy where we need it to be, and caring for all of us. Today I'm thrilled to be sharing several practical tips and tools to help us create that reality. Also, I had an idea the other day - I've been building something behind the scenes, and I really need some input to finalize it. If you're up for hearing my ideas and getting some input (I'll also be giving out some prizes), check this out and see if...

Hi Reader, A few weeks ago, sickness and then travel took me away from my regular exercise routine (which, these days, is reformer Pilates classes). I am back at it now that I'm well and at home, and I have noticed that I feel a lot less irritated and grumpy. If I made the rules, exercise probably wouldn't be required for mental health, but alas, I don't make the rules. I'm learning again and again that taking care of my body pays significant dividends. Looking back, I would have likely...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but the last few weeks of work have felt like a struggle for me. While there have certainly been many moments of being really energized (like doing this analysis of my year), there has also been a lot of "why do I have to do X when all I really want to be doing is reading a book under a cozy blanket?" kind of vibes. The biological pull towards hibernation and slowness as the cold weather descends is a real one. Let’s get to your Monthly Management Memo - as...

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...