Jessica's Friday Five

Hi Reader, Spring vibes have arrived in my hemisphere of the world, and I'm also bringing them to our Friday Five. I wanted to bring us a way to all do something good today, despite knowing there's an enormous amount to be done. As Sharon McMahon says, "We let the enormity of the world’s problems keep us paralyzed with indecision on how to help. And I’m here to tell you: the answer is to just do something. Stop letting the wheels of your mind spin, and just pick up an oar and start rowing."...

Hi Reader, Guess what, Friday Fivers? We surpassed 12,000 subscribers to this email newsletter earlier this week. I thought it'd be fun to celebrate with all of you, so if you'd like to enter a little raffle, scroll to the bottom, and I'll pick 3 using a random wheel of names. I'll send the 3 winners each a book of your choice from a local bookstore. How fun. We'll do it again when we reach 13k! I love a good community tradition, don't you? Let's get to your Friday Five. Shingles. More and...

Hi Reader, Our water heater went out this week - a not-so-fun adventure of determining next steps (we decided to replace it with an electric version as a greener solution moving forward that also saves money in the long-run) and finding ways to keep ourselves and our kids clean. My husband used our sous vide to warm up water to clean the children yesterday, which prompted the 8-year-old to let us know "I prefer regular showers". Us too, buddy. Us too. Here's your Friday Five! Show up for...

Hi Reader, I'm writing this while I've got this playing over on my second monitor to help bring some calm vibes to what feels like a very not-calm external environment globally. Those of us leading teams have what feels like an increasing load on our shoulders these days, so I'm sending this in hopes something here provides more joy and ease in your leadership this month. Let's get to your Monthly Management Memo - as always with something bold, something new, something borrowed, and...

Hi Reader, It's been a week full of people in my life. As an introvert, I really love a good day of no meetings to focus on interesting creative work (like writing this newsletter!). At the same time, this week felt rich and lovely with so many good people doing good in the world crossing my path in various ways. I'm ready for some solo work time AND I'm energized by the people in my life. We contain multitudes, don't we? Reminds me of this song I was introduced to in this space a few years...

Hi Reader, This week was an intense one over here. Aside from the chaos happening at the national level in my country (I'm in the US) that is impacting our friends and family in so many ways, it was just also a busy regular week of life and work. There were moments of joy (hi to everyone that I got to teach project management to in NYC this week!) and moments of exhaustion. One thing bringing me a smile is this video which in my opinion is the best one on the internet this week. Let's get to...

Hi Reader, It's the last day of January - you made it. If you're managing a team, it's highly likely that some or all of them have been impacted in some way by the chaos and tragedy of a rough month. As you navigate leading through times like this, one suggestion I have is that you're unlikely to go wrong by acting according to your answer to the question: "What would it look like to take care of my team right now as human beings?" Let's get to your Monthly Management Memo - as always with...

Hi Reader, So many of us are having deeply stressful times right now. I hope this weekly set of tips from me provides a bit of help in the midst of some really hard times. Hang in there. If you could use a smile to get you through the day today, hit reply with song or meme and I'll send one back to you that might brighten your day a bit. No automation, just me sending you something to provide a little light. Let's get to the Friday Five, ok? Connection + Accountability: Sunny (a nonprofit...

Hi Reader, This newsletter community hails from all over the globe, so I know that this might not resonate with everyone here but it's been a tough week in a number of ways for those of us in the US. Extreme cold temperatures have created both moments of joy and moments of stress and danger for much of the country. Fires in LA are impacting millions, and we've already moved on from devastating terrorist attacks on New Year's Day. A new president was inaugurated and quickly moved forward on...