Author, Program Manager, Maker, San Jose, CA

Please introduce yourself and describe your career. What do you do for a living?

I’m Jessica Smith and I consider myself a life-long learner, someone who looks at life as one big experience for self-discovery. What I do for a living is simply that, it’s what I do. It’s not who I am and it’s not all I’ll ever be. My career, like myself, will always be evolving and growing like me. 

At this moment in time I work as a Program Manager for a med tech company for Leadership Development. 

I’m an author of two books, Your Twenties, and my latest as of July 30 2024 Thank You for Dumping Me. 
I’m a maker who creates wearable art such as clay earrings, bookmarks, resin jewelry, hair clips, and whatever else I feel like creating. 

It sounds like a lot and it is but it’s not done all at the same time. My interests are broad and meet me where I’m at. I love being able to tap into each interest when I need to. Working with my hands to make a new pair of earrings for a friend after a full week of working on my computer, presenting on zoom and writing after hours is a great relief from the constant screen time built into my days. 

Jessica's First Book, Your Twenties, 2018

Thank You For Dumping Me, Launched in July 2024

Walk us through your typical work day—when do you start, end, and do all day? (Where do you work from?)

As a Program Manager, I work from home primarily. I head into our office in Sunnyvale when we host in-person training. I also travel to our other offices both within the US and across the globe as needed. In 2023, I traveled to Japan and this year I’m set to go to Switzerland. My team is spread out across the US. A typical day might consist of me facilitating a training virtually or in person. Most of my trainings is with groups of people but other times I have 1:1 coaching sessions with individuals. My days start and stop as needed. Depending on calls and time zones the start and stop times shift. When I’m not facilitating the training, I’m content creating for leadership development, managing the tactical nature of my programs or working on the strategy that holds everything in place. 

As a writer, when I’m in active mode (which I’m not in right now, but will be very soon) I have a writing goal each week. Right now since my second book was just published, I’m spending time working on marketing…as a self-published gal, it’s all grassroots. That means brainstorming, thinking outside the box, finding ways to promote the book in inexpensive ways, etc. I’m going to be featuring a short video series where I record 1 - 2 minute videos answering questions about the writing process, self-publishing and completing my second book. If interested, connect with me on Instagram to tune in. 

What are some questions someone should really ask themselves if they want to get into your industry / career path?

If interested in a career in learning and development:

Do I love people?

Do I have strong communication and presentation skills?

What motivates me to help others learn and grow?

Do I enjoy speaking in front of others and facilitating conversation?

How well do I handle feedback and continuous improvement?

If interested in a writing or publishing a book: 

What am I willing to sacrifice to make time for writing?

Why do I want to write?

Do I have the discipline to write regularly?

What kind of writing excites me?

Can I handle rejection and perseverance?

What is something you do when things get difficult? How do you handle stress/ challenges?

One of my primary drivers in life is legacy. I think about it all the time. What is my legacy? What am I leaving behind? How am I contributing to things that are long-lasting and can withstand time? When I’m on my deathbed I want to know I spent time on the things that matter most with the people who mean the most. Accomplishing, learning, growing all comes with setbacks and stress. Remembering what my why is with whatever is challenging me is a sure way to refocus me, re-energize me and connect me to the legacy I’m recreating in real time. 

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to figure out what they want to do (for work) in general?

I love this question and I have a lot more to say on this exact question. I have a section in my first book, Your Twenties, called Career where I have three chapters of what I think are three of the most important topics a 20-something navigates in their first few career moves. One being, “Finding The One” where I debunk this idea we’re all to find our “perfect job.” I think that’s crap and isn’t something someone should subscribe to. 

Where can readers find/connect with you if they have questions? OR How can we support you? 
I would love to hear from you! Please connect with me on instagram @hellojessness and say hi! 

My online home is https://www.jessnessrequired.com/. 

My books are available on Amazon in print, kindle, and audible. 

Signed copies or wholesale orders of my books are also available to order direct from me, email me at hellojessness(at)gmail.com