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Hi, I'm Jess.

I’ve got a knack for creative thinking, problem solving, organization and design, with a positive attitude that helps teams deliver results.

 

The things I am passionate about…

 

First and foremost, I am passionate about helping people. I like to think that I help people every day through the digital experiences that I’ve created, the relationships I’ve formed and the insights that I’ve shared. I care about the people that use something I’ve created, which is why I push myself and others to produce the best results possible with each and every iteration.

 
 

Collaboration & Teamwork

I believe that each person has something to bring to the table and the only way to get to the best end result is to utilize the strengths of the collective.

I know that we’re all in this together and the more that we lean in to that mentality, with a “yes and…” mindset, the better the outcome will be.

 

Learning & Continuous improvement

I am obsessed with learning and improving my craft. I have a never-ending curiosity for the unknown and know from experience that assumptions always need to be questioned. I am constantly looking for new inspiration, for different routes to solve problems and to those that are at the top of their game for guidance.

 

User research

User research is one of the most important parts of creating a thriving business and ideally it happens at all stages of the product development process. Understanding user needs, goals, motivations and behaviors is paramount to solving the right problems and making sure solutions fulfill customer needs.

 

Starting with problems, not solutions

I believe in starting with problems, not solutions. Many organizations start projects by taking someone's idea and telling someone else to implement it. This leads to confusion, questioning and usually a sub-optimal solution... Why? Because they didn’t start with a problem.

 

WEAR Many Hats

I think that it’s important to experiment and blur the line of formal roles. Usually the skillsets that you need to succeed in one role will overlap with others. There is no one path for us and there are no limits to what we can learn to do or be.

 

Everything is Temporary

I believe that everything is temporary. Our emotions, behaviors and mental models are all molded by our experiences in the world and whenever one change is made there is a ripple effect to all other things. Solve one problem and over time that solution will have created a new problem. It’s an endless cycle. That’s why I chose UX/CX, there will always be bigger and better problems to solve.

Nothing is perfect, nor will ever be, which is why I think of changes that I make in life or the problems that I solve, as iterations. There is always going to be a better solution around the corner. We just have to remember to look.

 

Everyone is creative

During workshops people often say to me, “I’m not creative. I’m not a designer.” This is simply not true. I believe that everyone is creative and has ideas just waiting to be uncovered. Creativity is a muscle. You have to use it or it doesn’t grow. One of my favorite activities is helping people find and express their creativity.

 

Healthy Mind and Body

If you’re putting junk in, you’re definitely getting junk out. I strive to put my health first and find time to workout, eat right, sleep and get outdoors. These tenants keep me at the top of my game mentally and physically.

 
 
Everything is figureoutable
— Marie Forleo