Home: Arlington, VA. But my heart is also in NYC, Paris and Montreal. Birthplace: Montreal, Canada. Organization: School Nutrition Association. Side Hustle: CEO and Founder, Design Your Next Step. Alma mater: McGill University; Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC), Paris. Languages spoken: English and French.
Current project: Helping executives get “unstuck” and build meaningful careers. Recent professional development: Design Your Work Life, Coach Certification, taught by Stanford Design Lab’s Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Recent recognition: A client testimonial. “I’m thrilled to share that after only 6 weeks of working with Jen, I landed what I can only describe as my dream job.” Latest contribution to others: Pro bono career coaching; resume and LinkedIn review. What’s been you big (or biggest leap)? Starting over: Sydney, Paris, NYC, DC. Last book read: Happy-Go-Lucky, by David Sedaris.
Personality profile: Imaginative, collaborative, forward thinking, light-hearted. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Creative. What is your greatest joy? My amazing kids. What is your greatest fear? Heights. Yet I keep climbing. What are a few of your favorite things? Laughter, dark chocolate, red wine, great friends. What natural talent have you neglected? Storytelling. What is at the top of your bucket list? The French Open (Roland-Garros). How do you relieve stress? Orange Theory, tennis, yoga, meditation. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Beach and sunshine.
What was your first paying job? Storyteller for kids. What was your favorite college course? The Meaning of Life (an advanced philosophy class). What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A real street sign: Rue Saint Paul. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Sleep on it. It will be clearer in the morning. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? GPS. What is your favorite app? Calm. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Modern Art.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Intersecting coaching, design thinking & professional development to help executives get the most out of their jobs and build fulfilling career paths.
What change would you like to see in the world? Gun control in the USA. What mega-trend most excites you? Career reinvention and the future of work.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Julia Louis-Dreyfus. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Our crazy cat Chloe. What advice would you give your younger self? Enjoy every minute.
Personal motto: Vision without action is just a dream. Favorite quote: “So often in life things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg).
