Hi, I'm Jes, your positive thinking, slightly unconventional CEO. In my journey, I've advocated for and successfully modeled balancing family responsibilities and career advancement. My recent move from the finance world to human services wasn't just a career shift for me; it was about bringing my personal values into my professional life. It's taught me that you can grow your career and stay true to yourself along the way.Throughout my career, I've faced plenty of challenges, including often being the only woman in the room while I was in the finance sector. This taught me how important it is to speak up and stand firm and confident in what you know. Ultimately, this has helped my leadership style evolve into one that values clear communication, fairness, and efficiency. I've turned these challenges into lessons for our team, aiming for a workspace where everyone feels respected and heard.My approach to managing is all about understanding and trust. I like to meet people where they're at, setting clear goals but also listening and adapting. This has helped build a culture where everyone knows they're valued and can speak up. I'm helping ensure our company has an environment where people feel confident and supported, which I think is key to our success. I am thrilled at the opportunity to show up authentically as myself in Beken Holdings. I love to wear my “happy shoes” (colorful and bright sneakers that tend to be a conversation starter) when I’m in our offices to showcase my personality and approachability, while still maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism.I'm all about trying new things and learning from them, even if they don't always work out. I think being a bit unconventional has its perks. It's helped me create a space where we can all be ourselves and innovate without fear. This approach has brought a fresh vibe to our company, encouraging everyone to bring their best ideas to the table. Outside of work, I am a passionate volunteer supporting the advancement of women leadership for meaningful community impact. And I love traveling and trying new restaurants. Looking ahead, I'm excited about where we can go from here. I want to keep pushing boundaries, stay open to changes, and bring out the best in our teams and the communities we serve. My hope is to leave a mark that's all about inspiring others and showing that being true to yourself and open to growth can lead to amazing things. That's the legacy I want to build – one where everyone feels they can achieve their own version of "having it all."