Influential Woman · J Graham Consulting
Jessica Graham
Founder, J Graham Consulting
Berkeley, CA
Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Graham is the Founder and Principal of J. Graham Consulting, based in Berkeley, California. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to her practice, including 12 years in the tech sector where she focused on social impact work, employee engagement, community relations, and serving as a DEI leader in global spaces, followed by 10 years in the nonprofit sector. Today, her consulting emphasizes human-centered strategy, synthesizing strategic planning with care for the people involved, and she serves as a facilitator helping organizations build exceptional workplace cultures. Graham holds a Master's in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Master's in Education with an emphasis on out-of-school time curriculum. Her approach is rooted in the Triple C framework of Clarity, Courage, and Care, which she applies in coaching executives and leaders. She attributes her success to supportive mentors and family, a strong sense of personal agency, and a commitment to exceptional work combined with investing in relationships. Graham is also an active supporter of organizations including Outdoor Afro, Upwardly Global, the Global Fund for Women, and various youth and education initiatives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think I had a lot of really amazing mentors and family support. I've always believed I had a great sense of agency that I could do something if I tried. A sense of agency combined with listening and caring about what my mentors have shared with me over the years is the differentiator. Do the work, do it well, and say thank you.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just be passionate about the work. Just do the work. There is no compromise for exceptional work. Combined with relationships - investing in people and relationships is always the differentiator, because two things being equal, two people being equally qualified, we're all going to want to work with someone that we know, or that we trust.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Pursue your passion. You're always going to be really strong in the areas where you're truly interested and intrigued. I've never had a job that was just a job. I've always had roles that I felt were making a difference. Take that leap earlier and sooner into entrepreneurship. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for capital. I'm testing a concept called Sisterhood Capital to get accessible dollars to early-stage founders who are service-oriented.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My practice is centered around something I call Triple C: Clarity, Courage and Care. Being a leader who has clarity about what they're trying to accomplish, has the courage to ask questions or change course if needed, and do those two things with care - actually give a damn about the people that you're working with.
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