Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Thomas serves as Operations Manager for a real estate team based in Richmond, Virginia. With roughly 20 years in operations management, she began her career in the field in early 2012 after graduating in 2009 with a degree in health sciences and therapeutic recreation and working for about four years as a therapist in hospitals. In her current role, Jessica leads a team of real estate agents and operations professionals, focusing on creating systems and processes that enhance customer service and distinguish the business. She is passionate about empowering operational and administrative professionals through people development, helping them recognize leadership potential and wealth-building opportunities such as profit share and investments. Jessica also advocates for the Alzheimer's Association, where she has held volunteer leadership roles. Among the career advice she values most is the lesson from her intern supervisor that it is more important to acknowledge contributions than to apologize when work falls slightly short of expectations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's more important to acknowledge than to apologize. From my intern supervisor: instead of saying 'I'm so sorry' when something is slightly off, acknowledge the work put in and offer to make tweaks or edits. Apologize only when you've done something wrong, not when you've done something great that might not meet expectations.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As salaried employees, recognize wealth-building opportunities beyond a paycheck such as profit share and investments. When working with entrepreneurs or business leaders, show impact for greater good and get involved in opportunities like multi-family syndications where operational work can lead to profit share instead of just salary.
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