Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Neilas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
To be honest with you I am not sure I know exactly where the origin of my intense work ethic comes from, but I can tell you, my ability to obsess over a goal paired with a deep desire to see something through to the end, allows me to tap into a seemingly limitless ability to grind. When I was a young child, I pursued some incredibly nerdy activities; I also played the harp (that’s right, that level of nerd), I went to a gifted education program and let us not forget my affinity for rhythmic gymnastics (yes, the one with the ribbons). I was far too tall to do the ‘normal kind’ of gymnastics, so my parents put me in the circus version. I remember being particularly terrible at it at first and I spent an entire summer in our attic rewinding and replaying a VHS recording of a competition I had participated in. I forensically picked apart the movements of the gold medalist’s routine, and then compared it to my ‘mandatory participation ribbon’ level performance. I wanted to win badly. I felt a determination to prove myself which I obsessed over for several years, 4 hours per day, after school until I made the National team and got to travel the world representing my country. Achieving that at a young age proved to me that certain rules and constructs no longer applied. I could achieve what I wanted, even if the odds were not in my favor at first. I learned the secret to success: if I worked really damn hard, I could surge ahead.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Something incredible happened to me on a project, ten years ago. I completed a design, and it received poor reviews! I didn’t understand why. What I had designed was cool and novel, or so I thought, and yet the end users were displeased. I couldn’t brush off the criticism. After separating myself from my offended ego, I listened to a feeling deep inside that agreed with their assessment: it was a bad design. But why? This question opened a rabbit hole for me of trying to understand how humans experience and define the success of a space, aka “human-centric design”. I spent several years researching how environmental psychology, biophilia and research-based principles, when implemented in design, create measurable positive results. We can judge these direct results in areas such as improved sleep, maximized work productivity, elevated learning in schools, expedited healing times in care facilities as well as thriving families and substantial upticks in end user happiness levels.
Humans do not just experience space with their eyes, they are amazing creatures who evaluate and experience on biological, psychological, emotional, cultural and physical levels. Since educating myself in these areas I humbly reconstructed my priorities in defining what I considered, ‘good design’; it was so much more than simply the aesthetic! Our design team now has a baked-in approach to healthy interior design where we conceive design concepts rooted in science. We consider the chemicals secreted into one’s brain, unbeknownst to them, as they experience specific lighting levels, acoustics, colours, patterns, volumes and materials, which all have massive effects on their experience and health. We can now harness our design techniques to drive desired outcomes of our built environments which not only maximize aesthetic beauty but also optimize the health and wellness of the humans (and pets) within a built space.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1.0 Due diligence & research: I cannot stress the leg up this has continually given me in so many facets of my life, but particularly business. Stay curious and become an expert in your field(s).
2.0 Nobody cares, work harder. I always say this one as I am living proof that motivated, hard work will help you achieve your goals and push you forward.
3.0 WWED: What Would Elon Do? For me, he is the ultimate entrepreneur. He has let nothing stand in his way of achieving not just the improbable but most of the time the impossible. When faced with obstacles I often ask how Mr. Musk would overcome them and get to creative strategizing.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I would say, The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand. It was pivotal for me in realizing what I must do with my career in the most unapologetic way. It is something everyone should read as they work to define themselves and the legacy they hope to leave behind. Also, it’s romantic – you’ve got to have a little bit of romance!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thoughtformdb.com
- Instagram: @jessica_neilas, @thoughtform_db
Image Credits
Jules Lee (interior shots)
Alex Russo (Profile shot)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
