We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Powers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
When I was first asked to be Publisher for Modern Luxury’s DC Magazine, it was on a whim by the leadership team at the time. The market was not doing well and it was clear that management thought that they had tried everything else and would “take a chance on me”. Having almost no experience managing a team, a budget or being in a leadership position, I am that sure their expectations were low. On my first day, I felt an innate knowing of what needed to be done and executed accordingly. I think that overcoming imposter syndrome is really based on trusting my gut and believing in myself with blind optimism. I was excited at the challenge and felt that if really leaned in and explored what being in a leadership position meant with a strong sense of self and curiosity then I would succeed. Learning is the key to advancing in life and the best way to learn is by doing, so in that context there is no such thing as imposter syndrome since we should all approach our lives with the willingness to learn and hold grace to make mistakes and grow from them.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Currently, I am the Group Publisher for Modern Luxury which prints three titles in the market including DC Magazine, Modern Luxury Interiors Washington and Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors Washington D.C. I worked for DC Magazine for five years before leaving in 2017 and returning in 2019 as the Publisher. As the Group Publisher, I oversee all of our publications, sales and marketing team. My focus for all of the publications is to grow our community and truly celebrate the greater Washington D.C. through our content, advertising partnerships and events throughout the year.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back I think the drive to work hard, self discipline and ignoring a fear of failing has helped me be most successful. Also, being able to adapt quickly on my feet to find solutions. My best piece of advice for anyone starting their professional journey is truly to outwork everyone and be nice, be a delight to be around, be grateful that you have the ability to work hard and lean into whatever you are doing. Even if it is not your dream job, work to the best of your ability and see where it takes you on your journey.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents raised to be very independent and they always held space for me to make decisions, to fail and to succeed on my own. I think giving space for children to explore who they are instills a confidence in them early on that is vital to their success as adults. Figuring things out on my own at a young age led me to develop problem solving skills that have helped me immeasurably throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dc.capitolfile.com/
- Instagram: @jessalacart
