Meet Jessica Yacoub, Maex

We recently connected with Jessica Yacoub, Maex and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

When I was 14, my life changed forever. My mother passed away after a five-year battle with brain cancer, leaving me as the oldest of four siblings in a single-parent household. With money tight, I quickly became aware of the safety net that formed around us—our kind neighbor who brought us expired but edible groceries, grandparents who drove us to school, and many others who stepped in to support us.

In that moment, I realized the profound difference that a community can make during a difficult time. What could have been an overwhelming crisis became hard but manageable because of the everyday heroes who came into our lives. It was then that I became aware of my purpose: to live a life of service. While I didn’t yet know exactly how, I knew that I wanted to create safety, teach essential skills, and be like those who had been there for my family.

While my career has changed many times, my calling has remained the same. I am a lover of people, a community builder and an educator.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

A great place to learn more about me is on my Instagram (@thedecisionbar), where I speak to young adults about the challenges they might be facing and offer insights to help them along. On my website, www.TheDecisionBar.com, you can dive deeper into the work we’re doing. Some of our popular offerings include 1:1 coaching (available both in person and on Zoom), group workshops, and parent coaching.

At The Decision Bar, our mission is to empower young adults to navigate life’s transitions with confidence and clarity. I’m particularly passionate about helping them build the skills and resilience they need to thrive in today’s often overwhelming world. What sets our approach apart is our focus on practical, actionable strategies that align with each individual’s values and goals and our belief in young adults..

If you’re curious to learn more or are ready to take the next step in your personal growth journey, I’d love to connect! Follow me on Instagram, visit our website, or reach out for a consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are a deep sense of curiosity, resilience with a growth mindset, and the importance of social connection.

1.Be Forever Curious: Curiosity has driven me to constantly seek out new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. My journey began as a preschool teacher, then a case worker, and now as a master’s-educated life coach. It’s this relentless desire to learn from the world around me that has kept me adaptable and open to new opportunities. My advice for those early in their journey is to nurture your curiosity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore different paths, and keep learning. The more you know, the more equipped you are to navigate the complexities of life.

2. Resilience and Growth: Growing up with severe dyslexia, I didn’t start reading even basic sight words until third grade. However, my love for learning pushed me to develop resilience and a growth mindset. These qualities have allowed me to face challenges creatively and learn from them. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I’ve viewed them as opportunities to grow. For those just starting out, embrace challenges as part of the process. Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously. Focus on how you can grow from each experience, and remember that resilience is built through overcoming obstacles, not avoiding them.

3. Social Connection; Building strong connections has been crucial in both my personal and professional life. The support of others, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or friendship, has been invaluable. I encourage those early in their journey to prioritize relationships. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and be that source of support for others as well. Give to others, share your strengths, and ask for help when needed. Be gracious and kind.

Finally, one piece of advice I hold dear is the importance of showing up—where you are, with what you have. You don’t need to wait until you feel more prepared or have more resources. Start now, with whatever you have at your disposal. Your presence and effort are often more powerful than you realize.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

At The Decision Bar, we’re always excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations! We believe in the power of partnership to create meaningful impact, and we’re particularly interested in working with nonprofits that serve young adults. We’re currently offering workshops tailored to their needs, as well as developing curriculum that these organizations can run themselves.

Additionally, our space is available for rent to anyone looking to provide their own services in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a coach, educator, or wellness practitioner, we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together. It takes a village!

If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out to us through our website at www.TheDecisionBar.com or send a message on Instagram (@thedecisionbar). We’re eager to hear from you and discuss how we can create positive change in the lives of youth together.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,thedecisionbar.com
• Instagram: @thedecisionbar
• Linkedin: Jessica Yaocub, MAEx
• Yelp: The Decision Bar

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