Jessica Fern-Kirkland: Mastermind of Mindsets: Unleashing the Power of Psychology in Organizational Transformation and Innovation Adoption
The 10 Most Influential Women Leading the Business in 2023
Unleashing a trailblazing spirit within the Multifamily industry, Jessica Fern-Kirkland has spent the past 15 years redefining norms and driving innovation. Starting her journey as a leasing consultant, Jessica swiftly ascended through the ranks, assuming leadership positions encompassing learning, development, technology, and operations in both market rate and affordable housing sectors. Jessica endeavors to cultivate high-performing, people-centric organizations that exemplify diversity, fearlessly embraces failure, and challenge the boundaries of conventional thinking.
Recognized as a captivating speaker for esteemed organizations such as the National Apartment Association (NAA) and various apartment associations, Jessica’s passion for organizational leadership and fearless pursuit of innovation have propelled her to the forefront of the industry. Her expertise in the field is further complemented by her ongoing pursuit of a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which provides her with valuable insights into optimizing organizational dynamics.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica dedicates her time and energy to serving as the Chair of the Human Services Commission for the City of Covington, showcasing her commitment to fostering positive change within her community. She has also recently joined the Board of Directors at Cycle Therapy, a non-profit organization that supports families and youth struggling with mental health by introducing cycling, leveraging her passion for mountain biking. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Jessica finds solace in the great outdoors, indulging in exhilarating mountain biking excursions and embarking on thrilling adventures. Alongside her loving husband and two children, Jessica’s life is a testament to her determination to seize every opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally.
Beyond Limits
Jessica finds herself in a contemplative state as she navigates the transition from her illustrious position as President at a renowned NMHC Top 50 Multifamily Management Company to embarking on an exciting new chapter with Einstein Solutions Consulting. This moment prompts her to reflect on the journey behind her and the path that lies ahead.
Jessica has always recognized that her thought processes diverge from the norm; she refuses to accept limits and her passion for critical thinking propels her beyond conventional boundaries. What others perceive as limits; she sees as a floor instead of a ceiling.
Jessica thrives amidst failure, instability, ambiguity, and change. She revels in assisting organizations in navigating these complex landscapes, tackling the most intricate problems head-on. With a strategic mindset and a knack for forecasting, she leverages her intuitive understanding of both people and organizational dynamics, a talent she has honed since childhood.
This transitional phase marks an exciting turning point in Jessica’s career, as she brings her expertise and unique perspective to Einstein Solutions Consulting. Her unwavering belief in the power of her thinking and her ability to thrive in challenging environments make her an invaluable asset to organizations seeking innovative and effective solutions.
Transformation through Neurodivergent Leadership and Wisdom
Jessica, affectionately called Einstein, fully embraces the endearing term as she finds herself psychologically identifying closely with the renowned scientist. To her, being called “Einstein” symbolizes an insatiable thirst for intelligence, a drive to revolutionize the rules of the game. Additionally, she believes it represents the power of being neurodivergent, proudly identifying as an adult executive with ADHD, just like Einstein himself.
Jessica’s accomplishments are remarkable. She recently completed a four-year psychology degree in an astonishing 16 months, achieving a flawless 4.0 GPA and earning acceptance into two prestigious honor societies. Balancing her role as a chairperson for the local city’s human services commission, a devoted mother of two, and a loving wife, she also successfully transformed a company in a mere seven months. When people inquire about her secret to managing it all, she simply smiles and replies, “ADHD.” Jessica firmly believes that her neurodivergent mind provides clients with a unique competitive advantage. Her vast experience, capacity, and strategic problem-solving abilities across multiple dimensions make her indispensable in organizing the chaos that others might shy away from.
Jessica reflects on her shared qualities with Einstein, such as the ability to transform dreams into tangible realities. Problem-solving is another area where their paths converge. Einstein preferred to ponder complex issues, revisiting them to ensure he correctly identified the core problem. Similarly, Jessica finds the true magic lies in discovering the root cause. Often, individuals and organizations treat obvious problems as isolated diagnoses when, in reality, they are likely symptoms of a deeper issue. Drawing from her own failures, Jessica strives to impart wisdom to companies, sparing them unnecessary heartache and helping them embraces the learning curve. She believes that her past experiences have paved the way for others, offering valuable insights gained through trial and error.
As the driving force behind Einstein Solutions, Jessica has a proven track record of providing actionable solutions that drive significant change in the real estate industry. By combining cutting-edge techniques, psychological insights, scientific knowledge, and forward-thinking strategies, her innovative company revolutionizes businesses, leveraging extensive industry expertise. The core values of Einstein Solutions revolve around wisdom, defined as the ability to apply experience, knowledge, and sound judgment when making decisions or taking action.
Jessica’s mission extends beyond business success. She is driven by a desire to create and nurture high-performing, people-centric organizations that celebrate diversity, embraces failure as an essential part of growth, and push the boundaries through innovative thinking. Organizational leadership and fearlessly challenging limits are her true passions.
Transformation through Innovation and Partnership
Einstein Solutions, LLC stands proudly at the forefront of industry advancements, empowering organizations to navigate the ever-evolving landscape and achieve sustainable success. Adopting a partnership approach, the company offers clients the opportunity to be as involved and informed as they desire, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
At Einstein Solutions, the belief in the transformative power of innovation drives every endeavor. Jessica combines her extensive industry knowledge with a deep passion for creativity and problem-solving, equipping clients to thrive in the digital age. The company maintains commitment to excellence, ensuring exceptional results for every client engagement.
Taking a holistic approach to consulting, Einstein Solutions focuses on a harmonious blend of technological innovation, strategic planning, and organizational development. By harnessing the latest trends and emerging technologies, the company assists businesses in identifying new opportunities, streamlining operations, and creating transformative experiences for its customers.
With a proven track record of providing actionable solutions that move the needle in the real estate industry, Einstein Solutions stands as an innovative force. It revolutionizes businesses by leveraging cutting-edge solutions, psychology, science, and forward-thinking strategies, all rooted in deep industry knowledge. This unique combination positions Einstein Solutions as a beacon of wisdom, embodying the soundness of actions and decisions that arise from experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
Driven by a purpose that encompasses more than mere business success, Einstein Solutions strives to create and scale high-performing, people-first organizations. The company champions diversity, embraces failure as an essential part of growth, and constantly challenge limits through innovative thinking. By nurturing this ethos, the company envisions a world where organizations not only thrive but also make a positive impact on the broader community.
Unraveling the DNA, Empowering Growth
When engaging with a new organization, Jessica’s primary objective is to delve deep into its DNA, unravel its unique personality, understand its goals, objectives, and everything that lies in between. By articulating these defining traits, she uncovers how the organization’s current operations, both in written policies and actual execution, align with its ultimate objectives. Jessica recognizes that policies alone cannot execute themselves, and individuals tend to operate within their own worldview unless the organization possesses a guiding lens—a set of values, a mission statement, or similar framework—to provide a collective perspective.
In developing her strategies, Jessica always incorporates a comprehensive framework that empowers the client to replicate the process. She integrates elements that foster knowledge transfer, distinct from one-time training events. This approach ensures that the organization can continue to grow and evolve independently, armed with the tools and insights gained from their collaboration with Jessica.
Achieving New Heights
Jessica had earned a reputation as a rocketship, a force that propelled forward with remarkable speed and discernment, aimed directly at outer space. This was the very sentiment she conveyed to the group that eventually hired her as the President, after her successful stint as a consultant. They granted her the permission to launch, and launch they did. The imagery of a rocketship not only manifested in Jessica’s company logo but also in the core values she developed in her previous role: Head, Heart, Hustle, and Hype.
During her tenure as President, Jessica’s accomplishments were nothing short of astounding, accomplished within an impressively short span of time. She recruited seven exceptional executives, each one a rockstar in their own right, and together, they elevated organizational trust from 55% to an impressive 75% in just 7.5 months.
The team also completed four major technology rollouts, including the successful launch of an intranet. A staggering 69% of employees reported gaining new and meaningful technical skills as a result, while 71% acknowledged that the tools enhanced their ability to collaborate effectively.
Furthermore, the number of open positions was significantly reduced, dropping from 325 to 189. This not only boosted job satisfaction by 20%, but it also reduced the percentage of employees who expressed a desire to leave within 30 days from 20% to a mere 9%. Remarkably, 63% of employees expressed a willingness to stay indefinitely, a testament to the transformative impact of Jessica’s leadership.
Jessica’s authorship of four impactful core values proved instrumental in uplifting overall morale and motivation, with an impressive 76% of employees acknowledging their positive influence. Additionally, 70% of the workforce attested to these values fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
While the full extent of the team’s accomplishments extended beyond quantifiable metrics, employees consistently highlighted several distinguishing factors that set the organization apart. They commended the team’s ability to deliver, the inclusive practices that kept everyone connected, and the lasting impact made on their personal and professional lives. The company’s receptiveness to feedback and their meticulous execution of objectives and goals also resonated deeply. By creating an environment where residents and employees felt comfortable, the team established a true sense of community.
Reflecting on the remarkable achievements realized within such a short timeframe, Jessica acknowledged the collective efforts of her team, the power of effective leadership, and the alignment of goals and vision. It was an extraordinary testament to the potential unleashed when teamwork, leadership, and a shared purpose converged.
Leading with Integrity
In Jessica’s previous role, she encountered an unforeseen challenge that weighed heavily on her shoulders like a burdensome crown. It often felt as though the fate of the entire free world rested solely upon her, with the daunting task of building Rome in just half a day. Unhappy customers sought her out on social media, employees resisted change, and skeptical critics eagerly awaited any signs of failure. Yet, in the face of these pressures, Jessica remained steadfast, repeating her mantra of “integrity always prevails” and forging ahead.
For Jessica, accountability and mindset management were paramount. She embracesd the obstacles that came her way, viewing them as opportunities to reinforce her direction and stay the course. She firmly believed that a strong sense of purpose made navigating challenges easier.
Furthermore, Jessica was unafraid to admit her mistakes, recognizing her own humanity. She understood that honest and communicative leaders fostered trust, particularly during times of trial and error. It was the leaders who quietly pointed fingers that warranted concern, not those who embracesd transparency.
Jessica understood that fostering open lines of communication and ensuring that everyone understood their responsibilities were crucial components in overcoming obstacles and maintaining forward momentum.
Approach to Collaborative Transformation
When collaborating with clients, Jessica actively cultivates an intentional and intellectually stimulating environment, emphasizing trust and effective communication. Within this space, participants are encouraged to speak openly and honestly, knowing that there are no wrong answers. The goal is to delve into the current state of the company’s culture, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects. What matters most is that the organization emonstrates a genuine concern and willingness to take action, regardless of the circumstances. It’s never too late to make a positive change.
Jessica frequently works with companies that have undergone significant growth and find themselves in a transformative phase. As they pause to assess their surroundings, they often realize that the business is no longer the same. Employees may have experienced high levels of stress and undergone substantial changes during this period, and addressing these challenges requires providing them with skills related to time management, knowing when to seek assistance, establishing dedicated channels of communication, and more.
In situations where culture or morale has been impacted by growth or change, trust and communication are almost always at the core. Repairing the culture, therefore, begins with rebuilding trust and actively listening to the voices within the organization.
Drawing from her experience as President in her previous role, Jessica employed these techniques to great effect. She organized open town hall meetings, personally visited various assets, connected with the staff, and made a concerted effort to recognize and appreciate employees on an individual level. By being accessible and relatable, she demonstrated that leadership is earned daily and cannot be taken for granted. This approach yielded substantial results, as organizational trust increased from 55% to an impressive 75% within just 7.5 months.
Jessica also coaches and provides mentorship to leaders, helping them develop skills in organizational identification and the ability to separate feedback from personal to professional. In her efforts to improve organizational culture, she teaches effective communication, self-regulation, responsive and respectful reactions, and active listening skills. Furthermore, she embracess the importance of fearless failure and encourages healthy conflict within the organization, where differing voices in the room are given the autonomy and respect to express their disagreements constructively. A healthy organization values diverse perspectives and cultivates an environment where respectful dissent is encouraged.
Leadership Philosophy
Jessica’s leadership philosophy is not tied to any particular school of thought. She firmly believes that being a good leader has little to do with herself and everything to do with others. Perhaps, that is her philosophy in essence. When she was in the position of hiring executives in her previous role as President, she was acutely aware of her own weaknesses. Recognizing that she did not have to excel in every aspect, Jessica made strategic hires, bringing in experts in areas where she lacked proficiency, thereby bolstering the team’s overall strength.
In her role as President, Jessica observed a common motivation among the industry’s top executives who joined her team. The primary reason they left their previous positions to work with her was the desire for the autonomy and freedom to execute their roles without unnecessary interference. Jessica’s approach was to hire the best talent available, not to have them carry out her own objectives, but to empower them to act in the best interests of the company.
One significant aspect of her leadership philosophy lies in the ability to search for potential. Jessica emphasizes the importance of separating individuals or processes from the problems at hand, enabling objective analysis and leaving subjective judgments behind. Additionally, she acknowledges that leadership necessitates an awareness that truth extends beyond what can be reasonably known, relying on intuition to recognize and unlock potential.
Ultimately, Jessica perceives leadership as an unceasing journey of objectively validating capabilities. She views abilities not as a limit but as a threshold to be surpassed, constantly pushing boundaries and seeking opportunities for growth.
Vision for the Future
Jessica is determined to continue her contributions to the industries she serves, embracing various roles whether it is through a long-term employment role, as a consultant, speaker, advisor, and listener. She remains dedicated to advocating for the future of the workforce, collaborating with those who possess the power to effect meaningful change.
Looking ahead, Jessica envisions the future of her organization as a platform to enable individuals who seek to disrupt the status quo. It will serve as a laboratory for inventors, nurturing their ideas and fueling their creativity. She aims to whisper inspiration into the minds of dreamers, acting as a partner to experts who recognize the value of seeking expertise beyond their own. Additionally, her organization will assist in formulating the pivotal questions for investigators, guiding and leading pirates to uncover treasures.
Jessica will coach achievers, motivating those filled with hope, and skillfully navigating challenges. Her organization will possess the ability to find solutions even in the most intricate situations. Furthermore, she will mentor emerging leaders, providing them with the guidance and support needed to flourish in their respective fields.