EP 6: From Corporate to Consultant: Jessica Caresse’s Journey to Building J. Caresse & Co

Podium to Profit

In this episode of Podium to Profit, Andrea Merrill interviews Jessica Caresse, founder of J. Caresse & Co, a thriving IT project management consulting business. Jessica shares her incredible journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, the personal growth she experienced, and the mindset shifts required to overcome self-doubt. They dive into Jessica’s philosophy on project management, the integration of AI in business, and the importance of networking to build confidence as a business owner. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, managing projects, or exploring the use of AI, Jessica’s insights are packed with valuable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Jessica’s business, J. Caresse & Co, offers IT project management consulting services across various industries, with a focus on meaningful relationships and integrous advice.
• Her entrepreneurial journey involved overcoming imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and embracing personal growth.
• Curiosity, continuous learning, and adapting to AI technologies are key pillars of her success in project management.
• Networking and putting herself out there played a crucial role in building her business and confidence.

Topics Discussed:

J. Caresse & Co's Services and Approach

• Jessica’s business offers IT project management consulting, handling a wide range of projects, including data governance and financial accounting automations.
• She emphasizes building relationships and providing integrous advice while helping clients adopt and mature AI tools.

Jessica's Entrepreneurial Journey

• Transitioned from corporate to starting her own business in September 2023.
• Significant mindset shifts and personal growth from February to July 2024 helped her overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
• Networking was a key element in building her confidence and solidifying her commitment to her business.

Project Management Philosophy

• Sees project managers as the vital link between client dreams and project success.
• Focuses on clear communication, setting expectations, and ensuring team members thrive.
• Jessica highlights the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the evolving role of AI in project management.

AI Integration in Business

• Jessica trained a custom GPT model to maintain a consistent brand voice across platforms.
• She uses AI for content creation, personal branding, and automating processes.
• Believes AI will increase competition in various fields, making results and testimonials even more critical.

Personal Development and Public Speaking

• Jessica is taking singing lessons to improve body awareness and confidence in public speaking.
• She’s preparing to expand into public speaking engagements while continuing to host her podcast, "Connecting the Dots."
• Jessica emphasizes the value of self-acceptance and continuously putting herself out there to grow.

Sound Bites:

• "Project managers are the bridge between a client’s dream and its realization."
• "I had to overcome self-doubt and put myself out there."
• "Curiosity and continuous learning keep you ahead, especially with AI evolving so rapidly."

Links

https://www.instagram.com/jessica_caresse/

https://www.jcaresse.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Jessica_Caresse