Founded in 2004, JumpStart has received national recognition for its role as a regional support system for tech startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs and communities. Still, CEO Julie Jacono won’t let the organization rest on its laurels in this rapidly changing business landscape.
Essential Skills: “If I were designing a leadership program today, I’d include grit, perseverance, agility, change management and systems thinking. It’s more MacGyver than General right now. The pace of disruptive changes now in every sector is much faster than the ability of systems, teams and people to keep up.”
Before Jumping In: Working urgently doesn’t mean acting rashly. Jacono’s favorite Albert Einstein quote: “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask … for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”
Who Drops Out: While leaders can be molded, there comes a time when a professional must choose whether they want to lead or not. “Everyone can be taught to lead. But there is a certain point where your will and desire to sacrifice, which you need in order to really lead, is tested. People either choose not to be leaders at all or are unwilling to go to the next level. Leadership is not a job. It is a calling, a lifestyle.”
Her Style: Jacono recites the business parable of the chicken and the pig when describing her leadership style. As the pig, she’s willing to make whatever sacrifices might be necessary. “Do you have a chicken’s or pig’s commitment to breakfast? The chicken lays an egg and goes on to live another day. The pig is not so lucky. For me, I only know how to go all in. I know I need to fully solve the problem in front of me but also have the confidence that I will be OK on the other side.” Sausage, anyone?
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