Jodi Quemelen

1. Think Big, Work Small

Life’s too short to think small all the time. When I talk to people I mentor, I always encourage them to start big and imagine the best-case scenario, and design a version of success that genuinely excites them. Then… zoom in. Break it down. Figure out the small, consistent steps that get you closer to that big win.

Thinking big isn’t just about lofty dreams. It’s about seeing what’s possible, and having the courage to move toward it, even when it feels far away. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned (spoiler: they won’t), you’ll still land miles ahead of where you would’ve been if you’d started out with a half-hearted goal. So why not win?

2. Live in Alignment with Your Values

I share this all the time because it’s at the core of living a grounded, intentional life. When you’re clear on what truly matters to you and you make choices based on that, you’re living with integrity. Decisions feel less chaotic. You’re less likely to burn out as often. You’re not constantly swayed by what everyone else is doing, or what looks good on paper. You’re rooted in yourself, and that’s what makes all the difference.

I do want to mention that living in alignment doesn’t always mean life will feel easy, but it will feel more natural and honest. That kind of authenticity creates clarity, peace, and long-term fulfillment that surface-level success just can’t match.

3. Be Kind, But Sharp

It doesn’t cost anything to be kind, and there’s no doubt that kindness can take you far. But kindness doesn’t mean being a pushover. The sweet spot? Be someone who’s warm, responsible, and easy to collaborate with, while still being sharp enough to make hard calls, set boundaries, and lead with clarity.

Kindness creates connection. It makes people feel seen and safe. But sharpness? That’s what ensures you stay focused, strategic, and respected. You can be both. You should be both. People remember how you treat them and whether you followed through. So lead with compassion, but don’t be afraid to cut out the noise, say no when it counts, and stand your ground when it matters.

4. Be Solution-Oriented

It’s easy to get stuck in what’s going wrong: blaming people, systems, or situations when things don’t go our way. You know what? I get it. However, most of the time, complaints are just a coded cry for change. But while complaining expresses frustration, it doesn’t create progress.

A solution-oriented mindset actually acknowledges the problem, then asks, “Now what?” Even when you can’t control everything, small, intentional steps forward can spark real change. And let’s be real: most people become leaders because they want to make things better, so being solution-focused isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. It’s how you move ideas, people, and purpose forward.

5. Serve the Community

I’m sorry to say this, but at the end of the day, it can never truly be about just you. This is the heart of my work, and has been for most of my life: to serve others, uplift those around me, and strengthen my community.

When you lead with service, your success becomes something greater than personal gain. It becomes shared. When you win, others should too. Whether you’re supporting your team, your neighborhood, or a broader cause, you’re contributing to a ripple effect of well-being and progress. And that kind of impact can compound over time in ways you couldn’t even imagine.

See you next week!

Peace,

Jodi Q.