In this episode: Making optimism a strategy & leaning into failure Diagnosing the difference between nerves & excitement Starting even when you’re really scared Thinking positively rather than brewing in negativity I am so excited you are here for today’s episode because on the show we have Jess Ekstrom. She is a powerhouse entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker, and author. She’s been featured in major publications like Forbes, The Today Show, Entrepreneur Magazine, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, People and the list keeps going. What I really love, is the company that she is the founder of called Headbands of Hope. It’s a headband company that donates a headband to a child with cancer for every one purchased, and they have already donated over 600,000 headbands to children’s hospitals across the nation & globally. Jess started her company in her college dorm room! She also has an incredible speaking career & created the Micdrop Workshop to help get more female speakers paid & on stages. In addition to all of that, the main reason I wanted to bring her on the show is her new book called ‘Chasing the Bright Side’ and it’s all about embracing optimism. Jess is quirky, fun & very tactical which I just know you will really love! Can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!   PUMP-UP JAM: Treasure by Bruno Mars   Quotes: “I think we get clarity in the process and not in the planning. And sometimes those little things that you do start to add up.” “Make the possibilities bigger than the fear, get excited about the unknown.” “One of the things that I think brings the most clarity around optimism is that optimism is not a mood, it’s a strategy… it’s a strategy for good & we need that most when times are bad.” “It took someone, or some group, or some idea that had this glimmer of optimism in it to spark that movement, to bring it forward. When you look at the facts, any advancement, progress, innovation, in history started with optimism.” “Failure will always feel better than regret. And you’re going to have more information, you’re going to have more data, more research, you can make better decisions moving forward but not everything’s going to be a homerun when you’re a beginner.”   Resources: Hey girl, have you joined our email list yet? Subscribe now Connect with Jess on Instagram: @jess_ekstrom www.jessekstrom.com  Jump on the WAITLIST to join our global online personal development community The Collective Want a FREE weekly PUMP-UP text from ME? Text “KAC” to (833)909-0665 to subscribe! www.kaciafitzgerald.com/texts  Check out ALL my favorite things on Amazon (trampolines, books, & more!) If we aren't connected yet be sure to come hang with me on Instagram @kacia.fitzgerald and @shegoes.company or online at www.kaciafitzgerald.com Topic or speaker suggestions? Shoot us an email: hello@kaciafitzgerald.com  Follow our EMPOWERHER PUMP-UP JAMS playlist on Spotify!