Employee Recognition – Spotlight on Jessica Dzieweczynski

This month we’re focusing on Recognition, always important for an individual and organization. As part of this, we wanted to spotlight some of our different FMPers. An Employee Spotlight is one of our favorite ways of recognizing the unique, talented, and dedicated people that make FMP Consulting a great organization and great place to work.

This week we wanted to share another Employee Spotlight, this time highlighting Jessica Dzieweczynski (or Jess D as she’s known around the office). Jess has been with FMP for over 10 years and is a valued leader, team member, and role-model.

We all had to start somewhere… But where was that for Jess D?

Determined to be able to buy her own car, Engagement Manager Jess Dzieweczynski began her very first job at the age of 15. She ran the cash register and worked the drive thru at a local fast-food restaurant.

Similar to many first-job experiences, the position was not something Jess was all that passionate about or interested in. Nevertheless, by capitalizing on opportunities to have fun and always keeping the “end goal” in mind, Jess was able to get a lot out of the experience…. Including a used Mercury Topaz, proudly named Claudia.

Quite a Source of Inspiration

When asked about having a strong work ethic at such a young age, Jess’ response revealed that she had quite a source of inspiration: her mother.

Jess expressed great admiration for her mother, who raised two daughters on her own, and often worked multiple jobs. Though busy with several commitments, Jess noted that her mother was and is “never too busy to be a cheerleader and caretaker for her family and friends.”

“Getting in the Weeds”

Alright so if the food industry isn’t a passion of Jess’, then what is?

Two words: Data analysis. That’s right, Jess likes “getting into the weeds” and critically thinking about what large amounts of quantitative and qualitative data are really saying.

As an Engagement Manager, a lot of Jess’ day-to-day activities involve working on deliverables and coordinating with her project teams. Considering this, and the consulting saying: “No two days are the same,” Jess doesn’t always have the time to dive into the details of the data analysis herself.

Fortunately, FMP is all about information-sharing and having an “open-door” environment; both of which contribute to Jess’ awareness of and participation in many data analysis initiatives going on across the firm. She is also an active mentor, providing formal and informal mentoring to team members looking to grow their data analysis skills or struggling with a particular methodology or question.

A Lens of Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Rationale

Jess’ passion for data analysis grew out of her love for math and science and was further crystalized during her pursuit for higher education.

In college, Jess came across Carl Sagan’s The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, and today, she deems it as one of the most influential books she has ever read. Jess indicated that this is because it highlights how important science is to our society and reminds us to “approach information and decisions with a lens of critical thinking and evidence-based rationale.”

Interestingly, the wisdoms Jess took from Sagan’s book would later serve to complement a strategy she learned at FMP.

What strategy is this, you ask? It is the strategy of “asking good questions and being an attentive listener when people share.” For Jess, this is an “art” and it was developed over years of observing FMP leadership do the same.

Make Time for Things Now Rather Than “Someday”

I’d like to leave you all with some inspirational words directly from Jess herself. Prompted to share some of the best advice she had ever received, Jess responded with the following:

“My grandpa shared the advice “do everything you want to do while you’re young because once you’re old it’s too late.” His words reminded me that it’s important to reflect on what matters most and set goals – both personal or professional, short-term and long-term – and make sure I’m making time for those things now rather than “someday.” Whether it’s a new role you want at work, or a new country you want to visit, there’s no time like the present to make that goal known, make a plan to get there, and make it happen! One of my personal “bucket list” goals is to check out all 50 states (driving through doesn’t count) and visit all 7 continents (yes, even Antarctica) – I know I can’t wait until I retire to make all of that happen, so I make progress by traveling to at least one new place each year.”