#PGProfiles: Mom, Manager, Mentor, and Magic Maker.

Welcome back to another installment of #PGProfiles, where we shine a light on the remarkable climbers making magic happen at Populus Group! Today, we're stoked to introduce you to an exceptional individual who effortlessly navigates both corporate leadership and active family life—meet Jessica Osei!

Jessica is a multi-talented, all-around supermom and an invaluable Process and Change Manager at Populus Group. With 15 years under her belt here at PG, she has become a cornerstone in not only improving our processes but also in uplifting our community of working parents. She’s got a jam-packed life, juggling everything from project management at work to cheering on her daughters at their soccer games and track meets. Trust us, you’re going to want to know how she does it all while keeping her sanity intact.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into Jessica’s world—a world filled with leadership, mentorship, and, of course, a whole lot of love for her family and her team.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m a working sports mom with a passion for helping others. So on any given day, I could be called on to be a nurse, a stylist, an event planner, a mediator, a project manager, a chef, a counselor, a logistics manager- and that’s all before breakfast!

In my current role as a Process and Change Manager and the Co-Lead of the Engagement Committee, I spend my time improving processes, project planning, and helping others better utilize technology to save time and create efficiencies. I am the founder and current Leader of the PG Parents Employee Resource Group.  I help our community of working parents by building and managing our Parent Mentor Program, creating HR Partnerships, Monthly Coffee Connects, and ad hoc requests for support. We have built a team of climbers who support an amazing community of working parents.

When I'm not at work, my time is often filled with family activities. I'm incredibly fortunate to have been married to my college sweetheart for an amazing 18 years. Together, we navigate the ups and downs of raising our two daughters, Reagan (10 years old) and London (8 years old). You'll usually find me on the sidelines, cheering my heart out for my girls during their soccer games or track meets. I also like to do some traveling with my husband and our girls. Sometimes it's road trips to soccer games, a long weekend away with friends, or a trip back to Toronto where my husband grew up.

How long have you worked at PG and what has kept you here?

What was the job you earned your 1st paycheck?

I did a work-study in High School at an automotive supplier, working in the Purchasing Department. I am so lucky to work with two amazing females who gave me support to learn and gain professional experience. They taught me how to not only do my job duties but were great role models for strong female leaders and being inclusive. Even then they invited me to customer dinners/events and had me join larger meetings to give exposure.

How do you manage work-life balance, especially during the hectic Back-to-School season?

Being Remote First helps! I also food prep and unapologetically set my boundaries. I will always create results at work, but family comes first.

If you could share one piece of advice with other working moms, what would it be

Give yourself some grace! Psst — still none of us have it figured it! Ask for help! 

We can’t do this alone and that’s okay. 😊 From help putting the kids to bed, to utilizing carpool—we don’t have to do it all (perfectly).

Recommend a book, TV show, or movie you recently enjoyed.

I recently started watching FireFly Lane on Netflix.  Also, slowly reading A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt.

If you were a school supply item, what would you be?

I would be those fun-smelling markers from our childhood! :) 

List anything else you want us to know! 

That's all, folks! Make sure you give Jessica a virtual applause in the comments and thank her for sharing!