Exploring Life & Business with Jessica Sato of Jessica Sato Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Sato.

Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a rule follower and a planner. I did all the things I was “supposed” to do… went to a great university, landed the corporate job, had a family, climbed the ladder, and was a success by all measures. But the longer I stayed in corporate, the less fulfilled I felt. I loved the work and the people, but I knew I wanted to create something different. Something on my terms.

Add to that the pressure of juggling too many balls, and I knew something had to give.

So, in 2010, I sat down with my husband and built a corporate exit strategy. I knew I couldn’t just throw caution to the wind and walk away, but I needed. a plan for more flexibility in my life. That exit strategy propelled me forward into the crazy world of entrepreneurship, and I’ve never looked back.

My first business was a cookie and cupcake project that went from side gig to full-time and lasted for nearly 4 years. That business taught me so much about myself, especially what it means to build a business that’s rooted in fun and passion, done my way.

While I loved baking, my heart has always been in the world of professional development and leadership growth. So a few years into the baking gig, I started my first consulting business. That 7 year adventure allowed me to travel the world, helping clients from non-profits to Fortune 250 companies, develop leaders and long-term growth and business strategies.

In 2017, I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in Ethiopia, and that launched me in a new direction, helping women entrepreneurs (instead of corporate) put the right business foundations in place and build intentional systems for scaling.

Over the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of combining all the pieces of the work I love – leadership development, business strategy, and systems – and helping corporate women leave the 9-5 grind, like I did, to build businesses they’re passionate about. This work has not only allowed me to support female entrepreneurs in the US, but also those in developing countries (through micro-loans, training, and more).

Being the CEO of your life and business is an ever-evolving process. I’m still growing and changing, and I hope that never stops!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any entrepreneur would say the road has been smooth. I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, some that cost me a lot of money, some that made me question if I could really do this, and some that were deeply personal and painful.

I’m a big believer that everything happens exactly the way it’s supposed to, and I can’t say I regret any of the decisions I made or the experiences I’ve had. Each one has given me new perspective, a deeper compassion and empathy for my clients and others, and a more informed place from which I can make decision.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences and the learning that’s come from them.

We’ve been impressed with Jessica Sato Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jessica Sato Consulting has been years in the making. Over the last decade, I’ve combined my years of experience, expertise, and passion for growth and development and created a transformational company that helps highly driven, corporate women walk away from the 9-5 grind – on their terms – and build professional, service-based businesses.

Walking away from corporate “security” can be difficult. That’s why we help women design an exit strategy – not an escape plan – that’s intentional and sets them up for success. This exit strategy factors in life design and desire, finances, and the business each woman wants to build. Together, we create a solid business strategy, lay firm foundations, create a clear marketing plan, and develop the systems to help her be successful.

As a company, we are deeply committed to running a business that is grounded in integrity, even when it’s costly. We believe building and running authentic, heart-centered businesses allows each woman to design the life she truly wants, and that translates to more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.

One aspect of the business that we are just beginning to build out is our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in developing countries. After years of living and working in Africa, I know the transformative power of entrepreneurship. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a woman determine her own future, provide for her children’s education, and find financial freedom through her own business. We proudly donate 5% of our profits to companies who are actively supporting female entrepreneurship and are working on opportunities to develop strong partnerships abroad.

In my spare time, I have the privilege of being a TEDx Speaker Director (Franklin, TN) and a speaker coach (Breckenridge, CO). Something magical happens when a person is able to dig deep to bring their big idea to life on the stage. Helping speakers find the core of their message and the confidence to share it is really powerful! Everyone has a big idea worth sharing; it’s simply a matter of bringing it into the light.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t know if it’s surprising, given that we live in Colorado, but I crave the outdoors. On the weekends, you’ll find me hiking, rock climbing, and adventuring in the Colorado wild with my husband and two teenagers.

Give me a tent, a fire, and clear skies, and I’m off the grid faster than you can snap your fingers!

Contact Info:

• Email: jessica@jessicasato.com
• Website: www.jessicasato.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicasatoconsulting