We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jasmine Wise. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jasmine below.

Jasmine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

My first and last full-time job taught me the importance of freedom and agency. This was my first time having a full-time job in my entire life. I was used to coming and going as I pleased as long as my work was done. I was in school until I was 27 so you can imagine the culture shock that came with me having to show up somewhere every day at the same time. I know it sounds crazy but I never had to do that before. I realized once I left that freedom was more important to me than money. Not only did I learn freedom was more important than money, but I also discovered that having agency within any position I took from there on out was also important. I could not allow anyone or anything to have that much control over my being. So now with every job, every client, every presentation, I choose myself first.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I love seeing people fulfill their purpose! As a Purpose Cultivator and Educator, I get to do just that. Prosper Projects helps those with business ideas build effective LLCs and 501c3s without the fear of being stuck. My other passions include pushing people to the next level and seeing them succeed. Whether through my project management firm or purpose coaching, no matter where you are on your journey, I walk you towards your purpose.

Although not the smartest thing, I self-published my first book, Confessions of a Sinner, in 2015 without assistance. I quickly saw the errors of my ways and the benefits of having others to help along the journey. I have a natural knack for motivating others to complete personal projects and figure out what they want to be when they grow up.

I started Prosper Projects after graduating from graduate school and not being able to find a job. I was working part-time as an afterschool worker at a local academy and the idea came to me. I realize that I could use my skills of motivation and add them to my skills of juggling several projects. I decided to hone in on GOAL Setting & Time Management within my business and I haven’t looked back.

I help my clients reach their potential by helping them to create obtainable goals and manage their time effectively. All of my products land in one of three main areas: 1-on-1 coaching, The Prosper Way Online Course, and physical products such as the yearly Prosper. Planner and GOAL Setting Notebook. My 1-on-1 sessions are biweekly sessions where I walk my clients through my GOAL Setting process and help them see their potential. The Prosper Way Online Course teaches the GOAL Setting process as well as my Time Management System to help my clients, learn and grow. Lastly, the Prosper. Planner helps you to see the GOAL Setting Process in a way that is manageable for you.

I am so proud when my clients realize they can reach a goal. It’s amazing to see people start businesses, write books, and start non-profits! More importantly, I love seeing people believe in themselves and their dreams again!

Any advice for managing a team?

The easiest and hardest part about managing a team is getting to know your people. I believe getting to know you’re people changes everything. It helps you to see where they excel and where the gaps are so you can strategically place them where they will flourish. My advice would be to celebrate everything! I don’t care how small the achievement seems. You don’t have to give them a gift but saying “Great job getting this back to me on time. I’m thankful that you are on this team!” goes a long way. I make sure that people on my team feel appreciated every step of the way. I want them to feel like they matter.

On the flip side of managing, I do not shy away from hard conversations. If I see something or someone isn’t working out I try to find a better place for them to fit. I work hard making sure the people on my team know we want the best from them and if the position they’re in isn’t the best we help them get to the best. Managing people is about finding joy and balance for all team members involved.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn that you get what you deserve. I grew up getting what I deserve. Whether positive or negative, there were also consequences for my actions throughout my life. You work hard and you are rewarded somehow. You do something wrong and you are punished somehow. This formula worked until I started a business.

I now know that no one owes you anything and that you must work hard, hold strong boundaries, and sometimes even fight for what you deserve. The world is built to get something from nothing and this has made me miss a lot of opportunities believing that people would treat me the way I treated them, especially in business. This unlearning did not change my character but I am much more firm in how I handle contacts and clients. This change has made me remember my worth in all areas of my life actually; I am much more confident now.

Contact Info:

• Website: JasmineWisePhd.com/ProsperProjects.com
• Instagram: @prosper.projects
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Propser.Projects
• Youtube: Purpose and Prosper With Dr. Jas