Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jocelyn Wykoff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jocelyn, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

It might sound odd, but the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was tell me I was too nice—and they didn’t mean it as a compliment.

It was said in a boardroom, mid-discussion about a high-stakes decision. I had offered a solution that balanced grace with accountability, and someone across the table laughed and said, “You’re just too nice for this kind of work.”

In that moment, it stung. My face got hot, my confidence wobbled, and I left questioning whether I could lead the way I was wired to lead—with heart, empathy, and integrity. But that comment—that jab—became a catalyst. It sent me on a journey I didn’t know I needed. I started digging into the science of kindness, the strength it takes to be compassionate in conflict, and how Jesus himself led with both truth and tenderness.

What I realized was this: kindness isn’t weakness. It’s a superpower.

That offhanded comment? It didn’t break me. It built me. It pushed me to begin writing a book (in the works now), to speak up for leaders like me who are done shrinking themselves to fit someone else’s definition of “strong.” So yes—the kindest thing someone ever did was try to diminish me, because it led me to rise. Not in spite of my kindness, but because of it.

Jocelyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Jocelyn Wykoff here—founder of Kiss It Jane, a boutique marketing firm rooted in heart, strategy, and a whole lot of relationship-building. I’m also a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, a nonprofit marketing leader, a small-town kinda girl, a mom, wife, and someone who truly believes that kindness and clarity can coexist in business.

I got into marketing the long way—through years of real-life experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, helping organizations tell their stories in a way that actually connects with people. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years—chamber marketing, orthopedic practices, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, digital strategy—and each one taught me something valuable. What stuck with me most was this: people don’t just want flashy campaigns. They want to be seen, understood, and supported. That’s what Kiss It Jane was built for.

At Kiss It Jane, I specialize in relationship-driven marketing for small businesses, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce. Whether it’s a full marketing audit, a custom social media strategy, a website refresh, or fractional CMO support, my goal is to make marketing accessible and meaningful—especially for those who feel overwhelmed or overlooked.

I solve problems like:

“I don’t have a big budget, but I know I need marketing help.”

“I’m drowning in ideas and don’t know where to start.”

“I’m great at what I do, but I’m not reaching the people I want to serve.”

What sets me apart? My work is personal. I get to know the people behind the brand, not just the business goals. I believe marketing should feel like an extension of your values, not a distraction from them. I combine strategy with storytelling, organization with empathy, and creativity with a clear plan of action.

What I’m most proud of is the trust clients place in me. I’ve helped organizations grow from scattered to strategic. I’ve helped nonprofits raise awareness and funds by tapping into their “why.” And I’ve watched small businesses go from surviving to thriving with just a little guidance and a lot of heart.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that Kiss It Jane isn’t just a service—it’s a partnership. I’m here to connect the unconnected, to help you find clarity, confidence, and community in your brand voice. And if we can laugh along the way and make a little magic happen? Even better.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Keep it human, keep it honest, and keep it healthy.

I believe that a happy team is a more creative, collaborative, and committed one. High morale doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from creating space for people to be seen, heard, and supported. I always say: you can’t build a strong brand with a burnt-out team.

Here’s my go-to approach:

Lead with clarity and kindness. Be clear about expectations but compassionate in how you lead. People crave direction and grace in equal measure.

Celebrate the little things. Whether it’s progress on a project or someone finally taking that vacation—cheer them on.

Embrace The Let Them Theory. If someone’s energy isn’t aligned with the team, let them. You don’t have to over-function to fix what isn’t yours to carry. Protecting your peace protects your team’s momentum.

Balance isn’t a bonus—it’s a strategy. Encourage breaks. Normalize healthy boundaries. High morale isn’t built in overtime—it’s built in trust.

At the end of the day, people want to feel like what they do matters and that who they are matters even more. If you can create a culture that honors both, you’re not just managing a team—you’re cultivating something powerful.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Hands down: relationships over everything.

For me, growing Kiss It Jane hasn’t been about chasing every lead—it’s been about nurturing the right ones. I’ve always believed that people work with people they trust. So I focus on building real, meaningful connections long before there’s a contract on the table.

Most of my clients come from referrals, community involvement, and just showing up consistently—whether that’s in a boardroom, at a local event, or even over coffee. I take the time to understand what people actually need, not just what they think they need on paper. When you listen first and serve second, word spreads.

I don’t believe in cookie-cutter marketing, and I don’t believe in surface-level relationships. My best strategy has been to love people well, do excellent work, and stay aligned with my values. That mix of heart and strategy? It grows not just clients—but community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kissitjane.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissitjane/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kissitjane
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynwykoff
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kiss-it-jane-social-circle
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/NWEgeij

Image Credits

Amy Allmand