Some people just can’t sit still. Enter Jessica Hollander, director of marketing and communications at Carruthers & Humphrey, a well-established Vancouver cosmetic dermatology clinic. From flipping homes on the volatile Vancouver market to consulting on passion projects (Red Crown pomegranate juice, for example) to chairing galas for the Children’s Wish Foundation (she’s a board member and marketing adviser for the foundation’s B.C. and Yukon chapter), Hollander has never been one to back down from a challenge.
Chalk it up in part to being the child of ambitious parents. “I grew up with two very entrepreneurial parents who were both executives,” said Hollander. “I went to work with my mom when I was nine; she put me to work in various business settings.”
Yet she felt a pull toward other disciplines too. “Art was always a big part of my life,” she said. It wasn’t until high school that Hollander discovered her perfect nexus between art and business, and a future marketing and communications executive was born.
Hollander has made remarkable progress since studying marketing communications management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Between 2012 and 2015, while working for Jostle Corp. as director of marketing, she helped expand the company’s customer base from five to hundreds in over 120 countries worldwide. In 2013 she began work with the Children’s Wish Foundation.
She attributes some of her success to the opportunities provided her during her time working at Roland Canada, which supported her through her studies at BCIT. But the lion’s share can be pinned to her personal growth.
“It really comes down to knowing your values, intrinsically, and knowing what makes you happy outside of the professional noise,” she said. “I really care about making an impact.”
That’s not to say she eschews the values of good business. “I love making people money. But at some stage, you want to do something that has a more profound impact.”
Hollander is also bridging a relationship between Emily Carr University and Monagram DinnerxDesign. She’s helped create a five-year scholarship fund connected to a benefit event that sees internationally renowned designers create a unique dining experience for benefactors.
Birthplace: Richmond, B.C.
Where you live now: Vancouver, B.C.
Highest level of education: Marketing communications, BCIT
Currently reading: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Currently listening to: Sunny by Bobby Hebb and Barcelona by Giulia y los Tellarini
When you were a kid, what you wanted to be when you grew up: Veterinarian. I was constantly bringing home wounded animals from school. My mom was great about it, until I showed up with a pot-bellied pig
Profession you would most like to try: If I could spend my time exploring new places and tasting delicious foods, I would. I’d have to say a travel and food writer for Condé Nast
Toughest business or professional decision: My most recent was an unplanned job change. I had opportunities arise in the spring, and not all based in Vancouver. It was a good opportunity for me to evaluate where I was, and what I wanted to work towards. I opted to make a move, challenge myself and explore a new industry. I couldn’t be happier with my decision
Advice you would give the younger you: Where you focus your energy is where you will grow – so be conscious of your thoughts and time. Being called “tenacious” is a compliment – so own it. The best relationships you build will come from being open and vulnerable – practise sharing. Most importantly, find your tribe. They will inspire, support and challenge you more than you can imagine
Join us to celebrate the 2015 Forty under under 40 Awards January 27, 2016 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. For tickets and event info visit www.biv.com/events/40under40.
