Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Watson.
Jodi, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Life Often Comes Full Circle I grew up in Oregon and always had a love of the ocean and the animals in it. When I first attended university, I studied Marine Biology, and one evening in the lab, I was having a full blown meaningless conversation with something I could not see under a microscope. I saw my future in that instant, and it freaked me out. It made me realize that I probably needed to change my major…. And I ended up going into business.
After graduating from Portland State University, I landed a summer job in Istanbul, Turkey – a short experience in international business, The job was a disaster, but I loved Turkey, and I found another job there – staying for almost two years.
Fast forward decades later and two years ago, I left my 30 year career in Corporate America. I knew I needed a major reset in my life, and I needed to return to work that sparked joy, was more aligned with my values and didn’t require constant testing of my integrity.
But, I was scared. Being an executive was pretty much all I knew. Having spent the past 30+ years working for a string of successful (and some now defunct) incredible retailers: Circuit City, Eddie Bauer, Williams-Sonoma, Inc, Wolverine Worldwide and Petco, I wondered what else I could do…. If I dared to do it. If I was brave enough to take a risk, take a leap, and start a new life.
So, after leaving Petco in the Fall of 2017, I decided to apply and volunteer aboard the Sea Shepherd, to shake myself out of any semblance of my former life and define my new set point. After 2+ months at sea, aboard a 110 foot decommissioned 1940s Coast Guard Cutter, my perspective changed dramatically. I called my husband, of 27 years, from the middle of the ocean and told him I couldn’t go back. I needed to try something new – even if I failed. Forever supportive, he agreed, and in March of 2018, we pulled away from the dock in Shelter Island on our 50’ Celestial Pilothouse sailboat and headed south.
Today, I work as a consultant, advisor and Board member – a true digital nomad living part time aboard our sailboat in Mexico, using San Diego as our USA home base, staying at our home in Turkey during the Pacific hurricane season and traveling to all parts in-between for work. I stay plugged into corporate America and add value using my experience but in a completely new way: a new way that feeds my passion for work, without the crushing politics stripping my soul, working with people who truly appreciate what I have to offer.
And, because this new life only really requires only a good internet connection and a nearby airport, I get to stay surrounded by the ocean and sea creatures I have always loved so much.
Has it been a smooth road?
My philosophy is that if you aren’t confronting challenges or having struggles, you’re not learning, and you’re not living. Every person has their struggles along the way. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve had some bad luck, but I also believe that the harder I work, the luckier I get, and I’ve tried not to take the struggles too personally – knowing that what goes down must come up.
My toughest year of work was in 2008. I decided to join a start up in what turned out to be the most disastrous economic year in recent history. I remember walking into work on 9/15 – the same day Lehman Brothers filed bankruptcy. The world changed after that day; we immediately lost our VC support and funding, and most of the senior executives lost their jobs within a month as a result. I’m lucky to have a supportive family, husband and friends that always cheer me on.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m currently consulting for companies who need eCommerce and Marketing support in a broad range and capacity. Whether they need a temporary Chief Marketing or Digital Officer or me acting in an advisor role. I am the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors at TrueLeaf Pet, a publicly traded pet and wellness company in Vancouver, BC. I also sit on the Board of Directors at Dakota Supply Group in Minneapolis.
I am an advisor to several companies in the pet, tech and footwear industries and the CMO at SmartCanister.com – an internet of things company that is changing the way people buy, order and consume coffee.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
San Diego is the perfect location for what I do – it’s geographically central to the US, Canada and Mexico – countries in which I spend a lot of time traveling to and living. It’s a dynamic city that supports digital and tech fields. The pervasive attitude here is a great mixture of laid back southern California with a dash of Silicon Valley. And, considering my love of all things water, sailing, and scuba diving, I couldn’t ask for a better home base.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2726 Shelter Island Dr.
#319 - Website: www.smartcanister.com
- Phone: 8588806803
- Email: jodiwatson@gmail.com
- Instagram: Living_On_A_Boat
- Twitter: jodiw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ZzaB-Bu–qSt7APNW5KVuw
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiwatson/
Image Credit:
Sam Rose Phillips
I took all of these photos – or a friend took them on my camera
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