Jessica Dodson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jessica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I love exploring new towns and cities… wandering the streets, peeking into shop windows, finding a cozy café for a coffee and a good book. Those unhurried, lovely days where nothing is planned but everything feels full, that’s where I find stillness, joy, and a bit of myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jessica Dodson, Founder and Chief Brand Strategist of Dodson Consulting, a boutique marketing consultancy based in San Diego. I serve as a Fractional CMO and marketing partner for purpose-driven organizations that want to grow with clarity and impact. While San Diego is home base, I often work from other parts of the world, which is a rhythm that fuels creativity and brings a global perspective to the local brands and communities I love supporting.
In simple terms, I plug into teams that already have a lot on their plates, bringing leadership, strategy, and focus to help them reach their goals. I love listening and learning from the people inside a business first, so the solutions we create are not only smart, but sustainable.
What makes Dodson Consulting unique is how intentionally we work. We’re a flexible collective of marketing and creative professionals who come together around each client’s needs, without the overhead of a traditional agency. Our work is guided by purpose, community, and curiosity, and we believe business can truly be a force for good.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been a talker. I was the kind of kid who could strike up a conversation with anyone. I wasn’t so much organizing games as organizing people… babysitting, planning little get-togethers, making sure everyone felt included. I’ve always kind of had that “natural leader” streak — the one who steps up, keeps things moving, and loves cheering others on. I’m naturally positive and curious, and that mix still shows up in how I move through the world.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Sure! Plenty of times things have felt heavy or uncertain. Building a business isn’t a straight line, and there have been moments when I’ve wondered if the next step would land. I’ve had seasons where client work slowed down and it was easy to second-guess myself. (I mean, the steady paycheck, 401(k), and health insurance of a full-time job? That sounds so nice!)
What’s kept me going is remembering why I started: To help good people and good brands grow with purpose. To have variety in my work, keep expanding my network, and craft a life with the flexibility I value. I’ve learned to take a breath (okay, many), pray about it (endlessly), and trust that clarity will come… which is often just an invitation to be patient. Every time I’ve leaned into that process, something better has unfolded. I’m proud of who I’ve become through it all — I’m more grounded, grateful, and inspired to keep growing.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Connection. They’d tell you I care deeply about relationships, culture, and the beauty of how different — yet connected — we all are. I find that same sense of connection in wild places; that grounding reminder we’re part of something bigger, that love and curiosity go hand in hand, and that judgment doesn’t serve us well.
If you’re familiar with the Clifton Strengths Finder, “Connectedness” and “Belief” are two of my top five, which makes perfect sense. That thread of connection and meaning runs through everything I do, in life and in work.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I loved well. That I was brave, curious, and kind. That I listened deeply, laughed often, and made a difference. And that beauty surrounded my life’s work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dodsonconsulting.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadodson/
- Other: Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RCZEUH9VHPz7N3iM6I’ll be launching social in the next month! Stay tuned!
Image Credits
Bradley Girard
