About

Jessica studies how individual uniqueness shapes our creative and entrepreneurial work. She started her career as a Neuroscience & Psychology Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health before joining the startup and venture ecosystem where she now studies the minds of entrepreneurs and creatives — and builds businesses alongside of them. She writes, speaks, and teaches at universities and organizations around the world on topics like creativity, psychology, philosophy, entrepreneurship, self-actualization, authenticity, spirituality, mental health, and more.

Experience

  • Chief of Culture, CX

  • Adjunct Professor, NYU

  • Author, Wired This Way

  • TED Speaker

  • Expert in Residence at Georgetown University, Entrepreneur & Creative Psychology

  • Head of Innovation at the American Psychological Association

  • Neuroscience Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health

  • Head of Psychology & Education at ZenBusiness

  • Director & Venture Partner at NextGen Venture Partners

  • Lecturer, Presenter, or Writer at Oxford University Press, Chiron Publications, TED, Columbia University, London School of Economics, American University, Psychiatric Times, University of Maryland, Society for Psychologists in Leadership, and more.

Jessica has also received trained in shamanism, reiki, Akashic Records, yoga, meditation, color therapy, and other esoteric traditions. She maintains a strong interest in spirituality and symbolic/archetypal practices.

Testimonials

& Endorsements

The essential user’s manual for the entrepreneurial spirit...I only wish I’d received this profound, comforting guidance when I began my journey.

—Justin McLeod, Founder & CEO of Hinge

Points the way to a healthier life as an entrepreneur, as the first step in any worthy personal or professional pursuit is being honest about one’s own experience.

—Jon Staff, Founder & CEO of Getaway

The shared language we have has enriched our daily interactions, allowing for greater insights to how each of us operate, provoking empathy, confidence and above all, trust.

—Carissa Brady, Partner of Latticework Investment Group

Her sessions are a must for any venture firm or high-horsepower company. We've invited her back a half-dozen times — our founders can't get enough.

—Stephen Hays, Founder & Managing Partner of What If? Ventures

This is a message that should be emphasized in universities, incubators, and institutions responsible for educating the next generation.

—Howard W. Buffett

The psychiatrist’s dream come true—clinically robust, empathetic, and actionable.

—Nina Vasan, MD, MBA, Director of Brainstorm: Stanford

Deep insights and a road map for enhancing entrepreneurial success.

—Harris Eyre MD Ph.D., Brain Health Entrepreneur, Neuroscientist & Innovation Diplomat

Like a Canterbury Tales of entrepreneurs, you will soon be walking your journey with fellow pilgrims... she will show you that creativity and disorder go hand in hand.

—Andy Dunn, Co-Founder of Bonobos & Founder at Red Swan Ventures

If you are a parent, you read The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. If you work with founders, you should read [Carson’s} Wired This Way.

—Osnat Benari, VP, WeWork Labs

An endearing, ageless guidebook for the entrepreneurial spirit.

—Martin Ditto, Founder & CEO, DITTO

A unique formulation of a path to wellness and wholeness for entrepreneurs... she helps us to understand that entrepreneurs are not only people, but people who matter.

—Michael Freeman, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UCSF

A unique and much-needed perspective on the mental and emotional health challenges faced by those trying to create a new world.

—John Stokes, Founding Partner at Real Ventures

Carson attends to the whole experience of being a creator—not just the photoshopped and edited versions we often see in the media.

—Luke Arthur Burgis, Professor at Catholic University & Author of Wanting

Refreshingly unravels the oft-repeated platitude ‘bring your whole self to your work.

—Jessica Straus, Venture Partner at Dundee Venture Capital & Kauffman Fellow

Part self-exploration, part examination of the creative spirit, and part manifesto. But the sum is even greater than the excellent parts.

—Allen Gannett, Founder of TrackMaven & Author of The Creative Curve

She provides a clear message to any aspiring entrepreneur that IT IS OK TO BE YOU.

—Jeff Reid, Founding Director & Professor, Georgetown University Entrepreneurship Initiative

Should not only be required for anyone that aspires to build products in the 21st century, but also for those people who work with them...insights are relatable and rare.

—Chris Messina, Inventor of the Hashtag

A user-manual for the creative mind, and a guide for those who live in their wake.

—Jason Silva, Futurist & Former Host of Host Brain Games

If you are an entrepreneur, you MUST read this book if you want to understand yourself and succeed in business... you can’t afford not to.

—John Gartner, Ph.D., Author of The Hypomanic Edge

Carson demonstrates the complexity of a creator’s mind...composed harmoniously to shape a beautiful work of art. Breathtaking.

—Christian Busch, Ph.D. Faculty at NYU & Author of The Serendipity Mindset