Uncle Jason's Words of Wisdom by Nicholson, Christine

Amazing thought partner and confidante. You are simply the best!!!

2023-02-13 15:39:05 UTC

Hi Jason, I feel very fortunate to see your leadership and humanity in so many paths : DEI Council, 2CM Team, and this year as my Manager! Deeply appreciative of your laser focus and intention setting during our debriefs. You lead with so much integrity and criticality that creates the conditions for partners and coaches to alike to blossom in your presence. It's only fitting that you step into a new role and chapter with people at the heart of your work. Connectedness and human centered leadership is truly one of your many many, superpowers. Thank you Jason <3 You're simply the zest :) Love from Sarah Prentice

Thank you for being there 🙏

2023-02-13 18:48:50 UTC

Hey Jason, I just wanted to express how grateful I am for having a manager that truly cared about me, supported me in my progress, and even in my personal life. Anytime I doubted myself and my abilities you were right there to cheer me on. You were always able to see my strengths when I was not, and I truly appreciate you for that because without it I may not have been able to develop in my professional life. You always lead with a "people first" mentality so I know that you will make major impact in your new role just as you did on our team and as a manager! I wish you best in your new journey as you move into a new season of growth!

❤️ Courtlyn

Be Profound or Don't

2023-02-13 19:31:32 UTC

Jason, my brother, friend and colleague. I honestly don't know how i'm really going to say goodbye after the last 7 years of working with you. I have learned so much from you as a leader, how remain authentic to who I am as a black woman from Detroit, as a mother and a southsider. You have truly grown and flexed your knowledge with us, and I can't wait for you to continue on in your new role leading an entire staff into the light. I am grateful that you took me under your wing and made me your sister, that you fought with me and beside me over the years, that you may let my calls go to voicemail but you never forget to call back. Overall, I'm just grateful for you.
Quiaria

We were lucky to have you!

2023-02-13 19:39:40 UTC

Jason, it's been incredible to work with you over the last 6 years. From my first day on staff you showed how thoughtful you were in this work. You look at each situation from so many angles and always come back to what is best for our students? It's a trait/skill that I've admired so much. And you always brought the fun and joy into this work. The office was always an adventure when you were there with your infectious laughter. And it's been amazing to see your growth over the years. From a strong coach to a passionate team leader and an incredible parent as well. We're lucky our region got to experience your brilliance and your next org is lucky to have you.

Don't be a stranger,

Steven

Jason, Jason, Jason....and the crowd goes wild

2023-02-14 21:48:38 UTC

Jason! It has been an honor to get to work with you the last 6 years I have been on staff, and even more of a treat to get to have your brilliance as a manager. You are authentic, strategic, student-centered and wear your heart on your sleeve. You have so many super powers in DEI, seeing systems level challenges, always being optimistic, you see so many incredible things in people and you share it & help make us all stronger-it's truly been a gift to get to work with you and I am so fricking excited for you and this new journey-you are going to absolutely CRUSH it! <3 -Katie

The Agitator

anajahroberts — 2023-02-17 14:53:33 UTC

Jason.. since day 1 you have been someone that saw the world as it is and have believed that better was possible. Whether it was making culturally responsive teaching a more integrated part of our work developing teachers or rethinking how we gather with members you have shaken every table you have had the opportunity to be at. Low key... you agitate me! hahaha but in the best ways. I've been so blessed to be a part of your journey and to learn alongside you. I believe deeply that iron sharpens iron and I am better because of you. Thank you for being a part of my team. The CML Leads fam, and just a real friend. I always felt more capable of taking on the hard stuff because you were in the work with me. I can't wait to see how you agitate the heck out the next group of unsuspecting victims.. and they will be all the better and all the more impactful for it.
Love ya,
Naj

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2023-02-17 17:43:30 UTC

You have made such a profound impact on my leadership journey. I am just so thankful that I had even a sliver of a moment to be mentored, guided, and led by you. I appreciate how you have always met me where I have been at and inspired me to move through whatever has come my way with an unwavering belief that I could and would. I feel like you always saw for me the other side and if you had that impact on me, I KNOW you have blessed many many many people and students with that same spirit. I appreciate your courage and going to bat for your this work and for all of those you care about in this work. I am thankful for your candor, to share openly, honestly, and authentically. Your jokes and JOY-I will miss that too. I cannot wait for this next chapter for you. You are going to make tremendous impact and touch many many more lives. I cant wait to hear all about it! -Mariah

The Confidence Builder

christinenicholson — 2023-02-21 18:37:26 UTC

Jason! How dare you! I thought our Manager/Managee relationship was special!! But I am sitting here reading all these messages from my colleagues, and it turns out one of your many magical powers is the ability to make every person feel so uniquely seen, cared for, and empowered in their leadership and goals. It is not lost on me how special that is, and I do know that while you make it looks easy it takes time and intention. I want you to know that every time our meetings went an extra 15min and you said nothing, but stayed fully present and engaged, I didn't just notice, I cherished it, because I always leave our check-ins feeling like I am ready to conquer all the things the week will throw at me. Your impact in Chicago has been immense, and I am glad I will have seat to witness your next level of influence. You are incredibly talented, Beyond 100K is BEYOND lucky to get such an incredible people leader in their organization, and I am confident that you will accomplish so much in your time there. There isn't much to say besides, Thank you, thank you, thank you and please still hold calendar time Tuesdays at 11 for 45min-1hr. -Christine

I'm so excited for you and this wonderful opportunity to go dazzle dazzle the world!

2023-02-28 18:35:08 UTC

I knew that Chicago was where I belonged after our first check in and following subsequent thought partnering sessions. You always seem to know the right thing to say and do at the right time and your legacy is a testament to your human-centered intuition and thoughtfulness. Please keep in touch! I would be remiss to also mention I miss our random Sci-fi chats, so if you even need to grab coffee and discuss Mandalorian or GoT, you call me and I will come! Finally, I'm sad that I don't have you close by and that I didn't take advantage of the last weeks that I had to connect with you before you left. It was not because you don't hold a special place in my heart! Lisa be Lyfin' . This is the way. Lisa H.