Dr. John Jackson grew up as a pastor’s kid, but he didn’t see that as his calling. “I told God in my own way, ‘I’ll do anything you want, except I’ll never be a missionary, and I’ll never be a pastor,’” says Jackson. So of course he became a pastor.

It’s a job just like any other job, except with responsibility for the safety of an entire city. No pressure. When Kathy Lester was sworn in as chief of the Sacramento Police Department in December 2021, she joined a new executive team with fresh eyes, and they surveyed the many challenges.

The pandemic, the rise of Gen Z and new cultural norms have all contributed to a shift in the values we expect from modern leaders. Understanding these trends — and the strategies required to keep up — is crucial for any leader who wants to retain employees, inspire their best work and even continue their own career.

When you’re the managing partner of a blue chip law firm it’s kind of like being a CEO, but in some ways it’s far more complex. Just ask Melissa Jones, managing partner at Stoel Rives, a firm known for its expertise in renewable energy and natural resources. 

Michael Hargis has always been entrepreneurial; as a fifth-grader he sold condoms to the upperclassmen. He would later produce parties, raves and music events like Sacramento’s 2012 Electronic Dance Festival. Then came food. 

Think CEOs have crazy schedules? Try being a member of Congress. The most carefully planned itinerary can be scrambled — or even scuttled — thanks to a call from the White House, an emergency vote, or urgent negotiations across the aisle. “We have to be flexible, and everyone else has to be flexible. That’s what’s different from being a CEO and running a company,” says Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Eric Lam didn’t care for college. In 2018, as a freshman at UC Davis studying managerial economics, he decided to drop out. “I knew I wanted to do something in business, and I knew that I could probably learn that off YouTube,” says Lam. A friend suggested real estate.

For over 15 years, Sacramento has turned to Kelly Brothers for making sense of Wall Street and the economy, where he serves as a frequent contributor to KCRA-TV and News Radio KFBK. But that’s only part of his story.

Fire engines, medical calls, protests, academic policy, a $400 million budget, COVID-19 challenges, donor relations — this is all in a day’s work for the president of a 33,000-student and 2,000-faculty university.

Jeanne Reaves works with CEOs on both personal growth and operational improvements. Her secret for pulling it off? She’s been in their shoes.

Stan Van Vleck is head of the 12,000 acre Van Vleck ranch, a family business that dates back to 1856.

Ken Endelman, who began his career as a furniture designer, never expected to become the CEO of the largest Pilates manufacturer in the world. Here’s how he tackles his day. 

Just in time for New Year’s resolutions, local nutritionists and fitness experts share what they’re seeing as the most popular health trends. Some are legitimate and backed by science, some are silly, some are useful, and all of them are very much in vogue. 

Many business leaders say they’re busy “putting out fires.” For Cindy Nichol this is not a metaphor.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Across the political spectrum, this is perhaps the only thing that everyone can agree on: The nation lacks inspiring leaders. While leadership appears to be lacking on the national stage, quietly — away from the spotlight — local leaders can inspire. 

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Mentors can help mentees look for a job, strengthen their portfolios, navigate the rocky waters of freelancing and more.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Each issue, we dig into the working habits of a top executive in the Capital Region, providing insight into how they get things done.

Over two years into the pandemic and many are beyond burnt out and in need of support. We examine the ways we’ve suffered and how to mediate the psychological effects of pandemic life.

As an extrovert, Dr. Janine Bera thrives on connection to her team and caring for her patients. Here’s how the chief medical officer of WellSpace Health structures her days. 

From deep analysis in the morning to the occasional hike in the evening, here’s how Cassandra Lichnock structures her days as CEO of CalSTRS.

PODCAST: After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region’s economic experts weigh in.

After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region’s economic experts weigh in.

From posing in hot yoga class to pitching new business, here’s how Barry Broome structures his days as CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council.

In The Way We Work, we track the routines of local executives. Here’s how Kelley Cowan oversees multiple construction projects.

In The Way We Work, we track the routines of local executives. Here’s how UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May runs a campus of 39,000 students.

Here are 10 strategies for protecting the mental health of members of your family business.

PODCAST: Social media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right.

Social media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right.

Dina Gentry is the communications director for the El Dorado County Office of Education, a role that impacts thousands of students and families across 15 school districts.

Gerardo Aceves and Amit Dhugga are CEO and president of Platinum Express, a Yuba City-based company with a fleet of 100 trucks.

PODCAST: More companies are finding that more care brings more success.

It’s not just a matter of altruism or having a heart: Empathy is innovation’s secret sauce.

While many small and not-so-small businesses were roiled, some have seen a windfall with people desperate to hop in their cars and do something, anything, besides cook another dinner at home and watch more Netflix.

Employers have been scaling back their annual holiday parties for years. What will they look like in 2020?

This coronavirus pandemic could mark the biggest shift to the workplace since the adoption of computers. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating both stubborn challenges and surprising opportunities for the construction industry. 

Too much stress costs employers $300 billion a year, according to The American Institute of Stress, as burnout can lead to employee turnover, lack of motivation and dips in productivity.

2.7 million residents live in areas with a high risk of wildfire, and the scarcity of urban real estate pushes construction toward the wooded areas most likely to ignite. Should this be allowed?

Every year, the United States generates around 260 million tons of trash. And no one knows what to do with it. No one, that is, except serial entrepreneur Mike Hart, the CEO of Davis-based Sierra Energy.

Part of this month’s Innovation issue

Welcome to the world of office yoga, a curious merger of yoga and commerce that is proving itself to be lucrative.

Henry Ford dreamed of mass-producing cars. So he started the Detroit Automobile Company … and it flopped. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first job at a TV station. Before she dominated the world of fashion, Vera Wang failed to realize her original dream — making it as an Olympic figure skater.

I bet you a cup of coffee that you are reading this just before a meeting, or maybe just after. Another bet: You feel that there are too many meetings. A third: This gauntlet of meetings can make it tough — or impossible — to finish your work.  

Sacramento has struggled with its branding for more than a century. Recently, the farm-to-fork movement has raised awareness of the local food scene, but as the region also tries to highlight its growth in business, tech, art and culture, a new brand is in the pipeline.