Happiness Isn’t the Reward—It’s the Fuel
Jackie explains that when we chase success without pausing to ask if we’re happy, we often climb the ladder only to discover we don’t like the view. Happiness activates the creative and innovative parts of the brain, fueling productivity, deeper connections, and ultimately, sustainable success.

The Spark Equation
Want to know what lights you up? Find the intersection of your talents and your passion. That’s your spark. You can be great at something and still feel empty doing it. The real brilliance happens when you love what you’re good at.

Emotional Contagion Is Real
Neuroscience shows that emotions spread in 33 milliseconds. Leaders set the emotional tone for teams and families. Walk into a room stressed and tense? That mood trickles down. Enter calm and energized? That spreads too. The power of your disposition matters more than your position.

Positivity Isn’t Fake—It’s Practical
Jackie calls her method practical optimism. It’s not about denying pain. It’s about facing reality, then choosing to believe in solutions and forward movement. Real positivity isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about knowing things can get better—and acting from that belief.

Ask Platinum Questions
The golden rule says, Treat others how you want to be treated. The platinum rule says, Treat others how they want to be treated.
Jackie encourages us to ask simple but powerful questions:

• How do you want to be supported when you feel stuck?
• What does happiness look like to you?
• How do you prefer to receive feedback?

Most of us never get asked these questions—yet they build the foundation for trust, safety, and genuine connection.

Lead at Work Like You Lead at Home
Whether you’re a CEO or a parent, the same principle applies: connection matters most. In fact, the longest-running study on human happiness from Harvard found that the number one predictor of well-being and longevity is the quality of our relationships. Not income. Not education. Not career success.

The Loneliness Epidemic
In an age of digital connection, real connection is fading. Jackie reminds us to pick up the phone, go for a walk with a friend, or just ask someone how they’re really doing. Even a 15-minute conversation can boost happiness more than anything else you do all day.

A Spark That Changes Everything
Jackie’s work in schools has reduced teacher burnout and raised test scores—just by helping students and teachers feel seen, heard, and valued. Her approach begins with a simple belief: When someone sees the best in you, you start to believe it too.