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Hi Playmakers,
It was difficult to write today’s newsletter.
It feels like everywhere you look right now, the world is in turmoil. Politics, violence, markets, wars, climate — the list never ends. The tragedies continue, the noise is constant, and if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But here’s the truth: this isn’t new.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was leading through plagues, invasions, and political collapse. And yet, instead of breaking under the pressure, he wrote a journal that still guides leaders today: Meditations.
In it, he came back to one simple principle again and again:
In it, he came back to one simple principle again and again:
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
That’s the Circle of Control.
We don’t control elections. We don’t control markets. We don’t control the storms that hit our lives. What we do control are our actions, our character, and our focus.
And ironically, the more you redirect your energy inward, the more impact you can have outward. The founders, leaders, and creators who thrive in chaotic times aren’t the ones who obsess over what they can’t change — they’re the ones who pour themselves into what they can.
So as the noise grows louder this week, I’m asking myself: Where can I shift my attention back inside my Circle of Control?
Maybe that’s my health. My baby. My family. My next creative project. The work I show up for every day.
That’s where strength is built. That’s where resilience lives. And that’s where the future is shaped.
I don’t know about you, but going inward feels like the right place to be right now.
What are you putting inside your circle this week?
Jenny
The Play of the Week: Bridgit Mendler, CEO of Northwood
This 31 year old former Disney star went from Good Luck Charlie to leading a $1 billion space startup.
Meet Bridgit Mendler, Co-Founder and CEO of Northwood Space.
The Execution Plan: Your Play for the Week
This week’s challenge: Shrink your circle.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Write down the top three things causing you stress right now.
2️⃣ Cross out everything that is outside of your control.
3️⃣ Circle what’s left — and commit to focusing only on those this week.
The point isn’t to ignore the world. It’s to reclaim your energy and reinvest it in what you can actually shape.
How 433 Investors Unlocked 400X Return Potential
Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.
Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.
Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.
The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.
Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.
Playmaker’s Spotlight: Real People, Real Wins
Every week, I spotlight somebody from the community who is making a big play in their career or industry. This week’s play comes Helen Nichole, a parent and social worker.
This past week, she went viral with her controversial advice on how to prepare your kids for the real world. Check out and let me know if you agree.
@helennichole3 Real life: School social worker as a mother. #parenthood #parenthack #school #socialwork #childhood
Want to be featured next?
Make sure to tag @Jenny Stojkovic on your post for a chance to be featured.
The Extra Edge: Industry & Success Trends
👽 David Bowie was right. There might be life on Mars, after all.
🤓 Reese Witherspoon wants women to use AI. What, like it’s hard?
😺 This cat found his way home… 900 miles later. This actually happened to me as a kid, too!
☕️ Want to have virtual coffee with me?
I’d love your help spreading the word about The Wednesday Play. Refer other people to the newsletter and get free time with me for a video call.
How to Get Involved:
The Wednesday Play isn’t just a newsletter — it’s a community. I’ll be announcing much more in coming weeks and months! For now, let’s connect across social.
