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Hi Playmakers,
Fourteen years ago, I met my husband after the greatest pickup line of all time.
I was a broke college student, fresh off a weekend in Florida where I’d met a guy in a yellow Abercrombie shirt who walked up to me and said, “Hi, I’m Pavle. What’s your name?”
“Jennifer,” I told him. “But my friends call me Jen. Only my family calls me Jenny.”
He didn’t miss a beat. “Okay, Jenny. Nice to meet you.”
It was subtle but smooth. The kind of line you only catch in hindsight. A quiet way of saying, one day, we’ll be family.
I didn’t know it then, but that conversation would change the entire trajectory of my life.
There was no plan or strategy. Just a spark. Something that felt bold and maybe a little reckless. But also like the kind of moment you’d regret not following.
Three weeks later, I sold my stuff, bought a plane ticket, and took the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken. We were married a few months later. I moved to America, and everything about my life changed.
This week, we got back from Fiji to celebrate 13 years of marriage.
Sometimes, the best investments you’ll ever make won’t look rational on paper. They won’t come with guarantees or consensus. They’ll require guts, risk, and a belief in something no one else can see yet.
This week’s theme is about that kind of leap. The kind that’s scary and uncertain and completely worth it.
Because when you say yes to something bold — a move, a business, a person — you’re not just betting on the idea. You’re betting on yourself.
And that, to me, is the most powerful kind of play.
Jenny
P.S. Speaking of, big leaps… did you see Mira Murati raised the largest seed round in history? Re-visit our story on her here.
The Play of the Week: Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes
Before she became one of the most groundbreaking CEOs in American business, Beth Ford was a 12-year-old kid in Iowa making $2 an hour working on a farm. Today, she leads Land O’Lakes, a $14 billion agricultural cooperative and one of the largest food and agribusiness companies in the U.S.
Her story is not about headlines or hashtags. It’s about grit, humility, and showing up fully as yourself, even when the world isn’t ready for it.
From a young age, Beth knew she wanted to go to college. That meant working… a lot. At just 12 years old, she started working on a local farm for two dollars an hour. Later, she painted houses and cleaned buildings as a janitor to keep saving. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave her a work ethic that would carry her through every phase of her life.
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The Execution Plan: Your Play for the Week
Insights are only valuable if they’re acted on. Let’s turn this knowledge into impact with small but powerful action steps.
This week’s challenge: take action on something you’ve been putting off.
We never have all the information when making a big decision. Sometimes the best we can do is gather as much information as we can, assess the risks, and weigh the odds. This week, I want you to take action on something that you’ve been delaying because of a fear of the unknown. Sure, it might not work out, but it also might turn out better than you expected. Take the leap.
Call to Action:
1️⃣ Identify something you’ve been putting off because of fear.
2️⃣ Make a decision, commit, and report back! Drop a comment or share your post below. The best responses may be featured next week.
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 from Zippy Payton, the toddler with the hottest hit of the summer.
I spotlighted Zippy and her uncle Keenan as this week’s #Playmaker, because they show how encouraging children to learn and be curious can lead to some surprisingly catchy results. He dropped the beat, and she brought the vibe. Summer 2025 isn’t ready for this hit.
@day1keenan She said she wanted to sing 😂😂 . . @Zippy
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
🍭 No more insulin for a Type I diabetic woman thanks to stem cells. Check this out.
🍄 A new study shows what many of us already know, psychedelics significantly ease depression for years.
🧻 Can you ban flushing wet wipes? Spain is going to try.
☘️ Texas tried to ban THC products, but the Governor vetoed the bill. What do you think?
On this day in 1678, Elena Cornaro Piscopia became the first woman to be awarded which prestigious accolade?
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.
