Foreword

When I was first asked to write this foreword, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited-and also a little reflective-about my own journey in the world of gaming and careers. You see, my career, much like yours probably has been (or will be), wasn't always a straight path. It's been more like an epic quest with unexpected twists, some challenging boss battles, and, let's be real, more than a few respawns along the way. And that's why The Career Game Loop feels so important right now. It captures how we can navigate today's fast-changing, unpredictable job market by tapping into something many of us are already familiar with: the mindset of a gamer.

For those of you who might not know me, I've spent over 35-years in the entertainment industry, from my early days in radio to my two decades at Xbox, where I connected with millions of gamers and developers through podcasts, live shows, and events. Along the way, I've had the incredible opportunity to witness firsthand how gaming can change lives-not just through entertainment but also through the valuable skills we develop by playing. What I love about this book is that it taps directly into that idea: the notion that the skills we build in gaming aren't just for fun; they're actually tools that can help us thrive in our careers and in life.

Let me give you a little story to start things off-one that speaks to how gaming has shaped my own career in ways I couldn't have imagined. When I first started out, I had no idea that my path would eventually lead me to Microsoft, much less to a long career helping build the Xbox brand. Back then, I was just a guy who loved radio and video games, figuring out how to turn my passions into something meaningful. It wasn't like I had this grand career plan all laid out-far from it! But here's the thing: gaming taught me the value of perseverance, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

I remember one day when I was working in radio, I got a call from a friend who was at Microsoft. He told me they were working on this exciting new project in music streaming (this was the year 2000). I jumped at it! A few years later I heard about this other project called "Xbox," and next thing I knew, I was helping shape what would become one of the biggest platforms in gaming. I didn't land that opportunity by knowing exactly where I was headed. Instead, I got there by being flexible, learning new things, and approaching challenges with the kind of mindset I'd developed through years of gaming-curious, adaptive, and unafraid to take risks.

That's exactly what The Career Game Loop is about. It's not just a book for gamers (though if you are one, you're going to love how it connects those dots). It's for anyone who's trying to navigate the ups and downs of today's job market-a world where industries are changing rapidly, technology is disrupting everything, and the old rules of career progression don't seem to apply anymore. Whether you're just starting out, trying to make a career pivot, or leveling up in your current role, this book offers you a road map. And what's brilliant about it is that it breaks down career building in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who's ever played a video game.

Jessica has done something special here by taking the concept of the "game loop" and using it as a framework for career growth. Now, if you're not familiar with game loops, let me explain quickly. A game loop is the repetitive process that defines the core of what you do in a game. Think about the games you love-whether it's Call of Duty, Minecraft, or The Witcher. In each one, you have this loop of tasks: you pick a quest or a goal, you gather resources or skills, you fight your battles, and then you reap your rewards before heading out on the next adventure. You keep leveling up, learning new strategies, and unlocking new achievements. It's a process of constant growth and improvement.

And here's the thing: your career works the exact same way.

In this book, Jessica lays out what she calls The Career Game Loop. It's a career framework that breaks down into four main phases: first, you choose your quest-that's deciding what kind of work you want to pursue or what problem you want to solve. Next, you level up by learning new skills, acquiring knowledge, and growing in your role. Then, you go into the job hunt-seeking out new opportunities, whether it's a promotion, a new company, or even a career pivot. And finally, you get to job craft-this is where you customize your role, adapt to new challenges, and continue to grow within your field. Once you've completed the loop, you start over, stronger and wiser from the experience.

It's such a brilliant analogy because it shows how careers, like games, are not linear. The days of having a single career path that you follow from college until retirement are over for most people. Today's world requires us to be adaptable, to expect change, and to continually evolve our skills. That might sound daunting, but gamers know that this is part of the fun. We don't shy away from a tough boss fight or a tricky level-we lean into the challenge. And when we fail, we learn from it and try again. That's exactly how we need to approach our careers.

Let's talk for a second about failure. I know it's a word that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, but it really shouldn't. One of the most valuable things gaming has taught me is that failure isn't the end-it's part of the process. Whether you've been crushed in a multiplayer match or wiped out in a raid, you know that feeling of wanting to throw the controller across the room. But you also know that you can always respawn, rethink your strategy, and try again. And when you finally succeed? Man, that victory feels so much sweeter because of the struggle. That's how it works in careers, too. You're going to face setbacks. You're going to take wrong turns. You might even fail spectacularly. But if you view those failures as opportunities to learn and grow, you'll come out of it stronger and more resilient.

Jessica captures this perfectly in her book. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of today's job market, but she offers a way forward that feels empowering. She reminds us that, like in gaming, careers are about learning, experimenting, and adapting. The key is to stay flexible, embrace the process, and see each challenge as an opportunity to level up.

One of my favorite sections of the book is where she talks about community. In gaming, we know the value of teaming up with others. Whether you're in a co-op campaign or part of a massive multiplayer guild, you know that the people you play with can make all the difference. The same goes for your career. Having a strong network of mentors, peers, and supporters can be a game changer. In my own career, I've been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented and generous people-mentors who helped me see opportunities I might have missed, peers who pushed me to be better, and a community that has supported me every step of the way.

Jessica emphasizes that building this community is an essential part of your career game loop. It's not just about what you know, but who you know and how you collaborate. Just like in multiplayer games, we don't get anywhere without a little help from others. Whether it's a mentor offering guidance or a colleague sharing their expertise, the people around us can help us grow in ways we can't do alone.

Another point I love in this book is how it encourages us to think of our careers as dynamic and evolving. Remember when you started a game and thought you were heading in one direction, only to discover halfway through that the real challenge was somewhere else? That happens in real life too. Sometimes we think we know what we want in our careers, but as we explore new opportunities and learn new skills, we realize our true passion lies in a different direction. That's okay! In fact, that's one of the most exciting parts of the career game loop-you get to pivot, try new things, and discover paths you didn't even know existed.

I can tell you from personal experience that the willingness to adapt and try new things is crucial. When I first joined Xbox, the gaming landscape was nothing like it is today. We've seen the rise of digital distribution, cloud gaming, cross-platform play, and so much more. The industry is constantly evolving, and to keep up, we've had to evolve right along with it. That same mindset applies to any career. The world is changing fast, and the skills that were in demand a decade ago might not be as valuable today. But if you're willing to keep learning, keep leveling up, and stay curious, you'll always find new opportunities.

In The Career Game Loop, Jessica gives you the tools to do just that. She breaks down the process into actionable steps, helping you see your career as a series of challenges and opportunities-just like a great game. And whether you're a gamer or not, this approach will resonate with you because it's grounded in real-world experiences and practical advice. She's not just talking theory here. She's giving you a playbook for how to navigate the complexities of today's job market and come out on top.

So, whether you're a gamer looking to turn your hobby into a career advantage, or someone who's trying to...