Jackie’s Journal

How Fortunate We Are To Have Choices

The following is a transcript of the victim’s impact statement I gave for the sentencing of the drunk driver who killed my sister, Elizabeth (Liz). This was read at the sentencing on March 27, 2018.

May the Day Never Come

May the day never come when you are asked to write a letter to the judge to assist him in his sentencing decision for the drunk driver who killed your sister. That day is here

Communication During an Argument

Communication is important, which is nothing new to you. For me, it is a very interesting topic. So interesting that it is what my college degrees are in, and I enjoy continuous study of it.

The Newbie Fear

While at the gym recently I was looking around the room, observing. It is one way I learn ideas for new exercises. It wasn’t long before I found myself thinking about the difference in levels

Kindness at the Carousel

I was at a mall recently, sitting in the food court, near a large carousel. I was engaged in one of my favorite pastimes – people watching– when two women entered the mall and made

I Have a Confession

Do you know this type person? The person who is clearly up to no good and has ill or selfish intentions with every move he/she makes? Do you ever wonder why more people cannot see

Don’t Put a Question Mark

When my sister was killed, I was grasping to make sense of the situation. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t logical, it wasn’t right. Although it still doesn’t make sense and is still extremely emotional and

Political Correctness Has Gone Too Far

It started with a simple question, “Do you think we could get a bottle of wine for the table?” and ended with one woman storming away while the other women looked after her, confused by

There is No Playbook for Life

There is no playbook for life. I’ve learned a few things about what seems to work best regarding how we should approach life, especially when facing difficult situations. In addition to battles I’ve already shared

The Communication Match Game

The communication match game - matching what you communicate with what you actually mean. Easier said than done sometimes. The ultimate meaning of communication always sits with the receiver of it, so the sender of

When Did We Stop Asking?

I was watching my sister-in-law compete at a horse show. I mentioned to my six year old niece that I was excited to watch her mom compete. She immediately responded by asking me what that

Be There For Someone

Kate Spade. Anthony Bourdain. More than 120 others every day according to leading statistics on suicide. Some of which happen close to  wherever you call home. It is so sad. It breaks my heart because

“I just wanted to say a BIG thank you. Your presentation was amazing, and you certainly had folks listening throughout. The content was great.”

Viv A, Event Organizer
“My team recently spent a day with Jackie working on strategy, teambuilding and problem solving. It was easily the best investment we have made as a company all year. I have to admit, I had pretty high expectations, and Jackie delivered in some really significant ways.”
Cristi Johnson, Family Enterprise Embroidery Inc.
“After having a few days to reflect and visit some of our branches, I am happy to report that every single employee that I’ve spoken with had nothing but excellent things to say about you and your workshop—they are feeling motivated to improve their emotional intelligence!”

Specific comments from attendees:

  • Jackie was comfortable on the stage presenting, she didn’t need a microphone!
  • The topic really made me think about my everyday experiences and how most days, I just sort of float through my activities.
  • The time flew by; she was captivating and knowledgeable.
  • I’m really looking forward to reading the books she suggested!
  • Jackie caused me to look internally into ways I can change and be a better person both personally and professionally.
Erin Stark, Shelby State Bank

“Jackie was a highlight at Alpena Community College recent administrative retreat. With guidance from staff, she built and delivered a highly engaging, informative, and customized exercise on workplace communication that had staff talking a week later about what they learned and enjoyed. She’s fun and gets to the point with real-world examples that resonate with busy workplace professionals. I could not recommend her work more highly.”

Don MacMaster, President Alpena Community College

“The Alpena Rotary Club recently hosted a membership recruitment event that was organized in large part by Club President, Jackie Krawczak. It was the best member recruiting event I’ve been a part of in my 33 years as a member of the club. Jackie puts great effort into planning, so whatever she is involved in is unique and memorable. Her creativity and ability to deliver is a winning combination for our club and I am certain for her business clients as well. Her leadership of our club has been outstanding!”

Mike Kelly, Rotarian
“Your communication seminar was so well received by my team—thank you! Everyone took something valuable away from it, and it even sparked a little role-playing (and laughter) later that afternoon. Well done!”
Cheryl Tallman, Fresh Baby